English Premier
2011-12-21 - Manchester City vs Stoke City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Wednesday 21 December 2011 - Kick Off 7:45pm
Manchester City
I couldn't believe all the talk about Manchester City were 'having a wobble' because they fell out of the Champions League and then were unfortunately beaten at Chelsea, but they got back in the saddle with an important 3 points against Arsenal and remain the favourites to win the title.
The win over Arsenal meant City could reclaim top spot from Manchester United who had taken over earlier in the day. That leaves City 2 points clear of United and they will feel they can at least maintain that going into Christmas as they have been very impressive at the Etihad Stadium this season. City have won all 8 Premier League games played at home, scoring 25 goals and only conceding 4.
City have also increased their winning run to 13 Premier League games at home following the latest one over Arsenal. The Gunners can at least point to the fact they are the first team to lose by less than 2 goals at this Stadium this season, but City could easily have extended that run on Sunday.
Gael Clichy is back from suspension while Edin Dzeko should be in the squad as he has recovered from a knock in training. Aleksandar Korolev is the only absentee from the squad in the final game before Boxing Day.
Stoke City
Tony Pulis masterminded another win for Stoke City on Saturday as his side look set to remain in the Premier League for yet another season. They have also got a big game against Valencia to look forward to in the Europa League in the New Year and things are still bright at the Brittania Stadium.
Stoke are now up to 8th in the Premier League as they improved their points tally to 24 from their 16 games. That is impressive considering they are only 5 points behind Arsenal and Liverpool and they are more than half way to securing a Premier League place for 2012/13. The Potters are 3-1-4 away from home, scoring 6 goals and conceding 16- only Fulham have scored less goals away from home this season.
The team have been in good form, losing just 1 of their last 6 games in all competitions while winning 4 of those games since losing 2-3 to QPR at the Brittania Stadium. Stoke have won their last 2 away games in the Premier League, although they had lost 4 in a row before that all by at least 2 goals.
Ryan Shawcross is suspended for this game, while Glenn Whelan and Andy Wilkinson are major doubts. Matthew Upson could come in to replace Shawcross for this game.
Head to Head
Manchester City beat Stoke City 1-0 in the FA Cup Final last season and they have an impressive home record against the Potters in the last few seasons.
City have won all 3 home games against Stoke since the latter joined the top flight in 2008, winning the games by outscoring Stoke 8-0 in those games.
City beat Stoke 3-0 here last season a few days after the FA Cup win.
Prediction
Manchester City created a huge number of chances against Arsenal at the weekend and that does not bode well for Stoke City as they face the highest scoring team in the Premier League.
I can't imagine Roberto Mancini will be taking his foot off the peddle in this game as he looks to make sure City are top of the Premier League on Christmas morning. The likes of Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Samir Nasri should be able to create chances for the home side and the absence of Ryan Shawcross can only aid them here.
Stoke have been much better away from home this season for the most part, although when they lose, they lose heavy. They have taken some real hidings at Sunderland and Bolton this season and I can imagine they may be a little tired after winning at Wolves from a losing position.
With City winning by at least 2 goals in each of their home games before meeting Arsenal at the weekend, I am going to back the home side to cover the - 1.75 Asian Handicap here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester City 3-0 Stoke City
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Manchester City -1.75 Asian Handicap @ 1.95
