English Premier
2012-08-19 - Manchester City vs Southampton FC
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Champions Manchester City will start their defence of their Premiership title when they welcome Southampton to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City opened their season last weekend with victory in the Community Shield scoring 3 goals beating Chelsea 3-2.
Manchester City went the whole of last season undefeated at the Etihad Stadium in the league, and they have not lost at home since December 2010.
Southampton, the runners-up in the Championship, will return to City after seven years absence. However, previous history is good for Southampton as from their last five league matches at City they have lost just once, winning three of those games, including the last-ever match at Maine Road. Of course that was in the pre-Billionaire era and not very relevant.
City's pre-season preparations have been very smooth other than Roberto Mancini admitting that there have been lack of new players arriving at the club.
Nevertheless the arrival of Jack Rodwell last week from Everton looks to be the first of at least a couple of deals which could take place before the transfer market closes end ofr August.
Meanwhile, Southampton have brought in experienced Rangers midfielder Steve Davis, whilst youngsters Jay Rodriguez and Nathaniel Clyne have cost a combined £10million which showed their seriousness to compete at the highest level.
A club record deal for Bologna's Gaston Ramirez is in place, but that deal will not happen before this match.
Team News :
Manchester City Team News :
Joe Hart missed last weekend's Community Shield clash with a back problem and he sat out England's midweek win against Italy, but he will be fit to start this match.
Micah Richards is sidelined for a month, which means Pablo Zabaleta will start the season at right-back. Upfront, looks set to start along with fellow countryman Sergio Aguero.
Meanwhile, new signing Jack Rodwell is available but will start on the bench for this match.
Southampton Team News :
Southampton could give debuts to three of their summer arrivals in this match. Clyne is set to start at right-back following his move from Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Striker Rodriguez, fresh from his transfer record switch from Burnley, is likely to start alongside captain Rickie Lambert - who will make his Premier League appearance.
Northern Ireland midfielder Davis is also in contention for a place in midfield after his switch from Rangers.
Predictions :
The handicap seems too high and everyone will go for Manchester City here. They might win, but perhaps just by a one goal win.
Take Southampton and accept the 1 3/4 ball.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester City 1-0 Southampton
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester City to win.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Go for Southampton and accept the +1 3/4 ball for them not to lose more than 1 goal margin.
Go for Southampton and accept the +1 3/4 ball for them not to lose more than 1 goal margin.
