Defending champions Manchester City travel to Cardiff City this weekend, looking to keep the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea at the top of the table...
The game takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium, with kick-off at 3PM meaning the game will not be televised for UK audiences.
The last time the two teams met was in January this year when City beat Cardiff 2-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Cardiff are yet to win a Premier league game this season, coming up against Arsenal and Chelsea in their last two games.
Manchester City’s last league game was against another newly promoted side in Fulham who they beat 3-0, though they did suffer a 2-1 loss at home to French side Lyon in the opening game of the Champions League.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY:
This is what Cardiff manager Neil Warnock said on Manchester City’s loss to Lyon: “Thank goodness we only play them twice! It might give them a kick up the backside. I don’t think it helps us.
“The players are trying their hardest. We’ve made individual errors but they’re really doing their best. You just have to keep going. Games against Manchester City and Chelsea won’t define your season. Our lads are looking forward to it.
On Pep Guardiola: “He goes to clubs where he gets good backing and signs the best players in the world. It’s alright signing players, you have to get them to blend. He makes players better than they are. They’ve stepped to another level.
When asked about injuries, Warnock said: “We’ve got one or two little niggles as always. We’ll leave it till the last minute. The big absence for Cardiff is Aron Gunnarsson who has suffered another injury mid-week meaning he is yet to play in the Premier League this season.
Here is what Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had to say on his side’s trip to Cardiff City:
Guardiola on Sergio Aguero signing a contract extension today: “I didn’t convince him, the decided for himself. Thank you so much (to him) for that. He’s one of the players who shows his commitment to the club every day.”
On bouncing back for defeat to Lyon: “Last season we did almost everything well. When that happens the two teams have to handle that. It is what it is. If you want to stay as a manager in football, you have to accept it.”
Guardiola also gave a positive update on Kevin De Bruyne saying he is doing well but will not play this weekend, neither will Benjamin Mendy who is still having some tests done.
BETTING ODDS/PREDICTION:
Unsurprisingly, the champions are huge favourites for this weekend's clash, with Bet 365 offering the visitors at 1/6 on to get maximum points.
If you're feeling incredibly lucky - you can get the home team to win at 22/1 in the Welsh capital.
Cardiff may be encouraged by what they saw from Wolves, when they drew 1-1 against City earlier in the season, and taking the lead in the match.
However, I cannot see anything but a City win - their players are simply too good and they could run riot - 4-0 City...
That’s it for our preview, be sure to follow @PLQuality_ for all your Premier League updates this weekend including all your essential match reports.
Comments