Premier League preview and odds: Manchester City vs Middlesbrough

Published on: 04/11/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Manchester City vs Middlesbrough

November 05, 2016 15:00pm - Etihad Stadium

Premier League

Manchester City can consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League table with a win over newly-promoted Middlesbrough at the Etihad on Saturday.

City bounce back from winless run in style

After a run of six games without a win in all competitions, Manchester City bounced back in the best possible way with a 4-0 win away to West Bromwich Albion last weekend followed by a 3-1 thumping of Barcelona on home soil in the Champions League. Next up for the title favourites is a home clash against the league`s 15th-ranked team.

Despite a poor run of games by his standards, Pep Guardiola`s team are still top of the Premier League and well-positioned to progress from the group stages of the Champions League. But with just goal difference separating the Sky Blues from Arsenal and Liverpool, anything other than a win this weekend could see them knocked off the domestic summit.

So far this season, 70% of City`s matches have produced over 2.5 goals and they have scored in all of their home matches. However, they have also conceded at least one goal in all but one of their Premier League games at the Etihad.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough come into this game on the back of their first win in seven matches. The 2-0 victory over Bournemouth last weekend kept the league newcomers three points clear of the drop zone with 10 games played.

Prior to that win, Boro held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates and will now look to extend their unbeaten run to three games against the Premier League pace setters.

Team news

The home side will continue without the services of Fernandinho (knock), Bacary Sagna (hamstring) and Fabian Delph.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough could welcome back Marten de Roon and Christian Stauni from knocks, while Daniel Ayala (ankle) is set to miss out.

Recent form (League):

Burnley: DWLLW

Crystal Palace: LLLDW

Betting odds and tips

Middlesbrough are tough to break down on the road and Manchester City may need to be patient in this game. A half time draw could be on the cards but the home side can be expected to go on and win the match.

You can back Draw/Man City in the half time/full time market at 3/1 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 04/11/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (04/11/2016 13:33:38) but are subject to change.