Monaco vs. Manchester City Odds, Expert Pick & TV Info

One thing that we cannot complain about with the Champions League this season is a lack of goals. Usually at this stage of the proceedings, the Round of 16, teams start to tighten up a little and play things close to the vest, but it has been the opposite this season, as free-flowing football from the best teams in Europe has led to a flood of goals. Nowhere was that more apparent than in the first leg game between Manchester City and Monaco at the Etihad a couple of weeks ago. Football fans were well aware of the attacking prowess of both teams, but I don’t think anyone believed that 8 goals would be scored, with City coming from behind to win 5-3. While it certainly was a display of great attacking football, this game also highlighted the defensive frailties of both sides, which may lead to their eventual downfall as this tournament progresses. These teams will not be looking beyond this game, though, and I think we might be in for another goal treat, as both teams are going to need to go all out for the win and a spot in the quarter-finals. Find the updated soccer betting odds here.

In Depth Analysis On Monaco vs. Manchester City Odds, Expert Pick & TV Info

When: Tuesday, March 14 at 2:45 PM EST Where: Stade Louis II, Monaco TV: FS1 UEFA Odds: TBA  

Why bet on Monaco

After disappointing stints at Manchester United and Chelsea, there were a lot of football fans who believed that Radamel Falcao was done as a top-class striker. He proved everyone wrong in the first leg of this tie, scoring two goals, the second of which was an absolute joy to behold. The problem here is that those goals may be nothing more than a consolation, as Monaco gave up a 3-2 lead at the Etihad, eventually going down 5-3. That deficit is going to be tough enough to overcome, but it may be even worse, as Falcao took a late knock in a 2-1 win over Bordeaux that will have him being a late decision for this game. Monaco are going to need his goals to get through to the quarter-finals.

Why bet on Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge at Manchester City has not been the resounding success that everyone thought it might be. While City have looked like a devastating force on attack, their defensive play has left an awful lot to be desired. That said, this team is on a good run of form, winning 8 and drawing 2 in their last 10 games. Perhaps more importantly, in the 4 games since the first leg meeting with Monaco, they have only given up a single goal, scoring 9 times during that run. This is a team with enough firepower to get the job done in this game, but can the defense hold up their end of the bargain?

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Monaco could be in real trouble if Falcao is declared unfit for this one. I think that given the importance of the game, he will at least try to give it a go. Regardless, I still like City to move on.

Monaco 2 Manchester City 3