Few would have predicted Manchester City’s final fixture of the League Phase being so important.
But that is the case, with the Premier League champions staring down the barrel of elimination ahead of Club Brugge’s visit on Wednesday evening.
Pep Guardiola’s side need a win to secure a spot in the play-offs, which would have been unthinkable before a ball was kicked in this season’s Champions League.
Tension levels will be high at the Etihad, but this only adds to the excitement of betting right here at betFIRST.
So join us as we provide some tips to help you bet on football and if your wager is on course for a win, keep in mind our Cash Out feature, which allows you to collect winnings early!
Manchester City vs Club Brugge Preview
City suffered a demoralising 4-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in their last Champions League match, having led 2-0 at the start of the second half.
The Citizens have won only two matches in Europe this season and those triumphs came against Dinamo Zagreb and Sparta Praha.
Furthermore, Guardiola’s side have shown frailty at home, famously drawing 3-3 with Feyenoord after leading 3-0.
That performance will give Club Brugge extra confidence for the trip to Manchester, with their spot in the play-offs all but secured.
As such, the Belgian champions – who previously beat Aston Villa 1-0 – can play with more freedom at the Etihad and target City’s suspect defence.
The hosts have conceded 13 goals in their last four Champions League matches, while Club Brugge are the Jupiler Pro League’s leading scorers (52 goals).
And the 0-0 draw against Juventus on Matchday 7 further highlighted the defensive strength of Nicky Hayen’s side.
However, with Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden seemingly back in imperious form, keeping City’s attack at bay remains one of the tallest orders in European football.
If the English side find their groove in the final third, like they did in the 3-1 win over Chelsea on the weekend, it could be a long, long night for Club Brugge.
Manchester City vs Club Brugge Odds
*All odds are subject to change
City are priced at 1.18 to win this fixture, while Club Brugge are huge underdogs at 16.00. The draw is 8.50.
Manchester City vs Club Brugge Betting Tips
Erling Haaland to score 2 or more goals @ 3.00
Big Champions League nights usually see the best players come to the fore. Haaland has netted 47 times in 46 games in this competition, a quite ridiculous record.
Manchester City to score over 2.5 goals @ 1.64
If City score early, expect them to really go for the jugular. Over 3.5 goals to be scored by the Premier League side is intriguingly priced at 2.65.
Club Brugge to score over 0.5 goals @ 1.86
But City’s aforementioned defensive issues lead us to believe that Club Brugge will score at least once at the Etihad.
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