Manchester City vs Steaua Bucharest – Wednesday 24th August 2016 – 19:45 - BT Sport 1
Manchester City host Steaua Bucharest in the second leg of qualification matches for the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola and his side have already guaranteed their progression with a 5-0 win in last weeks first round tie.
The opening leg in Bucharest last week was the first time that the sides have met, no-one could have anticipated the carnage that was about to unfold.
City dominated possession, with 65% of the ball overall and the opening goal was scored by David Silva after excellent work from Raheem Sterling.
Dominant City Performance
Sergio Aguero was the hero on the night, with a hatrick of goals in the 41st, 78th and 89th minute. He had also missed two penalties on the night, incredibly he could have ended up with five goals of his own.
Debutante Nolito opened his Manchester City account in the 49th minute to take City 3-0 up on the night, with City comprehensively beating a poor Steaua side.
Incredibly Steaua Bucharest goalkeeper Florin Niță was one of the standout performers for the hosts on the night, despite conceding five goals.
Last week's tie was City's biggest away win in the tournament, the reverse side saw Steaua record their biggest home defeat.
City will be looking to record another excellent win, with Guardiola able to give fringe players in the squad a game in this match, with the 5-0 cushion more than ample to secure progression.
City remain the favourites at 1/6 with Sergio Aguero the favourite to open the scoring at 9/4.
After last weeks horror show at home, this match is a damage limitation exercise for Steaua Bucharest but there could also represent a chance to make history.
They have yet to record a win in England and with City due to select a fringe side, this could be an excellent opportunity to put last weeks performance to bed.
Laurențiu Reghecampf is the man charged with beating last years semi- finalists, they face a huge task to beat Manchester City at home, especially after last weeks performance.
He had enjoyed an excellent start to life in the Romania First Division prior to the first leg against Manchester City. With his side top of the league after three matches and they have gained the maximum nine points.
However after the hammering last week they failed to win their home game against bitter rivals Dinamo Bucahresti, they are now in second place but with a game in hand.
Their record against English teams will need to improve, in 19 fixtures they have won five, drawn four and lost ten. In Manchester City they face a side who were the Champions League semi-finalists last year.
Steaua remain the underdogs at 14/1 with Nicolae Stanciu the favourite to open the scoring also at 14/1.
Steaua Bucharest vs Manchester City Betting Tips
Iheanacho to score first @ 11/4 and Man City to win 4-1 @ 14/1