Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have all but tied up the Premier League title and with a League Cup already in their possession, they are moving in on a glittering treble.
The FA Cup fell through their grasp, Wigan proving the romance of the competition is still alive and kicking with a shock 1-0 at the DW Stadium in February, but winning Europe’s richest prize would help fans recover.
Already 16 points clear of bitter rivals Manchester United in second after 30 league matches, the cash-rich Etihad club are simply running down the clock as they breeze to a first top-flight title since 2014.
Followers will be delighted to get over the line and back to the top of the domestic tree but it’s success in UEFA’s top competition the board want.
Fans with their finger on the pulse of the latest odds will know bookmakers aren’t in a rush to oppose the English club, marking them near the head of the betting. Let’s take a closer look at their chances.
Source: City Watch via Twitter
City were dropped into a competitive looking Group F earlier in the competition but made light work of the round, looking down on Shakhtar Donetsk in second, third-placed Napoli and Feyenoord in the wooden spoon position.
Guardiola’s boys finished with a record of five wins against one defeat, ending three points better than their nearest rivals.
We can forgive them the sole reverse too as it came after they had cemented top spot. Seemingly taking their eye off the ball with the job done, City dropped a 2-1 away to Shakhtar. It’s far from ideal but no one in sky blue lost any sleep over the result.
During the group campaign, Man City rifled home 14 goals making them the seventh highest scorers at that stage of play. They continued to shine in the round of 16 when putting an end to the hopes of FC Basel without breaking sweat.
On the road in the first leg they got the job done at the earliest opportunity with a 4-0 cheer. Gundogan scored two in a performance labelled extraordinary by his manager.
There were also goals for Silva and Aguero and the squad was freshened-up for game two but it was a poor effort by those brought in, fans watching on as their club were beaten 2-1.
5-2 on aggregate, but the job was already done.
Source: UEFA Champions League via Twitter
As they progress further into the competition, England’s main hope of landing another European champion must improve their focus and concentration when in front, tightening up to finish teams off.
City are popular in sports betting, but whether they’re a safe bet is unsure, and an introductory offer like bet365’s up to £100 free bet would protect a punter’s investment.
Bookmakers don’t appear to be too worried, though, and have thrown their support behind The Citizens, offering 7/2 second favourite going into the quarter-finals where they face a mouth-watering double-header with Liverpool.
Barcelona dealt with Chelsea in the round of 16 and are favourites for the gong with 11/4 up for grabs.
Juventus may just catch the eye of value hunters with the Italians trading at 12/1 for more glory at this level.
Those eager to support The Old Lady – who eliminated Tottenham in March – will find 12/1 doing the rounds. Liverpool are 13/1 to shock City and go all the way to a winning final.
