City Odds Offer Good Value
Of all the odds offered on Tuesday night’s Champions League games there are few that take my fancy more than Manchester City’s odds of 9/4 to defeat Bayern Munich. The Citizens may have endured a torrid time in Europe this season, as noted by tipsters and experts such as those at blue square, but they have undoubted quality and there are at least three good reasons why they are worth a punt.
1. Toure Back in the Goals
When Yaya Toure plays well – Manchester City play well. The Ivorian midfielder has been colossal in the centre of the park for City over the last few seasons but has looked out of sorts in recent months and has struggled to find his usual rhythm. Having scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season, the 31-year-old has managed just two so far in 2014-15. The second of these goals came in City’s 2-1 comeback win over Swansea City at the weekend and he looks as though he is regaining the hunger that made him unplayable at times last year.
2. Aguero Fit and Firing
Similarly to Yaya Toure, Manchester City have become reliant on Sergio Aguero for goals in recent years. Whenever the Argentinian has been out of form or missing through injury City have looked a much less daunting proposition- this is borne out by the fact that he has scored half of the club’s Premier League goals this season. Having struggled with injury over the last couple of years the 26-year-old has appeared in every Premier League game this term and has been outstanding. Now fit, firing and playing regularly he will be desperate to make a mark on the Champions League.
3. Munich Complacency
It may be a long shot but, with Bayern unbeaten and guaranteed to finish top of the Group E table, there is a possibility of complacency from the Germans. Having beaten City 1-0 in their opening game of the campaign, Pep Guardiola’s men could underestimate exactly what Manuel Pellegrini’s side are capable of and what the tournament means to them. Guardiola may opt to blood a few inexperienced players and rest his stars ahead of the knockout phase and, if he does that, then Toure and Aguero will be ready to strike.
