Manchester City - Leeds United Betting Preview: Citizens to progress in FA Cup with a clean sheet

Manchester City-Leeds United Betting Preview: Mancini's side to progress in FA Cup with a clean sheet

Feb 16, 2013 10:00:00 AM

The title may now be out of reach for the Blues this season, but Goal.com's betting expert is backing the home side to keep their charge going against the Yorkshiremen

Roberto Mancini's side will look to recover from a run of three games without victory when they take on Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.

City are the overwhelming 2/9 (1.22) favourites for this fifth Round clash with Coral, despite suffering defeat last time out at Southampton in the Premier League.

Having already exited the Capital One Cup and the Champions League this season - and now 12 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United - the FA Cup seems the most likely chance of silverware for the club.

Therefore, Mancini is likely to play a strong side for the visit of Leeds, who are available at a long shot 11/1 (12.0) for victory.

The Whites shocked Tottenham in the last round of the cup, but that was at Elland Road and the Yorkshire outfit have not progressed well since that rousing win.

Two defeats and a draw followed for Neil Warnock's side, who would be happy to take a stalemate in this game at 5/1 (6.0) and force City back to Leeds for a replay.

Both of Leeds' defeats since the Spurs match have come without them scoring, while seven of City's last 11 games in all competitions have been victories with clean sheets.

A win to nil against Leeds is a probably scenario for the hosts at 4/5 (1.80), given further likelihood by the fact that City haven't conceded a goal in their two FA Cup triumphs - over Watford and Stoke - so far.

Although the Citizens' recent form has been bumpy - two draws and a defeat in the league since their Fourth Round cup win - Mancini will demand a response from his team who won this competition in the 2010-11 season, especially given the pressure on this being the only realistic chance of silverware this season.

With that in mind selecting a winning scoreline to nil for City offers more appealing odds, with 2-0 at 19/5 (4.80) and 3-0 at 10/1 (11.0) standing out.

Bearing in mind City's recent slump and Leeds' decent cup form this term - they also made it to the Capital One Cup quarter-finals - backing a 2-0 home win could be a handy long shot.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Manchester City to win to nil at 4/5 (1.80) with Coral

Manchester City to win 2-0 at 19/5 (4.80) with Coral

Coral offer a free bet of up to £50 for all new customers, read more here

Jamie Dickenson is a 22-year-old freelance journalist who specialises in football, sports and betting.

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