ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - BIRMINGHAM CITY V MANCHESTER CITY

English Premier

2009-11-01 - Birmingham City vs Manchester City

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

After letting a two goal slip last weekend against Fulham in the 2-2 draw Mark Hughes will be eager for his team to win this match as that match against the Cottagers felt more like defeat and something he would want to forget fast.

Manchester City are coming into this match after three consecutive draws and knows that they cannot afford to get another draw or defeat here. They have taken just six points from a possible 15 points in their last five Premier League games and at the same time losing their top four spot as well.

But if Manchester City can win their game in hand on those around them they can go to within a point of local rivals Manchester United in second place.

As for the home side, with the recent takeover of the club by Chinese businessman Carson Yeung, he has promised manager Alex McLeish £40million to spend in January, resulting in a host of big names to be associated with the club.

That has caused the fans to calm down a bit after what has been seen as defensive play on his part in recent matches. But in his last match, McLeish opted for two strikers against Sunderland and won that match 2-1. That ended a run of three straight defeats.

Birmingham will be looking for a win here to take advantage of Manchester City's leaky defence of late. Manchester City have conceded eight goals in their last five games so it waits to be seen if Birmingham City McLeish side continues with their 4-4-2 formation.

For the team news, Birmingham looks set to welcome back a number of players back from injury, but will not have loanee goalkeeper Joe Hart as he is ineligible to play against his parent club meaning Maik Taylor should step in goal. Giovanny Espinoza could be available despite featuring in just two Carling Cup games for the Blues.

Then we could also see the return of defenders Gregory Vignal, Martin Taylor and David Murphy here. Midfield duo Damien Johnson, yet to play all season, and Keith Fahey could make their debut today as well. Striker Marcus Bent could also make his first appearance after recovering from hamstring injury.

As for the visitors, they will welcome back defender Kolo Toure and Martin Petrov after they did not feature in the big 5-1 win over Scunthorpe. Defender Wayne Bridge and in-form striker Craig Bellamy are also ready to feature after they were rested in midweek.

The likes of Nedum Onuoha and Robinho are still out with thigh and ankle injury while Benjani is still out with a thigh injury.

Take Manchester City to win here and give the 3/4 ball away.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Manchester City to win this match.