English Premier
2012-08-19 - Manchester City vs Southampton
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Premier League
Sunday 19th August - Kickoff 4:00pm
Manchester City
Champions City has to wait until the very last kick of the season to claim their maiden Premiership title. Mancini's men were the best side last year but very nearly let slip what look an unassailable lead at one point. Having won the Charity Shield last year it's time to start all over and retaining the title is harder than winning it.
City haven't made many changes to side that won last year. So far only Rodwell has joined whilst Agger is reportedly on his way. Mancini missed out on Van Persie and that might haunt them come May, especially if the United start remains fit all season.
Tevez is like a new signing, the Argentinian was victorious in every game that he played for City in the league last year on his return and he scored a great goal last week against Chelsea. If he can keep his head right then he is bound to be a huge threat this year.
Defensively the side is very strong, Hart, Lescott, Kompany are very good whilst Clichy won't let anyone down and Zabaleta proved to be very strong at full back throughout last season. Richards is injured which is a blow but with the Uruguayan looking good there is no loss to the side.
Southampton
Newly promoted Southampton were in the top 2 for virtually all season last time around and despite losing top spot they claimed the second automatic place to return to the Premier League.
Boss Nigel Adkins has done a marvellous job with the Saints and like Swansea last year, away to City in a live Sky game really is a baptism of fire. At the time newly promoted Swansea lost 4-0 that night but hopefully Southampton can keep it tighter than the Swans.
Davis, Clyne, Gazzaniga and Rodriguez all come in and look like very decent signings. The only worry is they are excellent championship players but will they be good enough for the Premiership?
One player linked to Southampton who is Premiership quality is Rameriz who may be coming over from Bologna. The Uruguayan stared at the Olympics and will be a great addition, unfortunately he won't be there on Sunday when Southampton really need him.
Having scored 85 goals in the Championship last year, Southampton certainly have fire power and with Lallana and Lambert they will create chances. The problem is at the other end where I find it hard to see Aguero and co being stopped by Fonte and Hooiveld and this is ultimately where the game will be lost for me.
Betting Verdict
Manchester City are correctly big favourites here and they will win. I think Southampton will hold out for spells but the gulf in class is too much and City should be good for a few goals this Sunday.
Man City have won 23 of their last 24 home games and it's easy to see why they are favoured by nearly 2 goals on the handicap line. I will take on this line as I feel City have enough in them to score 3 and with that defence it's hard to see Southampton getting anything themselves.
As mentioned above Swansea tried to give Man City a game and they were soundly beaten 4-0, I think Southampton will enjoy some spells in the game but with Silva, Tevez, Aguero etc there is just too much creativity and goal threat.
The Champions to win and win well is the play.
Good Luck
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Man City 3-0 Southampton
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester City -1.75 goals at 1.92 with Bet365
