English FA CUP
2013-01-26 - Stoke City FC vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Stoke enters this match with the aim of avenging their defeat in the 2011 FA Cup Final when they host Manchester City in the fourth round at the Britannia Stadium. Then Roberto Mancini's side won the trophy beating Stoke thanks to Yaya Toure's winner at Wembley and travel to the Britannia Stadium hoping to get the better of the Potters once again.
Manchester City confirmed their spot in the fourth round with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Championship Watford earlier this month and are currently on a five match winning streak. Their current form has also seen them close the gap to leaders Manchester United at the top to just five points as they hope to retain their title this season.
City have now seen success in seven of their last eight games in all competitions and will be feeling confident coming up against Stoke in this match.
Meanwhile, Stoke reached this far after beating second-tier side Crystal Palace 4-1 after extra-time last time out, with Jonathan Walters scoring two extra goals in added minutes. That win in the FA Cup has provided them some relief ahead of their poor form in the Premiership as they have suffered three consecutive defeats in the Premiership to date.
For the record, these two sides have already met twice this season with City claiming a 3-0 success at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, while Stoke held them to a 1-1 draw the Britannia back in September.
Team News :
Stoke Team News :
Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson's back problem will mean that he will miss out on this match. The full-back sustained the problem in their third round replay last week and while Ryan Shotton played 45 minutes in a midweek friendly after a hamstring injury he is unlikely to be risked.
Meanwhile, Thomas Sorensen is set to replace Asmir Begovic in goal, as he has been preferred in Cup competitions this season.
Manchester City Team News :
Samir Nasri will undergo a late fitness test as he has been down with a virus this week. On the other hand, right-back Pablo Zabaleta is fit after overcoming the foot injury that forced him off in last week's win over Fulham.
Midfielder Yaya Toure and defender Kolo Toure are at the African Nations Cup with Ivory Coast while right-backs Micah Richards and Maicon are out with knee injuries.
Predictions :
Go for Stoke and accept the 3/4 ball for them not to lose this match.
The Pick :
Stoke City 1-1 Manchester City
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for the DRAW here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Stoke and accept the 3/4 ball.
