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2010-09-22 - West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Carling Cup
Wednesday 22 September 2010 - Kickoff 8pm
West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion have made their feelings clear this season- the only priority is to ensure survival in the Premier League, even at the expense of a cup run. The Baggies got off to a terrible start in the Premier League but recent results have given the fans hope that a positive season is in the offing and Roberto Di Matteo does not need the distraction of the Carling Cup. They rested players in the last round as they beat Leyton Orient 0-2 away from home.
The Baggies moved into the top half of the Premier League with their 3-1 home win over local rivals Birmingham City and they continued their positive start at the Hawthornes where they are now 2-1-0 in the League this season. However, all of this has to be put into perspective with it being so early in the season and I dont imagine too many West Brom fans are brushing off their passports in case of a European adventure next season just yet.
It is clear the manager will make a number of changes with the game against Arsenal at the weekend the priority. Graham Dorrans has not had the best start to the new season and will be given a chance here while key players are taken out of the team for a rest.
Manchester City
Last season, it was clear a trophy, any trophy, was the ambition of the club as well as gaining a finish in the top 4 of the Premier League. However, after another spending spree this Summer, there is a feeling that this competition may be a little beneath them even though the fans are craving nothing more than the first trophy since 1976 and a chance to remove THAT banner from the Stretford End at Old Trafford. Last season, City reached the Semi Finals of this competition.
City have made a solid start to the new campaign although Roberto Mancini's style is not getting him too much praise from fans. They won their first away game in the Premier League at the weekend but continue to set up their formation in a manner of avoiding loss rather than pushing for a win. These tactics have, after all, meant the team have only conceded 2 goals in 8 competitive games so far this season.
Shay Given may be given an opportunity in goal in place of Joe Hart here as City make changes with the high noon showdown with Chelsea in mind. Wayne Bridge will continue in the side and Jo is likely to play in place of Carlos Tevez. The squad is big enough these days to suggest that there will be plenty of quality in the side.
Head to Head
West Brom have a decent record against Manchester City in their recent meetings in the Premier League. The Baggies have won their last 3 against City at the Hawthornes, but suffice to say that City are much changed since their last meeting in 2008 here.
Prediction
It is clear that both sides are going to make a number of changes to their personnel with the weekend fixtures in mind, but it is also clear that Manchester City will be left with more quality in the team that starts.
In saying that, I feel that City are still not fully functioning as a unit, especially in the final third, and that has led to a number of their games finishing with less than 3 goals. They are a tough team to beat as they are solid defensively and so I will continue with picking under 2.5 goals in their away games until City can prove me otherwise up front.
This option has been a winner in all 5 of their away games so far this season in the Premier League and the Europa League and it would not be surprising to me if they manage to do the same here.
The Pick :
West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Manchester City
