Stoke v Manchester City Tip

The reasons why Manchester City are favourites (4/6 WilliamHill) for Saturday’s late kick-off are pretty self-explanatory, so I’ll focus on why they should be opposed at the disproportionate prices available. Stoke must represent the true value at best odds of 21/4 to win with BetVictor.

First of all there’s the form of this particular fixture at the Brittania Stadium; the Citizens haven’t won in their last four trips to the Potteries in all competitions. Cynics will counter this by pointing out that Mancini’s men are far more accomplished travellers than in previous seasons. Perhaps so, but a run of two wins in eight Premier League away games makes a mockery of their 4/6 odds.

Furthermore, Stoke haven’t lost to any of the top sides on their own patch in the league this season. Manchester United and Chelsea escaped with draws while Tottenham and Liverpool were beaten. The last two visitors to the Brittania - Norwich and Stoke - left empty-handed, without so much as a goal between them.

Tony Pulis will be heartened by the draw at White Hart Lane in midweek as much as Mancini was relieved to see off Chelsea at the Etihad. The Blues had the centre-back pairing of Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott missing on Wednesday; only the skipper has any chance of returning for this clash. Whoever plays for the title aspirants can expect an aerial bombardment from the hosts. It will be a massive test of City’s title credentials.