Prediction: Manchester City vs Villarreal

17th October 2011

Having just climbed to the Premier League summit, Manchester City will have an extra motivation to continue the rich vein of form when they play host to Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine arrive to Eastlands after losing both group games, meaning that they will have to try and get a result in Manchester.

This is already looking like a breakthrough season for Manchester City, although Roberto Mancini’s side will need to show some improvement in Europe if they are to make the success complete. As far as English Premier League is concerned, things are going really well for the Citizens, who are now top of the crop following the impressive victory over Aston Villa. However, they have picked up just one point from first two Champions League games, which means the players will have to forget all about the match of the season against bitter rivals United that is due on Sunday, at least until the end of the Villarreal clash. With Kun Aguero and Carlos Tevez unavailable for selection, Roberto Mancini was certainly happy to see Mario Balotelli continue his scoring form, with the Italian likely to be partnered by Edin Dzeko against Villarreal. Samir Nasri and David Silva are also expected to start after being rested at the weekend, which is something Villarreal players will not be too glad to hear.

With just two wins in first eleven games of the season, Villarreal are clearly punching well below their weight, with coach Juan Carlos Garrido struggling to get the best out of his players. The departure of Santi Cazorla and Joan Capdevila did leave a big gap to fill, but nobody expected the team to face so many problems at the start of the season. However, when we take individual players in consideration, it is easy to see that starters Carlos Marchena, Marcos Senna and Cani are well past their prime, whereas others like Borja Valero, Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar appear to have had their heads turned by all the transfer talk. As a result, Villarreal are not only playing below expectations in Europe, but they are also struggling even against the weakest La Liga sides, and there are no doubts they enter this match low on confidence after winning just one of their last nine games. While Nilmar continues to miss out, Borja Valero returns to the side after missing the clashes against Bayern and Napoli through suspension, but Marco Ruben is a doubt.

Conclusion

If you take just one look at the two teams, their squads, individual quality as well as current form, you will understand why Manchester City are considered hot favourites to win this game. Such is a difference in class between the two teams this season that I expect the Citizens to record a comfortable win.

Verdict: Manchester City with -1 European handicap

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 888Sport