English FA CUP
2010-01-24 - Scunthorpe vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Don't be surprised if you do not see the same side that featured against Manchester United as Roberto Mancini is expcted to make changes for this match for their fourth round trip to Scunthorpe.
The Italian gave a number of his fringe players a run out in the 1-0 win at Middlesbrough in the previous round and he could once again field his fringe players.
With one eye firmly on the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Carlos Tevez could be rested or only called upon if necessary.
Scunthorpe find themselves at the bottom of the Championships coming into this match. However, a 4-1 win at Derby and a 1-1 draw at home to high-flying Cardiff in their last two outings has gone some way to lifting the morale ahead of this match.
The two teams were drawn against each other in the Carling Cup earlier in the season with City winning 5-1 at Eastlands. However, the Championship side gave their Premier League opponents a run for their money in the third round of the FA Cup in 2006 when Andy Keogh, now with Wolves, gave Scunthorpe the lead only for a Robbie Fowler hat-trick to shatter their dreams.
As for the team news, for Scunthorpe, Josh Lillis is hoping he can start in goal despite No.1 Joe Murphy recovering from a shoulder injury. Lillis has played the last three games in which Scunthorpe are unbeaten and have conceded just two goals. Midfielder Josh Wright has recovered from illness and should feature although fellow midfielder Michael O'Connor is out suspended.
As for Manchester City, Roque Santa Cruz and Patrick Vieira (both calf) are out injured so Benjani could start up front with Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong keeping their places in midfield. Stephen Ireland made the bench against United in midweek and should start after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Dedryck Boyata made only his second start for City against United in Midweek but should feature again having played against Boro prior to that. Nedum Onuoha replaced the 19-year-old Boyata in the Carling Cup and could challenge the youngster for a place in the side however.
Joleon Lescott, Michael Johnson and Wayne Bridge are all out with knee injuries and will not feature.
Take Manchester City and give the 1 1/4 ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Manchester City to win 2-0 or 3-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester City to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester City and give the 1 1/4 ball here.
