Premier League betting – Newcastle vs Spurs

Newcastle vs Spurs betting preview

Newcastle League Position: 9th League Form: LLWWD

Newcastle’s stunning show against West Ham that nullified fears of a lack of goals without Andy Carroll was forgotten as they sunk to a defeat in the FA cup against Stevenage. The Tyne-Wear derby at the weekend produced little in the form of excitement, but ended in a draw which each team probably wouldn’t have been happy with. Again this weekend the Toon army will be without influential striker and top goalscorer Andy Carroll, meaning that a front two of Shola Ameobi and Leon Best is likely. However one thing that is obvious in Newcastle’s stats is that they are a team that are never short of goals, wherever they come from, with a whopping 6 players scoring over 2 goals this season and two players reaching double figures. Attacking midfielder and club captain is one of those players and is therefore good value at 11.0 on Victor Chandler to be the First Goalscorer.

Tottenham League Position: 5th League Form: WWWLD

Tottenham’s season already looks like it is going to be a good one for Harry Redknaps men; bolstered this week by the signing of South African playmaker Steven Pienarr they surely have to be favourites for this match. The return to fitness of Mathew Dawson has brought with it 4 clean sheets in their last 5 games and as well as that some real defensive stability. The big talking point of Spurs season has of course been bargain signing Rafael Van De Vaart who has been nothing short of inspirational this season, scoring and providing more goals than any Premier League midfielder so far this season. Therefore he would definitely be worth a shout to score anytime in the match at odds of 2.88 on Stan James.

Tottenham’s success this season has been built on solid form at their home ground White Hart Lane, with the worst results of the season more often coming away from the Lane. So therefore it is conceivable that Tottenham may struggle against an in form Newcastle side. The Lilywhites good showing against league leaders Manchester United came down to strength in midfield characterised by the stand out performer that day Luka Modric. They managed a whopping 59% of the possession that game and I can see if they play like they did at the weekend Spurs wining this game comfortably.

Highlighted Bets

First Goalscorer Kevin Nolan 11.0 Victor Chandler
Anytime Goalscorer Rafael Van De Vaart 2.88 Stan James
Correct Score Tottenham 3-1 21.0 BlueSquare

By John Fernandez

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Newcastle vs Liverpool

Newcastle vs Liverpool betting preview

Newcastle     Form: WLDLDL     League Position: 12th

It’s been quite a week for Newcastle after they controversially sacked manager Chris Hughton on Monday, despite taking them up from the Championship last season and keeping them clear of the relegation zone. He was then replaced by Alan Pardew on Thursday morning, who was sacked as manager of Southampton in August this year. But the new boss will have a tough first test against a Liverpool side coming off the back of a 3-0 win against Aston Villa. One of the first things that the new boss will need to look at is the amount of goals conceded, after The Magpies let in 9 in their last three games. They do however, have striker Andy Caroll who already has 9 league goals to his name this season, and the young England striker is a great price at 6/1 with Coral to open the scoring.

Midfielder Joey Barton is set to make his return to the first team after a three game suspension and a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Steve Harper is also pushing for a return after injury. They will however, still be without Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson who are banned and Ryan Taylor who is injured while Kevin Nolan remains a doubt.

Liverpool     Form: WDLWLW     League Position: 8th

Although Liverpool will go into their game against Newcastle on Saturday evening on the back of a 3-0 win against Villa last time out, their form of late has still been very up and down. They went down against Tottenham and Stoke last month, despite good wins against West Ham and Chelsea. Although they go into the match with Newcastle favourites and best priced at 11/10 with Stan James. Star striker Fernando Torres has struggled to find the net this season but the Spaniard is Liverpool’s top league scorer with 5 goals and worth a bet at 5/1 with SkyBet to score 2 or more goals, given Newcastle’s recent leaky defence. Steven Gerard will continue to miss out through injury and the England midfielder will be sorely missed, with defenders Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger also missing out.

Match Prediction: DRAW Best priced at 5/2 with Victor Chandler

Liverpool have been very unpredictable in the last few weeks with some good results and some slip ups, leaving this one hard to call. The trip to St James’ park will be even harder for Roy Hodgson as he will be without two of his key players in Gerard and Carragher. While Newcastle have only won 1 of their last 6 but they have earned a good win away at Arsenal and a draw at home to Chelsea. The sacking of popular Manager Chris Hughton has also not been met with the best reaction by the players and may leave new man Alan Pardew with plenty to prove. A correct score of 1-1 is looking the best bet at 6/1 with Sky Bet as these two sides may just cancel each other out.

Highlighted Bets

Draw – 6/1 with Sky Bet
Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll to both score – 5/1 Paddy Power
Half time score of Newcastle winning 1-0 – 11/2 Blue Square

By Sam Markham

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Newcastle vs Chelsea

Newcastle vs Chelsea betting preview

Newcastle League Position: 10th League Form: WWLDL

Newcastle’s form this season is still quite erratic, pulling of commanding wins at the Emirates and then last week losing 5-1 against Bolton. The Toon army will be looking for a good defensive display this week against a team who while they still lead the scoring charts in the league haven’t found the net in their last 2 league games. Odds of a Newcastle clean sheet aren’t helped by the absence of centre back Fabricio Coloccini but still at 8/1 at StanJames for a clean sheet it could be an interesting bet.

Newcastle’s season would without a doubt be very different had it not been for the exploits of Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan, 15 goals between them speak of the teams reliance on their goals. 16/1 odds on SkyBet for them to both score look tempting then, especially against an increasingly frail Chelsea back line.

Chelsea League Position: 1st League Form: WLWLL

Chelsea looked infallible early in the season, they were scoring goals for fun and they hadn’t conceded at home at all this season. Then Sunderland visited Stamford Bridge and their seal of invincibility disappeared over 90 minutes. A lot of their drop in form though can be put down to the injuries to John Terry and Frank Lampard coupled with Didier Drogba’s lapse in form due to his malaria. Without Terry the Chelsea defence have looked very unstable, even the return of Brazilian centre back Alex last week couldn’t stem the flow against Birmingham. Ancelotti’s replacements in two full backs Branislav Ivanovic and Paulo Ferriera filling in, in the centre proved disastrous so it must be about time young Dutch centre back Jeffery Bruma gets a look in alongside Alex.

Top scorer Florent Malouda has found it difficult to hit the net in the last few games along with striker Didier Drogba so it’s only a matter of time before they become the force they were at the start at the season, so at 6/1 for both to score on SkyBet it’s well worth a look in. Chelsea will be looking to show how they still are the best team in the premier league with a commanding display at St. James’s Park this weekend so the odds of 15/8 given by StanJames and 888Sport for Chelsea to be winning at Half Time and winning at Full Time again look like promising bets.

Prediction: Draw 2-2 – best odds 18/1 with Sky Bet

The most likely result for these teams is arguably a draw, earlier in the season a Chelsea win would have been a foregone conclusion. However Chelsea’s form has been surprising and Newcastle’s strong forwards will definitely make Chelsea’s make shift back line work.

Highlighted Bets

Newcastle Clean Sheet 8/1 Stan James

Kevin Nolan & Andy Carroll to Both Score 16/1 Sky Bet
Florent Malouda & Didier Drogba to Both Score 6/1 Sky Bet

Half Time/Full Time Chelsea/Chelsea 15/8 Blue Square

Draw 2-2 18/1 Sky Bet

By John Fernandez

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Wolves

Man Utd vs Wolves betting preview

Manchester United League Position: 3rd League Form: DDDWW

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men pulled out a top class performance last week against a Spurs team who this week bested the reigning European Champions. While it may have been helped by Nani’s extremely controversial goal it still can’t be disagreed with that United were on top form that day. They followed that up with a mid-week show typical of United’s efficiency in Europe, beating Bursapor 3-0 away from home and with a weakened side.

The Red Devil’s form vs. teams in the lower reaches of the table has been shaky this season though, with United failing to win 4 of the 5 games played against these teams. The absence of Wayne Rooney in the united squad has allowed his fellow strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez to shine, so with SkyBet offering them at 3/1 to both score it’s worth a fair shout. However united can always be guaranteed to find goals from anywhere on the pitch and with Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic both weighing in with a few goals this season the odds of 16/1 on Coral for Darren Fletcher to score first and 22/1 on BWIN for Nemanja Vidic to score first may look more tempting to those willing to take a risk.

Wolverhampton Wanderers League Position: 19th League Form: LLDLW

Wolves’s start to the season has been a torrid one to say the least, languishing in the relegation zone and being accused of playing ‘Thug Football’ can’t be doing much for morale in the dressing room. Last weekend though showed a glimmer of hope in their victory over high flying Manchester City, yes it may have been helped by City’s extremely poor performance but lets not take it away from Wolves they deservedly won 2-1.

Away from home also the Wanderers have only picked up 1 point this season against rock bottom side West Ham. However they have only failed to score in two games this season, so a bet on Wolves top scorers this season Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher to score anytime in the game, they are priced at 9/2 and 5/1 respectively on William Hill could be a good one with Rio Ferdinand again missing the game through injury, meaning mistake prone Chris Smalling will most probably deputise.

It looks pretty certain that Wolves will sink to a defeat here at the hands of United and with both teams being leaky at the back lately there should defiantly be some goals in it. So a bet on there being over 3 goals at 11/8 on Blue Square is another tempting opportunity, for the more ambitious punters out there though a bet on there being more than 5.5 goals in the game is looking tasty at 10/1 on Victor Chandler. If you are looking at an accumulator this weekend though you would be hard pressed to find a safer looking bet than an in form United tackling an out of sorts Wolves though..

Recommended Bets:

Both to Score Javier Hernandez & Dimitar Berbatov 3/1 Sky Bet
First Goalscorer Darren Fletcher 16/1 Coral

First Goalscorer Nemanja Vidic 22/1 Bet 365

Total Goals Over 3 11/8 Blue Square

Over 5.5 Goals 10/1 Victor Chandler

By John Fernandez

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Spurs

Man Utd vs Spurs betting preview

Manchester Utd

League Position: 3rd Form:DWDDDW

Manchester United recovered from a series of three straight draws and the saga surrounding Wayne Rooney last weekend to record their first away win of the season at Stoke and reaffirm their position of title contenders. Mainly thanks to two poachers efforts from summer signing Javier Hernandez, who is joint favorite to open the scoring against Tottenham and best priced at 9/2 on skyBet after netting 4 times in 6 games for United this season. After what has been a stuttering start for United, having already dropped more points from winning positions, than they did in the whole of last season. Despite Wayne Rooney still being sidelined with injury, the Red Devils go into the home tie odds on favorites. Sir Alex Ferguson should also still be without Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Jonny Evans for the visit of Harry Redknapp’s men.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th Form:DWLWWD

Tottenham’s stuttering start to the season continued last weekend when they failed to beat Everton at home after two good wins against Fulham and Aston Villa. In what has been a season of transition for Harry Redknapp as he looks to strike a balance between doing well domestically and in Europe. Welsh winger Gareth Bale has been much lauded this season especially after a tremendous hat trick against Inter Milan, and the youngster is nicely priced at 9/2 on skybet to score at any time. Unfortunately for Tottenham they will make the trip without several key players and long-term absentees Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe which will hinder their chances of an upset.

Match Prediction: Manchester United 8/13 Bet365 – New customers get £200 worth of free bets

Manchester United are firm favorites for this tie having won all seven of the previous meetings in the league and cup at Old Trafford and are reflected with best odds of 8/13 at bet365. Especially with the emergence of Javier Hernandez, who scored his 4th goal of the season in the Carling Cup midweek against Wolves. However a price of 5/1 for Spurs to get the win on skybet and BlueSq looks very good considering West Brom earned a 2-2 draw two weeks ago. While Spurs current top league goal scorer Rafael Van Der Vaart is also nicely priced at 10/1 on bet365 to open the scoring.

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Spurs odds

Man Utd vs Spurs betting preview

Paul Scholes’ last-gasp winner at Eastlands last Saturday, coupled with Chelsea’s defeat at White Hart Lane, edged United to within a point of the Blues. And with just three left to play, there is no doubting this title race, the closest in Premier League history, will go right down to the wire. Spurs visit Old Trafford on Saturday, and ‘Arry’s men have already had a huge say in where the title will end up, defeating both Arsenal and Chelsea respectively in the last seven days. United can go top with a win against the North Londoners, and are odds on to do so at 4/9, the visitors are a creditable 13/2, while the draw is trading at 7/2 with Bet365.

Manchester United have made a sluggish start to April, Chelsea inflicted only their second home defeat of the season, then they were knocked out of the Champions League on away goals by Bayern Munich, and a disappointing scoreless draw at Blackburn lost them ground in their pursuit of a record 19th Premier League title.  But you won’t see Fergie’s men throwing the towel in anytime soon, and this was evidenced when their never-say-die attitude snatched them victory in the fiercely contested Manchester derby last time out. It could be a season of smiles for both the red and blue halves of Manchester, if United retain their PL crown and the Citizens win the race for fourth. But will both sets of fans be smiling when the campaign ends?

After suffering FA Cup semi-final heartbreak against Portsmouth, Spurs have demonstrated the grit and determination required to finish in the top four. Nobody expected Spurs to take maximum points from Arsenal and Chelsea, and head into Saturday’s clash looking to put a huge dent in United’s title challenge. Defeat in Manchester could derail their own hopes of finishing in fourth position, and Old Trafford hasn’t been kind to them in previous years. They haven’t won there since a Gary Lineker strike earned them a 1-0 success nearly 21 years ago and 2001 was the last time they beat the reigning champions. So the form book doesn’t bode too well, but with all still to play as the season approaches its final furlong, twists and turns could be aplenty.

The pair have met twice already this season in the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane and in the Carling Cup. Sir Alex’s side have brushed aside their North London counterparts on both occasions this season. But they did have to recover from two goals down in the corresponding fixture last season, eventually running out 5-2 winners.

The recent form of Gareth Bale in his new wide attacking role on the left flank has wowed both fans and pundits alike. The Welsh international has netted important goals in the victories against Arsenal and Chelsea and don’t back against scoring for a third successive game at 8/1 anytime with Stan James. Unsurprisingly, Wayne Rooney is favourite to break the deadlock at 11/4, Dimitar Berbatov is next best at 7/2. Jermain Defoe’s penalty last time out was his first goal in seven games and he is the visitors’ favourite to grab the opener at 7/1. United haven’t conceded in their last two Premier League games so the 6/4 Bet365 offer for the home side to win to nil will no doubt be a popular bet.

They were seconds away from waving goodbye to their title hopes, but last Saturday’s smash and grab act at Eastlands has put United right back in the frame after Chelsea slipped up. Expect them to go into this one all guns blazing, it might be a tight affair considering Spurs’ recent form but the Red Devils should run out comfortable winners. Surely Spurs cannot have another say in the title race, can they?

Recommended bets:

ManUtd to win to nil @ 6/4 with Bet 365. Visit Bet 365

Wayne Rooney to score first @ 3/1 with Skybet. Visit Skybet

By Mikey Mumford

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Man City

Manchester United: League Position 1st, League Form: DWWWL

Manchester United did something last weekend they had yet to do this season, namely lose a league game. This weekend it is important they do not make this their latest habit, as defeat here will do more than knock their own momentum. The second half of the season holds many big games for Alex Ferguson’s side, with trips to Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as home ties against City and Chelsea. Victory here is one hurdle passed.

Their home record is impressive even for an unbeaten side. 13 games, 12 wins and one draw. 37 goals, 10 more at home than Arsenal (who are second in the goals at home tally), and only eight conceded. They have beaten Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal at Old Trafford this season, their biggest challenges passed.

Before the defeat at Wolves they were said to be finding their form and rhythm. This game will show how badly defeat affects them.

Manchester City: League Position: 3rd, League Form: DWLDW

Manchester City may look at this game as their most important match in the title race. Win and they are only two points behind the league leaders, lose and they are eight points behind whilst giving away a game in hand to rivals and title favourites Manchester United.

As ever, mercurial captain Carlos Tevez will have his point to prove, a motive that does not seem to wane however long he stays at City. The way he plays, easily their best player and top Goalscorer, will be shaped by the lineup of his own side and that of the opposition. With Dzeko forward he has another striker to occupy the defence with him, and also will not lead the line so high up, with more freedom to dovetail with his midfield.

City themselves have scored 42 goals this season, 21 home and 21 away, and have gained 22 points on the road this season, bettered only by Arsenal (25), and five better than this weekend’s opposition.

Match Prediction: DRAW – 3.75 Victor Chandler, BetFred.

When the two teams met earlier in the season United had won their last six games in all competitions whilst City had recently lost to both Arsenal and Wolves. The match ended in a dire 0-0 draw, both teams seemingly happy to take a point.

It’s hard to suggest that either side would say no to the same outcome come the end of this tie. A loss is too detrimental for City for them to desperately seek the win, and United may well feel the need to win more than their rivals.

However, both these sides will be strong in defence and sent out hard to beat. Just like at the City of Manchester Stadium in November and, sadly, just like most teams in the big games. The quality is there for this to be outstanding, the likelihood is the game will be tight.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.88 Bet365
First Goalscorer: No Goalscorer – 10.00 Bet365

Man Utd vs Man City Match Odds:- 

Manchester United – 1.8 Paddy Power
Draw – 3.75 Victor Chandler
Manchester City – 5.00 Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Liverpool betting

Man Utd vs Liverpool betting preview

They stunned them at Old Trafford last season and now Liverpool travel to Manchester aiming to complete a league double over Sir Alex’s men. Rafa’s reds returned to Merseyside 4-1 victors a year ago when they found themselves battling it out with Sunday’s opponents for the Premier League Crown, but they are a distant 9/2 shot to nick all three points this time around. United currently sit at the top of the tree and the bookies list them as odds on favourites to make it six wins on the bounce at 8/11. The draw is trading at 14/5 with Bet365.

A massive fifteen points separates the two sides as they prepare to do battle in front of the Sky cameras. Liverpool’s 4-1 success over cash-strapped Portsmouth on Monday night ended back to back defeats for the Reds at Wigan and Lille respectively. Results which have seen the Anfield club relinquish fourth spot to Spurs in a woeful campaign that Benitez and co will want to forget in a hurry. Perhaps some saving grace was the fact they defeated their arch rivals United when the pair last met in late October. A Fernando Torres strike and a late David N’gog goal sealed all three points for the Reds that day but the game was marred by the sending’s off of Nemanja Vidic and Javier Mascherano. Betfair go 16/5 that referee brandishes a red in Sunday’s fixture.

The Red Devils sit two points clear of second placed Chelsea at the summit after last Sunday’s 3-0 demolition of Fulham as the title race enters its final phase. And Sir Alex admitted this week that he expects the closest finish in Premier League history but with Wayne Rooney in blistering goal scoring form, United could yet be crowned Premier League Champions for the twelfth time. Arguably the best striker in the world at present, Rooney has fired 32 goals in all competitions this season and his manager has challenged him to surpass the feat of former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star netted 42 times two seasons ago which led United to Euro glory in 2007-2008. But hop on Rooney to better this, he is best priced at even money with Hills.

United are looking to keep a fourth successive clean sheet, and their defensive shut outs are largely down to Ferdinand and Vidic rekindling their partnership in a season blighted by injuries for the former. Vidic must be wary of Fernando Torres on Sunday, who outclassed the big Serb in the same fixture a year ago. Torres is a decent 11/2 to breach the United rearguard first on Sunday lunchtime but the Reds have been dismal on the road this season. They have already lost seven times away from Anfield this term which is quite extraordinary considering they lost just twice in the whole of last season. Rooney will not be short of backers so take the 10/3 being offered by Paddy Power that he scores first and adds to his impressive tally. At 4/1 to score with his head he may represent better value as six of his last eight goals have all been headers. United are resilient at Old Trafford of late and the 13/8 at Coral for them to win to nil is not worth passing up.

Personally, I don’t see Liverpool’s away day blues improving at Old Trafford, where the Mancs have lost just once all season. They won here last term but this season has been a complete catastrophe and they will already have one eye on the trip to Hull on May 9 when they can say farewell to a season that has fell short of every expectation. Fourth spot remains a distinct possibility but I think that challenge will have to commence when they entertain Sunderland a week later. Expect Manchester United to run out comfortably winners with Rooney playing an integral role as they continue their march towards the title.

Betting Verdict

Rooney to score anytime against Liverpool is 4/5 with Stan James

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Everton

Man Utd vs Everton betting odds, tips & free bets

Two sides in good form go head to head in the lunch time kick off both hoping for a strong finish to their season. Man United will be hoping for a win to continue their title challenge while Everton will want to put further pressure on Tottenham in 5th in hope of taking a Europa League spot. Everton though have lost their last 4 visits to Old Trafford so will be hoping for a bit more luck on Saturday.

Man United

Man United’s hopes of a treble were lost last weekend when they suffered defeat in the Semi Final of the FA Cup. The Red Devils also failed to win on Tuesday against Newcastle but they are however, still in a good position at the top of the league as Arsenal failed to beat Tottenham on Tuesday. Man United haven’t lost at home all season and so are firm favourites and best priced at 1.5 with Betfred to continue that run. A correct score of 2-0 is also looking good with odds of 7.5 available from Coral as United have been efficient all season and should run out comfortable winners against Everton. Javier Hernandez has had a great first season in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals, and is looking good to score first with odds of 5.5 available at Paddy Power.

Everton

Everton are on a great run at the moment, they are unbeaten in their last 7 league games and have scored 9 goals in their last 4. It is quite a turnaround for David Moyes’ side who had a slow start to the season but are now sitting in 7th place and chasing a Europa League spot. The Toffees did beat Man United at home last season but their last win before that against them came in 2005. With several players out injured the focus will be on Jermaine Beckford to get the goals. The striker has 7 in the league so far this season and is looking good at 4.5 with Skybet to score at any time during the match. As they are outsiders there is some good value to be had in an away win, with Everton being priced as long as 8.5 at Victor Chandler to cause an upset.

Highlighted Bets

2-0 Man United WIN – 7.5 Coral
Javier Hernandez First Goalscorer – 5.5 Paddy Power
Half Time/Full Time of Draw/Man United – 4.5 Coral
Jermaine Beckford anytime scorer – 4.5 Skybet
Everton WIN – 8.5 Victor Chandler

By Sam Markham

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers

Premier League betting – Manchester City v Sunderland

Manchester City v Sunderland betting odds, tips & free bets

Manchester City: League Position: 4th, League Form: WLDWL

Champions League chasing City go into the last eight matches of the season with their fate in their own hands. Outdo Tottenham from here and they guarantee their presence in Europe’s elite club competition.

City have taken 16 out of 18 points from their last six home matches. However, they have won just one of their last four league games. They’ve also kept 13 clean sheets this season, joint most in the league. They’ll need all their defensive stability and strength their own stadium gives them with captain, top scorer and all round best player Carlos Tevez doubtful for the game. Without him they are left with misfiring Edin Dzeko and unpredictable Mario Balotelli vying to play in his absence.

Other injury news sees both Micah Richards and Jerome Boateng ruled out for the immediate future after picking up injuries on international duty. Paolo Zabaleta has returned from compassionate leave and should fill the gap.

Sunderland: League Position: 9th, League Form: LLLDL

In season’s gone by being in 9th place with eight games to go would mean a team was clear of relegation. After beating Blackpool at the back end of January, Steve Bruce was probably sure his side were safe too. But one point in their past six games, away at Arsenal, has left them looking over their shoulders. Luckily for them, being six points clear of the relegation spaces this season is a big total, whereas usually they’d be right in the scrap.

Where have things gone wrong for Sunderland then? They have won once since Darren Bent was sold to Aston Villa, and have failed to score in their past three games. Was Bent that important to Sunderland? Six goals scored in the seven games since his departure suggests so.

Asamoah Gyan, scorer of Ghana’s equaliser against England midweek, easily fooling Manchester City defender Lescott before stroking a finish past City goalkeeper Hart, needs to find form and goals to bring some momentum to his side’s end to the season. Two or three more defeats on the bounce and Bruce’s team is thrown into the relegation dogfight with little going for his side.

Match Prediction: Manchester City Win – 1.53 William Hill

Sunderland’s poor form makes them a difficult prospect to back, and their lack of goals, they have only managed 37 goals in their 33 league and cup games, fewer than any other Premier League club, combined with City’s stubborn defensive style means it’s hard to see the visitors scoring.

One of their better players this season, loan-signing Nedum Onouha, is also ineligible to play against parent club Manchester City, leaving them thin at the back.

Mancini’s side may be lucky to face Sunderland whilst their opponents are on such a bad run, as City are a much blunter weapon without Carlos Tevez up front. However, they should be able to deal with Sunderland, especially at home, and are unlikely to open up their play enough to give the Black Cats too many chances.

If you fancy Sunderland to score then it’s hard to look past Gyan repeating his midweek trick of scoring past Joe Hart. First Goalscorer possibilities are tight with City’s attacking line up and intent an unknown. Value could come in the form of freekick taker and powerful left footer Kolarov.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.95 Stan James
First Goalscorer: Aleksandr Kolarov – 15.00 Sky Bet
Correct Score: 2-0 Manchester City – 7.5 William Hill
To Score: Asamoah Gyan – 4.00 ExtraBet

By Chris Wilkerson

Click here to view all free bets from online bookmakers