MAN CITY may well be resting many of their top echelon of players ahead of their midweek Schalke match but when you have a squad as deep as The Citizens it still leaves one hell of a starting XI.
Newport County v Man City (5.30pm)
Pep Guardiola has already stated his admiration for the threat that “bigger and tougher” Newport side could pose and while that doesn't concern me the playing surface itself could be more of an issue for City's sleek passing style.
Newport have already dispatched Boro and Leicester from the Cup but (pitch aside) I cannot see them having any joy against one of the best sides in world football.
Cup exit a formality for Newport
Starting line-ups will be crucial but, as mentioned, even a weakened City side are infinitely better than the Welsh giantkillers whose league reality sees them languishing in League Two's 15th spot – 14 places behind those other European behemoths Bury FC.
I can't see Pep risking Aguero or KDB and it's likely we will see a side featuring Foden, Mahrez, Silva and cup super-starter Jesus who has hit 7 cup goals in 7 games this season – not a bad record!
My money is on the Brazilian to crucify the locals at Rodney Parade and I can't help thinking a City goal may come via the penalty spot.
Recommended Bets:
- Jesus to score 2+ goals
- (7-4, Betway) – 2pts
- Penalty awarded in match
- (9-4, William Hill) – 1pt
Also picked out a Hail Mary ninefold:
Bury, Fylde, Orient
Salford, Alfreton, Altrincham
Darlington, Leamington, Billericay
Recommended Bet
- Over 2.5 match goal ninefold (164-1, bet365) – 1pt
Bury lineups confirm our playmaking wizard Mayor starts – ought to carve up the Exeter defence and open up O'Shea for a few shots on goal:
Recommended Bet
- Jay O'Shea ATGS (11/4, bet365) 1 Point
Born and bred in Bury but now exiled to Hull: long-suffering Shakers supporter and member of Mr. Fixit's site since 2013. Football mad with a depth and breadth of knowledge including specific focus on South American football, the Icelandic Leagues and English Lower League football.
