Manchester City vs Wolves
English Premier League. Kick-off: 8pm, Monday 14th January. Live on Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Ultra HD
AFTER watching their side fire home 16 goals in their last two games, Manchester City fans will be rolling up at the Etihad expecting another thrill ride.
But, with the greatest of respect to Rotherham and Burton Albion, a slick Wolves side will represent a far tougher challenge for Pep Guardiola's troops.
Liverpool became the latest Molineux scalp when they crashed out of the FA Cup in the Midlands, albeit with a hugely weakened side.
But on league duty, Nuno Espirito Santo's men have already beaten Chelsea and Spurs, while holding both Manchester giants and Arsenal to draws.
That 1-1 stalemate with City at Molineux in the third game of the season set the tone for Wolves' campaign as the Championship winners proved they belong in the top flight.
But with Guardiola's team in such rampant form, it would be a big shock if Santo's side took anything home from the Etihad.
That is reflected in the odds with 888 Sport making Wolves 15/1 rank outsiders and City 2/11 favourites, with the draw 13/2.
It makes finding value a bit tricky, although a wee punt on that draw might not be the worst idea given Wolves' record against the big boys this season.
City have scored at least two goals in their last 12 matches at home, with over 2.5 match goals being scored in their last seven at the Etihad.
So it's no surprise to see over 2.5 goals as skinny as 4/9 with 888 Sport who even quote over 3.5 goals at just 59/50.
But Wolves are strong at the back and Spurs are the only team who have fired more than three goals past them this season.
The goals can't keep flowing in every game for Guardiola's side so I'm tempted to go for under 2.5 strikes this time which is 9/5 with 888 Sport.
Sergio Aguero should be available after illness but it would be tough on Gabriel Jesus if he had to sit this one out after scoring four against Burton.
The Brazilian is an excellent 10/3 for first scorer but his odds drop to just 5/6 to net at any time with 888 Sport.
Raheem Sterling has been one of City's main men and 888 Sport offer a tempting 6/1 on the winger scoring and coming up with an assist. That could be worth a few quid.
For a speculative long-odds bet, try backing Wolves' Jonny Castro for anytime scorer at 30/1. He looked lively down the right flank against Liverpool in the Cup.
Recommended bets
- Under 2.5 goals 9/5 (888 Sport)
- Gabriel Jesus first scorer 10/3 (888 Sport)
- Raheem Sterling goal and assist 6/1 (888 Sport)
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
