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Manchester City travel to Wigan on Monday evening looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Roberto Mancini’s men haven’t been as convincing as late in all competitions – losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup and Liverpool in the Carling Cup – but they are still top of the Premier League.
After Manchester United defeated Bolton on Saturday, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are now level on points with City, while Tottenham – who dropped points at home to Wolves – are two points further adrift.
City will not be worrying about everyone else though. They know that if they perform to the best of their ability, they will win the Premier League.
Similarly, if they go to Wigan on Monday and get the job done, they will be three points clear of United again and five points clear of Spurs. In many senses, they will see themselves to be back on track.
As for Wigan, they will be aware that this is an extremely tough test. However, they will take heart from picking up points at home to Liverpool and Chelsea recently.
They can’t afford to write any game off either. They need to pick up points all the time if they are to stay in the Premier League. As it stands after the weekend’s results, Wigan are rock bottom of the table.
The Latics are only two points away from safety though, so all is not lost yet and it won’t be if they lose at home to Manchester City on Monday. However, they will go all out to make it as difficult as possible for Mancini’s men.
Looking at the team news for this one, Wigan look set to bring in Albert Crusat after he has recovered from a back injury, while Manchester City are waiting on the fitness of Mario Balotelli.
Match Winner
There is no doubt that Manchester City are favourites to win this game and the betting odds reflect this. They are 1.40 (2/5) to win the game with Bet365 while Wigan are outsiders are 9.00 (8/1) with SkyBet.
The draw is then available at 4.50 (7/2) with Betfred.
First goalscorer
The first goalscorer market is always an interesting when Manchester City are involved as there are so many options! Sergio Aguero is the favourite at 3.75 (11/4) while Wigan’s best chance of scoring first comes via Conor Sammon at 11.00 (10/1) with SportingBet.
An interesting pick is then Vincent Kompany at 26.00 (25/1) to score the first goal. The Manchester City captain would love to put recent disappointment behind him with a goal.
Recommended bets
Manchester City to win 3-1 @ 11.00 (10/1) with BetFred.
Vincent Kompany to score first @ 26.00 (25/1) with BoyleSports.
March 13th, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Great response, tnhaks.A few things though. While I admit I perhaps didn’t make my point entirely clear, I should clarify that I do not have any sort of problem with local rivalry. I was questioning Manchester City supporters line of rivalry which seems to simply go we are more local then you are . It just seems like a completely redundant point. Manchester United have strived for years to become more global, and have had remarkable success. Like it or not, Utd’s identity now lies in it’s international appeal. In a bizarre way, saying that City is more local than Utd can even seem like a compliment, underlining that they have indeed set out to achieve what they wanted to do. That may be a stretch, but I think there is logic there.Fans are paying more money then ever to clubs, while losing more and more control. It is a situation which needs to be addressed, but while it continues, all clubs (international corporations?) lose the identity that the fans are still clinging to and renders playground arguments as useful as whether you prefer Microsoft or Apple.