Manchester City

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 Bayern Munich

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 7 December 2011 – 19:45 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

The UEFA Europa League beckons for Roberto Mancini and Manchester City following their 2-1 defeat in Naples on Match Day 5. The Citizens are now heavily reliant on others performing, more than themselves even, though they still have to beat Group A winners Bayern Munich if they’re to stand any chance of progressing into the Round of 16.

For City to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League, second placed Napoli must come unstuck in Spain away to Villarreal. An Italian victory at El Madrigal – where Mancini’s men cruised to a 3-0 victory on Match Day 4 – and the current Premier League leaders would finish third in the group, regardless of their result in Manchester with the German champions.

An uncomfortable, nervy evening awaits the Manchester City fans – the manager and players, however, will be too focused on their formidable task at hand to worry about what’s going on elsewhere, although every goal scored in Spain will be meet with varying levels of euphoria or painstaking cries inside the Etihad Stadium.

The least City can do, then, is apply some pressure, as any lead over Bayern – the team who knocked Manchester United out of the competition two seasons ago – will filter through to El Madrigal, which could unsettle the Napoli camp. The Bavarians, though, insist they won’t do their English adversaries any favours in Manchester and that they intend to finish the group phase with five wins out of six.

Nevertheless, we’re expecting changes from the visitors, who are no longer going great guns, not like they were when the two first met in Munich for their opener. It is no coincidence that Bayern have mustered only one win from their last five matches at a time when Bastien Schweinsteiger is out injured. The German midfielder pulls all the strings and without him they struggle to dominate sides – which was precisely what they did in the early part of the season.

So this is a game for the taking for Man City, who are looking to build on their weekend trouncing of Norwich at home, when winning 5-1, by securing their eight consecutive win on home soil in all competitions. During this remarkable run, City have notched 21 times, so there is a feeling their attacking prowess may prove too much for a potentially much-changed Bayern side who have been leaking goals in recent games; Manuel Neuer, the Bavarian shot-stopper who kept 12 consecutive clean sheets earlier in the campaign, has now gone six without keeping one.

The club have exceeded the billion-pound marker in terms of investment for nights just like this, but will they see any return? Money can’t help them now; it’s all about character and how much they want it, as well as plenty of good fortune, as remember, City’s fate no longer rests in their own hands.

Match Pointers

- Manchester City are unbeaten in 14 at home in Europe, drawing 1-1 with Napoli and recording a 2-1 win over Villarreal in their two group games at home in this season’s Champions League.

- The Citizens have won their last seven matches at home in succession, scoring 21 goals in the process.

- It has been almost a year since Manchester City were last beaten on home soil, on 20 December 2010 to Everton; they’re unbeaten in 26 home games since, winning 24.

- Bayern Munich have won just one of their last five away matches in all competitions (W1 D2 L2).

- The Bavarians have six wins from their last eight away matches in the Champions League (W6 D1 L1).

- On their last visits to Manchester, Bayern eliminated City’s arch rivals United at the quarter-final stage; their 3-2 loss at Old Trafford meant they qualified via away goals with the tie ending 4-4 on aggregate.

- In fourteen trips to England, Bayern Munich have won only twice (W2 D7 L5).

Betting

I don’t think there is any chance of Manchester City suffering their first loss at home for twelve months. In fact, I’d be surprised if they didn’t record a win over a Bayern Munich side whom while they may already be through as section winners, could be much-changed from the side which beat City 2-0 in Munich and are going through a difficult period right now with regards to form and the expensive loss of midfield linchpin Schweinsteiger.

At home, City haven’t merely been consistent with regards to winning matches, they’ve scored goals for the sheer hell of it at times. At the weekend alone they plundered five, making it 11 in their last three matches at the Etihad Stadium, and I very much expect City to outscore their German visitors; the craft and vision of David Silva and Sergio Aguero will be too much for a Bayern defence which shipped three away to Mainz (a team struggling at the foot of the Bundesliga standings) in their most recent away assignment.

Unfortunately, though, victory isn’t enough on its own to send Roberto Mancini’s lavishly assembled squad of superstars through to the knockouts. Nevertheless, I expect them to at least uphold their end of the bargain. Now all they require is Villarreal picking up their first points of the campaign at home to Napoli.

Prediction: Manchester City to WIN – 4/6 888Sport

Value Bet: Sergio Aguero First Goalscorer – 11/2 BetFred

Match Odds

Manchester City – 4/6 888Sport

Draw – 16/5 bWin

Bayern Munich – 5/1 VictorChandler

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

Liverpool V Manchester City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 27 November 2011 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Anfield

Preview

Neither Arsenal nor Chelsea could contend with King Kenny’s men. Defending champions Man Utd probably should have gone the say way. So how will Manchester City, the current league leaders, a team who have scored an unprecedented amount of goals and have only dropped two points all season, fare when they face the wrath of Liverpool in a fixture which hasn’t bore much fruit for them in previous campaigns.

In their last ten league visits to Anfield, Manchester City have only managed two draws. Their last win on Merseyside was way back in 2003, while last season, City slumped to a 3-0 loss in this fixture – the last occasion Roberto Mancini’s men failed to score in a Premier League match. In fact, they haven’t stopped scoring ever since, averaging almost four a game this season.

No doubt about it then – a huge test for both teams. Neither will be particularly excited at the prospect of facing each other, with both in blistering form, although recent results could have a significant bearing on who prospers in Sunday’s live Sky Sports’ encounter. Whereas hosts Liverpool go into the game full of confidence after slaying Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week, Manchester City will be crushed following Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Napoli, which has left their hopes of reaching the latter stages of the competition in tatters.

A test of character perhaps for the commanding league leaders? There haven’t been too many of those this season. The one obvious one was their trip to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby. They ended up winning that at a canter, 6-1. Surely they won’t go to another iconic ground in English football and win handsomely?

Liverpool

League Position: 6th

League Form: DDWDW

Perhaps the pressure gets to them? The pressure of entertaining the masses, or even the expectancy which circulates amongst not only the fans, but the media as well before every should-win game. Whatever it is, Liverpool have seriously struggled against the smaller sides this season, dropping crucial points against the likes of Norwich, Sunderland and Swansea – all at home, too.

They’ve had no such problems against their main rivals, though, and on Sunday they’ll look to once again rise to the occasion when they welcome table-toppers Man City to Anfield aiming to repeat last season’s epic performance in the corresponding fixture back in April, when Andy Carroll scored his first goals for the club in a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

You’ll get massive odds on another 3-0 success for Kenny Dalglish & Co, mainly because it almost certainly won’t happen. But a Liverpool victory, whatever the final score, is by no means beyond the realms of possibility. The Reds are in decent form going into the game; unbeaten in their last eight, having lost just once at Anfield in their last 16 Premier League matches, and they will feel they are capable of anything after last week’s impressive win at Stamford Bridge over Chelsea.

I suspect Liverpool won’t be shy of friends at their current price, with the Reds installed as underdogs despite home advantage, and despite having already beaten Arsenal and Chelsea this season, both away from home, too. Manchester United were completely outplayed when they paid Anfield a visit last month, so who’s to say the Reds won’t claim another scalp – thee scalp right now – in leaders Manchester City, whom are the only Premier League team still to taste defeat.

Manchester City

League Position: 1st

League Form: WWWWW

Four days – the amount of time Man City have had to digest Tuesday’s horrific result in Naples. Will it prove enough? Are they ready to be thrust straight back into domestic action? Will the Premier League leaders, the team which has scored goals at a canter, battered teams for fun and won a record 11 of their opening 12 league fixtures, be in the right frame of mind for Sunday’s heavyweight billing at Anfield, where their record is lousy and their opponents are overflowing with confidence? I sure can’t wait to find out.

The biggest test of the season so far. That’s how I see this match for City. I wouldn’t say they’ve had it easy up till now, but they have only faced United in their opening twelve games, and for a team which has had a £300million+ overhaul in just three seasons, you’d expect nothing less than a string of routine wins.

These are the games where you lay down markers, gauntlets even, and if City dispatch Liverpool, a side they haven’t beaten at Anfield in their previous ten attempts, in the same manner as they did United, then what hope is there for the rest of the Premier League? It is, however, highly unlikely; Roberto Mancini’s will still be licking their wounds following Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Napoli in Italy, a result which leaves them on the cusp of dropping into the Europa League, while Liverpool will be buoyed by their recent success over Chelsea in London.

However, whether it’s been at home or away, City have won matches this season. The stature of their opponents hasn’t mattered either. Moreover, location has had absolutely no bearing whatsoever when it comes to scoring goals. In actual fact, 23 of the 42 goals Roberto Mancini’s men have scored in the league so far were netted on the road. Eleven of which were at Tottenham (5) and Manchester United (6), which is frightening when you think about it.

Incredible stuff, and partly why bookmakers have gone to town on installing the Citizens as favourites for Sunday’s game, even though their last victory over Liverpool on Merseyside was back in 2003.

Match Pointers

- Between 2005 and the present day, Manchester City have beaten Liverpool just once in the Premier League (W1 D5 L6).

- The last time Man City were victorious at Anfield was eight years ago, back in 2003 when a Nicolas Anelka brace sealed a 2-1 win; they’ve lost six of the subsequent eight Merseyside encounters since.

- Liverpool are unbeaten in seven in the league, winning four and drawing three.

- The only team to have recorded a Premier League win at Anfield in 2011 are Tottenham, back in May on the final day of last season, with that being Liverpool’s only home league defeat in 16 matches (W9 D6 L1).

- The Reds have drawn each of their previous three home league games, two by a 1-1 scoreline.

- Manchester City suffered their first defeat in ten in Naples on Tuesday, though they remain unbeaten since May in the Premier League, winning a staggering 14 of 15 since losing 2-1 at Everton on 7 May.

- The Citizens have won seven consecutive Premier League games, scoring 25 and conceding a miserly 6.

- No team has stopped City from scoring in 18 Premier League fixtures, since, coincidentally, Liverpool beat them 3-0 at Anfield back in April.

Betting

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has warned those on the periphery of the first-team not to disrupt the harmony of the team, and to keep any negative emotions in check. It comes after his decision to leave several high profile names on the bench for last week’s visit to Chelsea, with even vice-captain Jamie Carragher among those omitted.

Clearly price tags and reputations hold no bearing in the Liverpool dressing room, with Dalglish sticking to his policy of choosing the right players for the right occasion – which means we could see a few more changes on Saturday, as this fixture is like no other they have experienced so far this season.

In all the big games, Kenny Dalglish’s team-sheet and tactics have been spot-on. So you wonder what the Reds chief has up his sleeve for the visit of undefeated Man City. Whatever it may be, the fact is, he has masterminded both Arsenal and Chelsea’s demise, and so nearly Man Utd’s, and that should serve as some indication as to what both he and his team are capable of.

However, the thing about Manchester City is, they have the fire power to blow any team out of the water – as they did at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane to Man Utd and Tottenham respectively, two teams who just so happen to be second and third in the table. I genuinely don’t believe they’ll pull off something similarly extraordinary at Anfield against a team which has allowed the fewest shots on their own goal, but it is mighty difficult to oppose them nonetheless.

It almost seems strange to predict a low scoring affair when you consider the wealth of attacking talent that will be on show in both teams, but tactics could play a prominent role in this match, as both managers are full of respect for each other, and that should tell on the pitch. So, honours even at Anfield.

Match Outcome: Draw – 23/10 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: 1-1 Draw (Correct Score) – 6/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Liverpool – 19/10 bWin

Draw – 23/10 Ladbrokes

Manchester City – 17/10 WilliamHill

Manchester City V Wolverhampton Wanderers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 29 October 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

It is round two of this hardly epic battle between Manchester City and Wolves and, if Wednesday’s League Cup tie was anything to go by, this could make for 90 minutes of brutal viewing. Roberto Mancini’s team ran riot at Molineux in midweek in the Carling Cup, slamming home five goals in a 5-2 success despite the Italian tinkering with his team-sheet and making wholesale changes to the side which spanked neighbours United 6-1 at the weekend. So is there any chance of Mick McCarthy and Wolves bridging the gap?

The signs are rather ominous from a Wolves point of view. They’ve won none of their last six matches in the league, losing five, plundering just four goals in that dour spell – and have never won a Premier League fixture away to the Citizens. In contrast, stark contrast that is, Man City have won eight of their opening nine league games of the season, have been scoring at almost a rate of four-a-game and have won thirteen of their last fourteen at home in an unbeaten containing ten clean sheets. Frightening stuff. No wonder the hosts are around a 1/5 shot.

Manchester City

League Position: 1st

League Form: DWWWW

They’ve plundered eleven goals in 180 minutes of football within the space of just three days, so I recommend we all have our abacuses at the ready as City’s third game in less than a week is Wolves at home – the team they put five past in midweek at Molineux, just days after hitting arch rivals Manchester United for six at Old Trafford. But with Villarreal to come in the Champions League on Wednesday – a must-win clash for the Citizens – we will see some restraint, a more efficient display from a City side who are averaging almost four-goals-a-game in the league this season.

Quite simply, there is just no stopping Roberto Mancini’s free-scoring charges. Wednesday’s trouncing of Wolves in the Carling Cup was almost comical, only because fans had their hearts set on another six-goal haul. The fact they notched five didn’t even come as a surprise, with goals-a-plenty the norm with Manchester City these days. In the league alone they’ve netted 33 times – an average of 3.66 per game – six of which were scored in last weekend’s demolition derby at Old Trafford.

City’s 6-1 demolition of Manchester United will forever be remembered as Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘worst ever day’ in football. The great man himself said that. City fans have spent the whole week gloating, and they’re still bathing in all that success. Who can blame them? It was a monumental result that reverberated right across the globe. It has struck fear into every one of their upcoming opponents, especially Wolves this weekend, who have already had a taste of City’s scoring prowess – and it did not taste good.

On the face of it, if City can put six past United at Old Trafford and five past Wolves at Molineux with a makeshift XI, surely a double-figure scoring is on the cards this weekend? The City fans will doubtless dream of another goal-glut at the Etihad Stadium, where City have won 13 and lost none of their last 14 in an unbeaten sequence boasting ten clean sheets. But I suspect Roberto Mancini may have one eye on Wednesday’s pivotal Champions League encounter in Spain with Villarreal, so the Italian could hold a few back with that trip in mind.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 16th

League Form: LLLLD

Someone has to do it, right? After watching the Citizens flex their attacking muscles twice within the space of a week, no team in their right mind would want to face a free-scoring Manchester City at this precise moment in time. So you feel for Mick McCarthy, whose Wolves side – without a win in five in the league – must somehow go to the Etihad Stadium and not merely make up the numbers.

Wolves are 20/1 shots this weekend, which speaks volumes about their chances in Manchester. Mick McCarthy made several changes from the team which came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Swansea last week for Wednesday’s League Cup clash with Saturday’s opponents, City, with the likes of Wayne Hennessey, Roger Johnson, Karl Henry, Matt Jarvis and Kevin Doyle sitting out the 5-2 drubbing dished out by an irrepressible Man City at Molineux. The aforementioned players should all return but can they really make any dent in the deficit?

Last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Swansea stretched Wolves winless run in the league to six games, although it could, and probably should, have been six straight defeats for Mick McCarthy and his team, who are being heavily scrutinised by their own supporters. McCarthy was even jeered at Molineux by fans he described as ‘mindless idiots’. So it isn’t as though Wolves lack motivation, as they’ll be fired up to prove all their doubters wrong, namely their own supporters but pundits and punters too.

There has, though, been a lack of quality to their play in recent outings, hence why they’re currently a team in free-fall. Their two goals against Swansea were only their fourth scored during this dismal spell of theirs, having plummeted from first place right down to 16th, just two points off relegation. Playing away from home may have its benefits, though, as at least they won’t have Wolves fans baying for their blood – no, just the City fans demanding their team show no mercy on Saturday.

Match Pointers

- Second clash in three days, with Man City running riot at Molineux on Wednesday as the Citizens racked up five goals in a 5-2 rout.

- Wolves have never won a Premier League match away to Manchester City, drawing one but losing three of their four visits.

- Man City top the Premier League with 25 points registered from 27 that went on offer (W8 D1 L0), scoring 33 times along the way (avg. 3.66)

- Striker Mario Balotelli has five Premier League goals in his last four appearances; however, Edin Dzeko has plundered seven of his eight goals away from home.

- Wolves (W2 D2 L5) are just two places off the relegation zone in 16th, losing five and winning none of their last six in the league.

- The Midlands side have conceded two or more goals in each of their last four home league games, conceding precisely two on three occasions.

Betting

This can only go one way, surely? Wolves have actually been a problematic opponent for Man City in recent years in the Premier League, with City winning two of the previous three home encounters by a solitary goal – Wolves scoring three goals on both those visits. But this City team have really come into their own this season; not only are they looking formidable going forward but errors are few and far between elsewhere, especially in defence, one which has kept ten clean sheets in its last fourteen Premier League home games.

Just about every attacking player in the City team is currently a rich vein of form, whereas Wolves are still feeling the affects of a six-game winless run. It could be another whitewash, similar to how their Carling Cup clash went on Wednesday, when City thumped Wolves 5-2 at Molineux, but Roberto Mancini may well preach caution and demand a more efficient display ahead of this coming Wednesday’s Champions League match in Villarreal. It should still be an easy afternoon’s work for Man City, mind.

Match Outcome: Manchester City to WIN – 2/11 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Man City to WIN 2-0 (Correct Score) – 6/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Manchester City – 2/11 WilliamHill

Draw – 7/1 VictorChandler

Wolves – 20/1 VictorChandler

Manchester City V Napoli

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 14th September 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)

Venue: City of Manchester stadium (Etihad Stadium)

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2

Preview

The Champions League will be graced by several débutantes this season and two we shall see in action under one roof on Wednesday, with Italian side Napoli attempting to overhaul Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium in the first of several highly intriguing encounters in a group duly dubbed the ‘Group of Death’.

Thanks in no small part to Sheikh Mansour’s millions, Manchester City will finally complete their goal of playing in the UEFA Champions League. The fact they hadn’t competed amongst the best in Europe for some 43 years, or that they haven’t performed particularly well in either the UEFA Cup or Europa League recently meant they were also likely to be handed a tricky group. Even so, City have a job on their hands qualifying for the latter stages in a fierce Group A containing match day 1 opponents Napoli, Spanish side Villarreal and the most successful German club in history, Bayern Munich.

Because of the severity of their group, it’s important the Manchester club get out of the blocks fast and assert themselves as quickly as possible, in the process quashing any fears or concerns surrounding their lack of experience as a club at this level. On paper it would appear Roberto Mancini’s side have been presented with a glorious opportunity to do just that, but their opponents begin their first Champions League campaign on the back of their most successful league campaign for 20 years and simply cannot be underestimated.

Based in Naples, Napoli enjoyed their best season in the Italian top-flight for a considerable period when finishing behind only the two Milan clubs last term. Their three-pronged attack of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani notched over 50 goals in all competitions and this multi-dimensional forward line boasting craft, guile, invention, pace and a ruthless finisher – which combined is a proven recipe for goals – warrants the utmost respect, and I suspect City chief Roberto Mancini will show them plenty of that.

At the same time, however, you do wonder how on earth the visitors, who didn’t win a single one of their four Europa League contests outside of Naples, despite plundering a decent tally of eight goals (which should say everything you need to know about how many they let in), can contain an irrepressible Manchester City attack that has averaged three-goals-per-game so far this season.

Roberto Mancini has assembled arguably the strongest group of players on the continent, certainly in terms of quality in depth, and the Italian is expected to utilise his embarrassment of riches on Wednesday. Adam Johnson and Carlos Tevez started their first games of the season as City comfortably saw to Wigan at home, with a Sergio Aguero hat-trick doing all the damage. Expect Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko to return to the first-team fray however as Mancini seeks to keep his team fresh ahead of a critical few months of the season.

One player whose Champions League debut is in doubt is midfielder Gareth Barry, who would almost certainly come into contention if fully fit. The destructive midfielder picked up a knock to his ankle while on international duty with England and will be assessed ahead of the game after sitting out his side’s weekend victory. Nigel De Jong is definitely out a foot injury while Owen Hargreaves and Kolo Toure are lacking in match fitness.

Match Pointers

Manchester City will be making their first appearance in the Champions League, their first amongst Europe’s elite for 43 years.

Won all four of their opening league games, scoring 15 and conceding 3.

The Citizens have lost only one of their previous 19 home games, winning 17.

Keeper Joe Hart has conceded just two goals in City’s last 15 home games.

The Sky Blues are also unbeaten in 12 home games in Europe, winning five of their six at home in last season’s Europa League.

Napoli, too, will make their Champions League bow on Wednesday.

Played just one competitive match so far this season; a 3-1 defeat of Cesena on the road at the weekend.

The Azzurri failed to win any of their four away encounters in the Europa League last season, drawing two and losing two.

However, they did manage to win 9 of their 19 away Serie A fixtures in 2010/11: W9 D3 L7.

Betting Verdict

If ever a team was better equipped to handle a livewire of a Napoli attack, it is Manchester City. The Citizens kept a staggering 22 clean sheets at home in all competitions last season while goalkeeper Joe Hart, the current England No. 1, has conceded just two goals in City’s previous 15 home games. Now that’s a couple of incredible statistics, especially when coupled with their new found love for scoring goals in large quantities.

The Italian side will give anyone something to think about going forward, but you have to question their ability to nullify this cohesive, free-flowing and free-scoring City attack. David Silva is arguably in the top five players in world football on current form, while Sergio Aguero, who has five goals in two appearances at the City of Manchester Stadium for his new club, cannot be too far behind. Then there’s Samir Nasri, who was in inspired form two weeks ago on his début, instrumental in dismantling Tottenham in a 5-1 win away from home, a match Edin Dzeko netted four in. Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson are all viable alternatives should either of this awe-inspiring attacking set-up misfire.

Just too many options, too much fire-power really to oppose Manchester City. It could be a rout, seriously, if Roberto Mancini’s men get their noses in front early on, as Napoli are susceptible at the back. But if the Italians do somehow manage to get their noses in front, and they are certainly capable, then it could be a different story altogether, as Walter Mazzarri’s team do work tirelessly for the cause when they can smell an upset.

I’m not ruling out the possibility of Napoli grounding out what would be a stunning point with a draw in Manchester, not so sure they are capable of registering all three, but I’m going to play the percentages with this one and keep faith with those imperious hosts, Manchester City.

Match Prediction: Manchester City to WIN – 2/5 PaddyPower

Value Bet (More like an alternative, really): Napoli/Draw (HT/FT Betting) – 22/1 VictorChandler

Match Odds

Manchester City – 2/5 PaddyPower

Draw – 4/1 bWin

Napoli – 9/1 Bet365