This is a real heavyweight clash in the Champions League but whilst Bayern Munich are serial world champions, City continue to look little more than journeymen sluggers. And, as Munich progress seamlessly to take the spoils in another title fight, the Citizens are in serious danger of being KO’d here.
Okay, that’s all the boxing analogies for now and heading back to the world of football, the stark reality is that City are all but out of this year’s Champions League. Their players, manager and fans won’t feel that way but the impartial observer cannot help but feel their situation is hopeless. After four games they have just two points and sit bottom of Group E. Even if they win this AND their tough final away game at Roma they will have to rely on other results, whilst a draw here and they would need a draw in the other game between CSKA and Roma to stand any chance.
At this rate even a Europa League place may be beyond them and for a side with so much invested in it, that is poor indeed. They come into this one with just one win in six (prior to the weekend game with Swansea) and with injuries to some key players it’s easy to see why the away side are favourites at 23/20 with Betfred.
There are, however, two things from which City can draw some hope. Firstly, whilst they look set to be without David Silva and perhaps Fernandinho, their opponents have a far more serious injury problem. Bayern are without a host of stars, with captain Philipp Lahm, Thiago Alcantara, Javi Martinez, and Bastian Schweinsteiger all out, whilst they also have a couple of influential defenders missing. In addition, the visitors have already qualified and, in fact, won the group, so their motivation will be lessened, especially with players sure to be desperate to avoid injury.
So, then, are the hosts a good bet at odds of 9/4 with Coral? Despite the aforementioned facts, we don’t think they are. Bayern have great strength in depth and, despite their injuries have still managed to take 27 points from 33 in the Bundesliga and 12 from 12 in this competition. Prior to the international break their form was scintillating and they are conceding very few goals whilst scoring freely.
Betting Tips
- Draw – The Germans are far weaker on the road this term, drawing three of five in the league and the stalemate may give City hope. Odds of 13/5 with Bet365 are worth a punt.
- Under 2.5 goals – City won’t want to chase the game and we expect them to keep things tight, making under 2.5 goals good value at 6/5 with Sky Bet.
- 0-0 – An outside bet at odds of 14/1 with BetVictor, the bore draw is worth a small wager…especially if you’re not planning to watch the game!