Tag Archives: City

City ready for big Euro test

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The serious business in the Champions League gets underway with a real humdinger of a tie on the very first night as two of the tournament fancies go head to head when Real Madrid host Manchester City at the Bernabeu (Real 4/1, City 10/1 – Tournament Outright).

City were done no favours by the draw for the group stages last season in their first foray into the Champions League but fate has been arguably crueler this time around.

If ever there was a ‘Group of Death’, Group D certainly appears to be it as Borussia Dortmund and Ajax are also involved to pit the champions of England, Spain, Germany and Holland against each other (Real 4/5, City 15/8, Dortmund 5/1, Ajax 20/1 – Group D Winners).

There will be no excuses about complacency in this fixture – which has arguably been used in the past – with both sides having genuine aspirations of going the distance in Europe’s elite competition.

Real have made the Bernabeu a stronghold and recorded six straight home victories in last season’s competition, scoring 24 goals in the process, and are unsurprisingly installed as 8/13 favourites in the match betting to kick off with a win.

Los Blancos have made a slow start to the season, already suffering two league defeats albeit both on the road, but motivation could be a factor – as they showed no lack of it in the Spanish Super Cup and managed to get the better of Barcelona over two legs on the away goals rule.

City look a big price at 4/1 in the match betting considering the talent at their disposal but they have also made a slow start to the season, being held on both away trips in the Premier League so far.

Roberto Mancini’s men lost three of their five games on the road in Europe last season, although they did win in Spain when beating Villarreal – their first in the country at the fourth attempt.

The recent form of the two sides does make this tougher to call, but City have enough strength in depth and will have learned from their experiences last term to come away with something (Draw 11/4).

The other game in the group gives Borussia Dortmund home advantage and, although their record in last season’s competition was poor, they should have the tools in Robert Lewandowski et al to see off Ajax at the Signal-Iduna-Park (Dortmund 4/9, Draw 3/1, Ajax 6/1 in the match betting).

Arsenal, meanwhile, kick their Champions League campaign off at last year’s surprise French champions Montpellier and look good value at 6/5 to open up with a win.

Montpellier, of course, lost star striker Olivier Giroud to the Gunners over the summer and although he has yet to score for the north Londoners, his absence does leave a big hole up front for Rene Girard’s outfit.

La Paillade have won just one of their opening five fixtures in Le Championnat and although three of them have been on the road, it is difficult to see them upsetting the odds at 11/5 (Draw also 11/5) when a confident Gunners’ side rides into town.

The weekend form does not read too well for Zenit Saint-Petersburg following a 2-0 home defeat to Terek Grozny but, with Hulk and Axel Witsel starting on the bench, it is clear they had one eye on Tuesday’s encounter in Spain.

Malaga looked impressive in beating Levante 3-1 at home but the Granotes are hardly a powerhouse, particularly on the road, and Zenit can avoid defeat at La Rosaleda (Malaga 6/4, Draw 11/5, Zenit 7/4 – Match Betting).

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City to power to victory

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Sunday sees two teams who have totally contrasting ambitions for the season meet, as champions Manchester City host Premier League new boys Southampton at the Etihad Stadium (City 1/6, draw 13/2, Southampton 16/1 – Match Betting).

After dramatically winning the title last season, the Citizens will be desperate to get their campaign off to the perfect start but won’t have it all their own way against a Saints side that simply love upsetting the odds.

Despite not really strengthening his squad over the summer, Roberto Mancini has plenty of talent at his disposal and following their win against Chelsea in last Sunday’s Community Shield, knows his players are still more than capable of competing with the best.

After originally setting his team out defend, the Italian coach employed much more attacking tactics last season and, in full flow, his team truly are a sight to behold.

With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli up front, Mancini certainly has a number of options to play with but it is midfielder Yaya Toure (5/2 to score anytime) who is the real heartbeat of the team.

The team visibly struggled when the former Barcelona man went off to the African Cup of Nations earlier this year and his almost unique combination of power and finesse is what truly drives City forward.

The Ivorian will be looking to once again dominate on Sunday and don’t be surprised if he pops up with an important goal.

Despite their two successive promotions, Southampton are still one of the favourites to be relegated from the top flight. Boss Nigel Adkins has brought some good players to the club over the summer and of all the newly promoted teams, they maybe the best equipped to deal with the rigours of the Premier League.

Possibly the most influential of these will be midfielder Steven Davis (9/2 to score anytime), who arrived from Rangers and could add some extra guile to the engine room.

In a season where they’re likely to find themselves overrun by their opposition, the Northern Irishman’s ability to keep the ball and use it wisely could prove vital.

This could well be in evidence on Sunday, where he’ll be tasked with keeping the aforementioned Toure quiet and after four seasons in the SPL the 27-year-old will be looking to make an immediate impact on his return to the Premier League.

However, despite all Southampton’s hard work, it looks like it could be a very difficult afternoon for Nigel Adkins’ men.

City beat another newly promoted team in Swansea 4-0 in their opening fixture of last season and don’t be surprised if they record a similar scoreline on Sunday (City 17/2 to win 4-0).

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Are City going to dominate?

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The ’silly season’ of transfer activity is starting to get going and we will be taking a look at whether anyone can stop Manchester City dominating the season to make it back-to-back successes in the Premier League.

It was a real roller-coaster of a season for Roberto Mancini’s men last term – they had won the league by Christmas, lost it by April, back in front going into the climax but then only claimed their first title since 1968 with two goals in injury-time against 10-man QPR.

However, the Citizens did have to deal with the pressures of expectation, given the vast outlay of the owners, but now they have got the monkey off their back, can they justify 5/4 favouritism to land another success.

A lot may depend on the transfer market, like for most clubs, but the simple answer is yes they can – they have the squad and they may well improve it over the next few weeks.

The Champions League could be a distraction of course but Mancini has assembled a strong squad that should at least be able to cope with the demands and they look the team to beat.

There are sure to be some comings and goings at the Etihad Stadium but it will not be to the detriment of the champions, although it could impact on their rivals’ fortunes – if reported moves for the likes of Robin van Persie come to fruition for example.

So the onus is very much on the chasing pack with Manchester United currently the second favourites at 9/4 to regain the trophy after they were denied on goal difference last season.

However, United have struggled to hit the heights of previous campaigns recently and although they were successful two years ago, many experts suggested it was with an ‘ordinary’ side.

Sir Alex Ferguson has no peers in the English game and seems to get the absolute best out of his squad time after time, and will be doubly determined to get back to the top after losing out to his ‘noisy neighbours’.

Two deals have already been completed by the United boss and it will be interesting to see how the highly-rated Shinji Kagawa handles the move to England, while Nick Powell’s acquisition is more of a move for the future rather than the upcoming season.

Nemanja Vidic will almost be like a new signing after missing the majority of last season, while Leighton Baines has been linked with a move, but if Ferguson does not address central midfield issues and continues to rely on veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, it is difficult to see United reversing the form.

Of course, there is sure to be one or two moves in the transfer market but, at the prices, they look too short to even finish second (City/United 13/10 Dual Forecast Market).

It may be foolish to back against Ferguson but Chelsea (9/2 Premier League Outright) could well be the one to side with and put up the biggest challenge to City in lifting the trophy.

Yes, the club is in a period of transition with Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa already departed and others perhaps to follow suit, but they have bought astutely with young and attacking play-makers Eden Hazard and Marko Marin joining the ranks.

Whether Hazard justifies the outlay, around £32m, remains to be seen but money is not the issue for Roman Abramovich, and he is sure to bring in more new faces – one being a striker to replace Drogba.

Last season’s success in the Champions League may not have been pretty or ‘deserved’ but it can only bring confidence to the players and has already acted as the attraction for new blood following Hazard’s arrival.

Roberto di Matteo turned the season around last term and can be more relaxed over his future this time around, although that in itself will bring pressure.

There is no doubt that they have a big enough squad to challenge but they need to sort out a new striker as the jury is still out on Fernando Torres.

Of the others, it is difficult to see Arsenal making the Premier League title the one to end the barren trophy drought, despite the marvellous work Arsene Wenger keeps doing for the club.

Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski have been brought in but their hopes are going to hinge on van Persie, who almost single-handedly got the Gunners into the top four last term, and whether they can keep hold of him.

Andre Villas-Boas makes a quick return to the Premier League but Spurs have a similar problem to their north London rivals in the sense that Luka Modric is arguably their best player – and he looks set to leave.

So, ultimately, City look the side to plump with this term and it is a question of who will finish best of the rest with City/Chelsea on offer at 6/1 in the straight forecast market.

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Party time for City and Arsenal?

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The final day of the Premier League season is upon us and there are still plenty of issues to be sorted out with both Manchester clubs duking it out for the title, while three sides are still in with a shout of the other Champions League places.

The two Manchester giants go into Sunday’s finale level on points with City on top courtesy of a much better goal difference.

In theory, there is still hope for Sir Alex Ferguson and his men but the match betting and common sense suggests that it will be the blue half of Manchester celebrating come Sunday night (City 1/10, United 11/2 Premier League Outright).

City have only failed to pick up maximum points on one occasion at the Etihad Stadium this season and, having been given a second chance, they are not going to let the title slip away.

QPR are the visitors on Sunday and although they have been picking up wins to keep them out of the relegation zone, all those recent successes have come at Loftus Road.

Mark Hughes may like to make a point to his previous employers but his team have been awful on the road, with a paltry eleven points easily the Premier League’s worst record, while they suffered a 6-1 drubbing on their last outing at Chelsea.

United could still win on goal difference but City have smashed in 52 goals in 18 matches at home and are likely to score  more against the Hoops – making United’s trip to Sunderland irrelevant.

Three teams are still chasing two places for next season’s Champions League, meanwhile, which could be reduced to one depending on Chelsea’s result in this year’s final.

Arsenal (1/33 Top 4 Finish) are still in control of third place despite last week’s hiccup against Norwich following a 3-3 draw at the Emirates, while Spurs (1/10) were held 1-1 at Aston Villa and Newcastle (9/2) were beaten 2-0 by City.

The Gunners are one point better off than arch rivals Tottenham and two clear of Newcastle with a game to go, and know that a win will guarantee Champions League football next term.

Arsene Wenger’s men are on the road as they travel to the Hawthorns to take on West Brom and have failed to win any of their last four matches, but the French tactician will not let his charges slip up at the last hurdle.

Arsenal are 4/6 to register the win and it is hard to argue as West Brom (4/1 to win, Draw 3/1) have struggled in front of their own fans with just six wins at the Hawthorns this season.

Robin van Persie is, of course, the man to watch out for as he looks to cement his position at the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts, having notched 30 in 36 games so far, and he is the 3/1 favourite to score the first or last on Sunday.

Earlier in the season, Tottenham were making it look as though it was a three-horse race for the title but they then endured a torrid run to hand the initiative back to the Gunners.

Harry Redknapp’s men, though, are at least expected to seal a place in the top four (Spurs 4/11, Draw 4/1, Fulham 8/1 Match Betting) as they have home advantage against poor travellers Fulham, who will be without their top scorer Clint Dempsey through injury.

The Lilywhites will then have to put on their Bayern Munich scarves for the Champions League final as a Chelsea win in the showpiece will condemn them to Europa League football next term.

Newcastle have been one, if not THE, surprise package of the season, having made a fist of the Champions League race for so long – and they still are in with a chance going into the last game.

However, the season may well just have caught up with them now and they face a tough trip to Goodison Park to take on an in-form Everton side -who have the carrot of finishing above arch rivals Liverpool with a win themselves.

The Toffees have not been conceding many at home as they have rallied from another slow start to finish with a flourish.

David Moyes’ men have only conceded two goals in their last nine home games, losing just one, while they have banged in 10 in their last three – and also scored four at Old Trafford – with Nikica Jelavic (5/1 First/Last Gaolscorer, 11/8 Anytime) continuing his rich vein of form.

Newcastle have certainly set the Premier League alight this season with their brand of football and although they are set to fail at the final hurdle, a fifth-placed finish above Chelsea and Liverpool is still a remarkable achievement.

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City eye derby glory on title D-Day

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Monday night will see the most highly-anticipated Manchester derby in decades, as City and United go head-to-head in a match that is likely to decide the destination of the Premier League title this season (City 6/5, draw 12/5, United 12/5).

For some time now it has been a two-horse race for the crown and as the battle between these two giants has ebbed and flowed, we have now arrived at the biggest game of the campaign and, possibly, of the past few seasons.

City (7/4 Premier League outright) were clearly not comfortable holding the frontrunners tag and, having enjoyed a healthy lead over United, the Blues started to slip up as the pressure of closing in on their first Premier League title clearly started to get to them.

However, the Red Devils, who have been in this position so many times before as they go in search of their 20th league title, have also found life difficult at the top in recent weeks.

United at one stage held an eight-point lead at the top of the table but a defeat to Wigan Athletic and a thrilling 4-4 draw with Everton at Old Trafford in their last outing, has left them with just a three-point advantage ahead of the clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes City would go on to win the Premier League title if they were to collect all three points on home soil and has insisted his players will be going all out for a win.

This is really a match City must win and you can expect their boss Roberto Mancini to go with an attacking line-up for the derby.

Argentine duo Sergio Aguero (11/2 first goalscorer) and the prodigal son Carlos Tevez have looked extremely dangerous in attack in recent weeks and the question has been asked whether this game would have as much riding on it if Tevez had not done his disappearing act to South America?

Another controversial figure Mario Balotelli, who scored in City’s astonishing 6-1 victory over United at Old Trafford earlier this season, could feature in this high pressure encounter.

Mancini has insisted he trusts his fellow Italian to keep his cool, although questions must still be raised over the former Inter Milan star’s temperament.

It would be hard to break up the Aguero-Tevez partnership but Mancini may well bring in Balotelli and use Tevez (6/1 first goalscorer) as an impact player in the second-half, with the striker looking to get one over his former club.

As for United (4/7 Premier League outright), they will be concerned with the ease in which Everton scored four at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ and Ferguson will be determined to tighten up that defence.

England striker Wayne Rooney (11/2 first goalscorer) has looked dangerous up front recently and City will, of course, be more than aware of what the 26-year-old is capable of.

Nani, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young, meanwhile, have been causing teams problems all season, so there will be plenty to think about for the Blues defence.

However, on home soil and with the momentum behind the chasers, City might just edge this all-important derby to set up a very exciting end to the 2011/2012 Premier League season.

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City won’t cage Canaries

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With the Grand National and an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to on Saturday you could be forgiven for overlooking the four Premier League matches. However, you would be foolish to do so as every game has something riding on it, none more so than the early game between Norwich and Manchester City.

Norwich v Manchester City 12:45pm

City fans will have all but given up on the Premier League after last week’s defeat to Arsenal. However, they may travel to Carrow Road in a more optimistic mood after rivals Manchester United lost to Wigan, while City beat West Brom 4-0. Manager Roberto Mancini might still believe the title is out of their reach but victory at Norwich, coupled with another United slip-up will mean the Manchester derby could be a title decider again.

Having played without any pressure on them on Wednesday, we could see a return to the pessimistic and frail looking outfit which never really got going at the Emirates Stadium last week. City’s away form has been dreadful since November, with just two wins in 10 games hampering their title hopes. Given their poor form, it might come as a surprise to know you can back Norwich at 6/1 to win in the match betting, with City at 8/15 and the draw at 3/1.

The Canaries caused a big upset with a win at Tottenham on Easter Monday and will be flying (pardon the pun) ahead of the visit of City. The last time the Eastlands outfit visited Carrow Road, Delia Smith’s famous ‘Let’s be avin you’ rallying cry failed to inspire her beloved Norwich as they slumped to a 3-2 defeat. Norwich will hope the TV chef doesn’t have to get on the pitch this time, although five wins from 44 matches against City suggests she might have to have a word. With that in mind the draw at 3/1 could be the best bet.

Sunderland v Wolves 3pm

The situation for Wolves is pretty simple – lose at Sunderland on Saturday and leave yourself needing to get something from the trip to Manchester City the following week to avoid relegation.

The Molineux outfit looked destined for the drop after slipping nine points from safety following their defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday. Every club at the bottom has shown some signs of life recently, except for Terry Connor’s men and they look to have already given up the fight.

With Wolves having conceded at least two goals in the last nine games, Sunderland with a -1 handicap at 11/8 looks like the bet of the weekend. Martin O’Neill’s men have little to play for but the Northern Irish manager will be looking for a reaction after being hammered at Everton in their last outing.

Swansea City v Blackburn 3pm

After a fantastic season Swansea look as though they might cross the line with a bit of a whimper following four straight defeats. Despite having not made it past the 40-point mark, some of Brendan Rodgers’ players seem to already be planning their summer holidays. They have scored just once in the last four matches and have seen fortress Liberty stormed twice in that time by Everton and Newcastle. Despite all that they are still favourites at Evens in the match betting, with Rovers on offer at 3/1 and the draw at 12/5.

Blackburn might feel unlucky not to have beaten Liverpool on Tuesday but they failed to take their chances, something they can’t afford to do in Wales given how well the Swans keep the ball. Yakubu grabbed his 15th and 16th goals of the season against the Reds and between him and Junior Hoilett, Blackburn have a couple of players capable of winning the game. Yakubu to score anytime at 15/8 might be worth a punt, as might Rovers to win the game at 3/1.

West Brom v QPR 3pm

Has Mark Hughes finally turned things around at Loftus Road? Three wins in the last five would suggest so, with Rangers finding some form at just the right time. However, those wins have all come at home and on the road you have to go all the way back to November to find their last away win.

The Hawthorns used to be a place visiting teams liked going to but Roy Hodgson has put that right, winning three of the last four as they continue to maintain a place in mid table. West Brom’s results have been tough to predict this season and as such it might be best to sit on the fence for this one, with the draw at 12/5 in the match betting. If you are feeling brave West Brom are 11/10, while QPR are 13/5.

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City praying for United slip

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Wednesday night may well bring another twist in the Premier League title race as both Manchester United and Manchester City (14/1 – Premier League Outright) are in action as we enter the business end of the campaign.

The Red Devils are firmly in the driving seat at the top of the table with eight points separating themselves from local rivals City, and the defending champions travel to the DW Stadium to take on a Wigan Athletic side who are fighting for survival (Wigan 9/1, draw 4/1, United 1/3 – Match Betting).

Wigan were extremely unlucky not to get something out of their last outing against Chelsea, as they were denied any points by a late goal from Juan Mata at Stamford Bridge.

Having looked down and out a few months ago, Latics have got themselves back in with a chance of survival as only goal difference is keeping them in the bottom three.

Wigan have proved they are capable of running the big teams close but manager Roberto Martinez might have to look at other games for points, as United are just doing enough to get the wins they need at the moment and they should bag the three points.

The title race is out of City’s hands and all they can do now is keep the pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson and his men and hope they have an uncharacteristic slip-up.

West Brom are the next obstacle for the Citizens and the West Midlands outfit will be looking to make life difficult for City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday (City 1/4, draw 5/1, WBA 12/1 – Match Betting).

The Baggies got back to winning ways last week with a 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the Hawthorns. Striker Peter Odemwingie will be looking to cause the Blues defence problems but with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez likely to feature in the absence of the suspended Mario Balotelli, City should have too much firepower and a win looks highly likely.

In the race for a top-four finish and the battle to avoid relegation, rock-bottom Wolverhampton host Arsenal at Molineux in what will be another tough game for Wolves boss Terry Connor (Wolves 7/1, draw 18/5, Arsenal 2/5 – Match Betting).

The inexperienced boss has really been thrown in at the deep end since the sacking of Mick McCarthy and he will now have to try and get something from a clash with the Gunners, who will still be on a high after their 1-0 win over City.

Arsenal are looking to consolidate their spot in third place in the Premier League table and there will be no risk of them taking their foot off the gas at this stage of the season.

Wolves are really up against it and having survived relegation last term, it looks like they could be playing second-tier football next season, with the Gunners set to claim all three points at Molineux.

Queens Park Rangers are lingering just above the relegation zone on goal difference and they too have a crucial game on Wednesday when they host Swansea City at Loftus Road (QPR 11/10, draw 12/5, Swansea 5/2 – Match Betting).

The Hoops never stood a chance at Old Trafford in their last outing once midfielder Shaun Derry was sent off in controversial circumstances.

The Welsh outfit will be looking to play their normal passing game but with Rangers desperate to secure the win to avoid dropping into the bottom three, QPR might just battle to a narrow victory over the all-but-safe Swans.

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Hart still beating strong for City

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Manchester City (1/4 in Match Betting) have suffered a lot lately but Roberto Mancini’s side can crank up the noise levels while their neighbours wait to play on Monday – with a win at home to Sunderland (12/1, Draw 5/1) on Saturday.

City’s draw at Stoke City last weekend has been painted as two points dropped by most of the media, but not many teams have won at the Britannia Stadium – and Manchester United didn’t either when they went there earlier this season.

It could be seen as a point gained and one recovered from a losing position after Peter Crouch closed all entries for the goal of the season competition with a stupendous strike.

City keeper Joe Hart must be getting sick of playing another cameo role in this year’s goal of the season, but he appears to be one of the City players who remain in good form as we head into the last eight weeks of the season.

Vincent Kompany’s return from injury is a key moment in the title race and he can marshal the City back four to a clean sheet against the Black Cats – who will be on a big downer after exiting the FA Cup at home to Everton in midweek.

Sergio Aguero’s injury is a blow, but more so if he misses out against Arsenal next week because City have the firepower to bag a couple against Sunderland (11/2 2-0 Man City in Correct Score) with Carlos Tevez (11/10) a potential anytime goalscorer.

In the other Saturday Premier League matches, Everton (4/5) are a team to keep on your side at the moment and should be too strong for streaky West Brom (7/2, Draw 13/5) at Goodison Park.

Roy Hodgson’s side have picked up one point from their last three matches, and should have been beaten by Wigan in the match where they got a draw.

They appear to fare better against the physical teams, particularly away from home – having won at Stoke, Blackburn and Wolves since December – but are liable to lose to the craftier sides.

Everton have demonstrated they fall into this bracket and should pick up three points – and another clean sheet.

The Toffees have tightened up defensively, conceding only two goals in their last six home matches and now boasting the fourth best goals against record in the Premier League.

However, with Leighton Baines (16/1 First Goalscorer) standing proudly as their top goalscorer, they are still far from prolific.

Nikica Jelavic (5/4 Anytime) is showing signs of taking on the scoring mantle and may be worth a bet to be the Last Goalscorer – rather than the first – in case he does not start (9/2).

Chelsea (5/6) got back to winning ways against Benfica in midweek and normally they would have too much for Aston Villa (7/2, Draw 13/5).

But Saturday’s match could easily lack the intensity of a Champions League clash for them and, with changes due, it may be that a draw is the most likely result.

Villa would probably settle for a draw and, judging by the Blues’ inability to find the net at home to Spurs last week, 0-0 (15/2 in Correct Score) might be the order of the day again.

Queens Park Rangers (7/2) could make it tough for Arsenal (5/6), but the Gunners’ form continues to impress and they should overcome the Hoops with a glut of goals in the second half (Evens – 2nd Half in Half Most Goals).

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Chelsea and City to prosper

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Matters at the top of the Premier League are under the microscope in Saturday’s two live games.

The lunchtime kick-off sees Chelsea and Tottenham square off in a battle for the Champions League places, while Manchester City will hope to return to the top of the table with a win at Stoke City in the evening game.

Chelsea v Tottenham

There will be more than just local pride to play for in this London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Fifth-placed Chelsea will be looking to pile the misery on out-of-form Tottenham and close the gap between the two clubs to just two points.

The Blues have enjoyed a resurgence in form under caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo, winning four games on the bounce before succumbing to Samir Nasri’s late goal against Manchester City in midweek.

Tottenham meanwhile are suffering an alarming dip in form. After being considered as an outside bet for the title a few weeks ago, the White Hart Lane club won just two of their last nine Premier League games and have taken just one point from the last 12 available to place their spot in the top four at real risk.

Some suspect that speculation linking Harry Redknapp with the England job has had a negative effect on the team’s results, something Redknapp vehemently denies.

The statistics are also heavily against Spurs as they head to west London. For starters they have not won there since 1990, with Chelsea winning 16 of their last 24 matches against Spurs at Stamford Bridge in all competitions.

Boss Redknapp has lost his last eight visits to the Bridge as a Premier League boss, with the also Blues losing just one of their last eight home league games.

It is unsurprising then that I recommend you consider the Chelsea win, currently priced at 10/11.

With Tottenham fashioning just six shots on target across their past four games at the Bridge a Chelsea win to nil is also my tip, with a 2-0 win my prediction priced at 15/2.

Stoke v Manchester City

Manchester City’s dramatic victory over in-form Chelsea on Wednesday appeared to give them fresh impetus in a title race that looked to be slipping from their grasp.

But can they carry on where they left off at the Etihad and return to the summit with a win at Stoke?

With bitter rivals Manchester United – still 8/15 favourites to win the Premier League – not playing until Monday, Roberto Mancini’s men have the chance to strike a psychological blow in an increasingly frantic title race by leapfrogging the Red Devils in the table with a win on Saturday teatime.

However, a trip to the Britannia Stadium to face rough and ready Stoke means a return to the top is far from a foregone conclusion – even if Totesport has a Stoke win priced at a generous 5/1.

A trip to face the Potters is regularly seen as the litmus test of a side’s true talents – ‘the can-they-do-it-on-a-wet-Tuesday-at-the-Britannia’ theory.

If they are to pick up the points on Saturday though City will need to rapidly improve their away form. Mancini’s men have won just twice in the league away from Eastlands since November, losing key games at Sunderland, Everton and Swansea since the turn of the year.

So why the long odds on a Stoke victory?

Well, the Potters, despite always being a tough side to play on their own turf, have been dogged with inconsistencies of their own as boss Tony Pulis struggles to cope with the extra demands of European football.

Defeat in the Europa League last month at the hands of Spanish giants Valencia formed part of an alarming run of six defeats from eight games that saw the club spin towards the bottom half of the table.

Successive home wins over Norwich and Swansea steadied the ship but defeats at Chelsea and Liverpool – the latter in the FA Cup quarter-final – put Stoke on the back foot once more.

A battling point away at Tottenham on Wednesday highlighted the spirit found within the squad at the Britannia, but the truth is their erratic results mean it is hard to count on the Potters when they take to the field on Saturday evening.

Many feel the Chelsea result was a seminal moment on the title race – with Totesport cutting City’s odds of Premier League glory to 6/4 on the back of the victory.

But it was not just in the manner of the win that could prove significant, the introduction of the once wantaway Carlos Tevez could also be the ace card that swings the title race back in City’s favour.

The Argentine made his first appearance since September on Wednesday and immediately made his presence felt with a lovely lay-off for Nasri’s winner. Despite being likely to start from the bench again on Saturday, his odds of 9/2 to score first – or last – are well worth considering.

City’s nerves are beginning to show, so I don’t expect this to be the expansive, goal-laden outfit that we saw throughout the autumn, but they also know that these are the games they simply have to win if they are to finish the year top dogs.

To that end I expect it to be tight and tense, with the draw HT/Manchester City FT worth backing at 3/1.

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City to get back on track

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There are four games taking place in the Premier League on Wednesday night with the focus largely on the top end of the table and the race for a top-four finish, although QPR are desperate for points for quite different reasons.

Manchester City v Chelsea 7:45pm

Roberto Mancini’s men appear to have faltered a little of late and have surrendered their advantage at the top of the table to currently trail arch-rivals Manchester United by four points  – and are now available at 7/4 to win the title.

Chelsea have had their own troubles this season but have seemingly turned the corner now that Roberto Di Matteo has replaced Andre Villas-Boas in the hotseat, and have won four matches on the bounce.

However, recent results should not fool anybody into believing that Chelsea are the dominant force in this fixture – and it is reflected in the betting with City priced as 10/11 favourites, with Chelsea on offer at 3/1 and the draw at 13/5.

Di Matteo’s had success – granted – but two games were against lower league opposition, the 1-0 win over Stoke was secured against 10 men and the 4-1 victory over Napoli (after extra-time)  came about because the Italian side tried to protect a 3-1 first-leg advantage, and simply could not defend crosses.

City have been dominant at home (14 wins out of 14, 42 goals scored, six conceded) and will be no soft touch with balls into their box. They also have one of the best keepers around and goal threats all over the pitch.

Vincent Kompany is a major doubt while John Terry is definitely missing for the visitors so this is certainly looking like a match with plenty of goals (5/6 – Over 2.5 Goals), as has usually been the case in matches between the top five this season.

Spurs v Stoke 7:45pm

Tottenham’s title chances appear to have been scuppered by three successive defeats in the Premier League but they cannot afford to relax from here on in, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle harbouring hopes of a top-four finish.

Harry Redknapp’s side have been perhaps unfortunate in the last two league defeats – to Manchester United and Everton – and do have a tremendous record at White Hart Lane, suffering just two defeats.

Stoke have been poor on the road, particularly of late having not won away in the league since January 2 when beating Blackburn 2-0, while they have only scored nine goals away from the Britannia Stadium.

It is surprise to see Spurs priced as 2/5 favourites in the match betting with the draw on offer at 7/2 and the Potters at 8/1, still not quite big enough, but Tony Pulis’ side are a resilient bunch and can make life tough (10/3 Draw/Tottenham – Half-time/Full-time).

Everton v Arsenal 8pm

Everton have hit some decent form of late, having lost one of their last 11 matches, but welcome another hot side in Arsenal, who are chasing down third-placed Spurs following three successive Premier League wins.

The Toffees have hardly made Goodison Park a fortress this season with a record of six wins, five losses and three draws, but have recently turned over Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs.

David Moyes’ men are available at 21/10 in the match betting, while punters may also see value in the 11/8 offered about the Gunners, while the draw is priced at 9/4.

Everton are a funny bunch after suffering a recent 3-0 nightmare in the Merseyside derby before failing to make home advantage count in the FA Cup against Sunderland last weekend.

However, the Gunners have generally saved their better form for the Emirates and after already losing six times on the road this season, it could pay to take a chance on Everton.

QPR v Liverpool 8pm

Rangers have been in freefall for some time, having not won for two months when they beat Wigan 3-1, and now find themselves in the relegation zone, albeit just one point behind Bolton.

The Rs face a tricky run to the end of the season as they have to play all of the current top five in their last nine games, so there is little opportunity to pick and choose the matches to target.

Liverpool will be arriving at Loftus Road in good heart having won the Merseyside derby as well as booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, although they have only taken eight points from the last nine games in the Premier League.

Kenny Dalglish’s men are strong favourites at 4/5 in the match betting to improve those statistics, with the draw on offer at 13/5, but it could be worth taking the 7/2 about the Rs to beat Liverpool – following the abject performance on the Reds’ last trip away from Anfield, a 1-0 loss at Sunderland.

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