Manchester City will be buoyant ahead of their league match against Middlesbrough on Saturday after securing a hugely impressive 3-1 win over Barcelona in midweek.
Pep Guardiola will now be demanding that performance to be the standard for the rest of the season and that begins against newly promoted Boro at the weekend.
Middlesbrough secured their first win in eight last time out but have been out of shape all season and only have 10 points after 10 league matches this season. They are three points above the bottom three but won’t be expected to get anything from this final match before the international break.
This is the first time the two sides have met in the Premier League since 2009 when City won 1-0. The scoreline should be more comfortable this time around. Naija and Bet
Team News
Manchester City – Pep Guardiola could make some changes to the side that excelled in their 3-1 win over Barcelona on Tuesday.
Fernandinho was forced off in that historic win and is unlikely to feature on Saturday against Middlesbrough. Claudio Bravo missed the win through suspension but is free to return between the sticks this weekend.
Vincent Kompany was benched against Barcelona but could come back into the side for the reception of Middlesbrough, while Nolito is another option should Guardiola rotate in attack.
Middlesbrough – Grant Leadbitter made his first appearance of the season as a second half substitute in their 2-0 win over Bournemouth last time out.
Gaston Ramirez is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season last time out. Other than this forced change, Aitor Karanka may stick with the same team that secured their first win in eight, although Adama Traore may need some rest after starting in back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time in his career.
Match Facts
Man City have seen under 2.5 goals in 9 of their last 11 matches against Middlesbrough in all competitions.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Middlesbrough‘s last 4 games (Premier League).
Man City are undefeated in their last 8 home matches (Premier League).
NaijaBet Odds
As at this post Manchester City has 1.20 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Middlesbrough has 13.27 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 6.34.
