When Giants Collide: Barcelona vs Manchester City Champions League Odds
Published October 19, 2016 by Sol FH
Get all the news, odds and preview ahead of tonight's clash of the titans matchup tonight at 19:45 GMT.
When one usually sees a match between Barcelona and Man City it is usually the final of the Champions League and not just the first leg of the Group Stage, but luckily for the fans, this is the case tonight. The first leg of their group match will be followed up by the second leg on November 1. Tonight, all odds are against City as very few teams have walked into Camp Nou and left with a win, especially in the Champions League. There are however a few things that Pep Guardiola can try to break the defense and try to slow down the offense that Messi and crew will bring.
Attack the goaltender - Marc-Andre ter Stegen has messed up a few times lately when trying to play out from his penalty area. He is excellent with the ball, but he has made some mistakes that have cost him goals. Man. City must try to force Stegen to play the ball and leave him with kicking long clearing kicks or holding on to it.
Use set plays - The Catalans do have a weakness and in the past that has been set plays. The only problem with this is that Barca rarely allows teams to try set plays as they are too strong for it to happen. If anyone can do it, Pep Guardiola can.
Counter the long balls - when Stegen clears the ball, City must be on its toes to counter-attack with fast plays down the side of the pitch to try and to stop Suarez from taking them from the air and setting up a goal for one of the Barca attackers.
Champions League Betting Markets
Barcelona are huge outright favorites tonight at bet365 Sports with odds posted in their favor at 1.55. Man City are well behind at 6.00 for the win and even a draw is a big payday at 4.75. Punters should try for a draw, as both teams will be playing to win, but the feeling is a 1-1 or 2-2 draw.
