Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City predictions: Citizens should exploit gulf in class
- Slovan Bratislava have conceded 17 goals in their last eight games
- Eight of Manchester City's 10 Champions League matches last season featured over 3.5 goals
- Recommended bet: Manchester City to win 4-0
Manchester City kicked off their pursuit of a second Champions League title with a frustrating goalless draw at home to Inter Milan.
The Citizens have also dropped points in recent Premier League fixtures against Newcastle and title rivals Arsenal but they are expected to face limited resistance from hosts Slovan Bratislava.
The Slovakian champions were thumped 5-1 by Celtic in their opening Champions League outing and it would be a huge shock if they denied City three points on Tuesday.
Team news
Slovan Bratislava defender Kenan Bajric is a doubt so Kevin Wimmer could start at centre-back. Right-back Lukas Pauschek is injured but midfielder Danylo Ignatenko returned to action at the weekend.
City midfielder Rodri (knee) has been ruled out for the season and Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are also injured.
Kevin De Bruyne missed the draw at Newcastle and may not be risked but Phil Foden, Savinho and Jeremy Doku are pushing for starts.
The stats
There have been over 2.5 goals in Bratislava's last eight games in all competitions, while their last two defeats were by 5-1 and 5-0 scorelines.
The hosts have conceded 17 goals in their last matches games.
City scored 15 goals in five Champions League away matches last season.
The Citizens have drawn three of their last four games in all competitions.
Eight of the Citizens' 10 Champions League matches last season featured over 3.5 goals.
Prediction
City have not had a smooth start to the season, losing key midfielder Rodri to a long-term knee injury and being held to draws by Newcastle and 10-man Arsenal in their last two Premier League games.
Pep Guardiola's men are likely to take out their frustration on upcoming opponents and that spells trouble for Bratislava's defence.
As well as the 5-1 defeat to Celtic, Slovan were beaten 5-0 at home by domestic rivals Zilina at the start of September and a wide-margin away win looks the best option in the correct-score market.
City scored exactly three goals in all five of their Champions League away games last season and Guardiola is likely to rotate his squad in Bratislava.
Even if De Bruyne is not rushed back from injury, the visitors could unleash Foden, Savinho and Doku to tee up prolific striker Erling Haaland so a 4-0 City win is worth a bet.
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