Bet up to £25 risk-free on a Man City blip
Manchester City's long-term plan is to overhaul the established order in English football and become bigger than the likes of Manchester United and their latest Europa League opponents Dynamo Kiev are a club on the other side of that coin, discovering what it's like to no longer be the pride of their nation.
The Ukrainian giants won nine straight titles between 1992 and 2001, have lifted the Cup Winners Cup twice and reached the Champions League semis as recently as 1998-99, but now trail Shakthar domestically and could yet be outdone on the continent as their rivals shock all in Europe's premier competition.
Things have improved since the Santa-style Christmas Eve return of former coach Yuri Semin, as he has guided them to victory in their first league game after the winter break at Metalurh Donetsk to maintain slim hopes of catching Shakthar and inspired an 8-1 aggregate romp past Besiktas in the Europa League round-of-32 to set up a clash with the Citizens.
Dynamo Kiev haven't lost any of their last 11 Europa League home ties, a run stretching back to October 2001 and that has survived tough tests against Villarreal, Valencia and even Shakthar, while their only European defeats as hosts in 14 have come against Inter Milan and Barcelona.
Both are teams that Manchester City plan to be mentioned in the same breath as, but they aren't there yet, and are tough to justify backing even at [3.1] tonight having gone seven away outings without a win. The draw will appeal to many at [3.35], but Dynamo Kiev appear underrated at [2.58].
Thanks to our special offer for those opening new Betfair accounts, you can bet up to £25 on this match and have your stake refunded if your punt proves unsuccessful.
There's also an argument for backing over 2.5 goals at [2.4], as Dynamo Kiev are in great goalscoring form, while Roberto Mancini's side aren't quite as assured defensively away as they are at Eastlands. Andriy Shevchenko netted in both legs against Besiktas in the last round and is [3.6] to fire again.
Dynamo Kiev v Manchester City
Kick-off: 8.05pm
Live on ITV4
Got faith in the tournament favourites? They are [3.45] to keep a clean sheet...
Published: 10 Mar 2011
Horace Horlicks (March 10, 2011 12:18 PM) said:
Both Man City and Liverpool have been getting 0-0 draws away in Europe this season. I think they would both be happy with this tonight. So, if I can get suitable odds, I will be going for a 0-0 double on these two games tonight. Predictions;
Braga 0 Liverpool 0
Dynamo Kiev 0 Man City 0
Best Wishes Horace