Tag Archives: City

Bayern can scupper City hopes

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Both Manchester clubs go into their final Champions League group games on Wednesday still unsure whether they will make the knockout stages. United are in the stronger position, with City’s fate out of their own hands and facing a tough looking clash against Bayern Munich (totesport – Champions League).

Manchester City v Bayern Munich

Many expected big-spending City (9/4 To Qualify) to take the Champions League by storm this season, but it’s not happened so far and they are on the brink of a group-stage exit. Roberto Mancini’s men need to win on Wednesday and hope that Napoli suffer defeat at Villarreal.

The Premier League leaders have won just two of their five group games to date and suffered a comprehensive defeat in Munich back in September. Their form in Europe has been unrecognisable to their unbeaten run domestically and the pressure and quality of opponents will cause them more problems this week (Match Betting – City 8/13, draw 3/1, Bayern 9/2).

Bayern look like the real deal this season, a side that could make it to at least the last-four of the competition. The German giants are the fourth top scores in the Champions League this term, with 11 goals in five matches, and are unbeaten in Group A.

The Bundesliga outfit, who have already qualified for the last 16, have been critical of the way City appear to be buying their way to success and the full strength squad selected for the Eastlands clash, suggests they won’t to kill off City’s chances.

The Blues hopes rest largely on Sergio Aguero (6/5 To Score At Anytime), whose pace can cause a Bayern defence lacking in pace, a few problems. But pace on the break from the visitors will have City wary and could ultimately prove the downfall of Mancini’s men.

Basle v Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men need just a point in Switzerland to make the knockout stages, but that sounds easier than it is likely to be for United (1/6 To Qualify). The Premier League champions have won just two of their five European ties this term – with both victories coming against Group C whipping boys Otelul Galati.

United have looked out of sorts in recent weeks and have struggled for goals, scoring just one goal in each of their last seven league games. They did score two against Benfica in their last group encounter, but also conceded two to take qualification down to the last game (Match Betting – Basle 5/1, draw 14/5, United 8/13).

With Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen all sidelined, and Danny Welbeck just returning from injury, a lot of pressure sits on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney (7/2 First Goalscorer). United though have shored up at the back since the return of Ferdinand and Vidic and their defensive strength is likely to see them through this stern test.

Basle, who claimed a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, have lost three of their last six Champions League home games and the experience of the visitors may prove too much for the home side, who need three points to qualify.

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Reds to make City life hard

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There are two Premier League games on Sunday but all eyes are sure to be in what looks like a mouth-watering clash at Anfield as Liverpool host leaders Manchester City, kick off at 4pm.

City have been more than impressive on the domestic front this season and are unsurprisingly installed as the favourites in the match betting, although punters can get 13/8 about the side that has won 6-1 at Manchester United and 5-1 at Tottenham.

The Blues have won 11 and drawn one of their opening 12 games to establish a five-point cushion at the top of the Premier League but history is against them in the big match on Sunday.

Liverpool have only lost once at Anfield in 22 games and 30 years against City and that came in 2003, while they coasted to a 3-0 win in this fixture last year.

City have strengthened since then but it was still a squad capable of finishing third in the table last time around, while the Reds have also spent big to improve the options available to boss Kenny Dalglish.

Although Liverpool boast an unbeaten home record in the league this term, they have drawn four of the six games, whilst finding the back of the net has also been a problem with just eight goals scored in front of their own fans.

The defence has been miserly though so the star-studded forward ranks of the leaders may not find it as easy – despite amassing 42 goals in the 12 games so far, and scoring at least three goals in their last six top-flight games.

Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have both hit double figures this term and need to be considered in the goalscoring markets, although Mario Balotelli (5/1 First/Last Goalscorer, 11/8 Anytime) could be the one to side with after scoring nine in his last 10 games.

It may pay to wait for team news on that front while Liverpool have plenty of options of their own so who starts up front is open to question – with the exception of Luis Suarez, although he has scored just four goals in the Premier League this term.

City’s is by far and away the best attack and their defence has not been too shabby either, but with the Reds’ defence in good form as well, this could turn out to be a tight one (Under 2.5 Goals 10/11, Over 2.5 Goals 4/5).

What may work in Liverpool’s favour though, not withstanding the recent record in the fixture, is the fact that City’s Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after the 2-1 defeat at Napoli in midweek and they may struggle to put those troubles behind them.

The Reds have also gone nine matches unbeaten, won 2-1 at Chelsea last week, have not lost in eight (W6 D2) against the Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea, while they have had a full week to prepare.

Swansea have made a promising start to their first season in the Premier League, not least because of their home form, and they have been installed as 5/4 favourites to pick up another three points against Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans have been beaten just once – by Manchester United – on home soil, winning three and drawing two, and have only let in two goals, the best home defensive record in the division.

Villa are yet to win away this season – their worst start since 2003 – and are available at 12/5 to make it a first on Sunday, with the draw on offer at 9/4.

There was no disgrace in losing at Tottenham last Monday but the manner of the defeat would have been a little worrying as they offered little threat, mustering just three shots in the 90 minutes.

In fairness to boss Alex McLeish, the Villans have been tough to beat on the road in the sense that they have drawn four of their six games and with a tough run of fixtures in December coming up, one should expect a response from the West Midlands  giants.

It is difficult to see this one being full of goals given the scoring record of the two sides so a draw could be the best way to go at 9/4.

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United to edge City thriller

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It has been described as the most eagerly anticipated Manchester derby for many years, with the top two in the Premier League going head-to-head with both sides undefeated so far in the league.

Regardless of the opposition, it is not often you get odds against on Manchester United at Old Trafford, so we are going to take advantage by going with the home side to prevail against their city rivals at 21/20.

United have been ruthless so far, scoring 25 goals in eight games. Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with the way his summer purchases have settled into the side. Phil Jones looks like he has over 500 league appearances under his belt, whilst goalkeeper David De Gea is getting better with every game and was excellent in United’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

There is no question that this will be the Reds’ biggest challenge of the season so far, but they are likely to respond to the big-game status, as they have done so often in the past. They are unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League home fixtures, with 19 victories coming in those games.

City have almost been as impressive. They do currently sit two points above their rivals at the top of the table and have scored 27 goals in their opening eight games.

Nobody can question that Roberto Mancini’s side are genuine title challengers this season, but their league charge may depend on their progression in Europe though.

The big difference between these two sides is the unity they have inside their camps.

Ferguson is a genius at creating a family at Manchester United, where every player plays for each other – if they don’t he is quick to show them the door.

However, on the other hand, Mancini has had problems dealing with morale amongst his squad this season. Carlos Tevez apparently refused to come off the bench against Bayern Munich last month, whilst both Edin Dzeko and Adam Johnson showed dissent recently after being substituted.

Usually in these types of fixtures it takes one star player to light up the game with a special piece of play, let’s not forget it was this fixture last season where Wayne Rooney scored the goal of the season with his spectacular overhead kick to win the match.

We are going with Rooney once again to score the opening goal of the game at 4/1. He was left out against Liverpool last week and will feel he has a point to prove on his return. The 25-year-old thrives on these kind of games and often saves his best form for the big fixtures.

It is unlikely that both sides will be able to keep clean sheets, considering the attacking quality that is on show in both line-ups.

Take Manchester United to edge the game by 2-1 at odds of 7/1 to lift them back to the top of the Premier League and inflict City’s first league defeat of the season.

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City to sink Yellow Submarines

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Manchester City have quickly realised the Champions League is a completely different world from the realms of domestic football and will now be going in search of their first win in Europe this season when they take on Villarreal on Tuesday (City 1/3, draw 4/1, Villarreal 9/1 – match prices).

As far as the Premier League campaign goes, things could not be going better for manager Roberto Mancini and his men, as they sit pretty on the top of the table ahead of rivals Manchester United.

However, it has been a rocky road on their campaign in the Champions League with a draw against Napoli and a lesson in big European nights by one of the best, Bayern Munich, in 2-0 defeat.

City have had time to take stock of the position in what is a tough group for their debut season in the competition, and convincing wins in the Premier League over Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa will not have done their confidence any harm.

What will have pleased Mancini will be the fact his side are scoring goals from all over the park, with six different players scoring in their last two outings in the top flight.

The recent performances of striker Mario Balotelli will also please the Italian tactician, as the former Inter Milan star has shown some glimpses of the form that made him a highly rated star at the San Siro.

All of City’s stars will have to be on top form if they are to get a result against Villarreal at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, as the Spanish outfit have plenty of European experience to draw from.

Former United striker Giuseppe Rossi (8/1 first goalscorer) remains their key attacking threat and he would love to get one over on his former rivals from his time at Old Trafford.

The Yellow Submarine have a number of gifted players dotted around their starting XI with the likes of Jonathan de Guzman, Nilmar and skipper Marcos Senna.

City will have to be wary of their creative talents if they want to secure all three points, but with the form the Blues are in at the moment, they have enough firepower to beat the La Liga outfit.

Meanwhile, local rivals United get set to face new Champions League opposition in the form of Romanian side Otelul Galati (Otelul Galati 14/1, draw 11/2, United 1/5 – match prices).

Last year’s finalists will have to do without the services of experienced defender Rio Ferdinand, who has been left out of the squad with Nemanja Vidic coming back into the side from a calf injury.

Out of favour striker Dimitar Berbatov (4/1 first goalscorer), who missed United’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool has travelled to Romania and could feature in Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting XI.

Otelul Galati only lost 1-0 to Benfica in their last outing in the Champions League and will be no pushovers, but United should have the quality to head back to Old Trafford with the three points.

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City and United turn to Europe

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If you are looking for two genuine Champions League contenders aside from Barcelona or Real Madrid then you don’t have to look much further than the city of Manchester this year. Both City and United have flown out of the traps in the Premier League and now they are about to show the rest of Europe what they are capable of.

Manchester City v Napoli

Four years after the Abu Dhabi United Group bought Manchester City they are finally dining with the big boys at Europe’s top table. Roberto Mancini managed to deal with the pressure put him on by the club’s mega-rich owners to secure Champions League football and is now looking to show what his star studded squad is capable of. If their Premier League form is anything to go by they should be more than a match for Napoli in a game they are 2/5 to win, with the Italians 8/1 and the draw 7/2.

Mancini’s summer editions have given City that extra bit of creativity they were lacking last season, with Samir Nasri and David Silva showing how deadly they can be together in their 5-1 rout of Tottenham. Up front they have added one of Europe’s deadliest strikers in Sergio Aguero, the Argentine having scored six goals in four appearances thus far. Mancini has an embarrassment of riches but these three look as though they will be key to City’s success in Europe.

Despite this being City’s maiden season in the Champions League you’d expect them to at least reach the knock out stages given the amount of experienced campaigners they have in their squad, with Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez having won the competition.

They have been drawn in a tough group, with Bayern Munich and Villarreal to come, but City start with, on paper, the easiest game they will have in Napoli at home. The Azzuri might have won at Cesena at the weekend but traditionally don’t travel well in Europe, managing one win in five Europa League matches last season. City should win this game, but they will have to keep Edison Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik quite if they are to assure three points. Aguero is on fire and at 4/1 to score first might be worth a look.

Benfica v Manchester United

United fans must have been laughing when they discovered who they would face in the group stages of this season’s Champions League. With games against Benfica, Otelul Galati and Basel to come you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d virtually been given a bye, hence why they are 2/7 to win Group C.

United will probably be happy to get their toughest group match out of the way first because Benfica are no mugs on their own ground. United know how dangerous Benfica can be having been knocked out by them in the group stages in 2005. However, with Chelsea to come on Sunday in the league and five more matches after Wednesday in the Champions League, Sir Alex Ferguson has hedged his bets for this one and will rotate his squad.

Rio Ferdinand has been left behind, while Darren Fletcher, Park ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are poised to come into the starting XI. United are 10/11 for the win, which seems short when you consider Benfica’s home form – two defeats in 24 matches at the Estádio da Luz.

The Portuguese giants are 10/3 to cause an upset, with the draw 12/5. The Águias might have lost a couple of big names but they recruited well this summer and still have Oscar Cardozo on the books. A draw looks to be a safe bet, a result which will probably suit United.

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City eye winning start

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A trip to title hopefuls Manchester City (7/2 Premier League outright) is almost the toughest opening possible for top-flight new boys Swansea City.

Brendan Rodgers’ men have been tipped by many to head straight back down to the Championship (8/15 to be relegated) after reaching the Premier League promised land via the play-offs last term.

Rodgers has moulded his side into a confident passing outfit and has vowed not to change his ways, having largely stuck with the players who helped the Swans win promotion.

The most notable new face is £3.5million record signing Danny Graham (9/1 match goalscorer), with the striker having netted 27 goals for Watford last season to earn a crack at the Premier League.

Leroy Lita also adds to the attacking options available to Rodgers, who last season placed his faith in the twin threats of Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer on the flanks.

Rodgers may be more concerned by having to make a change in goal following Dorus De Vries’ departure for Wolves, with Dutchman Michel Vorm and Portuguese Jose Moreira competing for a starting role.

His worries will be heightened by the knowledge that the Swans conceded 31 goals on their travels in the Championship last season, while at home they let in a mere 11.

However, Rodgers is ready for the tough task of avoiding the drop, saying: “We understand the scale of the task, not only on Monday, but throughout the season.

“We know it will be a roller-coaster ride but I’m excited about the challenge.”

Hosts City have high expectations after winning the FA Cup last term and head coach Roberto Mancini will be under pressure to mount a title challenge this time around.

Mancini has again been busy in the summer transfer market, with former Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic strengthening their defence.

The big-name signing has been Argentina frontman Sergio Aguero (7/2 match goalscorer), a £38million recruit from Atletico Madrid, who is seen as a direct replacement for compatriot Carlos Tevez, who is expected to depart before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.

However, Mancini is wary of expecting an easy win to start their Premier League campaign, with both Aguero and Tevez short of full fitness.

“I think that the first ten games are very difficult – the squad is not 100 per cent ready,” Mancini warned. “It needs four or five games to find good form for the players.”

Mancini’s caution is understandable after his side capitulated in the second half of the Community Shield to lose 3-2 to Manchester United, but City cannot afford to make a slow start in the league and lose touch with the likes of United and Chelsea.

Anything less than three points on Monday evening will be seen as a setback at the earliest stage of the battle for Premier League supremacy.

However, a victory should be on the cards if the hosts perform as they did in the opening 45 minutes against United, when they took a two-goal lead against the reigning champions and the favourites for glory again in 2011/12.

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City set for Potters repeat

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There is only one midweek fixture in the Premier League this week and as it happens, it is repeat of the FA Cup final with Manchester City hosting Stoke City at Eastlands – kick off at 19:45.

It does of course provide a very quick opportunity for the Potters to gain revenge for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat, but it is difficult to see that happening and it is no surprise to see City installed as the 2/5 favourites in the match betting, with the draw at 3/1 and Stoke available at 6/1 to take the three points.

There could be a case for thinking that with Champions League football already secured as well as a first trophy for 35 years safely locked in the cabinet, City may have their minds on the summer holidays.

However, Roberto Mancini’s side know that a win on Tuesday will see them climb above Arsenal into third place in the table and be in the box seat to secure an automatic entry into the group stages of Europe’s elite competition next term, with one game to go.

The Italian tactician has his mind firmly set on usurping the Gunners and banned his players from celebrating their FA Cup win to keep their heads clear for the remaining two games.

The City boss may of course choose to rotate his squad a little bit, but that merely highlights the vast difference in size and quality of the two squads.

Adam Johnson and James Milner, both England internationals, may well earn recalls and Edin Dzeko could return up front with City looking to wrap up a fine ‘home’ campaign, having lost just twice at the City of Manchester Stadium all season.

Carlos Tevez has seemingly recovered from a hamstring problem that had made him a doubt for the FA Cup final, but played on Saturday and is an obvious candidate in the goalscoring markets (10/3 First/Last Goalscorer), while Mario Balotelli won the man-of-the-match award at the weekend and is on offer at 4/1.

Tony Pulis simply does not have anything like the resources that his counterpart has at his disposal and Matthew Etherington will be a big miss for the Potters on Tuesday.

The former Spurs winger did of course start on Saturday but had not completely recovered from a hamstring injury – and Stoke lacked any real potency in his absence, rarely causing a stir in the City defence.

Jermaine Pennant took one or two blows on his ankle at Wembley and Pulis will be desperate for him to be passed fit to play, but whether that makes a difference remains to be seen.

The Potters have enjoyed a good season, securing Europa League football next term, and will be looking to seal a first top-10 finish since 1975, but City’s need is greater.

Stoke have been awful on the road as well and have won just three times while losing 12 of their 18 games so far, including the last nine – another reason for them to fear the worst.

City have the second-best home defensive record in the league, while Joe Hart has kept 16 clean sheets in the league and backing them to not concede a goal is worth an interest at 21/20, while a City win to nil is available at 13/10.

The Citizens created a number of chances on Saturday and although the big hitters may well pile into a 2/5 home win, taking Mancini’s men on the handicap (-1) against an injury-hit Stoke is worth consideration at 13/10.

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City must avoid cup hangover

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If you are a Manchester City fan you have probably only just come down from the ceiling after your dramatic FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester United. Could this mean the blue moon is finally about to rise?

If City don’t secure Champions League football it could be a false dawn and this puts a lot of importance on Monday’s match at Blackburn.

However, if you are Rovers boss Steve Kean, Easter Monday might be your last chance to save your job. Blackburn are two points outside the relegation zone and have been in freefall since Kean took over. The fans are calling for his head, but will they be singing a different tune if they cause an unlikely upset?

Life for a Blackburn fan couldn’t get much worse at the moment. They have won just three times since Sam Allardyce was given his marching orders under bizarre circumstances last December.

Alarm bells were probably tinkling in the distance when Big Sam went, given that Rovers were comfortably in mid-table and looking set for another solid season. Those bells can probably now be heard loud and clear after recent struggles. Kean has vowed not to quit but will surely have to produce a miracle if he is to hold on to his job.

His cause won’t be made any easier by losing his main goal threat, Roque Santa Cruz, who is ineligible to face City.

A potentially bigger miss for Rovers is Junior Hoilett, who has been the only bright spark in a very benign midfield in recent weeks. However, Blackburn are confident the young forward will be fit after missing the 2-0 defeat to Everton and he can be backed at 3/1 to score anytime.

Looking elsewhere for a potential Rovers goalscorer doesn’t bring much joy for punters, with the goal shy Jason Roberts, Nikola Kalinic and Benjani the other targetmen. If Hoilett doesn’t play then City to win to nil at 11/5 might be worth a look.

City’s defence stood firm against a Wayne Rooney-less United last week and in theory should have no problem against Blackburn. However, this is City and they don’t always like their trips to the less desirable parts of England.

Surely the win at Wembley will have galvanised Roberto Mancini’s squad into making that final push for a top four finish though. Tottenham are hot on City’s heels, although Saturday’s draw with West Brom has somewhat dented their European dreams. Whether City will choke like they did last season remains to be seen but for the time being they hold their destiny in their own hands.

Much like Blackburn, goals could prove to be a problem for City, with Carlos Tevez facing another three weeks on the sidelines. A lot of the responsibility will now fall on David Silva and Adam Johnson to create the opportunities – and to take them based on how poor Edin Dzeko has been since his big money move.

Whether Mario Balotelli finds the back of the net is a lottery – he showed his good and bad sides against United so you take your life in your hands by backing the fiery Italian.

City are 21/20 to win on Monday night and that seems like the bet to go for if recent form is anything to go by.

Rovers have only won one of their last seven meetings against City and are priced at 13/5 to end that long wait.

It is a must win game for both teams but on the day you’d expect the extra quality of City to shine through.

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City set for Liverpool tussle

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Liverpool and Manchester City go head-to-head at Anfield on Monday with one side having little to play for and the other facing a crucial five days which will define their season.

In the past you’d expect the team still fighting for honours to be the Reds but it is City who are still in the hunt for European football and the FA Cup. City manager Roberto Mancini certainly won’t be looking to far ahead, despite an FA Cup semi-final to come next Saturday, as he looks for his multi-million pound squad to make sure of Champions League football. In contrast all Liverpool have to look forward to is what the future might bring.

We preview what should be an intriguing contest on Merseyside on Monday night.

For City fans all that might be on their minds is the giant arch of Wembley and the chance to end rivals Manchester United’s hopes of winning the treble. However, Monday represents a tough challenge for City on their quest for Champions League football. Mancini says he wants his team to attack the challenge of securing a place in the top four in an aggressive fashion and got his wish last week when they tore Sunderland to pieces.

City (1/5 top four finish) were hardly challenged by the Black Cats but it was the way they went about finishing off the Wearsiders that was so impressive. Even Mario Balotelli looked to have the bit between his teeth last week and the Eastlands faithful will hope the Italian can continue to make amends after all his off and on-field exploits. Balotteli is 7/1 to be the unlikely hero and score the last goal in what is likely to be a tight game.

City have a rock solid defence and Mancini will set up his team first and foremost not to lose, despite his talk of being aggressive. It certainly won’t be as negative as the game at Chelsea but don’t expect them to be going gung-ho at Liverpool.

The Reds are liable to be fairly cautious themselves, based on how Dalglish has set up his team recently. With that in mind under 2.5 goals might be worth a look at 4/6, especially when you consider there has only been over three goals in total in one of the last five meetings at Anfield.

Liverpool haven’t had the best of weeks in the build-up to this game with the news Steven Gerrard will miss the rest of the season after a groin operation. He joins Daniel Agger in the stands for what remains of this campaign, while Dalglish won’t be able to call on Glen Johnson or Martin Kelly for this game.

The defeat at West Brom might have been hard on the Reds but they are looking like a team running on empty. Liverpool are eight points behind Tottenham in the battle for fifth and despite what they say many of the team looked to have given up on European football next season.

The Reds are there for the taking and it will be up to City to take advantage of them. With that in mind 17/10 for City to win looks a good value bet, despite Liverpool’s habit of upsetting the applecart in the past. The Reds are 13/8 to get the win, while the draw is 11/5. City could take a draw and still be comfortably in control of their own destiny in the race for the Champions League.

Don’t expect the game to be a great advert for the Premier League but it should have enough to keep City and Liverpool fans on the edge of their seats.

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City out to ease top-four fears

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Manchester City fans might be getting a horrible feeling that this season is going the same way as the last based on recent results. Once again Tottenham are breathing down their neck for a spot in the top four and City are desperate to give themselves a bit of breathing space by beating Sunderland on Sunday.

Blackpool are looking to do the same thing but at the other end of the table, when they travel to Fulham. The Seasiders are floundering after a great start and are in desperate need of three points. We preview both of Sunday’s important Premier League matches.

Fulham v Blackpool (1:30pm)

For Blackpool fans a quick look at the current form table will make grim reading for the men from the seaside. Only Blackburn have been in a worse run of form than Ian Holloway’s men and supporters might be starting to get that sinking feeling.

Last time out Blackpool threw away three points at Blackburn, relinquishing a two goal lead as they slipped closer to the drop zone. Depending on Saturday’s results, Blackpool could start this game inside the bottom three, although with the Premier League as it is they won’t be too far off safety. Holloway believes three more wins will be enough to secure his team another season in the top flight. However, the trip to Craven Cottage is unlikely to hold much joy for the Seasiders.

Fulham have lost just three times at home all season and have made the Cottage into a fortress recently. Blackpool have pulled off a number of shock wins on the road this season, but Fulham have been in decent form recently and look good to beat the drop.

Bobby Zamora has hit the ground running on his return and nearly inspired a comeback against Everton last time out. Mark Hughes will look at this game as a great chance to move further away from the relegation places and secure a comfy mid table finish.

Match Bets – Under 2.5 goals @ 13/10 and Fulham to win @ 4/7

Manchester City v Sunderland (4pm)

In the build-up to this game, Roberto Mancini has been talking about how he will still be City boss next season, even if they fail to make it into the top four this year. Not many would agree with him, especially City’s owners after shelling out £150million on new players.

City need to achieve something this year, whether that be a Champions League finish or the FA Cup they must show they are a team on the up if they want to become one of Europe’s elite. Sunday represents a perfect opportunity to at least maintain the four point gap between themselves and Tottenham when they take on a struggling Sunderland team.

The Black Cats haven’t won a game since they beat Aston Villa at the start of January and looked toothless in their last showing against Liverpool. Much like Blackpool, Steve Bruce’s men are slipping after a good start to the season and are by no means safe. Sunderland are five points above the relegation zone and only need a couple more wins to make sure of safety. However, based on recent performances you can’t see where the wins are going to come from.

Darren Bent’s departure has had a huge impact on the Sunderland team and a trip to City is the last thing they need. This is must win game as far as City are concerned but will have to up their performances from what they have been showing recently. Sunderland dug deep to get a draw at Arsenal on their last adventure outside the north-east and will have to do the same again, if they have any hope of taking anything from Eastlands.

Match Bet – Man City to win with a -1 handicap @ 6/5

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