MANCHESTER CITY bust plenty of weekend coupons with a shock home loss to Crystal Palace but should get back on track with a Champions League victory when Club Brugge come calling.
Pep Guardiola's side have blown hot and cold this season, scoring five goals or more in five of their games but also losing five times without managing to get on the scoresheet.
Two of those blanks have come in their last two games, with a shoot-out defeat at West Ham in the League Cup followed by that 2-0 defeat by Palace on Saturday.
However, City have been pretty ruthless in the Champions League, scoring six against Leipzig at the Etihad and smashing five past Brugge when these teams met in Belgium (below).
Our man Mark cashed in by backing over 2.5 goals and BTTS in that match, and it should be another open game when these teams face off in Manchester.
That loss to City is just one of two defeats Brugge have suffered all season, the other a 6-1 hammering by Gent, so they will fancy their chances of getting back in the mix for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
How the bookies view it
Given City's recent domestic slips, I'm surprised to see Club Brugge as big as 30/1 with VBet for a win at the Etihad. Even the draw is a massive 10/1 at SBK while the best price for Guardiola's side is a measly 3/25 at Novibet.
Team news
Ferran Torres is the only injury absentee for City but I'd expect Guardiola (below) to rest a few stars ahead of Saturday's Manchester derby. Club Brugge have midfielder Eder Balanta suspended for their trip to the Etihad.
Players to watch
Riyad Mahrez netted twice in Belgium and should start here after coming off the bench at the weekend. The Algerian is 27/25 with Unibet for anytime scorer which looks decent value.
Hans Vanaken is Brugge's man for the big occasion and his strike against City in Belgium is one of eight he has netted already this season. The attacking midfielder is 17/2 with Paddy Power for a goal at the Etihad which seems a bit overpriced.
Anything else catch the eye?
Goals have been guaranteed with City in the Champions League so far, with 17 scored across their first three group games. Brugge have also scored in every match this season so it bodes well for an open game.
Both teams to score looks great value at 14/9 with SBK but you have to go to over 3.5 match goals to get to evens with the same firm. Over 1.5 first-half goals is a bit better at 21/20 with SportNation.
There was a spot-kick when these teams faced off in Belgium and Bet365 are offering 5/4 on another being awarded in the return.
This UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Club Brugge will be played on Nov 3, 2021 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Club Brugge prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
