Manchester City vs Middlesbrough – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Sreya

Manchester City vs Middlesbrough – Manchester City host Middlesbrough at the Etihad on 5th November, Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to consolidate their position on the top of English Premier League standings.

Manchester City defeated West Bromwich Albion by a 4-0 scoreline to end their five-game winless streak in all competitions. Pep Guardiola’s side are on twenty three points, leading Arsenal and Liverpool on goal difference.

Middlesbrough, who had not won any of their five preceding league fixtures, defeated Bournemouth in a closely contested 1-0 affair last week.

Team News

Bacary Sagna is sidelined with an injury while Fabian Delph and Fernandinho will face late fitness tests. Gaston Ramirez is suspended for the visitors. James Husband, Daniel Ayala, Martin de Roon and Christian Stuani are listed as doubts.

Manchester City Possible Starting Lineup: Claudio Bravo, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Aleksandar Kolarvo, Fernando, Raheem Sterling, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Sergio Aguero.

Middlesbrough Possible Starting Lineup: Victor Valdes, Antonio Barragan, Calum Chambers, Ben Gibson, George Friend, Adam Clayton, Adam Foreshaw, Adama Traore, Viktor Fischer, Stewart Downing, Alvaro Negredo.

“I said that with Pep here the league was going to improve, and he’s showing how good he is. Now we have to play against them but we must focus on ourselves. We played well against Arsenal but now we have to go to the Etihad expecting a tough game as Man City are an amazing team.”

– Aitor Karanka, Middlesbrough.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Manchester City vs Middlesbrough H2H stats, Middlesbrough have won three of their previous five encounters with Manchester City in all competitions, one of which included a 8-1 victory back in 2008.

Man City have seen under 2.5 goals in nine of their last eleven matches against Middlesbrough in all competitions. Manchester City are undefeated in their last eight Premier League matches at home and will start the match as clear favorites. A 3-1 win for the home side is the most likely outcome.