On Sunday, at 14:00, Manchester City hopes for an enthusiastic performance on the ground in front of modest Rotherham in England’s 3rd Cup. Pep Guardiola’s team comes after a big win in the championship, 2-1 with Liverpool, a result that rekindles the title hopes of “citizens.”
In the match with Rotherham, City’s manager will make a series of changes in the starting team, with players such as Zinchenko, Foden or Diaz entering the field to give their regulars a well-deserved rest. Reserves of “citizens” will want to impress, however, in front of an opponent lacking technical means, but very physically competitive. Force will not be enough in front of a well-endowed rival with flair and talent.
The Etihad game is one of great importance for Guardiola, which aims to win as many trophies as possible despite the crowded schedule. Manchester City has properly negotiated the failures with Crystal Palace and Leicester and comes after success with Southampton (3-1) and Liverpool (2-1), who have confirmed the offensive force of the white-blue. Rotherham, however, comes after an important victory with Preston (2-1), following a series of three consecutive defeats: 0-4 with WBA, 1-2 with Bolton and 0-1 with Bristol City. Rotherham usually performs defensive games in displacements, where he only counts on sporadic fixed counter-attacks and phases.
16 years have passed since the last direct duels between Manchester City and Rotherham, and the difference in value between the two is sensible. Trained by Paul Werne, the guest band is ranked 21th (out of 24) in the second league (25-41 golaveraj) and has a modest balance in trips, where he usually fails to maintain possession. As a matter of fact, Rotherham has not won a trip this season! Manchester City is in second place in the Premier League and will not complicate too much in this game.
PREDICTION: Over 3.5 goals @ 1.57
