Competition: FA CUP 2017
Date: Manchester City vs Huddersfield kicks off at 19:45 GMT on Wednesday
Stadium: Etihad Stadium.
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Manchester City vs Huddersfield Preview and Prediction
Manchester City played a big part in one of the most entertaining Champions League matches in recent memory last week as they came from behind to beat Monaco 5-3 in their first leg clash at the Etihad. This was a far cry from the performance which saw them play out a goalless draw at Huddersfield the weekend before, setting up this replay in the process.
That victory does make it seven games without defeat though, and five of them have ended as victories for the resurgent Manchester City. This keeps them in the hunt for the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, although the Premier League could be a bit of a stretch with Chelsea sitting 11 points clear.
At home they are also unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions and have won five of them. They have only kept one clean sheet in their last 12 games at the Etihad though, which could give some hope to a Huddersfield side in excellent form at the moment.
The visitors have performed fantastically recently with seven wins from their last nine matches, and they remain unbeaten since the middle of January. In the FA Cup they have dispatched of Port Vale and Rochdale with ease.
Away from home they have won six of their last eight and lost just once and have scored in all but one of their last ten on the road. This has led them to 3rd in the Championship table, and they look on track to challenge Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle for the automatic promotion spots at the moment.
Despite this there is an obvious huge gulf in class between these two sides, and the visitors will find it extremely hard to replicate their defensive performance away from home. The hosts should be progressing from this tie, even if they do opt for a weakened squad.
Manchester City’s complacence at the back at the Etihad is well documented though, so odds of 6/5 for Both Teams to Score look excellent value for money. I’m going for that alongside a 3-1 correct score predictions at 11/1.
HEAD TO HEAD
Huddersfield have won two, drawn four, and lost one of their last seven meetings with Manchester City, although prior to their clash last weekend they hadn’t met each other since 2000.
MANCHESTER CITY VS HUDDERSFIELD STATS
Manchester City have conceded in 92% of their last 12 home games, whilst Huddersfield have scored in 90% of their last ten away days.
MANCHESTER CITY TEAM NEWS
Aleksandr Kolarov and Vincent Kompany are doubts for this clash, whilst Gabriel Jesus, Gael Clichy, and Ikay Gundogan are likely to miss out.
HUDDERSFIELD TEAM NEWS
Midfielder Jonathan Hogg is still out with a groin problem.
MANCHESTER CITY VS HUDDERSFIELD PREDICTIONS: over 3.5 goal
