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Stoke City hosts a struggling Manchester City side in an attempt to keep up what has been a very good run recently.
Stoke held Newcastle to a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park last round, their first draw after a string of 3 consecutive and convinving wins. Indeed, Stoke did not meet top opponents during this run (Newcastle was the strongest), but they did their job and surely gained a lot of confidence in the process. Stoke doesn`t have much to fight for in this second part of the season, they are doomed to finish mid-table, but we all know every point is crucial in the Premier League considering the money that is involved.
Manchester City has not won in the last 5 matches (4 in the Premier League) and it`s safe to say that another bad result today will likely lose them the title – Chelsea already having 7 points ahead and an accessible home game today. City seems to be unable to play without Yaya Toure and he will be out again after just winning the African Cup of Nations. Also, they did not transfer Bony for nothing – the offense is horrid lately, 3 goals in the last 5 matches, and Bony will not be ready to deputize today.
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Team news & lineups:
Stoke will be without Odemwingie, Bojan, Ireland, Shawcross and Pieters. Ireland has a small chance to play, but it`s unlikely. Manchester City will have to do without Yaya Toure and Bony, but otherwise the squad is healthy.
Stoke City: Begovic – Bardsley, Muniesa, Wollscheid, Wilson – Whelan, Nzonzi – Walters, Diouf, Moses – Crouch
Man City: Hart – Clichy, Demichelis, Kompany, Zabaleta – Fernando, Fernandinho – Silva, Aguero, Nasri – Dzeko
I was thinking of taking Stoke not to lose this, but their projected absences from the lineup make be doubt that bet a little bit. The wiser choice as far as I`m concerned is on the under / over market. City is totally clueless up front right now and Bony is not yet ready to save the day, while Stoke will miss three key offensive pieces in Bojan, Ireland and Odemwingie. Look for Stoke to put on their usual tough and hard home display against big teams. They will close down City and the goal-shy visitors will have to play a sterile possession game. My tip is under 2,5 goals to be scored and I expect a 0-0 or 1-1 draw. Prediction: Stoke City – Manchester City 0-0.
Pick: under 2,5
Odds: 1.95 @ Bet365
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.60
Event date: 11 February
