20th Aug 2016 | Premier League
Hughes Can Pip Guardiola
Stoke dominated this fixture last time and City flattered to deceive at home to Sunderland. The odds are blinkered by the Guardiola factor.
Everyone seems to be so beguiled by Pep Guardiola that Manchester City prices have shortened to new levels of absurdity.
The title favourites, based purely on the arrival of the Spaniard, are nothing longer than 8/13 to win at the Britannia Stadium, a ground they’ve won at just once in the league since 2008.
The clear and obvious value comes in backing the hosts. Stoke are looking for their third victory in three seasons against City at an eye-watering 11/2 with Bet365.
The Potters were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes after an Arnautovic brace last December and held onto that advantage with ease.
Pep will no doubt get this new team firing soon enough but they were far from convincing at home to Sunderland on opening weekend.
A rude awakening here should surprise nobody.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 07:54 20th Aug, 2016 but subject to change
