UEFA Super Cup: Manchester City to Steamroll Sevilla

Manchester City vs Sevilla

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City aim to pick up a first trophy of the season when they face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

The Sky Blues blew their first chance when they were beaten by Arsenal on penalties in the Community Shield but they recovered to win their first league match of the campaign. European Super Cup: Manchester City vs Sevilla is, in essence, an exhibition match but there is plenty for both clubs to gain from it, as well as a nice piece of silverware. The Sky Blues started their Premier League title defence in impressive fashion, winning 3-0 away to Burnley on Friday night. Meanwhile Jose Mendilibar’s Sevilla went down to a shock home defeat to Valencia in their La Liga opener, and the Spanish club needs a boost.

The Manchester City vs Sevilla betting odds reckon Guardiola’s team will be too good for the Spaniards and I’m inclined to agree!

Talking Points

Electric opening for Haaland

Manchester City goal machine Erling Braut Haaland took just over three minutes to open his account as the Sky Blues overcame a bright and breezy Burnley side with a clinical display. The champions only really had three clear cut chances but they took them all, Haaland rifling in a second and then Rodri adding a late third.

Now they head to Athens for a one off chance to pick up a cup and they will need to be on their game from the off, against a Sevilla side which has something to prove, as well as possessing the knack of winning trophies. Los Sevillistas won a record seventh Europa League in May, beating Roma, to put a gloss on a mediocre campaign. Cit defender Nathan Ake says: “Finals are always tough. It is never like a normal game. We noticed that in the FA Cup final and the Champions League final. They can become extra stressful becaue of the prize on offer. From Monday we will watch clips and look at how we can hurt Sevilla.”

There is little doubt the Sky Blues are taking this deadly seriously. New recruits Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic made substitute appearances against Burnley and they will be pushing for a start, in defence and midfield; while Haaland will be keen to continue his scoring form up front.    

The Champions of England and Europe have the taste for trophies and this is one they have never won before; so watch out Sevilla!   

False start for Sevilla

While the Sky Blues were coasting through their first test of the new campaign Sevilla floundered when they hosted a youthful Valencia, losing 2-1.  And their frustration was compounded when they lost defender Loic Bade to a red card. Valencia barely survived last season and the have seen several key players depart during the summer, including strikers Edinson Cavani and Justin Kluivert, but they were well worth their victory against a lacklustre Sevilla.

City’s opponents have financial pressures and Sevilla put its entire squad up for sale during the summer but top striker Youssef En-Nesyri remains at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium and he scored Sevilla’s goal against Los Ches. There is mounting speculation that keeper Yassine Bounou will be on his way, even though he started against Valencia. He has been widely linked with Real Madrid, following an injury to their stopper Thibaut Courtois, but Sevilla president Pepe Castro has played the situation down, saying: “Sevilla has not received any offers from any club.” But the 32-year old Moroccan goalie is said to be Los Blancos number one choice and, according to reports in Spain, the player himself is keen on the move.

Negotiations are on the way and we could see some movement within days.          

History

With four wins from the last six games the Sky Blues are in decent shape, as Burnley discovered to their cost, but Sevilla have won just once in their last six games.

And the head to head Manchester City vs Sevilla results don’t offer the Spaniards much comfort either; the Mancunians have won all four of their previous meetings. They were drawn together in last season’s Champions League and there was no joy for Los Sevillistas as they were thumped 4-0 on home soil and 3-1 in the return match at the Etihad. 

Betting Tip

At SBOTOP odds of 1.35 to win you have to say this is City’s trophy to lose; but if you’re not convinced then Sevilla are available at a price of 6.37 and the draw in 90 minutes is at 4.36.

2-0 to the Sky Blues, at 5.99, is the most likely score line and for an alternative bet, 2-3 goals is at 1.89. I can see a comfortable win for Guardiola’s men. They took just three minutes to score against Burnley and I don’t expect them to wait until half time before breaking down the Sevilla defence.

 

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