Super Cup Final Betting Tips: Expect goals when City face Sevilla

Manchester City have another trophy in their sights as they prepare to take on Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night.

It will be tough for Pep Guardiola’s side to improve on last season, when they swept all before them in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. That treble will live long in the memories of City supporters, but despite the team’s brilliance a repeat is unlikely.

City have the chance to win additional pieces of silverware this term, though, starting with the Super Cup. Many will argue that this is not a real trophy - and there is some merit to that contention - but Guardiola will definitely be keen to see his team come out on top.

City got their campaign started with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Burnley on Friday. The champions were not at their best at Turf Moor, yet they still won by a wide margin without ever really getting out of second gear.

A tougher test awaits this weekend as Newcastle United visit the Etihad Stadium. That match is taking place on Saturday, so Guardiola will no doubt have half an eye on the visit of Eddie Howe’s team.

We should still expect the City boss to name a strong side here, even if he makes one or two changes to the line-up that began the meeting with Burnley. Ruben Dias and John Stones are out injured, while Kevin De Bruyne joined that duo on the treatment table after damaging his hamstring last time out. 

That gives Sevilla a glimmer of hope, even though they are clearly the underdogs. Since their defeat of Barcelona in this fixture in 2006, the Spanish side have lost each of their last five appearances in the Super Cup.

They booked their spot in a seventh edition with yet another Europa League triumph in 2022/23. Jose Luis Mendilibar was hired in March to keep Sevilla in La Liga; not only did he succeed in that mission, he also took them all the way in the continent’s secondary competition.

Sevilla are not in Manchester City’s class and a 2-1 home loss to Valencia on Friday does not bode well for this game. Yet there is reason to believe they could get on the scoresheet in Greece.

First, City’s backline will not be at full strength given the absence of Stones and Dias, arguably their two best defenders last term. Josko Gvardiol could make his first start but the Croatian is still learning Guardiola’s methods.

Moreover, City could easily take their eye off the ball the longer the game goes on, especially if they have already amassed a comfortable lead. Do not be surprised if Guardiola starts bringing off key players with a view to keeping them fresh for the Newcastle match.

Sevilla have enough firepower to cause City the occasional problem in this one, and both teams to score looks like decent value.

Recommended bet

Man City v Sevilla: Both teams to score at 2.04