ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - MANCHESTER CITY V SUNDERLAND

English Premier

2009-12-19 - Manchester City vs Sunderland

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

Both sides will be eager to bounce back after suffering defeats in midweek. After suffering their second defeat of the season to Tottenham in midweek, Hughes will be eager for his side to bounce back, while the Black Cats were beaten at home by Aston Villa as well.

The Blues have now won only one of their last 10 Premier League fixtures so a win here is a must since they have slipped into tenth spot. Manchester City is strongest at home and are still unbeaten. Mark Hughes' men have lost only one of their last 17 games in front of their own supporters, and have scored in each of those games!

The good news is that City have also won nine of their last 10 meetings with Sunderland, including the last eight in a row.

Meanwhile Sunderland have lost four of their last six matches on the road and it does not look good for them heading into this clash. The Black Cats have won just one of their last 18 Premier League away games and have taken one point from their last seven games. Also it must be noted that no other team in the top-flight has scored fewer goals on the road than Sunderland's five. What is worse is that they have only kept one clean sheet in their last 16 games away from home.

As for the team news, Manchester City will be without Nigel de Jong as he is suspended. Joleon Lescott will also be missing after undergoing knee surgery, while Michael Johnson is sidelined with a knee problem and is out for the rest of the season. Wayne Bridge is still nursing a knee ligament problem and will not feature again until the New Year and Shaun Wright-Phillips remains a doubt with an ankle injury.

As for Sunderland, they are missing a kep player as captain Lorik Cana is banned for one match following his dismissal against Villa. That means that Lee Cattermole comes back into the side after his injury. Boudewijn Zenden is rated as very doubtful as he struggles with a hamstring injury, while Anton Ferdinand definitely misses out with an ankle complaint and will not feature. Craig Gordon is the Black Cats' only other long-term absentee so Fulop starts in goal.

Take Manchester City and give the 1 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Manchester City to win here.