21st August 2021; Manchester City Stadium, Manchester, England, Premier League football, Manchester City versus Norwich; Jack Grealish of Manchester City celebrates with his team mates after their 6th minute opening own goal by Norwich City goalkeeper Tim Krul
By Icon Sport - Etihad Stadium - Manchester (Angleterre) Manchester City – Sporting: Rematch of the 16 phase of the tournament. Standard procedure, as the ‘citizens’ did the job from the first match in Portugal and the deafening 5-0. A score that has ended all talk of qualifying and gives Guradiola the comfort of going to a rotation. Necessary in large part, as the battle in the Premier League has ignited for good. Liverpool is close to -6 and with fewer matches, however the 4-1 against United showed that City does not intend to easily hand over the reins. However, the next match with Crystal Palace is on Monday, so those who are used against Sporting will have days of rest. Cancello, Ake and Dias are expected to miss the rematch with the Portuguese.
Sporting in general made a really good impression this season. It has already made a small overtaking reaching the 16th of the tournament, however it fell on an obstacle that seemed insurmountable from the very beginning. The truth is that one would expect more resistance in the first match against City. It gives its battle in the championship, where it is second, at -6 from the champion Porto and at +4 from the 3rd Benfica. The first goal is to secure a ticket to the Champions League and then to exhaust it chances for the title. Braganca and Gonzalves are injured, Mateus is punished and Palinia is doubtful.
Manchester City – Sporting: Obviously there is no question of comparing the teams, nor is there even talk of qualifying. City is excellent from the middle and in front, it has learned to play without a forward – but it makes most of its players face to face with the goal. The times at times it appears vulnerable in the defensive transition. Sporting is a well-organized team, with roles on the pitch and a clear orientation. Creates and scores consistently, and is usually reliable in the backcourt. However, the balances are changing in the Champions League and certainly does not have the dynamics to face opponents like City in a straight line.
Any approach to favoring the favorite has no value. City will play with a number of reserves but even so they are superior, while players without a long participation time are definitely more motivated. Sporting will also play freely for its prestige, aiming for a good appearance. Matches without purpose and let’s bet with G/G at 2.20 of TigersBet.
