Manchester City

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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