Absence of Man City’s creators mean few FA Cup goals with Blackburn

Somewhat surprisingly, three of Manchester City’s last five home games have seen no more than three goals scored, in comparison to eight in succession going beyond this tally previously.

With Manuel Pellegrini also without key midfield creators David Silva, Samir Nasri and Yaya Toure, while Sergio Aguero hasn’t played for a month, another low-scoring clash by Man City’s high standards can be expected.

Although not a life-changing price, 4/5 does look great value on under 3.5 goals in this clash, with Man City having an unwanted replay here, after only drawing 1-1 in the initial tie at Ewood Park.

With a more important Premier League game at home to Cardiff in only three days too, fringe players Marcos Lopes and Emyr Huws are in the squad and may even appear.

Nine of Blackburn’s 12 Championship away games this season have also fallen short of the 3.5 goal-line.

As for picking a winner, Man City are unsurprisingly very short favourites in the FA Cup betting at 1/9 to beat Blackburn, especially after winning 10 on the bounce at the Etihad. Although they may be a few punters willing to take a chance on the Blackburn victory at 20/1.

If Blackburn are going to trouble the scorers, then there is a far greater possibility that they will do so in the first half, as they have only managed a total of two second-half goals across their last eight road trips and one of these was an own goal.

Blackburn are 5/4 just to score at any point in the game, and 3/1 to net at least once in the opening 45 minutes.

However, those fancying this may just as well take the 7/2 that both teams score in the first half, as only Crystal Palace have prevented the Premier League title favourites netting a first-half goal since early October.