Etihad Unlike To Explode With Goals

The bookies are so convinced that there’s going to be another goal avalanche at the Etihad tonight that we’re almost obliged to back against that possibility at the prices available.

The reasons to do so are fairly easy to come by. Firstly, Newcastle are an improving outfit who have only conceded one goal in their two most recent encounters, which both ended in victory. They are looking capable of keeping the score down at Manchester City if nothing else.

Secondly, Manuel Pellegrini will surely rest several of his key men with a derby against United coming up at the weekend. Most importantly, this means that Sergio Aguero will surely be given a rest.

Without their talisman it’s hard to see where a heavy home win would come from at the moment. Edin Dzeko is off the boil (0 goals in 4 games for City), Stevan Jovetic has only scored in one match all season and the recently prolific Frank Lampard is out with a thigh injury.

Put it all together and best odds of 8/11 (Skybet) on under 3.5 goals in the match looks like a gift.