English Premier
2010-11-13 - Manchester City vs Birmingham City
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Analysis :
Manchester City will aim to get rid of their defensive tag when they host Birmingham City at the City of Manchester Stadium today. After their performances came under fire for the dull goalless draw against United City were criticised for a lack of creativity as although Roberto Mancini fielded a front four costing around £100 million, they soon ran out of ideas and looked more interested then defending rather then winning the match.
It has been said that Mancini is still reeling after his side had Dedryck Boyata being sent off just five minutes into their previous home game against Arsenal. That effectively robbed them of any chance of taking three points against one of their Champion League rivals and Mancini's 10 men and despite fighting hard soon went down 3-0.
City's defence did well as they managed to restrict United to just three shots on target. Manchester City did beat West Brom 2-0 last Sunday before the draw with United.
They will be expected to win this match against Birmingham having won nine of their last 10 home games against Birmingham.
As for the visitors Birmingham, it has to be said that before the 3-2 defeat to Stoke, they had one of the best defence in the Premier League. Birmingham were beaten 5-1 on their last visit to City of Manchester Stadium. However, that match was meaningless as they were already destined to miss out on Europe and claim a creditable ninth-placed finish then.
As it is now Birmingham are fourth from the bottom having won two of their 12 league games and just one of their last 10. They are however, just five points off fifth-placed Newcastle with the Premier League table being so congested this season.
They have a tough task here as Birmingham have not won in their last 10 away games against Man City, with their last triumph a 1-0 victory at Maine Road in April 1998.
As for the team news, Mario Balotelli will not be in the side as Mancini makes changes to the side for their third game in six days. The Italian striker was sent off against West Brom and must serve the second of his three match ban.
Left-back Aleksandar Kolarov could start this match after Jerome Boateng hobbled off late on against United while Adam Johnson is expected to return on the wing. Mancini is likely to adopt to two strikers with Emmanuel Adebayor coming in to partner Carlos Tevez up front.
For Birmingham there are no fresh new injuries for them coming into this match. James McFadden is the only long term absentee with knee ligament injury. Keith Fahey is hoping to start after scoring against Stoke while McLeish has to decide whether to recall playmaker Alexander Hleb after leaving him out in midweek.
Full-back David Murphy at best could start from the bench after returning to training and Colin Doyle is expected to remain as back-up keeper to Ben Foster while Maik Taylor recovers from a shoulder problem.
The Betting Verdict
Take Manchester City to win this match.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester City 2-0 Birmingham City
