English Premier
2013-05-19 - Manchester City vs Norwich City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Sunday 19 May 2013 - Kick Off 4pm
Manchester City
If the rumours are to be believed, the Manchester City players are very happy to see the back of Roberto Mancini, even if the fans have been supporting their former manager. It has been a disappointing season for Manchester City with a failure to add to their silverware of the last couple of seasons, while they have barely mounted what people would consider a title challenge in defence of their crown from last year.
The one goal they have achieved this season is finishing in the top four and a place back in the Champions League Group Stage next season as Manchester City are guaranteed 2nd place in the League. Over the last few seasons, Manchester City have been very strong at home and that is the same this season as they are 14-3-1, scoring 39 goals and conceding 12 in those games.
It was the limp display in the FA Cup Final last weekend which cost Mancini his job as manager at the end of a disappointing season. The Manchester City players responded with a 0-2 win at Reading during the week and they have won 3 of their last 4 Premier League games as the season draws to a close. City have won 7 in a row in all competitions and 11 of their last 12 here since their loss to Manchester United back in December.
Pablo Zabaleta is back from suspension, while both Sergio Aguero and Kolo Toure picked up knocks in the win over Reading.
Norwich City
There would have been a few people putting money on Norwich City being relegated as they seemed on a never ending slide in the Premier League table. However, Chris Hughton inspired his men last weekend in win over West Brom and that result was enough for the Canaries to keep their place in the Premier League for another season.
The win at Carrow Road last weekend pushed Norwich City up to 12th in the Premier League table, although they remain the team with the fewest away wins in the League this season. Norwich have a 1-7-10 away record this season, scoring 13 goals and conceding 36 in those games.
Norwich had lost 3 of their previous 4 Premier League games before the win over West Brom last weekend which secured their top flight future. Since their sole away win in the Premier League this season, Norwich have failed to win any of their last 9 games on their travels and they have lost 7 of those.
Michael Turner is a doubt and no changes are expected to be made from last weekend.
Head to Head
Manchester City beat Norwich City 3-4 at Carrow Road earlier this season.
City have won 4 of their last 5 home games against Norwich, including a 5-1 win last season.
Prediction
Manchester City and Norwich City can play freely in this game, but I think the home side will want to end the season on a high. If their players really feel like a burden has been removed since Roberto Mancini was sacked, I would expect them to win this one fairly comfortably so will back them on the Asian Handicap.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester City 3-0 Norwich City
