English FA CUP
2015-01-24 - Manchester City vs Middlesborough
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : England : FA Cup
Saturday, 24th January 2015 - Kickoff 3:00pm GMT
BETTING PREVIEW
As expected, Manchester City slumped to a crushing home defeat to Arsenal, without even managing a goal for their efforts, which included 65% possession and 16 corners. It puts the reigning league champions in a solid bounce back spot with home advantage against a lower league opponent, but I think we shouldn't completely write Middlesborough off in this Cup tie.
Middlesborough are fighting for promotion from the Championship, and are doing quite well. They sit 2nd in the table, just a point behind leaders Bournemouth. They are very live dogs for this match and if you're a 'Boro fan I would not put you off a wager on your team at the overpriced odds on offer. I feel Man City will win though, but only just and not without a fight.
As I said in my last preview, Man City are leaking far too many goals in recent games for my liking, and it puts me off taking them to win comfortably. The straight win and the AH are simply not worth the risk.
We've seen Burnley come here and fight back from a 0-2 deficit to draw 2-2 and Sunderland did exactly the same but were undone by a late goal and lost 3-2. Then Arsenal came here on Sunday and won 2-0.
City aren't solid in defence at all at the minute, and the belief will surely have been shaken. 'Boro come here with nothing to lose, with the knowledge that having a good old go against the wealthy giants may just get them a famous win.
Indeed, Middlesborough are unbeaten in their last 3 FA Cup matches at Man City. They have scored a very impressive 42 goals in the Championship but it's their 18 conceded goals over 27 games that really grabs the attention.
No one has conceded fewer in that league, with the next best 3rd placed Ipswich with 24. It's an impressive defence that has every chance at frustrating City.
THE BETTING VERDICT
Of course, only Wigan have stopped Man City from scoring in their last 25 FA Cup matches (Wigan in the 2013 final) and I'm not betting against them scoring at home because there is too much talent and that bounce back spot is a solid one.
I feel Man City will get a tough game from 'Boro but manage to win somehow, perhaps by only a goal. I'm counting on Middlesborough scoring here (they've scored 2 in each of their last 2 league games, both wins) so at massive odds let's bet on a home win with goals at both ends.
The Pick :
Manchester City 2-1 Middlesborough
