Betting Update; Man City v Middlesbrough with the bookmakers making Man City their 13/20 favourites

Manchester City look to have every chance of putting their Britannia nightmare behind them when they take on struggling Middlesbrough at Eastlands this Saturday lunch-time.

[ClickPress, Thu Feb 05 2009] The 1-0 defeat at Stoke last weekend was embarrassing for Mark Hughes – not so much for the result, but the fact that the Potters were playing with 10 men for 58% of the game after the departure of key assist maker Rory Delap in the first half. That the new look strike force of Craig Bellamy, Robinho & Shaun Wright-Phillips couldn’t break down the Potters’ defence raises serious questions over whether the failure to sign Roque Santa Cruz has left them physically under-weight in the attacking department.

But whatever concerns the Sky Blues may have, they still have an excellent home record at Eastlands. The Citizens have won 6 of their 7 home games versus sides outside the top six – so beating teams like Boro has provided Hughes with 64% of City’s total league points this season. This includes their last 3 in a row, against Hull (5-1), Wigan (1-0) & Newcastle (2-1).

And Boro come here in all sorts of bother. They are now 19th in the table, only saved from being rock bottom by goal difference, after a winless run which now stretches back 12 games (November 9th was the last time they took 3 points). Gareth Southgate’s main problem is clear for everyone to see: the Teesiders are the lowest scorers in the Premiership, with just 18 goals scored in 24 games (0.75 goals per game average) and only once have they found the net in their last 7 PL fixtures. Away from home this is equally as bad: they have lost their last 4 consecutive games on the road to nil and their last 5 in total (granted, three of these were at Chelsea, Man United & Fulham). Playing at sides outside the top six, Boro have also lost 5 of their 7 games which does not bode well for this game.

City are a BP 4/6 to record their 9th home win of the season, with Boro out at 5/1 and the draw 14/5. Though the hosts slipped up badly at Stoke last time out, their home record is formidable and with new signing Shay Given sure to shore up the defence, City are fully deserving of their short price. Boro are showing relegation form at present and their awful away record, coupled with an inability to score, mean it is very hard to see them taking anything from this game.

Given that Boro have lost 4 of their 7 away games at non top six sides to nil, coupled with just 1 goal in their last 7 total games, and City to win to nil at 7/4 starts to look good. This is obviously chancing that the hosts’ leaky defence can hold steady for 90 minutes – just 1 clean sheet in their last 9 PL games means this is no guarantee. But they have kept out non top six sides at home in 4 of their 7 games and with Given in between the sticks, coupled with them facing the worst attack in the division, means that to win to nil can still be recommended for value.

Anyone interested in who can score the goals for City should look no further than Robinho. The little Brazilian has scored 81% (9 of 11) of his league goals at home and has scored in 6 of the 11 home games he has featured in to date. Therefore, taking 13/8 on him in the anytime market is another viable option for the game. This is especially true given that Boro centre backs David Wheater & Chris Riggott are both more adept at handling a physical strike force, rather than the quick feet and pace of the former Real Madrid man.

Recommended Bets - 3 pts - Man City To Win To Nil, 7/4
Recommended Bets - 1 pt - Robinho To Score Any Time, 13/8



• All prices correct at time of writing.

ABOUT EASYODDS.COM

easyodds.com is a comprehensive sport betting service that helps you find the BEST ODDS on offer from leading bookmakers, betting exchanges and spread betting firms and then helps you place your bet at the BestPrice.

FREE to register!
www.easyodds.com

Andrew Newton
Managing Editor
020 7691 0660