English Premier
2012-04-30 - Manchester City vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Monday Night Football comes from The Etihad Stadium in the clash between two Manchester sides which could decide the Premiership title!
With just three points separating the two sides heading into this all important clash, a win for either side would see them claim the advantage with just two more fixtures to come. Man United have the experience when it comes to title chasing, but Man City are now trying to be the new establish force in English football.
Earlier this season Manchester City beat Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford, to suggest a change may well soon be on the cards, but United have refused to go down and surrender their title without a fight and have surged their way back to the top. The Red Devils have, however, dropped five points in their last three Premier League fixtures, while City have been perfect during that run to close the gap to just three points off United.
And Man City have been boosted with the return of Tevez from a self-imposed exile, with the Argentine frontman having scored four times in his last three outings to suggest he is ready to take down his former employers.
Manchester United will depend on Rooney as he has scored 13 goals in his last 11 games. And it should be noted that The Red Devils also boast an enviable record at the Etihad, with only one defeat suffered in their last five visits to the home of their Blue City neighbours. But City have taken out all before them in league fixtures in front of their supporters and have taken 77 points from the last 81 on offer.
There would appear to be little to choose between the blue and red halves of Manchester ahead of this clash and it could be that one moment of magic, or a mistake brought on by the intensity of the occasion, makes the difference.
Team News :
Man City Team News :
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is available again after serving a three-match ban for his sending off against Arsenal.
It remains to be seen whether he will be recalled to Roberto Mancini's starting lineup given the form of Sergio Aguero and Tevez, and his bad temperament which remains a question.
Meanwhile, Defender Micah Richards (hamstring) is fit again after missing last week's win at Wolves.
Manchester United Team News :
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson must decide whether to make changes to his league leaders and change his strategy.
Full-back Rafael would appear to be the most likely to lose his place from the team that threw away a two-goal lead in the final seven minutes of last Sunday's encounter with Everton.
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could both step in, while Ferguson may also opt to reinforce his midfield with either Ryan Giggs, Tom Cleverley or Park Ji-sung. That could come at the expense of a wide player or Danny Welbeck.
Portuguese winger Nani is doubtful after picking up an ankle injury in training, but Jonny Evans will be in contention to start after shaking off a knock.
Possible lineups
Manchester City : Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Milner, De Jong, Yaya Toure, Silva, Aguero, Tevez.
Manchester United : De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Park, Rooney.
Predictions :
Go for Manchester City to get the win here or at most a draw and give the 1/4 ball away due to their formidable home record.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester City 3-2 Manchester United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for Manchester City to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Take Manchester City and give the -1/4 ball. At worse case if it ends in a draw then be prepared to lose half the stakes.
Take Manchester City and give the -1/4 ball. At worse case if it ends in a draw then be prepared to lose half the stakes.
