Champions League
2012-09-18 - Real Madrid vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: European Champions League
Tuesday 18 September 2012 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Real Madrid
There seem to be some real problems at Real Madrid at the moment and some of the comments coming from Jose Mourinho at the weekend suggest he may not have command of the dressing room as he wishes. This has come off the back of Cristiano Ronaldo also admitting he is 'sad' at the moment and La Liga already looks a tall ask for the Champions.
Real Madrid won the title last season, but mere months later they already look like they have a huge mountain to climb if they are to retain their title. They have won just 1 of their 4 opening League games and they have also lost 2 of those games and that doesn't bring confidence in a Champions League Group containing Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Ajax.
It is the away form that is letting Real Madrid down at the moment as shown from 3 away defeats in all competitions, while they have won 2 of their first 3 at home. Real are unbeaten in 17 home games in all competitions and they have won 6 of their last 7, while their Champions League form is even stronger. Real have won 11 of their 12 home games in this competition under Mourinho, the only exception being a loss to Barcelona two seasons ago.
Manchester City
While Real Madrid are having a very slow start to the new season, Manchester City have also made a mixed start to their defence of the Premier League. While City remain unbeaten, they have won only 2 of their 4 League games and now will turn their attentions to the Champions League as they bid to improve on last seasons showing.
City have been placed in a very tough Champions League Group for the second season in a row as they face the Spanish, German and Dutch Champions. Last season they had Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal in their Group and finished 3rd, while this is arguably an even tougher test of their credentials.
The team have won just 3 of their last 9 away games in all competitions, while their European away games proved to be their undoing last season. City lost at Bayern Munich, Napoli and Sporting Lisbon last season, although they did win at Porto and Villarreal.
Sergio Aguero was not risked in the weekend draw at Stoke City, but he could be brought in for this one. I expect Roberto Mancini will be making a few changes to his starting line up.
Head to Head
This will be the first competitive fixture between the teams.
Prediction
This should be a fascinating game on Tuesday evening and I think it will tell us a lot more about what Manchester City are capable of in the Champions League this season.
The issues at Real Madrid have to be a worry for the home fans and it seems there is definitely something not right at the club, even though they won La Liga last season. However, their home form remains strong for the most part and they have recorded a win over Barcelona here already this season so I do like their chances of winning this one too.
Real have also been a very strong home team in the Champions League since Jose Mourinho took over, while Manchester City haven't been able to bring their best performances on their European travels.
I think City will have more success in the Champions League than they did last season, but this is by far the toughest test they will face in the Group and I think it is still a step too far for them at this stage.
City are conceding too many goals to think they will be able to cause the shock, but Real Madrid are plenty short in the straight win market.
Instead, I'll have a small interest on the home team winning and 3/4 goals being scored which is being offered at 3.50 at Paddy Power. Both teams may score, but I think Real are going to be too strong so a 2-1, 3-1 home win could be the outcome.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester City
