ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - MANCHESTER CITY V STOKE CITY

English Premier

2009-12-26 - Manchester City vs Stoke City

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

The world is watching this match simply because of one man at the helm - Roberto Mancini and what he has achieved with Inter Milan and everyone is waiting to see if he can work his magic and turn Manchester City into a winning team from now on with every game.

The former Inter Milan coach was confirmed as City's new boss last weekend, less than two hours after his predecessor Mark Hughes had managed a 4-3 success over Sunderland. However, the manner in which Mark Hughes were sacked did not go down well with the players and the fans. So Mancini will have to get a result here and end the year on a winning note.

Mancini's immediate task is to rectify their leaky defence which has conceded nine goals in the last three games and is likely to be tested by Stoke's attack here.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has called for his players not to get distracted by what is happening at Manchester City and to carry on their own game.

The world is watching whether Mancini will be sticking to the same team that beat Sunderland as a parting gift to Mark Hughes or make changes to the side.

Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy who came in for Emmanuel Adebayor and Robinho in the match against Sunderland scored three of the four goals so it will be interesting to see if Mancini drops the duo and bring back Adebayor and Robinho, who has a good goal scoring record against Stoke having scored a hat-trick against them last season.

Robinho, has openly stated his willingness to work with Mancini and will give his best if he is selected. The biggest problem for Mancini is in defence as Nedum Onuoha has been ruled out for three to four weeks with a calf injury and joins Joleon Lescott and Wayne Bridge on the treatment table.

Micah Richards, who was substituted in the first half against Sunderland, could come in at centre-back, with Pablo Zabaleta on the right, while Vincent Kompany is another option for Mancini to consider. Shaun Wright-Phillips is hoping to overcome an ankle knock which saw him replaced last weekend and Adebayor also has a slight ankle problem but should be fit in time to feature if he is selected.

As for Stoke, they have failed to win in their last four games now, scoring in just one of those - the 2-2 home draw with Wigan Athletic.
They were somewhat unlucky to lose against Aston Villa 1-0 last weekend with Mamady Sidibe harshly seeing a first-half header disallowed.

Sidibe will be hoping his performance will keep him in the starting line-up alongside Tuncay Sanli, although Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie are also pushing for starts. Stoke will also awaits to see if Ryan Shawcross, who has been having sugar injections in a groin injury in his battle to be fit after missing out against Villa can be fit in time for this match. Robert Huth is available again after suspension and he could replace Danny Higginbotham in the team.

One record that Stoke fans do not want to see is that they have only won one away game all season.

Take Manchester City to win here and give the 1 1/4 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Manchester City to win here.