Betdistrict.com
Barcelona takes on Manchester City at Camp Nou, looking to protect a solid 2-0 first leg advantage. Both teams will look to get over a crisis of results in this one.
Barcelona lost 1-0 at Valladolid last round, their second defeat in three league games, and the performance was very poor from Messi & co, especially on the offensive end. Barca is now 4 points behind Real and 3 behind Atletico in La Liga, with slim chances to win the title. The hosts are under a lot of criticism and for good reason, as their performances of late have been the worst in the last year, but Barca remains a solid team and this was also seen in the first leg against City.
In their last outing Manchester City were shocked by Wigan in the FA Cup, 2-1 at home, with Pellegrini stating that it was the worse match of the season for the citizens. City is currently 4th in the Premier League but they have 3 games in hand to leaders Chelsea and if they win them all, they will climb to the 1st spot. City was not so bad in the first leg and was actually the better team in the first 30 minutes or so, but steadily lost ground and then Demichelis’ red card and the wrongly given penalty ended their hopes.
 |
Wide betting coverage and best asian handicap market at Sbobet. Register now to get great odds and a 150 euro welcome bonus! |
Team news & lineups
Dos Santos, Cuenca and Iniesta are out for FC Barcelona. Manchester City will have to do without Demichelis (good news for City fans), while Jovetic and Nastasic are doubtful and chances are they won`t play.
FC Barcelona: Valdes – Alves, Pique, Puyol, Alba – Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas – Pedro, Messi, Sanchez
Manchester City: Hart – Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov – Nasri, Toure, Fernandinho, Silva – Aguero, Dzeko
Barcelona was the better team in the first leg but did benefit a lot from having an extra man for over an hour and getting a free penalty at 0-0. The Catalans have not been too impressive lately so a City side with nothing to lose could do some damage here. The visitors have an amazing squad so quality is not an issue and, despite being a fantastic home team, they proved they can get results on the road against the top sides, beating Bayern 3-2 at Allianz Arena in the last UCL group stage game. Expect City to bounce back after the horrible FA Cup loss and at least compete at Camp Nou. They could have well escaped with at a tie result in the first leg if it wasn`t for Demichelis and the poor refereeing, so the difference was rather slim between the two sides. My tip is Manchester City +1 asian handicap. Prediction: Barcelona – Manchester City 1-1.
Pick: Manchester City (+1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 2.07 @ Sbobet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 7.49
Event date: 12 March
