England’s representatives on Wednesday night in the Champions League both come from Manchester.
Both City and United are in action as Europe’s premier club competition reaches its second day of the first gameweek – our Champions League football betting expert has taken a look through to preview how the games will go.
Manchester City v Lyon
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City face their final frontier – conquering Europe.
After dominating the Premier League last year, Champions League success is the one final mark for City to achieve – having failed to make much of an impact in either of Guardiola’s two years at the Etihad.
First up this season, as they look to put down a marker for the rest of the continent, are Lyon – third placed in France last season, but a lowly seventh so far this term.
Lyon have been turned over by Stade Reims and Nice already this season, and come into this as huge outsiders – a massive 14/1 to win in Manchester with Grosvenorsport.com.
In truth, this should be a simple assignment for City.
Given the depth of attacking talent at the club, City could line up in a number of different combinations and still be too strong – and they’ll be determined to get their campaign off to the best possible start.
The 1/6 for City to win looks too short to return any sizeable dividends, but the 11/10 for them to win to nil, and 2/1 for City to score within the first 15 minutes should offer some handy returns.
Young Boys v Manchester United
After two gritty victories over Burnley and Watford, Manchester United kick off their Champions League campaign in Switzerland, against Young Boys.
United limped out the competition to Sevilla last year, meekly surrendering in the round-of-16 thanks to Jose Mourinho’s defensive approach.
With Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo in their group, United may be fighting for second spot in the table with Valencia – meaning any dropped points against lowest ranked Young Boys could be unforgiveable.
United are 3/5 to win this one.
The Swiss side are no pushovers, however, winning each of their six games in the Super League so far this year, scoring 19 times, and conceding just four goals.
They are understandably underdogs for Wednesday’s tie, at 5/1 – but I wouldn’t write them off.
United have looked lethargic at points this season, and against a spirited Young Boys side, may find it difficult.
For my money, this game has banana skin written all over it for United – and suggest backing the draw at 3/1.
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