Man City

Aston Villa V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 12 February 2012 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Villa Park

Preview

Big-spending Manchester City have been dominant versus Aston Villa in recent seasons, winning four of the pair’s previous five meetings in all competitions – but they have yet to conqueror Villa Park. They are odds-on to do just that on Sunday, despite numerous factors that might suggest otherwise.

Not since November 2006 have Manchester City won a Premier League fixture at Aston Villa, losing on two of their previous four visits to Villa Park, including last season, when Darren Bent struck the only goal of the game on his Villa début following his big-money move from Sunderland in January 2011. PaddyPower offer 60/1 on a repeat scenario (Darren Bent FGS in a 1-0 Villa win; scorecast), which, as I will soon explain, isn’t all that bad a bet.

Darren Bent is arguably the most clinical English striker in the Premier League, a player bang-in-form having notched four in his last five league and cup appearances. The 28-year-old has faced Man City twelve times during his career, scoring a total of eight goals – the last two have both been winners. Only Bolton (11 goals) have conceded more to the prolific marksmen, who is 9/4 (Ladbrokes) to register at any time in proceedings.

Furthermore, Manchester City have been so inconsistent on their travels of late that a fourth away loss of the campaign is by no means beyond the realms of possibility. It is now one win in six away from home following their 1-0 loss at Everton at the end of January, a run that includes three defeats and just two goals scored. Yes, just two goals scored in their last 450 minutes of away Premier League action, failing to score in each of their previous three (so almost six hours without an away goal for a team that has plundered 63 goals in 24 matches thus far).

On top of all this, Aston Villa really aren’t a bad side. Yes they have struggled to a degree against the better teams this season, losing to Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd at home, but they gave the Gunners a scare at the Emirates recently in the FA Cup, leading 2-0 at one stage before a second-half capitulation saw them lose 3-2.

Alex Mcleish possess players who can really hurt teams, with Gabriel Agbonlahor, Charles N’Zogbia and Marc Albrighton all possessing frightening pace out wide, while no team can afford to underestimate the predatory instincts of Darren Bent and Robbie Keane. The latterly mentioned will also be making his final home appearance for the Villains, so will be keen to sign off on a positive note before he jets back to the US to join back up with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The anticipated return of skipper Vincent Kompany will boost Manchester City’s chances of success no-end, as the Belgian has been sorely missed of late (during his four-match suspension and his recent spell on the sidelines because of a knee injury). Samir Nasri is a doubt however, while Mario Balotelli (injured) and the Toure brothers – Kolo and Yaya – are all unavailable to Roberto Mancini.

Match Pointers

Last Meeting: Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa (Premier League); 15 October, 2011. The Citizens romped to a 4-1 success at the Etihad Stadium courtesy of goals from Vincent Kompany, James Milner, Adam Johnson and Mario Balotelli. Full-back Stephan Warnock with Aston Villa’s consolation goal.

- Four of the previous five meetings in all competitions were won by Manchester City; however, all four were in Manchester while the last time City visited Aston Villa, which was in January 2011 in the Premier League, they were beaten 1-0 thanks to Darren Bent’s winning goal on his Villa début.

- Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last four Premier League home games versus Manchester City, winning two.

- Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has scored on all three occasions he has faced Aston Villa, notching five in total.

- Villa striker Darren Bent has 7 goals in 12 Premier League appearances versus Manchester City, incuding netting the winning goal in last season’s Villa Park encounter.

Aston Villa

- With just one win from their last five Premier League matches (W1 D2 L2), Villa have dropped into the lower-half of the table (13TH).

- Villa have only won three of twelve home Premier League games so far (W3 D4 L5), and none of their last six (D2 L4), losing to Arsenal (1-2), Liverpool (0-2) and Manchester United (0-1) at Villa Park this season.

- Darren Bent has scored seven of his nine Premier League goals this season at Villa Park, netting in each of the last two league games there.

Manchester City

- Roberto Mancini’s side lead the Barclay’s Premier League by two-points following last week’s results; them beating Fulham 3-0 at home and Manchester United drawing 3-3 with Chelsea.

- Only Manchester United (26) have registered more points on their travels this season than Man City (21), that is in spite of the fact City have won only one of their previous six away from home in the Premier League (W1 D2 L3).

- City have failed to score in three of their previous four away league games, in defeats to Everton (1-0) and Sunderland (1-0) and a goalless draw with West Brom.

- Nine of Edin Dzeko’s 12 Premier League goals this season were scored away from home.

Betting

Verdict: Manchester City to WIN @ 8/11 (PaddyPower)

Not the easiest of assignments for the league leaders, who may not be top of the pile come kick-off. That’s because second-placed United entertain arch rivals Liverpool on Saturday and a win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team would send them a point clear at the summit, above City who would need at least a point from their visit to Villa Park in order to regain top-spot. Even though it will be tough, I do expect City to take all three, let alone the one needed to regain the outright lead.

Villa have the arsenal up front to trouble a City rearguard that has kept one clean sheet in its last seven away league matches. What has let them down far too often however is their defence, which is why I cannot bring myself to oppose Roberto Mancini’s men who are decent odds to comply – even at odds-on. There will be goals, more than the one scored in last season’s corresponding league meeting, and I fully expect the majority of those to be scored by a visiting team spearheaded by two of the division’s leading marksmen in Sergio Aguero and Edin Dezeko.

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 12/5 (Boylesports)

I’m expecting goals, for the simple reason that Villa cannot defend. So often Shay Given has been their saviour between the sticks, the former Man City shot-stopper who must marshal a somewhat hapless defence that has kept one clean sheet at home all season and has conceded more goals from corners than any other team in the top-flight – against the side who have scored more goals than anyone else, as well as a league-high 10 from corners. A speculative punt on 4-2 Man City (66/1 with Boylesports) wouldn’t go a miss.

Match Odds

Aston Villa – 9/2 (Bet365)

Draw – 14/5 (BetVictor)

Manchester City – 8/11 (PaddyPower)

Manchester City V Fulham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

Long-time leaders of the Barclay’s Premier League, Manchester City find themselves under enormous pressure from their cross-city rivals after seeing their lead at the summit whittled down to goal difference alone following their 1-0 defeat to Everton on Tuesday. However in spite of their latest setback, Roberto Mancini’s men remain favourites for the title and could even restore their lead on a favourable weekend which sees them host Fulham and United go to Chelsea.

It has so far been a disastrous start to 2012 for Manchester City, who began the year clear at the top of the Premier League, on the cusp of reaching the Carling Cup final, and about to begin the defence of their FA Cup crown. Within a month they find themselves out of both aforementioned cup competitions, losing to Liverpool in the former and Man United in the latter, as well as teetering under the pressure being applied by Sir Alex Ferguson and his United charges.

Who knew the absence of Yaya Toure would be so critical? Everyone, that’s who. City have struggled immensely without the Ivorian’s services, so it was little surprise Roberto Mancini sought out a stop-gap during the January transfer window. David Pizarro, a Chilean central midfielder the Italian chief knows well from his time at Inter Milan, has joined on loan for the remainder of the season and will be included in the squad to face Fulham.

Also back in the City squad is captain Vincent Kompany, the Belgian who featured for the first time on Tuesday, in the loss to Everton, since receiving a four-match suspension for a red card offence in last month’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United. While he could not stop his team from recording their third league defeat of the season, he will definitely improve upon City’s last performance at home – which was a fortuitous 3-2 defeat of Tottenham.

Fulham, too, are boosted by the arrival of a new face. While Bobby Zamora departed for QPR for a fee believed to be £4million, Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak signed on a permanent deal from VFB Stuttgart. At 6ft 2in, and boasting a powerful frame, the Russian could be a useful addition to a team which has lacked goals in the forward department: midfielder Clint Dempsey is their leading marksmen yet again, the American who is now into double figures (10) after netting the opening goal in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with West Brom at Craven Cottage.

Goals haven’t been that hard to come by at home for Martin Jol’s side, with 22 from 11 home games a very reasonable sum, however, 7 from 11 away games is very worrying indeed. Hence the Fulham manager’s decision to seek out a more potent threat in front of goal. The Cottagers are, though, in reasonable form, having followed up their 5-2 thrashing of Newcastle on 21 January with a 1-1 draw with West Brom in midweek. It’s a different story entirely on the road however, having won only once on their travels all season (W1 D5 L5 away from home in PL).

However, Fulham are without defeat in their last four visits to Manchester City in the league, drawing 1-1 on their visit to the Etihad Stadium last season.

Match Facts

Last League Meeting: Fulham 2-2 Manchester City; 18 September, 2011. Two goals either side of half-time from Sergio Aguero appeared to give Man City an unassailable 2-0 at Craven Cottage, but then Fulham stormed back with two goals of their own – via Bobby Zamora and a Vincent Kompany OG – to earn an unlikely point.

- Last season, Fulham earned a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium after Damien Duff cancelled out Mario Balotelli’s opener for Man City shortly after half-time.

- Manchester City haven’t beaten Fulham at home in the Premier League in their previous four attempts (D2 L2), since a 3-1 victory in November 2006.

- Both teams have scored in each of the previous fifteen league meetings.

Manchester City

- The Citizens (League Position: 1ST; Form: LWWWL) have seen their lead at the Premier League summit reduced to rubble, with arch rivals United now level on points but with an inferior goal difference.

- Manchester City have yet to drop a single point at home this season, winning eleven out of eleven at the Etihad Stadium, by an aggregate score of 34-6.

- Goalkeeper Joe Hart has kept six clean sheets at home, although he did concede twice in his last match at home, in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

Fulham

- Fulham (League Position: 13TH; Form: DWLWD) have won just once on their travels in the league this season (W1 D5 L5), drawing four of their previous six away matches since a 2-0 victory at rock-bottom Wigan on 29 October, 2011.

- No team in the Premier League has plundered fewer goals away from home than Fulham (7), three of which were scored by American Clint Dempsey, with the Cottagers failing to score in five of their eleven away matches thus far.

- Fulham have lost just one of their last six Premier League matches (W2 D3 L1).

Betting

Prediction: Manchester City to WIN  3/10 (Bet365)

The history of this fixture would indicate a tricky match for Man City, who are clearly rocking after Tuesday’s narrow loss at Everton. Too many key players have gone off the boil, including the most influential of them from an attacking perspective, with Spaniard David Silva no longer pulling the strings like he was in the first quarter of the season. However, that defeat to Everton should serve as a wake-up call to everyone, especially those who’ve been slacking, so I’m expecting an emphatic response from Roberto Mancini’s men.

Fulham will no doubt set themselves up to absorb as much pressure as possible and try to hit their hosts on the break. With Vincent Kompany now marshalling the City rearguard, I don’t envisage the visitors enjoying much success up against the leanest home defence in the division. So business as usual for me, here.

Value Bet: Manchester City 3-0 (Correct Score) @ 8/1 (Coral)

I really do think this will be comfortable for Man City. Their recent performances would suggest the complete opposite, while Fulham can be a problematic opponent. Still, I don’t expect any more complacency from the long-time league leaders, not after Tuesday’s lacklustre display at Everton. A comfortable 3-0 success would be the perfect response to their critics. The final score should be somewhere in this ball park.

Match Odds

Manchester City – 3/10 (Bet365)

Draw – 9/2 (BetVictor)

Fulham – 11/1 (Ladbrokes)

At the weekend it was the FA Cup, now the focus in England switches swiftly to the Barclay’s Premier League as various tussles across the entire division resurface on Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb).

Straight to matters at the summit and after Manchester City’s dramatic late win over Tottenham Hotspur on 22 January, it would seem the Premier League trophy is staying in Manchester. That aforementioned result ensured Roberto Mancini’s Citizens remained three-points clear of neighbours United, leaving Spurs lagging eight-points off the pace of the leaders.

Premier League Title Betting with Bet365: Man City 2/5, Man Utd 9/4, Tottenham 20/1

It could be all change, though, depending on Tuesday’s results, with all three title protagonists involved in proceedings.

Tottenham (1/4 WilliamHill) are presented with a fabulous opportunity to get straight back to winning ways in the league with a home clash against Wigan (16/1 BetVictor). The Latics currently prop up the division in 20TH and are without a win in seven, shipping ten goals in their last three away PL matches combined, but were, however, 1-0 winners on their last visit to White Hart Lane, in August of 2010.

Manchester United (3/10 888Sport) have won seven of their eight Premier League tussles with Stoke City (12/1 PaddyPower), including all three in Manchester, so any chance of the Red Devils slipping up at Old Trafford would appear slim. But the Potters did hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in their most recent Premier League away game, while it was they who were the dominant force when the two sides locked horns earlier in the season at the Brittania in a 1-1 draw back in September.

Meanwhile, Man City (20/23 Boylesports) take on David Moyes’ inconsistent Everton (15/4 BetVictor) at Goodison Park. It is, however, a fixture the Citizens came unstuck in last season, losing 2-1 despite dominating the opening 45 minutes and taking a deserved 1-0 lead into the interval. Revenge is on the cards, though – Everton have won only two of their last eight home PL games, scoring just six times in the process, whereas City are searching for their fourth straight league win and are firm favourites to do so having had the weekend off due to their early exit from the FA Cup.

The race for fourth hots up with Chelsea and Liverpool both in action on Tuesday, at Swansea and Wolves respectively, with Arsenal taking on Bolton at The Reebok 24 hours later.

Top-Four Finish Betting with WilliamHill: Chelsea 2/5, Arsenal 2/1, Liverpool 7/2

Chelsea (17/20 WilliamHill) are the current occupants of fourth and are five-points clear of their closest pursuer, Arsenal, while Liverpool are a point further back in seventh. The Blues are the most likely to come a cropper. Though, you feel – Swansea (4/1 SkyBet) have been beaten just once in eleven home Premier League games this season and will still be buoyed by their 3-2 victory over Arsenal in their last encounter at the Liberty Stadium.

Speaking of Arsenal (8/11 Ladbrokes), the Gunners won’t have it easy either. Arsene Wenger’s side were unconvincing in the FA Cup at the weekend, edging past Aston Villa at home, and must now go to a resurgent Bolton (9/2 StanJames), who beat Liverpool 3-1 last time out at The Reebok in the league, desperate to avoid a third consecutive away defeat. Moreover, The Reebok was where Arsenal’s world came crashing down around them last season, with a 2-1 loss confirming the end of their title bid last April.

As for Liverpool (3/4 WilliamHill), well they are very much expected to complete a routine win at Wolves (17/4 StanJames) – a fixture they cruised to a 3-0 success in last season. Kenny Dalglish’s side have lost their previous two away league games, at Bolton and Man City, but responded emphatically with quick-fire eliminations of Man City and Man Utd from the Carling Cup and FA Cup. Now the Reds are hotly tipped to dispatch of second from bottom Wolves, who are without a league win in eight and have suffered four defeats in their previous five matches at Molineux in all competitions.

Elsewhere…

Mark Hughes’ QPR (4/1 BetVictor) go to Aston Villa (17/20 WilliamHill) with both sides searching for back-to-back Premier League wins; a Newcastle (7/4 Bet365) side thumped 5-2 at Fulham last time out in the league pay relegation favourites Blackburn (13/8 StanJames) a visit at Ewood Park; the previously mentioned Fulham (10/11 WilliamHill) entertain Roy Hodgson’s inconsistent Baggies (15/4 bWin), while a cracking contest could be in store at the Stadium of Light as Martin O’Neill’s invigorated Black Cats (17/20 WilliamHill) host Paul Lambert’s high-flying Canaries (15/4 BetVictor).

Full list of Premier League fixtures for Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb):

Swansea V Chelsea

Tottenham V Wigan

Wolves V Liverpool

Everton V Man City (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Manchester United V Stoke

Aston Villa V QPR

Blackburn V Newcastle

Bolton V Arsenal

Fulham V West Brom

Sunderland V Norwich (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Manchester City V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 January 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

A mammoth afternoon of Premier League action this Sunday begins with third-placed Tottenham going to table-topping Manchester City, with Spurs set to have their title credentials examined by a team whom many believe are strong favourites to clinch their first league title for almost half-a-century.

In truth, this is a clash between the genuine contender – Man City, who are perched three points clear at the summit – and quite possibly the pretenders. Only on Sunday, upon the completion of this match, will we know whether Tottenham’s title claims are genuine.

A point would keep Harry Redknapp’s side in the hunt, still five points behind the Citizens but close enough to remain in the reckoning. A win or a loss, however, and it will either be game on or game over.

Spurs have been victorious on nine of their fourteen visits to Man City in the Premier League. Make that ten and they’ll move within striking distance of the long-time leaders, two points to be precise, and possibly above Manchester United into second should Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges come unstuck against Tottenham’s arch rivals Arsenal later that afternoon.

However, victory for the hosts, who have a perfect record at home this season with ten wins from ten, would not only strengthen their own claims for a first Premier League crown, they would effectively eliminate Tottenham from the running in the process. In this scenario, Spurs would end the weekend lagging eight points off the pace – and they’ve already used up their game in hand.

If anybody can stop an imperious Man City at home, Spurs can…

In many ways, Harry Redknapp could not of wished for a better time to face Roberto Mancini’s superstars. As while the Citizens boast an incredible record in their own backyard in the league this season, winning all ten fixtures there whilst averaging three goals per game, they will host this crucial encounter on the back of consecutive home defeats – in the FA Cup to Man Utd and in the Carling Cup to Liverpool.

Furthermore, Tottenham arrive in Manchester in pristine shape. They’re unbeaten in their last seven league games, winning four and drawing three, during which 40-year-old custodian Brad Friedal has shipped a miserly three goals, keeping four clean sheets. It all bodes well ahead of their visit to the most prolific outfit in the top flight.

Nobody has been able to withstand the offensive prowess of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this season, not even Liverpool, who at the time of their 3-0 loss there at the beginning of year, boasted the strongest defence in the Premier League. David Silva is also back fit, which is a massive boost for City chief Mancini, who may also decide to call upon Edin Dzeko, the Bosnia who netted his first goal for three months in last week’s 1-0 win at Wigan.

Team News

However, Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya are both away on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. The pair of them have been sorely missed, surprisingly even Kolo – more so in fact – as with captain Vincent Kompany currently serving a domestic suspension, Roberto Mancini has been left with little alternative but to pair Joleon Lescott with the exposed Stefan Savic in the centre of defence.

There is at least some good news for the Italian, who has Micah Richards and Mario Balotelli available for Sunday’s game with both having missing last Monday’s nervy win over Wigan.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has no option but to tinker with his team, as striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is on loan from Manchester City, is ineligible due to the terms in his loan deal. Jermain Defoe is a worthy deputy though, and the England striker will play just in front of Dutch ace Rafael Van der Vaart. Ledley King is a huge doubt, along with the combative Sandro, while William Gallas is out injured.

Match Pointers

- Last August saw Manchester City thump Tottenham 5-1 in the north of London, with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko accounting for four of their goals.

- Manchester City have won the previous two league meetings with Spurs, this after the latterly mentioned had won four of the previous five (from 2008 – 2010).

- Tottenham have been victorious on nine of their previous fourteen visits to Man City in the Premier League (W9 D2 L3).

- Roberto Mancini’s Citizens have won fifteen on the spin at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League (from March 2011 to present) – ten without even conceding a goal – and are unbeaten in the league at home in thirteen months (W19 D1).

- City have racked up 31 goals in ten home Premier League games so far this season (3 a game on average), but yet have conceded a miserly 4 at the other end.

- Man City have conceded one goal in their last six Premier League games, keeping clean sheets against Arsenal, Liverpool, Stoke, West Brom and Wigan.

- Tottenham are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W4 D3), but have won only one of their previous three away fixtures.

- Spurs haven’t conceded more than a solitary goal in a single Premier League game since they were beaten 2-1 by Stoke at the Brittania on 11 December – they’ve conceded just three times in seven since, keeping four clean sheets against Everton, Norwich, Sunderland and West Brom.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester City to WIN @ 10/11 PaddyPower

Tottenham head to Manchester in cracking shape, without defeat in seven and in the knowledge that their record away to City in the Premier League is exceptional. You could argue they’ve gone slightly stale over the festive period, scoring just nine times in their last seven league games, but they have kept four clean sheets and conceded just three times in that spell, which bodes well as they’ll need a resolute rearguard if they’re to achieve anything at what has fast become the most formidable venue in the land.

Roberto Mancini’s charges have been awesome on their own patch this season, often brushing teams aside – take their comprehensive 3-0 win over Liverpool a fortnight ago for example. They dominate teams; they encounter few problems creating chances, have scored goals for fun at times, whilst concessions of their own have been kept to a premium thanks, in the main, to the goalkeeping excellence of Joe Hart.

There aren’t too many teams who are even capable of going to Man City and winning. But while no-one has managed the feat in the league so far, outside of the Premier League both Liverpool and Manchester United recently demonstrated just how to exploit the costly voids of captain Vincent Kompany and midfield supremo Yaya Toure. They’re still a formidable outfit, but they aren’t quite as untouchable without the aforementioned duo on the team-sheet.

We’d all love nothing better than a Tottenham win here. It would blow the title race wide open. I just don’t see it happening, though. City blew Spurs out of the water at White Hart Lane back in August, winning 5-1 at White Hart Lane, and although Spurs have matured no end since that fateful afternoon, I expect Manchester City’s class to shine through once again – though it will be far closer than their previous encounter, make no mistake about that!

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 2/1 Bet365

Contests between the two are usually close, especially in Manchester, but Tottenham are reportedly heading to Eastlands in the mindset of winning this fixture. That means they cannot afford to rest on their defensive laurels, which have served them so well of late. With the electric pace of Bale on the flank, the vision of Modric and the eye for a goal Rafael Van der Vaart possesess, Spurs definitely have a goal or two in them, even at fortress Etihad, while City haven’t failed to net at home in the league for fourteen months.

Match Odds

Manchester City – 10/11 PaddyPower

Draw – 11/4 Bet365

Tottenham – 17/5 BetVictor

Wigan V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 16 January 2012 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: DW Stadium

Preview

A disastrous week was compiled for Manchester City after seeing their City rivals, Man Utd, cruise to victory at the weekend, with the Citizens now having just a share of the lead at the Premier League summit going into Monday’s clash with struggling Wigan at the DW Stadium. Roberto Mancini’s men will, however, regain the outright lead with victory over a side they comfortable beat 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium back in September.

It hasn’t taken Sergio Ageuro long to adapt to the unique style of English football, top scoring for his team with 14 league goals since completing his big-money move from Spain in the summer, and it was against Wigan, on 10 September, that he formally introduced himself to a worldwide Premier League audience by scoring a hat-trick. However he, like his team, have found life a little tough going away from home.

Following successive home losses, first in the third round of the FA Cup to arch rivals Manchester United (2-3) before suffering defeat in the opening leg of their Carling Cup semi-final with Liverpool (0-1), Man City’s 1-0 reverse at Sunderland on New Year’s Day may seem a long, long time ago – and they won’t want reminding, either. In reality it was a little over two weeks ago that a previously imperious City failed to win for the fourth consecutive away match, having previously come unstuck at West Brom (0-0), Chelsea (2-1) and Liverpool (1-1).

You will also notice a distinct lack of goals on the road – just two in their last four and none in their most recent two, of which neither were scored by top scorer Aguero. That’s because the Argentine ace has struggled for form away from Eastlands just as much as his team, with only four of his fourteen strikes having been netted at opposing grounds. He will, though – again like his team, fancy his chances of bettering his dismal away record at rock-bottom Wigan on Monday.

Without even kicking a ball, Wigan have dropped to 20TH in the Premier League courtesy of Blackburn’s stunning victory over Fulham on Saturday. That result leaves them needing to beat Manchester City, a team they have failed to even score against in all five previous league meetings, if they’re to leap off the foot of the table.

Victory for the Latics would also see them climb out of the relegation places, so the motivation is certainly there. Motivation alone won’t be enough; Wigan boss Roberto Martinez needs his players to play out of their skin if they are to stand any chance of stifling the top flight’s most formidable attacking force, a City side who have every intention of unleashing some pent-up frustration in Greater Manchester following a week to forget.

Impressive home draws with Chelsea and Liverpool does stand Wigan in good stead on paper, as does the fact City will once again be without captain Vincent Kompany (Suspended) and both Toure brothers (African Cup of Nations duty). Star man David Silva is also doubtful. However the hosts are missing their midfield enforcer, Mohamed Diame, who will be a big loss in the heart of their midfield.

Match Pointers

- Manchester City have won their previous four league meetings with Wigan without conceding a goal, although they have won only once in six visits to Wigan in the Premier League era (Man City record at Wigan in PL: W1 D2 L3).

- Last season’s DW Stadium encounter ended in victory for the visitors, Man City, who had strikes from Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure to thank for handing them their first away win over Wigan in the Premier League at the sixth attempt.

- Sergio Aguero netted a hat-trick when these two teams met in Manchester in September in what was a comfortable 3-0 win for the Citizens.

- Hosts Wigan go into the game bottom of the Premier League on 15PTS, two points off safety and without a win in five league games (D3 L2).

- In their last match at the DW Stadium, Wigan were thumped 4-1 by Sunderland – although, before that humiliating result against a resurgent Sunderland side, Roberto Martinez’s team had held both Chelsea (1-1) and Liverpool (0-0) on home soil.

- The Latics haven’t won a Premier League home game since 27 August, failing in their last eight attempts (D3 L5).

- Manchester City have now won only one of their last five in all competitions (W1 D1 L3) and are without a win in four away from home (D1 L2).

- Wednesday’s 1-0 loss at home to Liverpool in the semi-final of the Carling Cup came right off the back of their hugely deflating 3-2 home defeat to arch rivals Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup.

Betting

I watched Wigan frustrate Chelsea and Liverpool at home this season; they performed exceptionally well in both. Mistakes were few and far between, they didn’t concede anywhere near as many chances as we all presumed they would, while they remained a threat on the counter throughout. Problem is, just how much can we truly read into those results?

Both Chelsea and Liverpool are as inconsistent as they come, with neither pulling up any trees at the moment from an attacking perspective. City on the other hand, although they have struggled of late, boast enormous goal potential – though that may not be the case should David Silva fail to make the squad.

For their industry and endeavour alone, Wigan merit anyone’s respect, but City are a different proposition from most and I fully expect them to steamroller the Latics on Monday – although I do think the hosts will cause a few scares for the visitors.

Without Kompany marshalling the defence and Yaya Toure dominating in midfield, City are vulnerable through the middle. Their spine has been dislodged so it’s inevitable that they will concede more goalscoring opportunities than usual. So it could pay to back goals in this match, for both to be more precise, as Wigan will be troublesome on the counter especially through Victor Moses, who has pace to burn and the odd trick in his locker.

Match Outcome: Manchester City to WIN – 4/9 Bet365

Alternative: Both Teams to Score – 10/11 StanJames

Match Odds

Wigan – 17/2 StanJames

Draw – 18/5 BetVictor

Manchester City – 4/9 Bet365

Manchester City V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 8 January 2012 – 13:00 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

There is no shortage of drama whenever these two fierce rivals come to blows on a football pitch, so we can expect another helter-skelter encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday when Manchester’s finest – City and United – do battle for the third time this season, with the current score one apiece.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s United have been the dominant force in Manchester for what will have felt like an eternity in the eyes of City supporters, but that is no longer the case any more, not after Roberto Mancini masterminded a 6-1 City win at Old Trafford last October. That was the Citizens joint-biggest margin of victory over their locals – ever.

United will claim the score is currently 1-1, after it was they who clinched the Community Shield back in August thanks to a miraculous second half comeback, winning 3-2 after storming back from 2-0 down at the half-time interval. However, City have claimed the spoils in the encounters that have really mattered – their league meeting at Old Trafford in October, and their narrow victory in last season’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

So then, we’re now at Round 3. Bookmakers make hosts City favourites, for obvious reason; Roberto Mancini’s side haven’t lost a competitive match at home since December 2010, winning 29 of their last 30 at the newly-named Etihad Stadium. Their ruthless performance against Liverpool during the week, winning 3-0 in the league, was their eleventh in succession on their own patch.

They will, though, be missing of their African stars. Both Toure brothers, defender Kolo and midfielder Yaya, have earned call-ups from the Ivory Coast and have already departed for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Joleon Lescott is a worthy replacement for Kolo but Mancini believes Yaya is an irreplaceable figure in the heart of his midfield, with no player having made more successful passes than the former Barcelona anchorman.

Even though City’s Italian chief will be shorn of a player who he clearly rates in the highest regard, he can consider himself fortunate that he isn’t in a similar position to his opposite number, Sir Alex Ferguson. The United manager is without nine first-team players for Sunday’s trip to Eastlands including captain Nemanja Vidic, defender Jonny Evans and midfielders Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher and Ashley Young, who are all definitely ruled out. Meanwhile Chris Smalling remains a doubt.

On top of all their injury woes, United go into the game in terrible form, too. Wednesday’s shock 3-0 loss to Newcastle on Tyneside was as comprehensive as they come, coming just days after they were humbled at home by lowly Blackburn. It leaves them on the cusp of a third straight defeat. Can you remember the last time Manchester United lost three on the spin, because I certainly don’t.

Match Pointers

- These two fierce rivals have clashed seven times in the FA Cup, with Manchester United edging this particular head-to-head with four wins to City’s three, although the latter were victorious at the semi-final stage of last season’s competition, winning 1-0 at Wembley.

- Their most recent encounter in any competition came in the league back in October, when Man City thumped their neighbours 6-1 at Old Trafford.

- Manchester City haven’t lost a match at home since losing 2-1 to Everton in December 2010, winning 29 of 31 at the Etihad Stadium since.

- The Citizens’ 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the league on Tuesday was their eleventh win in a row at home in all competitions, a run which has seen them plunder 30 goals and concede just 5.

- Manchester United are aiming to avoid a third consecutive league defeat having lost 3-2 at home to Blackburn and 3-0 away to Newcastle in the league either side of the New Year.

Betting

Match Winner: Manchester City @ 23/20 VictorChandler

With United’s injury-ravaged squad having slumped to defeats at home to Blackburn and away at Newcastle, I am finding it incredibly difficult predicting anything other than a home win, which, surprisingly, is healthy odds considering the circumstances. Man City are 23/20 with VictorChandler to inflict a third consecutive defeat on their fierce local rivals; truly stunning odds, in my opinion.

There will be far too much creativity and energy in the Man City attacks for United’s lacklustre defence to handle, while the battle in midfield will be a one-sided affair. Wayne Rooney is the only player who could help United spring an upset, and a United victory would be just that – an upset, but even he doesn’t look capable of carrying the Red Devils, not on current form anyway.

A straightforward win for the hosts, who are targeting their twelfth consecutive home win in all competitions.

First Goalscorer: Vicent Kompany @ 40/1 BetFred

Even though I don’t rate his team’s chances, Wayne Rooney at 6/1 to open the scoring has to be considered value. A player of his quality and calibre is capable of scoring in any fixture. Sergio Aguero is the favourite however, with the Argentine 11/2 to score the game’s first goal, as he did on Tuesday when City cruised to a 3-0 win at home to Liverpool. David Silva at 8/1 is interesting, but the value for me is City defender Vincent Kompany at 40/1!

United have looked vulnerable at the back all season long, but even more so since Vidic was ruled out for the rest of the season because of injury, and it could take something like an effort from a set-piece to liven up what could be a cagey affair in the opening stages. Joleon Lescott, another City defender who is decent in the air, is also worth a shout at the same price.

BetFred are doing their popular Double Delight and Hat-trick Heaven promotion for this game, meaning if you’re player scores the game’s first goal and goes on to score again, they will double your odds if he scores twice and treble them if he bags three!

Match Odds

Manchester City – 23/20 VictorChandler

Draw – 12/5 Bet365

Manchester United – 13/5 PaddyPower

Manchester City V Liverpool

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 3 January 2012 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

Humbled by lowly Sunderland on New Year’s, Manchester City retreat to fortress Etihad for their next encounter – a tussle with a resurgent Liverpool, whom the Citizens have beaten just once in the previous thirteen Premier League meetings.

There has barely been any time for the dust to settle on their dramatic loss to mid-table Sunderland but already leaders City are thrust straight back into the action, just 48 hours after crashing to only their second defeat of the term in the North East. Nevertheless, Roberto Mancini’s team remain top of the pile – only just, mind – courtesy of Blackburn doing them a huge favour by beating Man Utd 3-2 at Old Trafford on the final day of 2011.

City chief Roberto Mancini knows his side cannot afford to rely on favours from others if they’re to end the season Premier League champions, though, which is why he expects his imperious charges, who have not dropped a single point at home all season, winning nine out of nine thus far, to respond like all potential champions must, and that’s by winning the very next fixture.

It just so happens that City’s next assignment is one which has caused them numerous problems over the years, at home to Liverpool. The Reds have only succumbed to the Manchester club once in the previous thirteen league meetings – which was the most recent meeting in Manchester, back in August 2010, when they went down 3-0 – and were arguably the better side when the two teams met at Anfield last November, with City owing a lot to the goalkeeping brilliance that day of Joe Hart who helped them cling on for dear life to a 1-1 draw.

You’d naturally assume City will turn the tide at the Etihad Stadium, where they have been utterly dominant all season – all year in fact – taking 52 points from a possible 54 at home in 2011. They’ve also scored goals for absolute fun at home this season, averaging three a game, conceding just the four themselves, although the only team of any real note they’ve faced was Arsenal – and you could certainly argue that they were very fortunate to edge that 1-0.

Make no mistake, this is Manchester City’s toughest match of the season so far – because it comes at a time when so many, after seeing them lose twice within the space of a month and fail to win any of their last four away matches, are beginning to question their title credentials for the very first time. Plus Liverpool are arguably a more potent threat on their travels than at Anfield, with five of their nine victories having been earned away from Merseyside.

Furthermore, few would argue that Kenny Dalglish’ men are a team for the big occasion. They’ve given both Manchester clubs a torrid time at Anfield, despite only conjuring 1-1 draws in both, but were worthy winners at both Arsenal and Chelsea and with star man Luis Suarez back from suspension, as well as talisman Steven Gerrard back from injury, would you dare back against them claiming another big-named scalp – quite possibly the biggest around?

Match Pointers

- City have won just one of their previous 13 Premier League meetings with Liverpool (W1 D6 L6), and just one of the last six in Manchester (W1 D3 L2).

- Their reverse encounter at Anfield in November finished 1-1; Vincent Kompany had opened the scoring for Man City, but that lead lasted just two minutes after Charlie Adam’s long-range effort was deflected into his own net by City defender Joleon Lescott.

- Liverpool have failed to score on four of their previous five visits to the Etihad Stadium, losing last season’s clash 3-0.

- Man City boast the only 100% home record in the top flight, winning all nine league games there so far, scoring 28 goals and conceding just 4.

- Liverpool have won more league fixtures away from home this season (W5 D1 L3), and have kept clean sheets in four of their last six away matches.

- The Reds are also unbeaten in their last five Premier League games (W3 D2).

Betting

Match Prediction: Draw @ 13/5 SkyBet

One thing I have learnt this season is Liverpool shouldn’t be opposed in the crunch encounters, so the Reds at 7/2, who should have beaten both City and United at Anfield but did manage to get the better of Arsenal and Chelsea in London, appear sensational value to achieve a feat nobody managed throughout the whole of 2011, which is to beat Roberto Mancini’s star-studded Citizens in Manchester.

But… City have been formidable at home this season; no-one so far has taken a point from them at Eastlands, few have even managed to score past Joe Hart there, so it remains a monumental ask for King Kenny & Co, even though they go to Manchester better equipped than most.

Nonetheless, I still think the visitors are good value to take at least a point away with them; they’ll be well-organised and compact throughout the team and won’t allow their hosts any room in behind their resolute defence, which has conceded just 15 goals all season, and just two in their previous five league games. They’ll also be a constant threat on the break, with a refreshed Luis Suarez especially dangerous.

First Goalscorer: Luis Suarez @ 8/1 StanJames

A contest packed full of potential goalscorers, though it must be said most of those who appeal ply their trade in Manchester. Edin Dzeko is unlikely to start seeing as he started the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland (he was also useless), so Sergio Aguero (5/1 StanJames) is expected to lead the line, possibly alongside Mario Balotelli (11/2 bWin), who didn’t feature at all at the Stadium of Light. David Silva (17/2 StanJames) was a second-half substitute and will also return to the team-sheet, though he was very quiet at Anfield a couple of months ago.

Only two players stand out in Liverpool’s team; top scorer Luis Suarez, who will be fresh for his one-match ban that he served on Friday against Newcastle, and captain Steven Gerrard (12/1 StanJames), who turned the aforementioned game on its head when he was introduced midway through the second period, even scoring the crucial third which sealed a hard-earned 3-1 win for his team. Both are capable of brilliance, which is what could be required if the Reds are to find a way past the irrepressible Joe Hart.

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 13/2 WilliamHill

This shouldn’t be a game littered with goals, a contest which brings the two strongest defences together; Man City have only shipped four goals on home soil all season while Liverpool have conceded a miserly seven on the road, keeping clean sheets in four of their previous six.

SportingBet go 11/1 on a 0-0 draw, which does seem impossible with all the attacking talent on show, which is why I am taken with the odds of 13/2 with WilliamHill on a 1-1 draw.

Man City have founds goals very easy to come by at home, so a home win by a scoreline of 1-0 at 7/1, and 2-0 at 9/1, both with Coral, will probably attract some interest. 3-0 is 16/1 with the same firm.

Those who fancy Liverpool to edge this, as they did at Arsenal and Chelsea, may be enticed by the odds available on the same scorelines reversed: a 1-0 win for the visitors is 12/1 with 888Sport, while 2-0 is gigantic odds at 25/1 with StanJames. A 3-2 win for the Reds, which was the score when they last won at Eastlands three seasons ago, is a mouthwatering 40/1 with bet365!

Match Odds

Manchester City – 10/11 VictorChandler

Draw – 13/5 SkyBet

Liverpool – 7/2 PaddyPower

Sunderland V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 1 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Stadium of Light

Preview

Without a win in three on their travels, Manchester City will happily turn to a fixture, and a ground, which has served them well over the years for a timely New Year boost – Sunderland away at the Stadium of Light. The Citizens have been victorious on four of their seven visits in the Premier League, losing just twice, and as the top flight’s leading scorers, both in general and on the road, bookmakers naturally expect them to comply, at what has clearly been a happy hunting ground for the Manchester club.

However, it should be noted that Roberto Mancini is yet to record a win at the Stadium of Light as Manchester City manager. In his first visit there, back in March 2010, the Italian was fortunate to see his side scrape a 1-1 draw, with winger Adam Johnson scoring in stoppage time to salvage a point. Meanwhile last season’s corresponding fixture ended in disaster; Darren Bent converting a last-gasp winner from the penalty spot to seal a rare home triumph for Sunderland in this fixture.

Furthermore, City’s Boxing Day goalless draw with West Brom at The Hawthorns meant it is now three without a win on the road for the big-spending Italian and his charges, who haven’t taken maximum points away from home in the league since 5 November.

Although their odds of victory would suggest they are primed to return to winning ways, this is by no means a formality for Man City. Their opponents this weekend are enjoying a renaissance of sorts under new manager Martin O’Neill, with the Black Cats registering seven points from their last four matches since the Northern Irishman’s arrival.

So, if anything, it is Sunderland who go into the game in high spirits. They should also be going into it with back-to-back home wins as well. Howard Webb’s blunder in the 1-1 draw with Everton on Boxing Day, when wrongly awarding the Merseyside club the chance to level from the spot, denied Martin O’Neill his second win as Sunderland boss at the Stadium of Light, which would have followed up his side’s impressive comeback victory over Blackburn earlier in December.

As it is, Sunderland are looking to bounce back from the disappointment sustained at home to Everton and must do so without several first-team personnel. Ominously, ahead of the visit of the Premier League’s most prolific travellers, Martin O’Neill is set to be without defenders Phil Bardsley, Michael Turner and Titus Bramble, while there are also doubts over Kieran Richardson’s availability, with the versatility player suffering from illness.

Manchester City’s chief, Roberto Mancini, doesn’t have anywhere near the same problems. In fact, City take almost a clean bill of health with them to Wearside, with Carlos Tevez their only confirmed absentee – for obvious reasons.

Match Pointers

In their previous 14 Premier League meetings Sunderland have won only once, there has been just one draw while Manchester City have triumphed on no fewer than 11 occasions – though it was Sunderland who won last season’s corresponding fixture at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have lost just one of their previous seven league matches at home (W2 D4 L1) and would have made it back-to-back home wins under Martin O’Neill had it not been for a dubious penalty given against them in their 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Everton.

After winning five of their opening six away league games, Man City find themselves without an away win in three following draws at Liverpool (1-1) and West Brom (0-0) as well as losing 2-1 to title rivals Chelsea (2-1).

The Citizens have, however, kept clean sheets in each of their previous three matches, against Arsenal, Stoke and West Brom.

No team has plundered more goals away from home this season than Manchester City (25), who had scored a minimum of two goals in every away game before embarking on this three-match winless away run of theirs.

Betting

On current form, Sunderland should give the favourites a run for their money. There’s a new boss in town in the shape of fan-favourite Martin O’Neill and he hasn’t wasted any time getting those Wearside slackers into shape, taking more points in his first four games in charge than former Black Cat Steve Bruce managed in his final nine outings. But their lack of familiar faces at the back could prove their downfall.

There isn’t a worse time to be without key defenders, than before a crucial meeting with league leaders Manchester City, a team whose forward prowess has left many this season seeing stars. They are the league’s top scorers with 53 goals in 18 games, 25 of which have come from just nine away outings. But they’ve stumbled recently, failing to win any of their previous three league matches away from Eastlands – though all three were tricky outings.

Like I said, on current form this may have been a close-run thing. But I must stress the ‘may’ part. Even had Martin O’Neill had the luxury of picking from a fully fit squad, squeezing anything out of this fixture would have been excruciatingly difficult. Without a number of key men at the back, and with their only fit and available recognised striker failing to inspire, with Nicklas Bendtner very hit and miss this season, I am seriously devoid of any confidence in the home side.

Manchester City aren’t the greatest odds for an away side, but they’ll do for me on this occasion.

Recommended Bet: Manchester City to WIN – 4/7 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals (4 or More) – 2/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Sunderland – 6/1 BetFred

Draw – 10/3 Boylesports

Manchester City – 4/7 WilliamHill

Chelsea V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 12 December 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Preview

Manchester City have a truly awful record away to Chelsea in the league, losing on eight of their last nine visits, but have fared brilliantly away to their rivals this season. A fortnight ago they negotiated Liverpool at Anfield, earning a creditable draw, while no-one will ever forget the 6-1 drubbing handed out to arch rivals United at Old Trafford back in October. So how will Roberto Mancini’s team of Premier League record breakers handle Andre Villas-Boas’ resurgent charges at Stamford Bridge?

It really is a tantalising prospect: a Chelsea team buoyed by their progress in the Champions League going up against the current Premier League pacesetters, a Man City side who didn’t quiet make the grade in Europe this season but have set the benchmark back home by winning 12 of their first 14 league matches in a simply stunning unbeaten sequence. Few have been able to get anywhere near them, so being the first is a genuine incentive for everyone.

According to a tempestuous Andre Villas-Boas, defeat on Monday is inconceivable. Chelsea kick-off proceedings ten points behind the long-time leaders, an already worrying deficit that would grow to thirteen with a fifth loss of the campaign. Disconcertingly, ahead of a fixture they dare not lose but really have to be winning if they’re to remain genuine title contenders, the Blues have lost three of their last four domestic fixtures at Stamford Bridge – though their last match there was Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat of Valencia which sealed qualification to the knockouts of the Champions League. The perfect tonic, perhaps?

Despite holding sway at the summit, Roberto Mancini believes it is too early to be claiming the Premier League is there’s to lose. Nevertheless, it is they who are favourites to go in at Christmas top of the pile, that is provided they don’t slip-up at either Chelsea, on Monday, or at home to Arsenal, the following weekend, beforehand. The Citizens are also under a bit of pressure following United’s comfortable win over Wolves on Saturday, which reduced City’s lead to just two points. It will shoot back up to five however with a rare triumph in West London, a region they’ve found problematic this season having edged out QPR at Loftus Road but only conjuring a draw at Fulham.

Chelsea

League Position: 5th

League Form: LWLWW

It has been described as a must-not-lose fixture by Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea’s former Mr. Cool who has rapidly turned into Mr. Cranky. But if Chelsea are to convince themselves that they are genuine title contenders, let alone everybody else, then victory over the league leaders is a must. There is no which way about it, not with defeats to Arsenal, Liverpool and United hanging over them.

Funnily enough, despite seeing his team lose three of their previous four domestic fixtures at Stamford Bridge, bookmakers are confident the Portuguese tactician can masterminded the demise of the so far infallible Man City. The Blues are 6/4 favourites to triumph in the Monday night fixture and follow up Wednesday’s success in the Champions League over Valencia, when a 3-0 win at the Bridge was enough to send the Blues through to the last-16 as group winners.

However, Arsenal and Liverpool have both gone to Chelsea this season and scored goals with an element of ease, and both left victorious. Liverpool did twice in the space of a fortnight in fact. Now some might say that’s ominous ahead of the visit of the most prolific team in Premier League history at this stage of the season, with the Citizens having netted 48 times so far – 13 more than the next best, which is United, and 17 more than Chelsea have mustered.

Nevertheless the Blues are in the ascendency, winning their last two matches 3-0. That’s back-to-back clean sheets for a defence which will be handed the sternest of examinations on Monday, while they did also win their last Premier League home game by the scoreline, although read into that what you will, as it was against lowly Wolves.

Team News: After picking up his fifth caution of the season at Newcastle last time out in the league, David Luiz will serve a one-match suspension for the visit of Man City. Branislav Ivanovic should switch to centre-back with Jose Bosingwa filling at right-back. Frank Lampard didn’t feature at all against Valencia and may lost out again as Villas-Boas opts to remain a dynamic midfield three of Oriel Romeu, Raul Meireles and Ramires. Didier Drogba, who scored twice against the La Liga outfit, will spearhead the Chelsea attack with Fernando Torres once again consigned to a place on the bench.

Manchester City

League Position: 1st

League Form: WWWDW

Compared with where their opponents sit in the league, it is almost laughable to suggest Manchester City, the long-time leaders of the Premier League, are under any meaningful pressure heading into Monday’s mouthwatering clash at Stamford Bridge. Yet they are. Their lead at the top has been cut right down to size over the weekend, with United now within striking distance. There is also the not so small matter of overcoming the disappointment sustained from their failure to qualify for the last-16 of the Champions League.

Playing an in-form Liverpool at Anfield on 27 November was a true test of their resolve. You could argue that they passed, just, after grounding out a hard-fought 1-1 draw. But they were by no means convincing. That result maintained a pattern for City, whose form domestically has suffered immediately after European heartache. Their 2-2 draw at Fulham came right on the back of a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Napoli, while their laborious display at Anfield came off the back of their 2-1 loss in Naples.

Now, City didn’t slump to a defeat in midweek. In fact they beat a much-changed Bayern Munich very easily in Manchester, winning 2-0. But with Napoli’s win over Villarreal confirming their elimination from the tournament, that Bayern triumph will have felt a lot like a loss. Some how they must find a way to keep their emotions in check, as Stamford Bridge – where they’ve won only once in their last thirteen league visits – is where it could potentially all unravel.

Away from my observations, City do appear exceptional value on paper. They have scored goals for absolute fun in the league this season, including six at Old Trafford, averaging 3 a game away from home. Only Liverpool can match their defensive prowess, with both having shipped just 13 goals. While they remain the only undefeated side in the Premier League.

However, the cracks are starting to appear, especially in this joint-strongest defence of theirs; Joe Hart, who needed to produce a goalkeeping master-class at Anfield to keep his side’s imperious domestic run in tact, has now gone seven league games without a clean sheet. Moreover, City have found this particular region of the capital problematic, having struggled to break QPR’s resolve – eventually winning 3-2 – but failing with Fulham – drawing 2-2 at Craven Cottage.

Team News: Micah Richards is doubtful after sitting out Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat of Bayern Munich in the Champions League with a calf injury, with Montenegrin defender Stefan Savic deployed as a makeshift full-back. However with Pablo Zabaleta back fit, Mancini could opt to draft in the Argentinian at right-back. Edin Dzeko was very disappointing in that game and could lose his place to Mario Balotelli, the Italian who has seven goals in his last nine Premier League appearances. Alexsandar Kolarov is out injured.

Match Pointers

- Three of the last four league meetings between the two sides ended in victory for Manchester City, although the Citizens have only been victorious on two of their fourteen visits to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League (W2 D2 L10).

- Manchester City have failed to score on eight of their last nine visits to Chelsea in the league, though the only team they did manage to find the goal they did so on four occasions and ended up winning the fixture (won 2-4 back in February 2010).

- Chelsea have won five of seven league games at Stamford Bridge this season (W5 D0 L2), however the visit of Wolves on 26 November saw the Blues keep only their first home clean sheet of the campaign, conceding 11 in total on their own patch.

- Daniel Sturridge has scored in each of Chelsea’s previous three league matches and is Andre Villas-Boas’ leading marksmen for the tern with seven goals.

- Manchester City have made the best start to a season by any side in Premier League history, winning 12 of their first 14 games without losing any (W12 D2 L0).

- The Citizens have only kept one clean sheet on the road, which came at lowly Blackburn on 1 October.

- Sergio Aguero has only made 13 Premier League appearances so far but has 11 goals to his name.

Betting

The fact City have underperformed in West London so far this season may be a load of superstitious old nonsense, even though it is a fact. Even so, it doesn’t bode well. The superior West London outfit await them on Monday, at a venue where their record in the Premier League is retched, and with the Blues reinvigorated following back-to-back 3-0 wins – the latter an impressive victory over Valencia which secured progress in the Champions League – I’m expecting the hosts to match a still undefeated in the league Man City stride for stride.

In recent games, Chelsea have looked so much more balanced. Having several defensive-minded players in the team has certainly helped, as has limiting David Luiz’s offensive duties. The Brazilian is unavailable for this game, which could be a blessing in itself as it means John Terry will marshal a flat back-four.

Daniel Sturridge has also come into his own on the right, complimenting the powerful Didier Drogba who is proving he still has all the necessary attributes to score pivotal goals for the Blues, like the two he scored against Valencia during the week. There will also be some huge names on the Chelsea bench, which means Villas-Boas has options should his team require a goal late on.

Personally I make City slight favourites. Their domestic form has been sublime while the thought of setting up a team to contain Yaya Toure, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Mario Baloteli is a frightening prospect. However, they haven’t quite been their imperious selves in recent weeks, particularly in defence, and came to within a whisker of relinquishing their unbeaten record away at Liverpool in their most recent testing encounter. Meanwhile Chelsea are playing with some renewed vigour and confidence and are another opponent who won’t be easy to blow over.

Prediction: Draw – 12/5 bWin

Value Bet: 1-1 Draw – 6/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Chelsea – 6/4 Bet365

Draw – 12/5 bWin

Manchester City – 9/5 PaddyPower

Manchester City V Norwich City

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 3 December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Ewood Park

Preview

Manchester City have been too good for just about everyone this season – in most cases, several goals too good – wading in with a staggering 43 goals as they smashed the previous best start to a Premier League season by winning eleven and losing none of their first thirteen fixtures. The general consensus is that they’ll add a few more to their tally this weekend, both points and goals, as they welcome mid-table Norwich to the Etihad Stadium seeking a twelfth consecutive home league win.

A monumental ask then for the Canaries, who have only won one of their previous 36 away top flight matches. Had this been at Carrow Road then maybe, a shock may have stood a chance. Having said that, Norwich have given a very good account of themselves at some daunting grounds already this season, going down fighting at Chelsea (3-1) and Manchester United (2-0) while they even earned a hard-fought point at Anfield against Liverpool.

So, is it asking too much of Norwich to ground out a result on Saturday? I can think of several teams who’ll be cheering them on. Because of the way they play, which is basically on the front foot, you know they do have goals in them. Defensively, however, you feel they may be overwhelmed by a team which has averaged around four goals a game this season. We suspect goalkeeper John Ruddy will be one of the busiest men in the Premier League between the sticks.

A crucial period of the season awaits Manchester City, according to their manager Roberto Mancini, who feels his side are thee team to beat right now. He does have a point, though he is stating the bleeding obvious. The Citizens sit atop of the Premier League on 35 points, five clear of defending champions United, hence why everybody is after their scalp. But so far, with thirteen games of the season gone, nobody has managed to claim it.

Liverpool, at Anfield last weekend, came the closest to doing so. The Reds battered City on Merseyside, despite conceding the opening goal midway through the second half, and had it not been for some goalkeeping heroics from Joe Hart late on, City’s sixteen-game unbeaten Premier League run (W14 D2) would have come to an abrupt end. Both Arsenal and Chelsea will have their turns over the next fortnight.

Impressive stuff then from Man City, who were anything but during their midweek Carling Cup tie with Arsenal in North London – although Sergio Aguero’s late winner ensured City remained in the hunt for yet more silverware, to go with last season’s capture of the FA Cup. Now, Liverpool, over two legs, await Roberto Mancini & Co in what will be a humdinger of a tie.

The Italian did rest a host of players at Arsenal, mind, all of which will return for the visit of Norwich, including Mario Balotelli who served his suspension for seeing red at Anfield at the Emirates. Sergio Aguero playing for the best part of an hour means he’s likely to be omitted from the starting XI, but the likes of Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry, Yaya Toure and David Silva will return, fresh for their absences on Tuesday.

As far as I am aware, Norwich boss Paul Lambert doesn’t have any fresh setbacks regarding injuries or suspensions, so it could be the same eleven which ended a four-game winless run with victory over QPR last weekend which tackle the league leaders in Manchester – though Lambert does like to shuffle his pack.

Match Pointers

- Manchester City (W11 D2 L0) have made the best ever start to a Premier League season by winning 11 of 13 in an unbeaten sequence, scoring 43 times and conceding just 12 in doing so. Their goal differential is a staggering +31.

- The Citizens have seldom come a cropper this season, on just two occasions in fact, and neither were at their Etihad Stadium in Manchester, where they’re currently on a run of eleven consecutive Premier League wins. You need to go way back to December of last year for their last home reverse.

- City have been at least two goals too good for opponents at home, winning all six matches in Manchester by at least a two-goal margin – I suppose you could make it seven if you include their 6-1 drubbing over Manchester United at Old Trafford, which was of course in Manchester.

- Norwich (W4 D4 L5) are up to tenth after winning their fourth game of the season last weekend. They have, however, managed just one win on their travels thus far (W1 D2 L3).

- The Canaries have won only one of their previous 36 matches away from home in the Premier League.

Betting

To their credit, Norwich haven’t been overawed this season. Against Chelsea and Manchester United, at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford respectively, the Canaries gave a very good account of themselves and were extremely unfortunate not to take something away from both games. They play mainly on the front foot – which can be as much of a hindrance as a positive – so do cause teams problems. However it does need something special to unravel Manchester City’s defence, while Norwich require a miracle if they’re to be the first team since Liverpool back in April to stop Roberto Mancini’s side from scoring in the Premier League.

As tenacious as they are, this is too big an ask for Paul Lambert and Norwich. Manchester City are on a different level and I fully expect the gulf in class to show at the Etihad Stadium, where the hosts, who welcome back an influx of stars from the side which edged past Arsenal in midweek, are searching for their 12 consecutive Premier League victory.

Man City have been at least two goals too good for Premier League opposition at home this season, so backing the hosts with a handicap could be the way to go. Personally, I couldn’t rule out Norwich getting on the scoresheet, so both teams to score seems a logical punt.

Match Outcome: Manchester City to WIN – 1/5 Bet365

Value Bet: Both Teams to Score – 5/6 SkyBet

Match Odds

Manchester City – 1/5 Bet365

Draw – 13/2 VictorChandler

Norwich City – 16/1 StanJames