Unfortunately for neutrals, a trip to Norwich should be business as usual for Pep Guardiola’s men.
As if hosting the reigning champions wasn’t a big enough ask, Daniel Farke faces some serious injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s teatime clash.
Max Aarons limped off during England U21 duty in midweek and added himself to a defensive injury list already including Timm Klose and Christoph Zimmermann.
While a reshuffle is required at the back, Norwich have proved more than capable offensively this season.
The Canaries have been fearless in their approach so far, as proved in their opener against Liverpool.
Despite the result, they carved out a number of good chances and managed to nab a goal. They also proved to be very competitive at home to Chelsea in a losing effort, that came a week after they put three past Newcastle to register their only points of the season thus far.
While City should run out comfortable winners, I fancy Norwich to put up a brave showing. They should have a chance or two and I can see them scoring what will likely be a consolation goal. That’s why you should take Man City Win & BTTS at Evens.
City, on the other hand, have picked up where they left off last year. They’ve looked irresistible at times and can count themselves unlucky not to have maximum points from the opening embers of the campaign.
City have netted within the first 15 minutes in their last two Premier League outings and I expect them to test a shaky Norwich backline very early here, so Time of 1st Goal: Up to and including the 18th minute at 5/6 looks a bet here.
With a glut of attacking talent at their disposal, you can make a case for most of the City side getting on the score sheet, but a bit more value can be found with the underdogs. While Teemu Pukki is an obvious choice, Todd Cantwell to score anytime at 17/2 stands out for me at a bigger price.
The youngster has impressed so far this season with a goal and a pair of assists on his balance sheet.
He also really should have added to his goal tally last time out against West Ham. With City’s fullbacks bombing forward, expect him to find plenty of space and pick up a number of good positions.
Bet Summary:
Man City Win & BTTS – Evens
Time of 1st Goal: Up to and including the 18th minute – 5/6
Todd Cantwell Anytime Goalscorer – 17/2
* All odds correct at the time of posting.