Man City and Arsenal set for happy hunting in Champions League
Manchester City kick off their Champions League assault against Real Madrid, in what initially appears to be a nightmare opening fixture at the Bernabeu.
However, if ever there was a good time to face the Spanish champions it is now, with the club lacking consistency and Jose Mourinho publicly questioning his team’s commitment.
Despite winning the Spanish Super Cup after an away goals victory over Barcelona, Madrid have struggled in La Liga winning just once in four games.
A 3-0 home victory over minnows Granada was bookended with defeats at the hands of Getafe and most recently Sevilla.
Mourinho’s side currently lie in 10th place in the Spanish top flight, and the Portuguese tactician has spoken out against his players.
“We have only really played well in the Spanish Super Cup. Nowhere else. I am worried that in this moment I don’t have a team,” said Mournho.
Quite an admission from the Special One, and one Roberto Mancini will be quietly pleased to hear.
Whilst Madrid have been markedly better at home than away, Man City’s manager has reason to believe his side can pick up at least a point in the Spanish capital.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will also take his side onto the continent with the expectation of returning to England with a point or three.
The Gunners face French champions Montpellier HSC at Stade de la Mosson fresh from their 6-1 mauling of Southampton.
Former La Paillade striker Olivier Giroud earned his move to the Emirates after a prolific campaign for Montpellier, and he will hope to get off the mark for his new club at his old home.
The hosts have made a slow start to life without Giroud, winning just once in their opening six fixtures.
On the other hand, Arsenal have begun their season unbeaten, adding two victories to their opening two draws.
The pick of the bunch was a 2-0 win away at Anfield, and Wenger can expect a repeat performance when he takes his team to the south of France.
Betting on both sides to secure a draw on their Champions League travels looks relatively safe, whilst patriotic folk may be tempted to back two wins on the road.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
