English Premier
2012-12-01 - Manchester City vs Everton
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 1 December 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Manchester City
Manchester City will be hoping to put a bit of pressure on rivals Manchester United ahead of their late kick off at Reading by reclaiming top spot in the Premier League.
While City haven't been as fluid in attacking areas as 12 months ago, the fact that they are still unbeaten means they are still the favourites to win the title in my opinion.
The side are currently 2nd in the Premier League, trailing United by 1 point while opening up a 6 point lead over 3rd placed Chelsea. Manchester City have remained a tough nut to crack at home where they are 6-1-0 this season, scoring 18 goals and conceding 5 in those games.
A 0-2 win at Wigan Athletic during the week means City have extended their unbeaten run to 8 games in all competitions, while they are unbeaten in 22 home games in all competitions. City have won 4 straight games in the Premier League at home and they have only conceded 1 goal in that time.
James Milner has been ruled out and joins Gael Clichy, Micah Richards and Jack Rodwell on the sidelines.
Everton
It was yet another draw for Everton during the week and it has to be said if they could have turned half of those into wins, they would be in a powerful spot in the Champions League places. Performances have remained at a high level, but David Moyes needs his side to take advantage of their current form and start putting up the points.
Everton are 6th in the Premier League and they are only 4 points behind Chelsea in 3rd place, although they have drawn half of their 14 League games this season. The side have a 2-3-2 away record this season, scoring 12 goals and conceding 10 in those games.
They have only lost 1 of their last 9 games in all competitions, although it has to be said that Everton have only won 2 of those games. Everton have not won any of their last 5 away games in all competitions, drawing 3 of those, and they were beaten 2-1 at Reading in their last outing.
Leighton Baines and Nikica Jelavic are both doubtful with a hamstring injury and an illness respectively.
Head to Head
Both sides won their home game against the other last season with the game here ending 2-0 to Manchester City.
However, Everton had won 7 of the previous 8 games between the teams before last season so now have won 8 of the last 10.
Before losing here last season, Everton had won 4 in a row at Manchester City.
Prediction
Manchester City haven't been pulling up any trees with their performances at the start of this season and there has rarely been a game when I think they have hit top form. However, that still doesn't bode well for the rest of the League as they are only a point off the top of the table.
Still, I can't help but think that they are a very short price in this game considering Everton's recent form and history at this ground.
The absence of Baines and Jelavic would be a concern for the away side but I think they will make life tough for City in this one.
My gut feeling is City still win the game, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if that comes by a solitary goal so I will back Manchester City to win by exactly 1 goal which is being offered at 3.75 through Ladbrokes.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester City 2-1 Everton
