English Premier
2012-09-15 - Stoke City vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : England : Premier League
Saturday, September 15th, 2012, 3:00PM GMT
PREVIEW
City v Citeh. The reigning champions come to one of their hoodoo club Stoke to try and get a much needed win. It won't be easy, as they've failed to do so over their last 5 visits!
Like Manchester City, Stoke are still undefeated. Problem is they haven't won either. In 3 games, Stoke have managed 3 draws, holding Reading 1-1, Arsenal 0-0 and Wigan 2-2. In between that they have a highscoring 4-3 loss at home to Swindon. But I don't think they were really trying there so I'll ignore that.
Manchester City are on a run of 2 losses and then 3 draws when visiting the Brittania, with the draws all ending 1-1. This season they have not looked solid at the back whatsoever, much like the end of last season. They ended last year with a 3-2 win over QPR and had to do it again against Southampton, who came from behind to lead 2-1 at one stage. Mancini's side followed that up with a shaky looking 2-2 draw at Liverpool where, again, they trailed, before coming back. The last result was a 3-1 win over QPR, who have been poor. I don't trust this team at the back.
Stoke have not lost any of their last 8 home matches in the league, winning 3. But their last 4 home games have all been draws, just like their last 3 against Manchester City! Stoke also seem to be able to raise their game when playing the league's top sides. Against Arsenal they kept a clean sheet and you can forgive them for not scoring as Arsenal have allowed just 7 shots on target this season, joint best. Guess who they're tied with? Yep, Stoke.
Stoke have managed to score exactly 1 goal in each of the last four meetings at home with Man City. But they will have to do at least that here because City have enough in the team to grab at least a goal. Tevez has 4 in 6 games against Stoke and then there are the others that will no doubt test Stoke's defence, Silva, Dzeko...
This game will see Michael Owen make his debut for Stoke, and I wouldn't fault anyone having a cheeky punt on him opening the scoring or getting on the scoresheet at some point.
BETTING VERDICT
Stoke will raise their game again, and City have looked shaky at the back, especially on the road. I think they will be frustrated again here and will take the chance on Stoke to avoid defeat, again.
The Pick :
Stoke to avoid defeat
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Stoke City +0.5AH @ 2.26 (188Bet)
