Man City vs Villarreal Betting Preview

Man City

One point from their opening two Champions League games has shown Manchester City the task that faces teams in Europe and the World’s most competitive club competition. After drawing at home to Napoli, a very convincing 2-0 defeat in Munich against Bayern has left Mancini’s men in desperate need of a result in this forthcoming fixture.

Outside of European football, City are on a high. Top of the league and beating sides with ease, their 4-1 victory on Saturday at home to Aston Villa was with a side shorn of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Samir Nasri. That kind of squad depth will only help when it comes to midweek competition. Now the big guns, in a team full of quality players, can return rested to secure valuable points.

Man City vs Villarreal Betting Betting odds

Villarreal

Villarreal can only be disappointed with their start to the season. After qualifying for the Champions League group stages, Manager Juan Carlos Garrido has seen his side win only one La Liga game so far. Saturday’s away draw against Getafe was their second point on their travels, with disappointing losses against Barcelona (5-0) and Granada (1-0) preceding them.

There is little to smile about in Europe either. Two defeats from the opening two Champions League games makes qualifying for the knockout stages look out of their grasp already. Both of those defeats have been convincing 2-0 losses too, and now a trip to the Etihad Stadium.

There are definitely attacking stars in their line up. Nilmar, Borja Valero and Giuseppi Rossi will keep the City defence on their toes at all times. And Captain Marcos Senna will anchor the midfield with all his years of experience. They have been described as the Arsenal of Spain, with Barcelona too good for that title; short passing will most definitely be on display, as well as an eagerness to go forward.

Match Prediction: MANCHESTER CITY WIN – 1.36 Coral

The form of both these sides makes it hard to look beyond a Manchester City win. Both teams need the victory if they want to qualify from the group, especially after poor starts. However, that poor start for Villarreal transfers to domestic form too, whereas City have looked like title winners in the League this year.

The difference is squad depth. Resting your four best attacking players and winning like City did at the weekend is something not a lot of teams could do. And having seen both Bayern and Napoli beat Villarreal with ease, 2-0 looks a good bet for correct score.

With a little value in mind, it is interesting to note that Yaya Toure has been playing just off the striker recently. If he is given the chance to go forward he accepts it with gratitude and vigour, bursting through midfield towards the opposition box. With David Silva and Samir Nasri likely to keep Senna busy, the space could open up for the Ivorian. 12.00 with Ladbrokes is worth a try.

Highlighted Bets:-

First Goalscorer: Yaya Toure – 12.00 Ladbrokes
Correct Score: 2-0 Manchester City Win – 7.00 William Hill

For a full list of free bets for this match and all the other games this week, visit our free bets section.

Article by Chris Wilkerson

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