David vs. Goliath, Rage Against the Machine vs. that bloke from X-factor, or even Kevin McAllister vs. the criminal underworld of New York City, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
FA Cup third round weekend gives us the football equivalent as we get to see billionaire rich boys Man City entertain a League Two side who are owned by a bunch of ex-footballer millionaires. Either way, this game should be as one-sided as cup games get, but with Man City’s recent struggles and the Class of ‘92’s desperation to upset them, there just might be enough there for a surprise.
Our top tipster, Oli Nixon, has dived into the markets to find four value picks for his Bet Builders, so let’s get his Man City v Salford betting tips.
We should mention, too, that all three of Oli’s picks take advantage of Paddy’s Super Sub offer, so we can be safe in the knowledge that the picks will carry over to any replacements should they be replaced.
Man City v Salford Bet Builder tips
Ossama Ashley to commit 2+ fouls
Hakeeb Adelakun to have 1+ shots
James McAtee anytime goalscorer
- A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 7/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Saturday, 11th of January, 5:45pm
WHERE: The Etihad Stadium, Manchester
TV: BBC
Ossama Ashley to commit 2+ fouls
Ossama Ashley is Salford’s disruptor in defensive midfield, and here he’ll be tasked with containing the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden.
Whoever City manager Pep Guardiola selects in attacking midfield will be a huge step up for Ashley to cope with, and his average of 1.55 fouls per 90 in League Two is enough to suggest he’ll give them a good kicking. He’s made 11 fouls in his last six appearances and been booked in each of his last five and so he’s no stranger to drawing the attention of the referee.
Man City draw 10.7 fouls per game in the Premier League which isn’t a huge average, however, with the amount of chasing Salford are going to have to do, we can expect the foul count to be much higher.
In City’s last six matches, opposition central midfielders have combined for 30 fouls between them, with nine of those players making at least two fouls.
Hakeeb Adelakun to have 1+ shots
Despite expecting Salford to receive a drumming, we can get behind them to have at least a couple of frustrated efforts at goal, and Hakeeb Adelakun looks as likely as any Ammies player.
The striker has recently been deployed as part of a front two alongside Cole Stockton and has averaged 2.81 shots per 90 this season. His most recent games have seen him fire in 7 shots in just 203 minutes and scoring the winner last time out at MK Dons will have him coming to the Etihad high on confidence.
The Cityzen’s recent poor form has been well documented, and despite winning their last 2, giving up 17 shots to West Ham and 54% possession to Leicester suggests all is not quite well with Pep’s men. City’s air of invincibility has fallen in recent weeks, and Salford may fancy their chances of an almighty shock, hopefully via an Adelakun screamer.
James McAtee anytime goalscorer
Pep roulette makes picking out City players for a bet difficult, but you’d fancy that James McAtee will get a start in this game, having come off the bench in their last two fixtures.
The youngster has been prolific at youth level for City and scored his first senior goal in the Champions League this season. He also scored twice in this competition for Sheffield United last season, so he clearly has a thing for cup competitions.
Salford have been something of a defensive force recently, winning their last six games to nil. However, this is an entirely different proposition. The last few times City have faced lower league opposition in the FA Cup, they’ve seen off Huddersfield 5-0, Burnley 6-0, and Swindon 4-1, and so with plenty of goals to go around, McAtee will fancy his chances of getting his first domestic senior goals for the club.
Man City v Salford betting tips
Ossama Ashley to commit 2+ fouls
Hakeeb Adelakun to have 1+ shots
James McAtee anytime goalscorer
- A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 7/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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