These are the sorts of games which define the Champions League. Two of Europe’s great teams going hammer and tong for a place closer to Champions League glory. Its City vs Bayern!
To Win Match
Manchester City 8/13 | Draw 16/5 | Bayern Munich 21/5
Manchester City
I genuinely think this is a bigger game – as a bigger calendar item – on the City agenda. They simply cannot afford to lose it can they? It is no surprise that the Champions League is what they crave, it’s the title the owners and fans want and really, it was likely a major role player as to why Pep Guardiola is the man in charge.
They just cannot fall short again at the hands of a European heavyweight – albeit whilst showing signs of ageing.
City are in as good a space as they can be, they are playing freely, the spirit in the camp is really positive and upbeat even to the point where Guardiola has now referenced it a few times in his press conferences.
Munich away from home might want to squeeze City and make the most of their chances high up on the field – it will be interesting to see how City deal with it. Liverpool tried the same thing and paid for it by being humbled 4-1.
Bayern Munich
I know I should be using this chance to speak about Bayern Munich at length, giving you statistical support to my points and illustrating where or why we could possibly make money on their success of failure.
Instead, I’m going to speak about this club from a rather unique perspective. Thomas Tuchel is the first. The German coach has shown over and again why he is regarded as being one of the best in the world. He has hit the ground running in Munich, winning the Der Klassiker in fine form, and restoring the confidence to really play good football at Bayern.
We know they are at their most dangerous when that is the case…as if we needed another reason to get pumped about this game!
Bayern have been there and done it (over and again). They have superior European pedigree and I think that is what sees them through this tie if not the game itself.
Verdict: Draw (16/5)
Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking. I’m sitting on the fence…well, I think City are in a good space and playing at home will assist that. I think both teams have the quality to justify thinking they can win and go for it, but in the first leg I suspect Bayern will be more levelled.
For what it’s worth – Bayern get through the tie though.
