THERE have been plenty of shocks this week but Aston Villa denying Man City silverware tomorrow would be the biggest.
Pep Guardiola's men have bigger fish to fry but success is judged on trophies so the Carabao Cup will have to do for now.
The Premier League crown is about to be handed over to Liverpool but City are favourites to land the one they really want – and after beating Real Madrid away they could be the team to stop in the race for the Champions League.
Villa have done well to reach the Final but in reality it's a bonus as top-flight survival is their No.1 priority.
Dean Smith's side are one point clear of the drop zone but could be in the bottom three at kick-off.
City are as short as expected at a biggest 1-6 with Betfred to win in 90 minutes so we'll need to focus on other markets for value.
The meetings this season have been 6-1 and 3-0 victories for the champions so even though it's a final I reckon the favourites will win by three or more.
City -1 pays 4-9 at Paddy Power while -2 is 13-10 with betfair. For the more ambitious -3 is 3-1 at Paddy Power.
Villa are 19-1 with betfair to win in 90 minutes and the draw pays 9-1 with the same firm.
Picking a first scorer isn't easy as so many City players could contribute. Kevin de Bruyne has assumed penalty duties and netted the winner against Real from the spot.
The Belgian maestro is 7-1 with bet365 to break the deadlock and 7-4 to net at anytime.
If you fancy a Villa scorer look no further than star man Jack Grealish who is 11-2 at bet365 to hit the target.
In the Premier League today Liverpool should stretch their lead at the top to 25 points but are likely to be tested at Watford.
I hate backing aways at 4-9 but both to score at 17-20 with Betway could land after the Reds conceded two at home to West Ham in midweek.
I'm not sure if Liverpool were poor or the Hammers were good but I'm still backing against Davie Moyes' men when they entertain Southampton.
Saints have won four of their last five on the road while West Ham have won just three out of 13 at their hated London Stadium – disliked by home fans that is. The away pays 8-5 at Betway.
In the Championship West Brom and Leeds have opened up a gap in the battle for automatic promotion and both can win today.
Leeds travel to Hull in the early kick-off and again are too short for me at 1-2 but that's an OK price on accas for the Baggies at home to lowly Wigan.
Fleetwood have five wins and a draw at Sunderland in their last six and look best bets in League One at 10-11 with Betfred away to Tranmere.
In League Two I like Port Vale have won four of their last and have suffered just one home defeat all season. They look big at 29-20 with bet365 at home to Stevenage.
Recommended Bets
- Man City -2
- De Bruyne to score
- Watford vs Liverpool btts
- Southampton
- Fleetwood
- Port Vale
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
