Middlesbrough v Man City Betting Predictions | Back Away 16/5 with Paddy Power
Published March 09, 2017
Betting Tip: Backing Man City win with exactly 2 goals 16/5 with Paddy Power
An FA Cup tie is always tougher to call than a Premier League game because there is more immediately at stake. It promises to be a more attacking game with a better tempo, and judging by Boro’s issues throughout this season that will not suit them at all. They have only scored 19 goals, the fewest in the league, and as a result they are edging ever closer to a tough end to the season, and possibly even a quick return to the Championship.
Their FA Cup form has, admittedly, been slightly better in front of goal. They scored three goals against Oxford in the last round, but they are coming up against one of the best teams in England, so it is unlikely they will get as many opportunities in this game. Aitor Karanka sets his team up with very few creative and attack minded players. The midfield two, usually Marten de Roon and Adam Clayton, are shackled and sit deep to protect the back four, allowing the wingers and attacking midfielder to support Alvaro Negredo, the former City striker, up front.
Theoretically, that philosophy should lead to success, but the issue is players in key areas lack attributes to make it work properly. Gaston Ramirez is the main man behind Negredo, but he lacks pace to help link the midfield and attack consistently. Christian Stuani and Stewart Downing often play on the left hand side, and they have similar issues, but right-winger Adama Traore, explosive in his ability to up the tempo, struggles to provide a regular end product when it comes to goals and assists.
Other options to Negredo include Rudy Gestede, another striker known for his physique and aerial prowess, does not offer many differences, but utilising Patrick Bamford to give more support in attack could be an option. Bamford is not particularly quick, but his movement can get him in behind a high City line, but there is little doubt Traore is the key man for Boro.
City boss Pep Guardiola will likely name a strong side and will be looking for an immediate response to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Stoke on Wednesday. City also drew 0-0 at Huddersfield in the last roun, but flexed their muscles with a 5-1 win in the replay. Neither Boro fullback is particularly pacey, but rarely pushes up the pitch, so unlocking the door will have to come from players with the ball at their feet, rather than the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane who predominantly rely on pace.
Most goals scored on the counter-attack in the Premier League this season:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 7, 2017
Chelsea (5)
Man City (4)
West Ham (3)
West Brom (3)
? pic.twitter.com/QBNutcnz1Y
The keys to victory will be playing the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero, who impact games in tight, compact spaces. An early goal, given Boro’s stagnant approach, will go along way to reaching the semi finals, but don’t expect City to run riot.


Take this new customer offer with a £1 bet now!


Take this new customer offer with a £1 bet now!


Take this new customer offer with a £1 bet now!


Take this new customer offer with a £1 bet now!
-
Dijon vs Lyon preview, betting tips and prediction: Memphis Depay has been on fire this season
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 20, 2018
Can the Dutchman keep his great form going?
-
RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim preview, betting tips and predictions: Fifth and sixth meet in the Bundesliga
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 20, 2018
European football is very much on the agenda
-
Cologne vs Schalke preview, betting tips and prediction: Can Schalke's great season continue?
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 20, 2018
They are in contention for Europe this season
-
Snooker World Championship 2018 Betting Tips
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 19, 2018
Read our expert's opinion now!
-
Betting Expert Tips: Top Three Weekend Bets
- claudio
- April 19, 2018
Don't miss these great tips!
-
Chelsea vs Southampton preview, betting tips and prediction: Can Conte go all the way?
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 18, 2018
It has been a tough season for the Blues
-
Manchester United vs Tottenham preview, betting tips and prediction: Experience meets youth at Wembley
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 18, 2018
It is also Mourinho vs Pochettino...
-
Ante-post Tip For Saturday’s Scottish Grand National: Vicente To Land Scottish Grand National Hat-trick On Saturday
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 17, 2018
The Paul Nicholls-trained Vicente has won the last two renewals of the Coral Scottish Grand National...
-
Bournemouth vs Manchester United preview, betting tips and prediction: Can the Red Devils bounce back from the weekend defeat?
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 16, 2018
Jose Mourinho was very frank after the loss to West Brom
-
Burnley vs Chelsea preview, betting tips and prediction: Tough task in store for Conte's Blues
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 16, 2018
It has been a tough season for Conte
-
Brighton vs Tottenham preview, betting tips and prediction: Can Spurs bounce back from defeat to Man City?
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 16, 2018
They lost for the first time since December on Saturday night
-
Lazio vs Roma preview, betting tips and prediction: Champions League on the line in the Derby della Capitale
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 13, 2018
Roma are bouncing after making Champions League history against Barcelona...
-
PSG vs AS Monaco preview, betting tips and prediction: Can Monaco spring something of a surprise?
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 13, 2018
PSG are set to regain the title from Monaco
-
Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintracht Frankfurt preview, betting tips and prediction: Bayer will hope their good season continues
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 13, 2018
The race for the Champions League is still on!
-
Barcelona vs Valencia preview, betting tips and prediction: Can Barça continue their unbeaten run?
- harry-de-cosemo
- April 13, 2018
They must bounce back from Champions League humiliation
-
Betting Tips From A Football Expert: Best Bets This Weekend
- claudio
- April 12, 2018
Our Freebets.co.uk expert betting tipster gives you his best tips for the weekend games...