Tag Archives: City

City set to open gap

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There are three matches on Sunday with the focus largely on the Premier League title race with Manchester City and Manchester United in action, although basement side Wigan also have points to play for. City currently hold a two-point advantage over United going into the weekend’s fixtures and remain odds on at 8/11 with the defending champions available at 11/10 – and any points dropped now could have a huge bearing on where the trophy ends up.

Swansea City v Man City 2pm

Roberto Mancini has suffered a big blow with captain Vincent Kompany ruled out with a calf injury picked up in the 1-0 defeat at Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League, and Pablo Zabaleta also misses the trip to the Liberty Stadium while there are doubts over defensive duo Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott.

Not an ideal situation to be heading to South Wales where the Swans have been beaten just twice this season but City do have strength in their squad to cover for such eventualities.

City’s hopes of keeping a fifth clean sheet on the bounce have been hit on the face of it, but Swansea have struggled to score for large parts of the season, having failed to score in 11 of their 27 games.

Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham could cause one or two problems but Nathan Dyer’s absence is key for the Swans, who suffered a 4-0 mauling at the Etihad Stadium on the opening day of the season.

Going forward, City have a wealth of options and there is no reason why the leaders cannot capitalise on that strength to get the three points (Swansea 5/1, Draw 11/4, City 8/13 Match Betting).

Man United v West Brom 2pm

The champions have never lost to West Brom in the Premier League and have won six of their last seven Premier League games but there looks to be value in opposing United in the match betting (Man Utd 2/7, Draw 9/2, WBA 11/1 Match Betting).

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men go into the game on the back of a 3-2 reverse at Old Trafford in the Europa League – a scoreline which flattered the home side – and West Brom have hit form of late.

The Baggies have smashed both Wolves and a Martin O’Neill rejuvenated Sunderland as well as ending the reign of Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea to climb up to 10th place in the table.

Roy Hodgson’s men also have a better record on their travels than they do at the Hawthorns, and proved they can match United by coming from 2-0 down at Old Trafford last season to snatch a point.

United are second in the table and do have quality in their ranks but it has often misfired this season and Albion at 11/1 look worthy of consideration.

At the very least, they can get amongst the goals so backing over 2.5 goals at 8/15 or Albion with a goal start at 13/5 should not be overlooked.

Norwich v Wigan 4pm

Wigan are in desperate need of the points to boost their bid for survival and perhaps stave off a growing anxiety in the ranks – with chairman Dave Whelan having a pop at his players following last weekend’s defeat to Swansea.

Norwich have enjoyed their return to the top-flight and comfortably sit in mid-table with a 13-point cushion over the relegation zone.

The Canaries do not seemingly have any pressure on them going into the game, other than the weight of expectation as they are the 5/6 favourites in the match betting, with Latics available at 10/3 and the draw at 13/5.

Roberto Martinez can seemingly count on the support of his boss but that may well come into question if the club continues to struggle – and it is difficult seeing that changing on Sunday.

Wigan have mustered just four wins all season and have now gone 12 matches without a victory, while goals continue to be a problem, having scored a mere 23 to date.

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City set to turn screw

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On a busy Saturday of Premier League fixtures, Manchester City look well set to extend their lead at the top of the table while it looks grim for those sides at the bottom.

Chelsea v Bolton

It has been a difficult week for Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas. A disappointing FA Cup draw at home to Birmingham was followed up by a convincing 3-1 defeat by Napoli in the Champions League.

To make things worse the Portuguese is also rumoured to be battling a dressing room revolt. A win at all costs is need against Owne Coyle’s Wanderers.

AVB may gain some solace from the fact Chelsea have not lost to Bolton since 2003 and the Trotters go into the game on the back of consecutive defeats to Wigan and Norwich.

Four of Wanderers’ six wins have been away from home this season but Chelsea will have too much for them at the Bridge, even with their own wretched form.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Bolton @ 7/1

Newcastle v Wolves

What a disastrous fortnight it has been for Wolves. A humiliating 5-1 home defeat to bitter rivals West Brom led to the dismissal of Mick McCarthy. But a string of managers have turned down the chance to take the job, meaning assistant boss Terry Connor has been put in charge until the end of the season.

A run of 14 points from 22 games leaves them third from bottom in the table and they face a Newcastle side who have lost just twice at home all season. They also welcome back key duo Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye.

With Chelsea and Arsenal struggling for form the Magpies are eyeing an unlikely spot in the top four so don’t look beyond them in this encounter.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Wolves @ 6/1

QPR v Fulham

After bringing in six new players in the January transfer window new QPR manager Mark Hughes was hoping for an immediate response from his struggling side. However, consecutive defeats to fellow strugglers Wolves and Blackburn means they have now won just once in 13 games and only sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

He will no doubt receive a frosty welcome from the Fulham fans after he walked out on the club after just 11 months in the job last summer. With five of their last eight matches against the current top six Hughes knows his side have to get a result from this game if they are to stand a chance of staying up.

Martin Jol’s Fulham have the worst away record in the division, meaning this is the time for the Hoops to grab a vital victory.

Prediction QPR 2-1 Fulham @ 17/2

West Brom v Sunderland

West Brom fans have been on cloud nine for the past fortnight after their 5-1 thrashing of Wolves at Molineux. Now they will be hoping they can transfer that form to the Hawthorns, where they have lost the last three and notched just eight goals all campaign.

They host a Sunderland side who are equally confident. Martin O’Neill has had the Midas touch at the Stadium Of Light, inspiring them to pick up 16 points from their last eight Premier League games to shoot up into the top 10.

O’Neill will be keen for his side to maintain that momentum, especially with an FA Cup quarter-final on the horizon, sothe Black Cats could claw the Baggies back down to earth with a bump.

Prediction: West Brom 1-2 Sunderland @ 10/1

Wigan v Aston Villa

Despite being favourites for relegation and propping up the rest of the division, Roberto Martinez’s Wigan are showing tremendous spirit to keep their survival hopes alive. Four defeats in a row in January looked to have condemned the Latics to the Championship, but a home draw with Everton and a vital win at Bolton means they are just two points from safety.

They will be eyeing another win against an Aston Villa side that are in danger of being sucked into the relegation dogfight. They may be seven points clear of the bottom five but with games against Wigan and 17th-placed Blackburn to come their run-in may suddenly become more uncomfortable.

However, they have lost just once in six away from home while Wigan are winless at the DW since August, meaning there could be a welcome victory for Alex McLeish’s men.

Prediction: Wigan 1-2 Aston Villa @ 10/1

Man City v Blackburn

Even the most optimistic of Blackburn fans are doubting their side’s chances against Manchester City on Saturday evening. Roberto Mancini’s table-toppers are unbeaten in 22 matches at the Etihad and are the only club in Europe’s six major leagues to still have a 100% home league record.

However, people were making similarly gloomy predictions when Steve Kean’s men went to Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve. But their shock 3-2 win over the champions gave them real hope in the battle against the drop.

That said, with the return of Yaya Toure bolstering City’s midfield and the tantalising prospect of going five points clear of United in front of them, there will be no result other than a home win.

Prediction: Man City 3-0 Blackburn @ 6/1

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City set sights on top spot

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There are two Premier League games on Sunday and all the action takes place in the West Midlands, comprising a derby that has implications at the bottom of the table and Manchester City looking to reclaim their place at the top of the table.

Wolves v West Brom
The 146th Black Country derby takes place at Molineux, with Roy Hodgson’s West Brom looking to hold onto the bragging rights after winning the clash at The Hawthorns in October.

The Baggies fans will travel the short distance glad they are away from home as, despite the fact they have won only three games in 12, some 18 of their 26 points earned this season have been on the road.

For Mick McCarthy this game will all be about restoring confidence. Their come-from-behind win at QPR last week ended a run of nine games without a win and they need to follow that up with another three points to drag themselves away from trouble. (Wolves 6/4, draw 9/4, West Brom 2/1)

Kevin Doyle (11/2 First Goalscorer) returned with an assist and the winning goal at QPR last weekend and McCarthy must decide whether the Irishman gets in ahead of Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

The addition of Sebastien Bassong is hoped to shore up a defence that has conceded in each of their last 21 matches, but Karl Henry, Michael Kightly, Kevin Foley, Jamie O’Hara and Dave Edwards are all set to miss out.

West Brom have a dangerous Irish striker of their own in the shape of Shane Long (13/2 First Goalscorer) and he is set to be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness after troubles with chest and back pain. Hodgson could also give Keith Andrews and Liam Ridgewell their debuts.

Both these sides need points, but McCarthy should have Wolves highly motivated and that could be key in bringing the Black Country bragging rights back to Molineux.

But more importantly, it would add points and confidence to the Wolves cause and those two things have been of short supply in recent months.

Aston Villa v Man City
City saw their arch-rivals Manchester United leapfrog them to the summit of the Premier League thanks to their Saturday lunchtime win over Liverpool.

The predicted procession to glory by City has halted and now they are looking susceptible and it is only two wins from their last nine games away from home.

It is also a struggling time for Alex McLeish and there seems to be a section of the Villa support that never did, and never will, accept the Scot at the club.

The fact Villa have not won in their last six home games does not help McLeish enamour himself to the fans, but they boast a dangerous attack that could trouble the City back four. (Villa 4/1, draw 11/4, City 8/11)

James Collins, Marc Albrighton and Gabby Agbonlahor are expected to miss the game but Villa’s spine of Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Stiliyan Petrov are present and Darren Bent (13/2 First Goalscorer) and Robbie Keane will pose a real threat.

City should be boosted by the return of Vincent Kompany – after he missed last weekend’s game with a knee issue, but Yaya and Kolo Toure and Mario Balotelli remain absent.

Roberto Mancini’s side have looked more susceptible in recent weeks, but there is no doubting their strength and it should be that overall quality that means they have too much for McLeish’s workmanlike Villa. (6/1 City 2-0 victory)

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City set to break Anfield spell

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Attention turns to the all-Premier League Carling Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday as Liverpool look to maintain their slender advantage over big-spending Manchester City, with the two sides having endured mixed fortunes of late.

The Reds of course secured a 1-0 lead through Steven Gerrard’s penalty in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium two weeks ago, which inflicted a second successive home defeat on Roberto Mancini’s men following their FA Cup loss to Manchester United.

The result was perhaps particularly surprising as the Citizens had cruised to a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League fixture just before those two Cup shocks.

Mancini’s squad though has recovered and will be going into Wednesday’s fixture after edging to a nervy 1-0 win at Wigan before an injury-time penalty sealed three points against Spurs to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

The way the season has gone, there will be those who believe 13/8 on the country’s big spenders to win away is too big to ignore as they have demonstrated their capabilities on the road this season, winning 5-1 at Spurs and 6-1 at Manchester United.

However, those results were some time ago and City have been beaten at Sunderland as well as being held at West Brom recently, failing to score in both. Furthermore, they are travelling to a venue where they have a particularly poor record.

It has been nine years since City last won at Anfield and although there has been a financial revolution in the blue half of Manchester since then, Mancini’s star-studded line-up was held 1-1 there earlier this season and were trounced 3-0 last term.

Backing Liverpool at 13/8 is certainly taking a chance though, given the Reds’ abject performance at Bolton at the weekend. This led to boss Kenny Dalglish publicly criticising his players – some of which, of course, he brought to the club following his return to the hot seat.

It has to be expected that – whoever is selected – the Reds will not play as badly again but as they do not have to score to book a Wembley appearance, Dalglish may look to be solid at the back first, given the ease with which Bolton were able to score three goals on Saturday (draw 23/10 in the match betting).

There are some key absentees from both sides in this fixture as well, with the Toure brothers missing for City along with captain Vincent Kompany, who serves the last game of his four-match ban.

It has yet to be confirmed whether the Eastlands outfit will contest the FA charge Sunday’s match-winner is facing, although it is debatable whether Mario Balotelli would have displaced either Edin Dzeko or Sergio Aguero (6/1 First/Last Goalscorer) in the starting XI anyway.

Luis Suarez remains unavailable for Liverpool but it says a great deal about Andy Carroll’s lack of form that Reds fans are pining for the Uruguayan’s return as the former Newcastle man has mustered just four goals in all competitions this season.

Liverpool have made Anfield something of a fortress under their new manager as he has tasted defeat just once in 23 games at home, although an unbeaten league record on Merseyside this season masks the fact they have drawn seven of their 11 games.

It is difficult to see a host of goals in this one, despite Stefan Savic’s nervy attempts to fill the void left by Kompany, but City at least look like they can score goals – and they need to. Therefore, they are fancied to sneak through.

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Wolves to give City the Blues

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Bet on the FA CupFollowing their goalless draw at St Andrew’s in their first FA Cup encounter earlier this month, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City are set to do battle once again in the replay clash at Molineux on Wednesday night (Wolves 21/20, draw 12/5, Birmingham 13/5 – Match Betting).

It was a dreary match between the two West Midlands rivals on January 7, with very little action taking place until the dying moments when Wolves’ Matt Jarvis nearly clinched it for the Premier League outfit.

However, Blues keeper Colin Doyle was equal to the effort and both sides will now need another 90 minutes and maybe more to decide who will make the trip to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round.

With Wolves in the midst of a Premier League relegation dogfight and Birmingham looking to use their games in hand to climb into the Championship play-off places, neither side would have wanted a replay in the cup.

But with this derby on the horizon both will be determined to get one over on their neighbours and it should be an open game at Molineux with both squads boasting attacking threats.

The Blues head into the game on the back of a 6-0 mauling of Millwall in Championship last weekend, with Marlon King (15/2 – First Goalscorer) bagging himself a brace against the Lions, who saw two men sent off.

King will be a threat for the Wolves defence alongside fellow striker Nikola Zigic but one man who has really caught the eye this season is the promising youngster Nathan Redmond.

The 17-year-old winger has been linked with a move to the English top flight, with a number of Premier League teams reportedly keeping tabs on the talented teenager.

Blues boss Chris Hughton has insisted the club are not interested in selling Redmond (9/2 -  To Score Anytime) in the January transfer window and why would they, considering his threat down the flanks and in front of goal?

Redmond bagged his second ever league goal in stoppage time against Millwall and would love to get on the score sheet against Wolves on Wednesday night to try to force his way in the starting XI in the future.

As for Wolves their priority will be to remain in the Premier League for next season but a win over their rivals this week would give fans something to cheer.

Steven Fletcher (4/1 – First Goalscorer) has been their main goalscoring threat this term with nine goals to his name in the Premier League.

Manager Mick McCarthy has relied on the Scotland international and he will cause the Blues problems if the Wolves boss decides to give him a run out, with another derby against Aston Villa taking place this weekend.

With Wolves showing great character in their 1-1 draw with high-flying Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, there seems to be a real spirit in the camp at Molineux.

Home advantage and that extra bit of quality in their ranks should give Wolves the edge in this one, but expect a far more open game than the drab affair at St Andrew’s.

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City to shine at DW

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After another exciting weekend of Premier League action, Monday sees what could be a crucial match at both ends of the Premier League table as title chasers Manchester City travel to the DW Stadium to face relegation candidates Wigan (Wigan 8/1, draw 7/2, Man City 2/5).

Both teams are in the midst of some patchy form and a win on Monday could go some way to help either side achieve their respective goals for the season.

After a solid run before Christmas, the Latics have struggled in the last few games and have lost three of their last five. Despite their form, coach Roberto Martinez is staying positive and believes they will once again stave off relegation.

It is likely that they will persevere with the 3-5-2 formation that they’ve been using recently, meaning they could dominate the City midfielders.

Key to this will be the performance of young Irish midfielder James McCarthy (11/2 to score at any time) who is one of the Lancashire side’s true quality players.

McCarthy has had a torrid time with injuries during his short career but he always performs when fit and will be looking to impress against the Citizens.

A number of top teams have tried to prise him away from the D.W. Stadium and the former Hamilton Academical player will be hoping to prove he can compete with the league’s best.

City are in a similarly poor run of form and with the talismanic Yaya Toure away at the African Cup of Nations as well as captain Vincent Kompany suspended, they’re beginning to look vulnerable.  However, the Eastlands side are still top of the table and will look at the game at Wigan as the perfect opportunity to get back on track.

Boss Roberto Mancini has almost unlimited quality in his squad and is always able to field a world-class team. In the absence of Toure, Dutchman Nigel de Jong (10/1 to score at any time) has regained his place in the side and will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Monday’s match.

Kompany’s absence means the inexperienced Stefan Savic is likely to start and after a shaky performance in the Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool, he could be struggling for confidence. This means it will be De Jong’s job to protect the City goal so expect a big game from the former Ajax man as he looks to prove he’s good enough for a starting spot.

De Jong’s influence could be vital due to City’s recent poor defensive performances but despite these frailties, they will be confident of winning the match. However, Wigan always try to attack so it should be an exciting game and there are sure to be goals (City 25/1 to win 3-2).

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United out to derail City

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The FA Cup continues on Sunday with the tie of the round as Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium for the huge clash with Manchester United. The day’s other fixtures throws up some tasty matches, with a repeat of the 2010 final and a tough test for Martin O’Neill’s revival of Sunderland.

Manchester City v Manchester United 1pm

For the first time in a very long time City will head into a Manchester derby as favourites off the back of a fantastic 2011. Totesport price Roberto Mancini’s men at 11/10 to dump United out of the FA Cup for the second year running after turning them over 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season. City also grabbed the headlines when the two teams met at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals, Mancini’s men winning 1-0 on their way to ultimate glory.

The Etihad faithful will be eagerly anticipating Sunday’s match given the recent history between the two teams, and the club’s respective form. United are looking to avoid a third straight defeat in all competitions after a disastrous New Year period where they were beaten by Blackburn and Newcastle. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were abject in defeat at St James’ Park and alarm bells will be ringing inside Fergie’s head going into this clash.

While Mancini’s men were defeated by Sunderland on New Year’s Day they did recover to beat Liverpool 3-0. The Italian claims he is struggling for players for this clash which is surely a bit of kidology given all of United’s injury problems at the moment. One player who will be a big miss for City is Yaya Toure and without him they will lack the driving force which has carried them through a few games this season. As such sitting on the fence might be a smart option here, with the draw priced at 12/5.

Chelsea v Portsmouth 3pm

The last time these two clubs met was in the final of the FA Cup in 2010, Chelsea edging out Portsmouth to complete the double that year. In the time that has passed since that encounter Pompey nearly went out of business and are currently at the wrong end of the Championship table, while Chelsea are struggling to stay in the top four in the Premier League. The Blues have struggled under Andre Villas-Boas this season, with a lack of goals and defensive slip ups hampering Chelsea’s season.

Portsmouth will look at Chelsea’s form this season, especially their results at home, and think they are in with a chance. Pompey boss Michael Appleton has talked up the importance of this game but knows his main focus has to be keeping the south cost club up this season. The Championship outfit have only lost only one of the last 7 but Chelsea should have too much for them. Chelsea to win 3-1 is priced at 10/1 and two or more goals by half-time at 11/10 might also be a sound investment.

Peterborough v Sunderland 3:30pm

When the draw was made this game was picked for television coverage because Sunderland were sliding towards the bottom three under Steve Bruce and it seemed an upset would be on the cards. Since then Martin O’Neill has come to the Stadium of Light and turned things around, helping the Black Cats pick up 13 points from a possible 18. O’Neill says he is looking forward to a distraction from the league in the form of Sunday’s cup contest but admits he might be forced to make changes.

Sunderland have a crippling injury crisis and there may be a few unknown faces in their starting eleven at London Road. Whoever plays for the Wearsiders they shouldn’t underestimate a Peterborough side who appear to be on the up.

Darren Ferguson’s men were desperately unlucky not to beat Birmingham City last time out and have some good players in their team in Ryan Tunncliffe, Tommy Rowe and George Boyd. The Posh are 11/4 to beat Sunderland, a price which might tempt many to back the underdogs. However, while Peterborough have enough to match Sunderland you get the impression the way the Black Cats are going a draw, at 12/5, is the best they can hope for. Sunderland at even money looks to be your best bet.

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Bristol City to tame Lions

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Derek McInnes has worked wonders since taking over at Ashton Gate and he will be looking for all three points on offer when his Bristol City side take on Millwall in the Championship on Tuesday (Bristol City 5/4, draw 12/5, Millwall 21/10 – match prices).

The Robins will still be on a high after they beat high flying Southampton last week at St Mary’s, to end the Championship leaders’ 25-match unbeaten run at home.

After the first weeks of the season it looked like Bristol City could be playing in the third tier of English football at the end of the 2012, however the club start this year with plenty of optimism in terms of performances on the field.

There are concerns with financial issues at Ashton Gate but they may be eased with the likely sale of Nicky Maynard in the current transfer window, as the striker’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

For now the 25-year-old is still a Bristol City player and once again he will be a major threat to the Millwall defence, as he hopes to add to his seven goals in the Championship this term and could be a good bet for first goalscorer at 11/2.

Bristol will be without their skipper Liam Fontaine, so Louis Carey is set to continue in the heart of the Robins defence, while Stephan Pearson is to play his last game for the club before his current loan deal comes to an end and he returns to Derby County.

The victory over Southampton was the perfect response to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of struggling Coventry City, and McInnes men will be confident as they get set to host a Lions side who have struggled to continue the momentum from last season.

Having earned promotion from League One, the London outfit adapted quickly to life back in the second tier of English football last term.

However, it has been an inconsistent start to the season and manager Kenny Jackett and his men find themselves battling at the bottom end of the Championship table, just two points above their opponents on Tuesday.

Millwall go into this game on the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace in the south London derby on Saturday.

The men from the New Den are struggling for goals this season but that was not the case at this points last year.

Jackett’s side ran out 3-0 victors on their last visit to Ashton Gate but that was last season when the ferocious Lions were battling for every point, as they enjoyed their first campaign back in the Championship.

Under McInnes, Bristol City are a different beast and they should just edge this one at home, as they look to pull further away from the relegation zone (Bristol 5/2 to win at half-time and full-time).

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City to suffer New Year blues

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After a busy Bank Holiday in the Premier League, there is no let up in the action as six teams do battle in matches on Tuesday that affect both ends of the table (totesport – Premier League).

Manchester City v Liverpool 8pm

As normal folk get back to the humdrum of regular life after the festive period, City fans may be more donwhearted than most after seeing their club’s star wane a little following a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland – in a game which they should not have lost.

Roberto Mancini’s men remain 8/11 favourites to land their first Premier League title despite suffering their second Premier League defeat of the season but they will be hugely disappointed after failing to capitalise on three of their rivals all failing to win over the weekend.

Both those recent defeats have come away from home and the Blues will be back on home territory for what is a massive clash against Liverpool, and they boast a 100 percent record at the Etihad Stadium having banged in 28 goals and conceding just four in nine games there.

That record and their early season form is reflected in the match betting as they are installed as 4/5 favourites, with the draw available at 13/5 and Liverpool at 7/2.

City though have a poor record against the Reds and a 3-0 victory in this fixture last year is their only success in 13 games, while the goals have suddenly dried up for the previously free-scoring league leaders – failing to score in their last two against West Brom and Sunderland.

Liverpool go into the fixture on the back of a confidence-boosting 3-1 win over Newcastle at Anfield on Friday in which talisman Steven Gerrard enjoyed a cameo that was enough to win the man of the match award.

The England midfielder marked only his second appearance since his return with the third goal and has to be worth a look in the goalscoring markets (10/1 First/Last Goalscorer, 11/4 Anytime), particularly having struck winners three times against City.

Luis Suarez is also available again after missing the win over Newcastle due to suspension and, with a good defensive record this season, it would be no surprise to see Liverpool – who held City to a 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier this season – become the first team to take something away from Eastlands.

Tottenham v West Brom 7.45pm

Spurs go into this match looking to make amends for a disappointing showing on Saturday at Swansea in a 1-1 draw, which failed to take advantage of the top two both losing over the weekend.

Harry Redknapp’s men are back on home territory where they have lost only once this season (5-1 to City) and are unsurprisingly 2/5 favourites to secure their seventh win at White Hart Lane, with the draw at 7/2 and West Brom at 15/2.

Scott Parker will be big miss though after he suffered a knee injury against the Swans to join Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King and Aaron Lennon on the sidelines, although the Baggies have injury problems of their own with Chris Brunt and Jonas Olsson set to miss the clash.

West Brom have been better on the road this season, picking up four wins away from the Hawthorns, but goals have been a problem and Spurs should have enough firepower to land the spoils.

Wigan v Sunderland 7.45pm

Wigan have picked up some impressive results of late, holding Chelsea and Liverpool to draws as well as coming from behind to take a share of the spoils against Stoke, despite being reduced to 10 men at the Britannia Stadium.

However, they still remain in the bottom three and take on a resurgent Sunderland side who appear to have turned a corner under the stewardship of Martin O’Neill, and have now pulled six points clear of the drop zone.

Recent form appears to have made this one tough to call with Latics on offer at 7/4, the draw at 9/4 and the Black Cats marginal favourites at 13/8.

Sunday’s shock win over City should instil the belief in Sunderland though that they can rise up the table and are fancied to take the points against a team which has just one home victory to its name.

O’Neill has shown the magic touch since his arrival, picking up three wins and a draw from five matches in charge – and he can improve that record against Wigan on Tuesday.

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City set for latest challenge

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Manchester City face their next big test in the Premier League campaign this season when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Monday evening to take on Chelsea.

These two sides had different fortunes last week in the Champions League, despite both teams picking up big wins against established European clubs. It was Andre Villas-Boas’ side who made it through to the last 16 of the competition, with Roberto Mancini having to settle for a place in the Europa League.

City are two points clear at the top of the Premier League but do have a game in hand over rivals Manchester United in second place. They would be delighted to come away from London with a point to extend the gap back to three points following a tricky round of fixtures on their part. The draw is priced up at 12/5 and looks the most likely outcome.

Chelsea have found a bit of form recently with wins over Valencia and Newcastle but, with respect to both of those sides, they don’t possess the quality and threat that City will bring on Monday evening.  They will though be buoyed by their recent success and it could finally ignite their season.

Monday’s game is another chance for Villas-Boas to prove that Chelsea are still in the hunt for the Premier League title and that they are capable of matching City on the field, despite not being able to compete with the Manchester club in the transfer market anymore.

Didier Drogba showed his importance to the Blues on Tuesday evening when he scored twice against the Spanish opposition to help his side into the last 16 of the Champions League. The 33-year old reminded Chelsea fans that he still has a big part to play in the future of the club despite the exit looming for his former strike partner Nicolas Anelka. Take the Ivorian to score the first goal in the game at 9/2.

Mancini’s men have already travelled to Old Trafford, Anfield and White Hart Lane in the league this season, so this is one of the few remaining difficult away visits that they will have to deal with. If they keep their unbeaten record intact it would be a big point as they look to win their first Premier League title.

The visitors have scored 24 goals on the road this season in just five Premier League fixtures. Mancini has neglected the more cautious approach he adopted last year and is quite happy for his stars to play attacking and expansive football home and away. If he continues to use these tactics at Stamford Bridge it should be make for an exciting and open game. The 14/1 on a 2-2 draw looks a really tasty proposition.

Although City can’t win the Premier League title with a win at Stamford Bridge, a defeat for Chelsea could end their slim hopes of winning the league this season. The Blues will be 13 points behind the leaders following defeat on Monday evening.

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