0-0 Specialists 20/1 For a Repeat

Sunderland have been a thorn in Manchester City’s side more often than not in recent years with the champions winning just three of their last 10 league clashes (D3 L4). Yet, the odds don’t reflect this pattern in any way so we should keep backing the underdogs to cause aggravation.

The best method on this occasion is to take ‘no goalscorer’ at best odds of 20/1 with Skybet. The Black Cats’ last four away games have ended 0-0, 1-0, 0-0 and, you guessed it, 0-0. There was also a 0-0 home draw with Chelsea at the end of November.

Man City may be on good form themselves but the 2-2 home draw with Burnley on Sunday, having led 2-0, could knock them off their stride. Pellegrini hasn’t seen one of his strikers score in a long while and only Jovetic is available again here. The over-dependence on goals from midfield is an accident waiting to happen.

In short, with half of Sunderland’s last eight matches finishing goalless, odds of 20/1 on a further repeat at the Etihad are irresistible.