Prediction: Manchester City win
Best Odds: 2/9
Bookmaker: 888sport
The international break is looming large but before all of that we first have some important business to get to – namely the UEFA Champions League. The competition is starting to reach the business end of proceedings now with a handful of clubs still in with a realistic chance of taking home all the marbles. One of the favourites, Manchester City, will hope to book their place in the last eight when they take on Borussia Monchengladbach in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie tonight.
Manchester City
Manchester City have the potential to have one of the most successful seasons we’ve ever seen a club have with the quadruple being a realistic target for them. Of course, the domestic competitions are all going to be important, but you just know Pep Guardiola has his eyes set on the European Cup. It’s the one major trophy he hasn’t won during his time at the Etihad and he’ll be dying to change that.
Team News
Ake is now back in full training and because of that, the manager has a fully fit squad to choose from for the first time in what feels like forever.
Borussia Monchengladbach
It’s been quite a dramatic decline for Borussia Monchengladbach in recent months as they’ve gone from Bundesliga dark horses to a team who can’t buy a win in any of the competitions they’re competing in. That doesn’t exactly bode well considering their next opponents are Manchester City who, as we’ve already seen, didn’t have too many issues in beating them in the first leg. This isn’t a guaranteed exit for them but they’ll have to dig deeper than they have done in a long time in order to get a result.
Team News
The two big concerns right now for Gladbach are Bensebaini and Kramer who are both fitness doubts heading into this game. If Bensebaini can’t make it, Wendt looks set to come into the starting XI in his place as the race for the quarters heats up.
Factors to Consider
- In the first leg of their Round of 16 tie, Man City beat Monchengladbach 2-0.
- Man City have won five and lost one of their last six games.
- Monchengladbach have lost their last six games in all competitions.
- Man City have scored 16 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
- Monchengladbach have scored four goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.
Conclusion
The problem for Gladbach is going to be breaking City down without leaving themselves too vulnerable at the back, which is a pretty frustrating balance to try and strike when you’re going up against a team of Manchester City’s stature. We tend to think Pep won’t be caught out here and will know how to approach this game in a way that allows them to preserve their advantage. Our official prediction is 1-0 City on the night, ensuring they go through to the quarters with a 3-0 aggregate win.
Prediction: Manchester City win
Best Odds: 2/9
Bookmaker: 888sport
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