After Manchester City thrashed Steaua 5-0 in the first leg in Bucharest, the tie is over and this match is just a formality.
City proved that their 5-0 routing of Steaua in Bucharest last week was not merely a fluke by putting in an impressive performance away at Stoke City, winning 4-1. The Brittania is a notoriously difficult venue to play at and this result has made people look up and take notice of the Citizens after their poor opening match against Sunderland.
It will be interesting to see what team Pep Guardiola picks for this match at the Etihad. While I do not think he will go with a completely inexperienced side, we can no doubt expect changes and some senior players to be rested with a view to the match against West Ham on Sunday.
Not only are Steaua 5-0 down on aggregate, but all five of those goals were away goals which means that the Romanian side will have to score at least six goals without reply to progress to the Champions League group stages. That is not going to happen.
However, I am not expecting a complete capitulation from Laurențiu Reghecampf’s side. They have nothing to lose so will have a real go at City. However, in doing this, they can play right into City’s hand and suffer defensively.
Obviously no value in the City win and no point in going for much pro Steaua so punters need to look elsewhere.
Even a weaker Manchester City side will put Steaua to the sword once more and I would back them to score at least four goals at 12/5.
Similarly I would go with a winning margin of four or more at 3/1. I have already explained my reasoning for this and it allows you to combine with the previous bet nicely.
With this tie already done and dusted, Guardiola will likely give a couple of the fringe players a run out. Kelechi Iheanacho has proved that, despite his tender age, he is able to mix with his more established teammates. You can back the Nigerian to score anytime at evens. A price well worth taking in a game where the forward is likely to be the recipient of several chances.
Finally I will give a positive bet for Steaua. As previously mentioned, the Romanians have nothing to lose and will really go for it. Manchester City’s defence still has a couple of question marks hanging over it and, with rotation likely in the back-line, Reghecampf’s team could easily score a surprising goal.
Both Teams to Score is certainly worth a punt at 7/5.
See all of our current tips here.