class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With Martins' team missing a number of key players, Al Hain-Cole is backing the motivated Citizens to ease into the knockout stages with a big win
Manchester City will be keen to clinch their place in the Champions League knockout stages when they travel to the Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki to take on Olympiakos on Wednesday.
The Citizens need only a draw to head into the last-16 with two matches to spare, having won three out of three Group C fixtures so far.
Olympiakos vs Manchester City Latest Odds
Nevertheless, they are clear 2/7 (1.29) favourites with bet365 to leave little doubt by heading into the next round with yet another win.
Including qualifiers, Pedro Martins’ team has only lost once in eight Champions League fixtures on home soil, and can be backed at 10/1 (11.00) to extend that strong record with a shock victory here.
Indeed, the hosts held Tottenham to a 2-2 draw in their last home game against English opposition in this competition and can be backed at 9/2 (5.50) to earn another impressive point in this one.
Olympiakos vs Manchester City Team News
Youssef El-Arabi, Ahmed Hassan Mahgoub and Vasilis Sourlis are unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19, while Bruma, Ruben Vinagre and Jose Holebas are injury doubts and Mathieu Valbuena is ruled out.
Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling could be involved after returning to the bench in Saturday’s defeat at Tottenham, although Oleksandr Zinchenko, Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho and Nathan Ake remain doubtful.
Olympiakos vs Manchester City Preview
As well as the luxury of being able to rest players for the final two group games should they seal progression, Pep Guardiola’s men will be particularly fired up for victory as they look to bounce back from their disappointing Tottenham defeat.
Considering their long list of absentees, the Greek champions could prove perfect opponents from a team in need of a win.
Although their form on the road has been rather shaky in the league, the guests have actually been firing on all cylinders in European away trips – losing just once in 10 and winning each of their last three.
Olympiakos vs Manchester City Tips and Predictions
All in all, a highly motivated City team is surely worth backing at 4/5 (1.80) to win by at least two goals against an Olympiakos team they eased past 3-0 in the reverse encounter, particularly given their long injury list.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.