class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having tightened up at the back recently, Al Hain-Cole expects Guardiola's men to round off Group C with a comfortable win over the Ligue 1 outfit
Manchester City will be looking to warm up for this weekend’s crucial derby with a win when they welcome Marseille to the Etihad Stadium for Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
The Citizens have already tied up top spot in Group C with a match to spare, collecting 13 points from a possible 15 so far.
Manchester City vs Marseille Latest Odds
Having run out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Stade Velodrome in the reverse encounter, they are 4/11 (1.36) favourites with bet365 to finish on a high with another victory.
Andre Villas-Boas’ men can still steal third place and a Europa League spot should they better Olympiakos’ result against Porto but they are hefty 15/2 (8.50) outsiders to pull off a shock win and priced at 4/1 (5.00) to gain even a point.
Manchester City vs Marseille Team News
While Sergio Aguero remains the only fitness doubt for the hosts, Pep Guardiola is likely to offer the senior players a rest by fielding an experimental line-up for this game.
Leonardo Balerdi is available once again following suspension, although Morgan Sanson is doubtful and Nemanja Radonjic has been ruled out through injury.
Manchester City vs Marseille Preview
Not only did Marseille’s 2-1 win over Olympiakos last time out end their unwelcome run of 14 consecutive defeats in this competition, but it also saw them hit the net for the first time this group stage campaign – albeit from two penalties.
They may struggle to build on that achievement against Guardiola’s team, who have not conceded a single goal in Group C since Porto’s solitary 14th-minute strike in the opening 3-1 win back in October.
What’s more, they have only let in three goals in their last seven fixtures in all competitions and come into this clash on the back of four consecutive clean sheets.
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While City are likely to rotate the squad, the backline is likely to still include top level defenders such as Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake or Eric Garcia and should therefore expect to maintain the watertight recent standards.
Manchester City vs Marseille Tips and Predictions
In fact, odds of 5/4 (2.25) seem generous on Marseille coming away with no points and no goals for a fifth Champions League game in six when they take on a home side that has won six of their last eight fixtures to nil.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.