Premier League: Manchester City's tranquil summer proves a successful one

"City’s best business was done in-house, with the contract extensions for Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri, Vincent Kompany, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov."

Andy Brassell tells us why Manchester City's relatively quiet summer in the transfer market looks set to be reap rewards with the club extending the contracts of some of their major stars and the improved form of Stevan Jovetic...

No longer are Manchester City dominating the headlines when it comes to transfer speculation. Now, the fireworks are on the pitch, with Monday night's win over Liverpool continuing what has been an engaging and satisfying beginning to the Premier League champions' title defence. The noisy neighbours, it appears, have piped down at last.

There is always a hint of concern when reigning champions have a quiet summer in the transfer market. With a position of strength the best one from which to strengthen, there is the feeling of laurels being rested upon, of decompression and dropping of intensity, and lack of a clear next objective going forward.

Witnessing the positivity of City's display against last season's runners-up, it is clear that none of these accusations could be levelled at them. Set two distinct and contrasting challenges in their pair of opening games, Manuel Pellegrini's side have responded well. They snuffed out the threat of an ambitious and new Newcastle side, before mastering Liverpool with far greater assurance than they did on The Reds' last visit to the Etihad.

Besides, City's board has hardly been idle between seasons. As Jamie Jackson pointed out in Tuesday's edition of The Guardian, City's best business was done in-house, with the contract extensions for Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri, Vincent Kompany, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov. Their few, select signings - notably Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala - fulfil very specific needs and suggest complementarity with the existing group of players.

This suits the coach. Pellegrini, as was apparent during his best work at Villarreal and Malaga, is infinitely happier having a core of trusted players to work with than having stars thrown at him to subsequently incorporate. Clearly, the quality available to him is far greater than it was at either of those two rather more modest clubs, but the club are happy for the Chilean to create fairly similar working conditions for himself.

It works for the club too, with their initial plan to attract Pep Guardiola involving the presentation of a less sprawling, opulent squad and its replacement with a tight group. Clearly players to supplement and improve the excellent level that exists requires significant investment, which would also put City further at odds with UEFA's Financial Fair Play principles.

The rare signings have been notable, and will continue to be so. Fernando was the only new boy to start, but he showed just how vital he will be as the team's fulcrum. His accurate passing helped City grab a firm hold on midfield, and he was rarely called upon to make any interventions like the one which denied Ayoze Pérez an equaliser at Newcastle last week. Fernando can do containment just as well as destruction.

Mangala will grow into being a dominating presence alongside Kompany, and Willy Caballero - one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in La Liga over the last few seasons - will look a bargain at £6m even if his only function is to keep Joe Hart performing at a high level.

Pellegrini's sanguine nature is also a key attribute in making sure City make the most of everything they have. Plenty of coaches would have ditched Stevan Jovetic after his tough opening year in English football. Instead, Pellegrini persevered, and got his immediate reward against Liverpool. The Montenegrin's regular role with City may end up being a deeper one but for now, his form means no risks need to be taken with Agüero as he attains optimum condition.

City are still second favourites at 3.02/1 to retain their crown, behind Chelsea, 2.427/5. It is hard to choose between the two at the moment but Pellegrini's men make a persuasive case, and are unlikely to go out much longer in the coming weeks.

Amazon Sports Center

The Editors' Premier League Betting Battle 2013/14: Round 30

"Opta tell us that Southampton are in pretty rotten form overall: they've won just four of their last 17 Premier League games and are likely to lack real motivation now their Premier League status is secure and they have no chance of European qualification."

Luke Moore: Back Crystal Palace to beat Southampton at 3.8514/5

A dramatic weekend saw Dan Thomas lose his lead to Joe Dyer while another win for Mike Norman means the top three in this season's Betting Battle are separated by less than £20. Here are this week's selections...

Joe Dyer
Back an Arsenal clean sheet @ 2.727/4 vs Everton
Saturday, 12:45
Live on ITV

I'll know my fate early on this weekend as it's the Saturday lunchtime kick-off between Arsenal and Everton for me where I'm swayed by the clear trends for a tight match. 

Everton are doughty opponents for any side but they have come up short on their last three away days, failing to score in each. Those tests came against top Premier League sides (Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea) and they face another on Saturday against Arsenal. 

For both clubs this game represents a key moment in their seasons - at 23.022/1 to back the Gunners' title hopes look gone, and Everton surely won't finish top four either - so the chance of making it to Wembley will be huge for everyone at the two teams. 

When Everton went to Arsenal earlier this season, we saw two goals in the last 10 minutes with the visitors pegging the home team back with a late Gerard Deulofeu equaliser. I think this will be similarly close with the potential for a single goal to settle matters.

Rather than back under 2.5 goals - a winning bet for me in the last two weeks - I will take a chance on Arsenal keeping the visitors out for the full 90 minutes this time. The backline has kept 12 clean sheets in the league and with Everton proving shot-shy in recent weeks I think 2.727/4 is a fair price for them to record another clean sheet.  

Joe Dyer 2013-14 P/L: + £18.50

Dan Thomas
Back Both Teams To Score in West Brom v Manchester United at 1.9110/11
Saturday, 12:45
Live on BT Sport 1

The Baggies have been pretty dreadful this season, with just four wins in the entire campaign - the lowest in the league - leaving them one point off relegation (it's only the league high 13 draws that have kept them out of the bottom three).

They haven't picked up three points since beating Newcastle on New Year's Day and questions have already been raised about the tenure of Pepe Mel, who hasn't seen his team win since taking over on January 9.

The one bright spark for Albion has been their performances against the big boys, picking up creditable 1-1 draws against Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton, all after going behind, and I can see them at least getting on the scoresheet when United come to town this weekend.

David Moyes' men kept a clean sheet in winning at Palace last time out, but they have conceded at the likes of Hull, Sunderland and Stoke this season and West Brom should have enough in the locker to score at least once, while Van Persie and Rooney et al will be looking forward to playing a side that has kept one clean sheet in 2014. 

Dan Thomas 2013-14 P/L: + £16.99

Mike Norman
Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.0621/20 in Cardiff v Fulham
Saturday, 15:00

So, after 29 rounds of battle I'm back to where I started with a zero profit. Crucially though I'm now the closest I've been to the lead since the first week of the season and I know that the rest of the lads are in fear that I'm timing my run to perfection. I am, so let's crack on with this week's winner.

A clash between the Premier League's two bottom clubs has seemingly made layers cautious about offering a generous price on Over 2.5 Goals. I completely understand why, but I'm still going to take a chance on it.

The need for a victory here, for both sides, is absolutely crucial. The beauty of which is that we know both sides can't win at the same tme whereas a draw won't suit neither. And in my opinion there's no chance in this world that Cardiff and Fulham will set out for a draw and play defensively. At least I hope not.

So I'm backing goals here, and encouragingly the last seven meetings between the Bluebirds and the Cottagers have resulted in both teams getting on the scoresheet and at least three goals being scored. Ok, only one of those meetings was in the last 15 years but I'll take it.

Mike Norman 2013-14 P/L: -/+ £0.00

Luke Moore
Back Crystal Palace to beat Southampton at 3.8514/5
Saturday, 15:00

I think this is a very generous price on a Crystal Palace home win - the Eagles are in decent form at the moment (they may have lost at home to United but they won their previous three at Selhurst Park, conceding only one goal) and Southampton are at best inconsistent on the road.

In fact, Opta tell us that Southampton are in pretty rotten form overall: they've won just four of their last 17 Premier League games and are likely to lack real motivation now their Premier League status is secure and they have no chance of European qualification.

Tony Pulis knows how to set his teams up at home and there is absolutely no reason they can't beat a team with nothing to play for who were turned over quite handily by West Ham on their last away trip. It may only be by the odd goal, but that'll be enough to bank me some much-needed winnings.

Luke Moore 2013-14 P/L: - £108.30

A £10 bet is placed on each selection on Betfair's Exchange. Profits are calculated before commission.

1. Joe Dyer: + £18.50
2. Dan Thomas: + £16.99
3. Mike Norman: +/- £0.00
4. Luke Moore: - £108.30

Amazon Sports Center

Premier League: Logic-defying West Ham target tenth

"West Ham’s chances of finishing above halfway for the second straight season will depend on how quicklythey can ascend to the famed 40-point platform."
Recommended Bet: Back-to-lay West Ham for a top-half finish @ 5.59/2

Michael Lintorn admires West Ham's rapid rise up the table during a campaign of contradictions at the Boleyn Ground...

West Ham are undergoing the most surreal of seasons.

They are relegation candidates who keep a clean sheet every other game and boast two more than anyone else in the division: a side who hadn't won successive Premier League matches under Sam Allardyce before just delivering three in a row.

Goalkeeper Adrian hadn't played in the league before December 21 yet less than two months on is the overwhelming crowd favourite. Record signing Andy Carroll's suspension has inspired their most clinical finishing of the campaign.

Star centre back Winston Reid is on the bench during their longest ever Premier League clean sheet streak, while Mohamed Diame, Ravel Morrison and Antonio Nocerino can't get a start because left winger Matt Taylor - who started none of the first 16 - is bossing things in the centre of the park.

However, the greatest oddity of all is that two victories in four days against Aston Villa and Norwich have launched them from the relegation zone to the top half, with the ongoing potential to yo-yo between either realm. The Irons are 5.59/2 to secure a top-ten finish, compared to 9.617/2 to go down.

Which is more likely? The fact that there is only one top-half vacancy - ninth-placed Newcastle are nine points ahead with a home game in hand against Tottenham - compared to three for a spot in the Championship means that there is little in it.

West Ham's chances of finishing above halfway for the second straight season will depend on how quickly - if at all, of course - they can ascend to the famed 40-point platform. Stationed on 28 with 12 fixtures to snare the required four wins from, it sounds simple, but isn't quite.

They face seven of the top eight in that final 12, including four of the supposed Big Six in their closing six, and Spurs are the only top-ten team that they have beaten.

The helpful recent habit of defeating the clubs around them - something that they struggled with previously - must therefore be retained, with Hull and Crystal Palace at home and Stoke, Sunderland and West Brom away the key clashes.

The biggest indicator though could be how they fare in their next two encounters against the least intimidating of the top eight - Southampton at home and Everton away.

Four points from that double header would really put them in the frame, whereas failure to win either would relaunch their relegation battle. It is consequently vital that momentum is maintained over the upcoming FA Cup-inflicted 11-day game break before hosting Southampton.

Recommended Bet: Back-to-lay West Ham for a top-half finish @ 5.59/2

Amazon Sports Center

Premier League 3pm Kick-Offs: Stick with the Toffees for another easy win

Amazon Sports Center

Premier League: Festive season unlikely to solve Title puzzle

Amazon Sports Center

Premier League Tips: Newcastle to struggle in London

"Alan Pardew managed to lift his players to earn a point at West Ham following the embarrassing 6-0 thrashing by Liverpool at St James’ Park, but they still only have a three point cushion over Wigan."

Back a QPR v Newcastle draw @ 3.4 (12/5)

It's the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season and Paul Robinson casts his eye over some crucial fixtures that affect both the top and bottom of the table. Here are his selections from Betfair's Sportsbook:

Norwich v West Brom  

Back the draw @ 3.4 (12/5) 
Back a 1-1 correct score @ 6.5 (11/2)  

Norwich and West Brom come into this match on the back of successive defeats and I can see the spoils being shared on Sunday afternoon.

Chris Hughton will have breathed a huge sigh of relief after Wigan threw away victory against Swansea on Wednesday. The Canaries still have a three point cushion to the relegation zone and as they have to travel to Man City on the final day, they won't want to have to go into that match needing a result.

Norwich are going to find it tough against West Brom though and I think their win price of a shade above evens is just too short to back. They've only won twice since the 15th of December and they've drawn five of their last eight at Carrow Road.

The Baggies put up a creditable performance at the Etihad on Tuesday but they lost 1-0 and that follows on from the disappointing home defeat to Wigan at the weekend. Prior to that, Steve Clarke's side had thrashed Southampton at St Mary's to end a four match winless run, and I think they should have enough about them to cause Norwich plenty of problems.

Romelu Lukaku is proving a handful against any opposition and he has scored 14 Premier League goals this term. Defensively, aside from the three they conceded at Upton Park, WBA have conceded no more than one in their last half dozen away from the Hawthorns so as well as backing the draw, I think backing a 1-1 correct score at 6.5 (11/2) would be a sensible bet.

Sunderland v Southampton  

Back Sunderland @ 2.7 (17/10)  
Back Sunderland to win 2-1 @ 9.5 (17/2)  

Sunderland have a suspension and injury crisis heading into their match with Southampton on Sunday but their match odds of 2.7 (17/10) simply can't be ignored against a Saints team who have picked up just two points from a possible 12.

Paulo Di Canio's side earned a much needed point at home to Stoke on Monday but it came at a cost as Craig Gardner was sent off and he now joins Stephane Sessegnon on the suspended list. The Black Cats are also missing the likes of Steven Fletcher and Wes Brown through injury so the Italian manager doesn't have many options to choose from.

Sunderland do have one thing in their favour though and that is their goal difference. As it is so superior to their relegation rivals, they know that victory at the weekend will almost certainly see them safe for another year. That should prove a huge motivation for the fans and players alike and The Stadium Of Light will be rocking.

Southampton had looked set for a mid-table finish but two draws followed by two defeats has left them on the edge of a relegation scrap. Mauricio Pochettino also has suspensions to worry about as both Danny Fox and Gaston Ramirez are out following red cards against West Brom. 

Rickie Lambert has 14 goals to his name this season but he hasn't scored in five and his goals are vital to The Saints' success. They've won just once on the road in their last eight and failed to score in three of the last four.

A home win is a great value bet at 2.7 (17/10) although I can see Southampton scoring a goal, so a 2-1 correct score at 9.5 (17/2) is my other selection.

QPR v Newcastle  

Back the draw @ 3.4 (12/5)  
Back a 1-1 correct score @ 6.5 (11/2)  

Newcastle are another team in the relegation mix and I can seem them only being able to get a point at rock bottom QPR. 

Harry Redknapp's side look set to finish bottom of the pile after picking up just two points from a possible 21. They haven't been thrashed in any of their recent matches but their lack of quality, especially in front of goal, has been there for all to see.

Rangers haven't scored in over 360 minutes of football and the likes of Loic Remy almost seem a touch disinterested now that their fate has been sealed. 

Newcastle have had an appalling campaign, domestically at least, and while there have been mitigating circumstances - European football and terrible luck with injuries - they simply haven't been good enough.

Alan Pardew managed to lift his players to earn a point at West Ham following the embarrassing 6-0 thrashing by Liverpool at St James' Park, but they still only have a three point cushion over Wigan. 

Victory at Loftus Road should see them safe but they haven't won away since January and the draw seems the value bet here at 3.4 (12/5). QPR may be struggling in front of goal but the Magpies have shipped an astonishing 66 goals this season so a 1-1 correct score looks good at odds of 6.5 (11/2).

Recommended Bets
Back a Norwich v West Brom draw @ 3.4 (12/5)  
Back a 1-1 correct score in Norwich v West Brom @ 6.5 (11/2)  
Back Sunderland @ 2.7 (17/10)  
Back Sunderland to win 2-1 @ 9.5 (17/2)  
Back a QPR v Newcastle draw @ 3.4 (12/5)  
Back a 1-1 correct score in QPR v Newcastle @ 6.5 (11/2)  

Prices are based on our Sportsbook product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League: Back QPR to hit rock bottom again

"On paper at least, it's Redknapp's overpaid flops who have the toughest looking schedule, playing Arsenal and Liverpool with a game against relegation-fighting Newcastle sandwiched in between."
Recommended Bet: Back QPR to finish rock bottom @ 2.56/4

As the bottom two prepare for their long awaited Premier League departures, Christian Crowther assesses the 'Rock Bottom' market...

The race for the top flight wooden spoon is on! In the blue and white corner, we have Reading and in the, erm, blue and white corner also, it's Harry Redknapp's QPR.

If you support a team that wear Hoops in the Premier League this season, you'll no doubt be thinking twice before renewing your season tickets.

After a roundly depressing Sunday lunchtime showing on the box, which summed up two miserable campaigns perfectly, the 0-0 draw at the Madejski seemed a fitting way to end months of putting off the inevitable by sending the two teams into the Championship for the start of next season.

If it had been a boxing match, any referee worth his salt would have ended the contest at half-time.

As it stands, both sides are down with just 25 points apiece and only one goal the difference, keeping QPR just a whisker in front with three left to play.

Reading are favourites at 1.68/13 to finish rock bottom with QPR rated at 2.56/4 to return to the position they kept warm for most of the season.

This is the time to assess both clubs' respective form and run-ins then to search for clues. The form book does little to separate things as that Sunday stroll made it two draws and two defeats from their last four Premier League outings for both.

However, on paper at least, it's Redknapp's overpaid flops who have the toughest looking schedule, playing Arsenal and Liverpool with a game against relegation-fighting Newcastle sandwiched in between.

Arsenal are finishing the season strongly as they strive for a Champions League place and wounded Liverpool have clearly been galvanised by the Luis Suarez affair.

It's difficult to see QPR cultivating much success from these fixtures and a point looks about the best they could hope for as the reverse fixtures with all three opponents
produced none at all.

In comparison, Nigel Adkins' Royals have a slightly gentler looking list with trips to Fulham and West Ham split by a chance to host the outgoing champions Manchester City at the Madejski.

Although strong at home, West Ham represent one of the only five teams Reading have beaten in the league this season, while they also took a point off Fulham earlier in the campaign.

Recommended Bet: Back QPR to finish rock bottom @ 2.56/4

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League: Newcastle should stay loyal to Pardew

"While Pardew is far from beyond criticism for the Magpies' miserable league campaign, certain circumstances out of his control have contributed heavily to it."

After a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Liverpool, the knives are out for Alan Pardew but this is no time to give up on their boss writes Christian Crowther...

Newcastle's second embarrassing home defeat on the spin, in which they were smashed for six by Liverpool, has seen the Toon dip their toe into Premier League relegation quicksand.

However, although the Magpies are now back in danger of the plunge - rated at 12.011/1 to go down - owner Mike Ashley should not be tempted into a reactionary squeeze on the trigger.

The man he would be firing, Alan Pardew, signed an eight-year contract off the back of Newcastle's best finish in the Premier League since 2003/04 last campaign, so it would make owner and club the laughing stock should he cast his man aside now.

It's no coincidence that Newcastle's wildly differing fortunes over recent years have been underpinned by one of the hottest managerial seats in the land.

Inadvertently, Pardew's biggest mistake at Newcastle so far was probably leading the Toon to that fifth-place finish last season. This highly commendable achievement has actually ended up causing Pardew a painful headache.

He's not only raised the bar of expectation to an unsustainable height, but with such a tight squad at his disposal, their resulting Europa League commitments have stretched things to breaking point.

While Pardew is far from beyond criticism for the Magpies' miserable league campaign, certain circumstances out of his control have contributed heavily to it.

For a start, his squad has been ravaged by injury since the very beginning of this campaign, especially in those vital defensive positions.

Ryan Taylor, Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini, James Perch, Mike Williamson, Danny Simpson and latterly David Santon have all missed many games due to injury.

Meanwhile, two of their most creative talents in French duo Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa were sidelined for lengthy spells, adding to the inconsistency of team selection.

Although Pardew targeted certain players in the summer, it wasn't until January - after the gruelling group stages of the Europa League had already taken place and ground had been lost in the Premier League - that he was able to capture the likes of Mathieu Debuchy.

He was also helpless in losing his top scorer Demba Ba to Chelsea in the same month and, while Papiss Cisse has notched a few latterly, Ba's compatriot is nothing like as reliable a source of goals.

For a while, the influx of French talent in January looked like it would turn the Toon's season around but they have since dropped off, something Pardew must shoulder some blame for.

Still, it would be foolish to sack the man who bought all these players to the club. Pardew must be backed not sacked and, if they stay up by the skin of their teeth, then next season should be much better for Newcastle.

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League Betting: Reading v QPR

"It’s really no wonder that Reading are bottom of the league when you consider that they have conceded the first goal in 21 of their 34 games."

Reading and QPR meet in the last chance saloon on Sunday, with both teams needing a win to have a chance of survival. Dan Fitch picks out the value bets...

Reading v QPR
Sunday, KO 13:13, Live on Sky Sports 1

I'm sure that when the good folk at Sky decided to televise this match, they envisaged that at least one of these teams would still be in with a shot of survival. 

Instead we are left with a scenario where any loser will be relegated, while the only reward for the winner is to survive for another week or two. The worst result for all concerned is the draw, which could see both teams relegated if Aston Villa were to get a point on Monday.

All of which suggests a game where both teams will go at it with reckless abandon. The chances are that they will both get relegated anyway, so why not go down swinging?

Both sides teams are in shocking form considering that they're meant to have been fighting for survival. In Reading's defence, they at least have the excuse that their players really aren't good enough for the Premier League. Just one point from the last 27 is surely confirmation of this.

QPR have talent within their squad, but the ill-considered way that it has been put together has not been conducive to producing a team. They started March with back-to-back wins, but have since lost four and drawn one of their next five games.

Where both teams have been consistent is the amount of goals that their games have produced. Some 11 of Reading's last 14 games have produced over 2.5 goals, while QPR have done likewise in four of their last seven matches. 

With so much on the line it would be disappointing if both sides weren't throwing the kitchen sink at each other, so over 2.5 goals at 1.9210/11 and the 1.715/7 for both teams to score, look like shrewd investments. 

When it comes to who will score, the only player in any sort of form in front of goal is QPR's Loic Remy. Even so, the 2.35/4 on offer for the French striker to find the net looks a bit short. The 6.25/1 for him to score first looks a better bet. 

Reading score a lot of late goals, so it is QPR who are likelier to open the scoring and can be backed to do so at 2.111/10. The home side are priced at 1.9520/21 to score the last goal.

It's really no wonder that Reading are bottom of the league when you consider that they have conceded the first goal in 21 of their 34 games. Given the season these two teams have had it would be no surprise if the produced the result that neither wants - a draw. The half-time QPR/full-time draw double result is available at 15.014/1 and could be worth a small stakes bet.

Perhaps the most pertinent market to examine as these two scrap it out at the foot of the league is Betfair's Rock Bottom market. Reading are the 1.674/6 favourites, with QPR at 2.47/5. While they're both level on points and are separated by just one goal, it is Reading who have the tougher fixtures, with their next home game against Manchester City. Therefore, the odds look about right.

All in all, this game probably has more meaning as a sort of pre-season friendly between two of the contenders for the 2013-14 Championship title, than it does over the relegation battle.

Recommended Bets

Back Over 2.5 Goals at 1.9210/11
Back Loic Remy to score first at 6.25/1
Back QPR half-time/the draw full-time at 15.014/1

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League: Back Mancini to leave Manchester City after disastrous season

"If United this season haven’t been genuinely great, their manager yet again certainly has. Which is more than you can say for his counterpart down the road." 

As Betfair launch a new Mancini To Go? market, Luke Moore explains why Roberto Mancini will almost certainly be out of the Manchester City door ahead of the new season...

As the celebrations rang around Old Trafford last night after a convincing Robin van Persie-inspired victory over struggling Aston Villa, more than a penny would have been offered for the thoughts of the wealthy owners of Manchester City. Because, make no mistake about it, this campaign has been a disaster for Roberto Mancini and his team, by any measure you wish to use. 

After the narrowest of title wins last season, their first in 44 years, the temperamental Italian went about adding quality to his squad, wielding his chairman's cheque book with abandon and promptly drafting in midfielder Javi Garcia, wide man Scott Sinclair (trust me, he is still a City player), the latest of England's injury-prone roses Jack Rodwell, an ageing and ultimately semi-retired Maicon and defender Matija Nastasic. 

The Italian also failed to convince several other targets to join his project at City; Robin van Persie, Daniele De Rossi and Eden Hazard all decided against moves to the Etihad for various reasons, and if those facts don't quite make a disastrous transfer window, it certainly pitches it some way short of a good one. Of the personnel Mancini did manage to convince to sign, only Nastasic could legitimately be considered a successful buy thus far. Mancini's 'improvements' were either unrealistic or failed to actually improve anything. 

At time of writing, Manchester City under Mancini have also recorded just 68 points this season, and even if they win all of the five fixtures they have remaining cannot approach anything near the 89 points they totalled last term. Add all that to another disastrous showing in the Champions League where they failed to win a single game and managed just three points, and the facts are there for all to see: Manchester City under Roberto Mancini are not only hugely under-performing with the group of players they have, but they are actually going backwards. Mancini has failed in all three main departments of his job.

There have long been question marks over the fiery Italian's abilities as a manager on the European stage, and he hasn't shown anything to suggest that he has learnt from previous mistakes and poor showings as boss of Internazionale, where he failed to progress beyond the quarter-final stage in his time there despite managing the standout side in Serie A, backed by Massimo Moratti's millions. Yes, if Man City want to make a serious impression on that competition they need to look beyond Mancini, but that is something that could have been reasonably deduced before he took over at the Etihad. It's his domestic failure that will really rankle with the decision makers at the top and make them wonder where they turn next.

Mancini's management style also attracts criticism. Happy to berate his players in public and wear his heart on his sleeve (just imagine playing poker against him), his faults are easy to overlook when he is delivering the club their first title in several generations, but when they're floundering 16 points behind their local rivals despite having arguably the biggest playing budget in world football it should and will be a different story. He recently commented that he felt there was no difference in quality between his side and Ferguson's, only United's superior attitude won the day. Surely instilling a winning attitude into a great group of players is the manager's responsibility? 

Much has been made of whether this title-winning Manchester United team is a truly 'great' side or not, but if it isn't, then Manchester City, their closest rivals, should shoulder much of the blame for not running them anywhere near close and really testing how good they could be. What's more, even if United this season haven't been genuinely great, their manager yet again certainly has. Which is more than you can say for his counterpart down the road. 

If City want to kick on and improve next year, it cannot be with Roberto Mancini at the helm, and it wouldn't be at all surprising if City's owners came to the same conclusion.

Recommended Bet

Back Mancini to leave Manchester City in the Mancini To Go? market 

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League 3pm Kick-Offs: Goals anticipated in most Saturday games

"The Emirates has seen more goals (59) than any other Premier League ground this term."

Back Over 3.5 goals @ 2.427/5

Jaymes Monte works through the Opta stats for this weekend's Premier League games and picks out his best bets...

Arsenal 1.261/4 v Norwich 14.5n/a: The Draw 6.86/1

A fortnight on from being priced at 1.261/4 to beat Reading on home soil, Arsenal are the same price to defeat Norwich at the Emirates as their preferable list of remaining fixtures becomes increasingly apparent.

Arsene Wenger's men are unbeaten in four Barclays Premier League home meetings with the Canaries (W2 D2), averaging four goals per game over the last three.

Only league leaders Manchester United have taken as many points from their last six Premier League games as Arsenal (both 15), while Norwich City are without a win in seven away league games (D2 L5). So the short odds on a home win are justifiable and not worth taking on.

Considering Arsenal's scoring record in this fixture and that the Emirates has seen more goals (59) than any other Premier League ground this term, betting on Over in the goals markets is the way forward.

Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 goals @ 2.427/5

Aston Villa 2.3211/8 v Fulham 3.55/2; The Draw 3.45n/a

Amazingly, Fulham have never won a Barclays Premier League game at Villa Park, mustering just four points from 33 available at the West Midlands venue. And given that the Villans come into this game on the back of three wins from their last four there's plenty of reason to back the hosts at 2.3211/8.

Fulham, however, are also in good form. But for that last-gasp winner from Papiss Cisse at St James' Park last week they'd be unbeaten in six and, regardless, have won three of their last five.

Instead of looking at the Match Odds I'd suggest a play on Over/Under 2.5 goals. The Cottagers have scored just five times in their 11 league visits to Villa Park and failed to score in three of their last four.

Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ 1.9210/11

Everton 1.454/9 v QPR 8.415/2; The Draw 5.04/1

Harry Redknapp billed last week's game against Wigan as a must-win for his side. Given that they didn't go on to pick up three points the conclusion must be that even those within the club now realise that they will be playing Championship football next season.

Everton, on the other hand, still have plenty to play for after taking a point from their game with Spurs last weekend, but welcome the Rs having won only won two of their 11 previous Barclays Premier League meetings.

The R's have scored 24 times in these 11 games against Everton; against no other side have they scored more than 17 in the Premier League. While Kevin Mirallas has netted in three of his last four league games and Loic Remy has scored in four of his last five Premier League appearances. The statistics suggest that goals are on the agenda.

Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ 1.84/5

Reading 7.613/2 v Liverpool 1.51/2; The Draw 4.84/1

Like Rangers, Reading's Premier League fate was all but confirmed last weekend, when losing 2-0 at home to Southampton. The Royals have now lost seven successive Premier League games, just one short of their top-flight record of eight straight defeats.

Add into the mix the Opta stat that Liverpool have won four of their previous five league meetings with the Royals and it's difficult to see Reading not equalling that unwanted record.

In nine previous clashes with the Reds in all competitions, Reading have never managed a clean sheet, while Nigel Adkins' inherited side have the worst defensive record in the top flight.

Best Bet: Back Over 3.5 goals @ 2.6213/8

Southampton 1.9210/11 v West Ham 4.47/2; The Draw 3.814/5

West Ham are the only Premier League team to have lost every game they have fallen behind in (10 matches) away from home in 2012-13, so the first rule for betting on this game is that if Saints score first get on them In-Play.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have won their last three Premier League games with Jay Rodriguez scoring in each of them. The first time that he has scored in three successive top-flight games in his career.

Best Bet: Back Soton/Soton @ 3.39/4 in HT/FT

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League Injuries: Tottenham sweating on Bale

"With Aaron Lennon injured as well, Tottenham's goal threat is severely dampened, especially as Bale is responsible for eight of Spurs' last 13 league goals."
Best Bet: Lay Tottenham to score two or more goals @ 2.47/5

Gareth Bale, Matija Nastasic and Ciaran Clark will all be big misses for their clubs this weekend...

Ciaran Clark - Stoke v Aston Villa (Saturday, 15:00)
So precarious is Aston Villa's current position in the relegation places that they can ill afford to be without any if their first-choice starters at present. Even though Irish international Clark is still tender in years at just 23, he is still one of the more senior figures among this over youthful Villa side - making 34 appearances for his club this season. Most tellingly, Clark's recently rekindled partnership at centre back with Ron Vlaar, himself returning from a lengthy injury, produced Villa's first successive league wins of the entire season. His replacement Nathan Baker is prone to a mistake, as we have already seen against both Reading and Liverpool.
Recommended Bet: Back Stoke to win @ 2.1411/10

Gareth Bale - Tottenham v Everton (Sunday, 14:05, ESPN)
A thoroughly testing night for Tottenham fans against Basel on Thursday turned into a nightmare in the dying seconds when Gareth Bale's right ankle buckled underneath him in an innocuous looking incident. Spurs will have to wait until scan results come back to find out the extent of the damage but television replays suggest he'll be missing at least the next few weeks and possibly longer. With the battle for Champions League places blazing and an extremely tricky quarter-final second leg still to play, the timing couldn't be worse. With Aaron Lennon injured as well, Tottenham's goal threat is severely dampened, especially as Bale is responsible for eight of Spurs' last 13 league goals.
Best Bet: Lay Tottenham to score two or more goals @ 2.47/5
Matija Nastasic - Man City v Man United (Monday, 20:00, Sky Sports 1)
Man City's young defender has surely been one of the finds of the season. The 20-year-old Serbian has been so assured at the back for the champions and has not only displaced England defender Joleon Lescott, but he's started each of Serbia's World Cup qualifiers. Nastasic has made 18 Premier League appearances for Roberto Mancini's side so far but picked up an injury playing for his country in the last international break that renders him a derby doubt. Man United managed to score three goals in the reverse league fixture and, although City kept a clean sheet at home to Newcastle on Saturday, the last time the Serbian missed an away match, City let in three against Southampton. 
Recommended Bet: Back Man United to score two or more goals @ 2.111/10

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League: Black Cats part company with Martin O'Neill

"Sunderland's next game is away to Chelsea on April 7 with the club available to back at 2.767/4 in the Relegaion market having been matched at a high of 75.074/1 earlier in the season."

After a home loss to Manchester United earlier today Sunderland have announced that they have parted company with manager Martin O'Neill. Mike Norman has the details...

Sunderland have this evening announced that they have "parted company" with manager Martin O'Neill.

The relegation-threatened Black Cats are in dire form in the Premier League after failing to win any of their previous eight games, taking just three points in the process.

Today's defeat to champions-elect Manchester United leaves the Wearside club just one point above the relegation zone with just seven games remaining, four of them away from home including a trip to arch north-east rivals and fellow strugglers Newcastle.

O'Neill took over from Steve Bruce at Sunderland in December 2011 and immediately became a huge success with the Stadium of Light faithful, winning seven of his opening 10 fixtures to steer the Black Cats away from the drop zone.

But despite some high profile signings this season, including England midfielder Adam Johnson and Scotland striker Steven Fletcher, Sunderland struggled for goals and could never put a consistent run of good form together.

O'Neill remained very positive after today's defeat insisting that his glass was "three-quarters full" in reference to his confidence in keeping Sunderland in the Premier League, before going on to say, "There's a real determination in the dressing room. The players are obviously disappointed, but they can take a lot from the second half."

Sunderland's next game is away to Chelsea on April 7 with the club available to back at 2.767/4 in the Relegaion market having been matched at a high of 75.074/1 earlier in the season.

Betfair have introduced a Next Sunderland Manager market with former Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio and experienced Premier League manager Mark Hughes amongst the early favourites.

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League: Reading opt for Adkins as new boss

"To the neutral observer, Adkins' instalment could easily be interpreted as a decision taken with next season in mind, rather than one intended to bring about the great escape."

With news filtering through of Nigel Adkins appointment at Reading, Christian Crowther suggests Premier League survival is still unlikely...

Out of a job in January and reappointed in March, it's been a mercifully short period of unemployment for axed Southampton boss Nigel Adkins.

Reading have now confirmed Adkins' appointment as manager, with just eight games left of the Premier League season and the Royals in 19th place, seven points adrift of safety.

It looks a mountainous task to keep Reading up from here, reflected by their odds of 1.091/11 for the drop, though the 48-year-old has already been quick to assure fans that is his intention.

"We've got to believe we can do it. I want to be in the Premier League. I'm excited about the future. I've had two weeks off. I am passionate about football, they are fighting, they have a good spirit and I'm looking forward to Arsenal on Saturday. We will scrap, it's about the here and now. We have to concentrate on the Premier League."

Whether or not Adkins can keep Reading afloat is a hard question to answer, but considering he has just five months of Premier League managerial experience on his CV, the chances have to be slim.

Despite showing a flicker of recovery at the start of the year, Reading have since flat-lined, losing five straight league games ahead of their clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.

With the Gunners chasing down Tottenham in fifth and having already beaten Reading twice this season (once after extra time), it's difficult to see the visitors getting anything in north London. The draw is currently rated at 6.611/2, but it's clearly wins that they need now.

To the neutral observer, Adkins' instalment could easily be interpreted as a decision taken with next season in mind, rather than one intended to bring about the great escape. 

After all, Southampton's board clearly didn't trust his ability to keep them in the top flight and, though it was a very harsh axing, the fact that Adkins didn't appear to be Reading's first choice judging by their pursuit of Gus Poyet is significant.

He does however have proven form in getting Southampton promoted to the Premier League (not to mention achieving three more promotions from League One) and, in all probability, this will be his task again next season. 

Whatever the outcome happens to be from the remainder of the season, this does look a good move for Adkins, as Reading is a club very much set up for Premier League involvement and supposedly with some money to spend in the summer.

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League: Tottenham leave door ajar for Arsenal

"Now, Lilywhites everywhere are getting that foreboding feeling that history may repeat itself with arch rivals Arsenal poised to ambush their Champions League dreams once again."

After an intriguing round of Premier League action, Christian Crowther assesses the race for those precious Champions League spots...

Who said Tottenham were a one-man team? Three games without a Gareth Bale goal (one missed through suspension) have prompted three straight defeats for the Londoners, but this is too cheap a shot to take at Spurs.

Instead, it seems the psychological scars of last season's agonising submission to Arsenal may just be resurfacing.

Having opened up a 12-point gap over the Gunners at the start of February last year, Spurs looked to have finally shaken off their north London foes after 16 straight campaigns finishing below them.

However, the hoodoo finally caught up with Harry Redknapp's side as Tottenham inexplicably faded, allowing Arsenal to overhaul them into third and clinch what turned out to be the final Champions League berth. 

Fast-forward a year and it's been a week to forget for Andre Villas-Boas' Spurs side, who followed up defeats to Liverpool and Inter by wilting 1-0 at home to a Fulham outfit which had only recorded two away wins all season before visiting White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Now, Lilywhites everywhere are getting that foreboding feeling that history may repeat itself with arch rivals Arsenal poised to ambush their Champions League dreams once again.

Successive Premier League losses have seen Chelsea overtake Spurs into third, while Arsenal are now bearing down, just four points back with a game in hand. 

After Sunday's win over West Ham, Rafa Benitez's Blues are now rated at 1.412/5 to clinch third spot or above, while Tottenham are teetering just ahead of Arsenal in the betting at 3.711/4 and 3.9n/a respectively for a top-three finish.

Suddenly, the momentum has shifted in the race for Europe's elite competition. Rafa is finally starting to prove his critics wrong, recording three league wins from their last four games. 

While, Arsene Wenger's much-maligned Arsenal side have emerged from their blackest moment at Spurs to bounce back with a confidence-boosting win over Bayern before beating bogey side Swansea on Saturday.

The market has reacted to Tottenham's nerves with Arsenal backed into 1.9210/11 for a top-four finish, now ahead of Spurs, who are rated at 2.111/10, in the betting.

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League Injuries: Arsenal to feel Jack's absence

"Without Arsenal's best player available in Wilshere, Swansea's task of getting a result is made significantly easier."
Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 3.55n/a

Christian Crowther files his weekly report on the Premier League's walking wounded and offers up a few bets to go with it...

Jack Wilshere - Swansea v Arsenal (Saturday, 15:00)
Any news of an injury to England's new golden boy will have Arsenal fans wincing. This is understandable when the Gunners' midfield maestro spent over 15 gruelling months on the sidelines as a result of his last injury. Mercifully, it's the other ankle this time and Wilshere should only miss a month out according to reports. However, the collateral damage on Arsenal's attempts to claim a top-four spot may be greater. While Arsenal did reclaim some credibility by beating a strangely under-par Bayern, they now face a Swansea side who have already humiliated them at the Emirates in the league and forced an FA Cup replay at the Liberty Stadium. Without Arsenal's best player available in Wilshere, Swansea's task of getting a result is made significantly easier.
Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 3.55n/a

Pepe Reina - Southampton v Liverpool (Saturday, 15:00)
Liverpool's long-serving stopper has come in for his fair share of criticism in the last few seasons as the Spaniard's error count has crept up. However, there's no disputing that Reina would still walk into most Premier League starting XIs as his shot-stopping prowess is only rivalled by the very best. Against Wigan, Reina's eye-catching performance was essential in his side's clean sheet - his second in a row in the Premier League - so it was cruel that he wasn't able to play in the Tottenham game due to a calf injury. Now Liverpool travel to St Mary's, where they haven't fared well in recent times: losing on the south coast in three of their last four trips. His replacement Brad Jones has let in five goals in his last two starts.
Recommended Bet: Back Rickie Lambert to score @ 3.65n/a
Jimmy Kebe - Manchester United v Reading (Saturday 17:30, ESPN)
Reading find themselves in a right royal mess ahead of their uninviting trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. The visitors will kick-off this game second from bottom in the Premier League and with a caretaker manager in the dugout after owner Anton Zingarevich decided to oust Brian McDermott after the loss to Aston Villa. Reading's wafer-thin chances of pulling off a miraculous result against United will be further reduced by the absence of one of their best performers too. Jimmy Kebe has notched five goals for his struggling side this term and, alongside Jobi McAnuff, proves Reading's most likely provider from out on the wing. Without the Frenchman, the Royals' attacking threat is heavily blunted.
Recommended Bet: Back Manchester United to win to nil @ 2.0621/20

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Airtricity Premier Division Betting: Back Shamrock and St Pat's to battle out a stalemate

Recommended Bets

Back The Draw Shamrock Rovers v St Pat's 3.3512/5 
Back Dundalk to beat Shelbourne at 2.942/1 
Lay Drogheda to beat Limerick at 2.166/5
Cork City/Cork City Half Time/Full Time v Bohemians at 3.185/40 
Draw UCD v Derry at 3.3512/5 

Daniel McDonnell casts his eye over the Airtricity Irish Premier Division and thinks the game of the night will end in a draw...

Goals were in short supply in last weekend's opening round of Airtricity League fixtures and it's something for punters to bear in mind going into tonight.

A big feature of the pre-season previews was that predictions for several clubs came with the caveat that their performance depending on finding a goalscorer within their ranks and, while it's extremely early days, there was some evidence of that last week.

The Dalymount Park meeting of Bohemians and UCD was the only top flight game to exceed 2.5 goals and that was heavily influenced by a first half sending off. Otherwise, we had two scoreless draws, and three 1-0 wins.

Tonight's feature game between Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic is another obvious candidate for Under 2.5 Goals backers. The Saints have retained their strong defence from 2012 but circumstances have forced them to change the shape of their midfield - specifically the fact that key players James Chambers and Sean O'Connor followed assistant boss Trevor Croly to Tallaght.

Rovers were disappointing in Dundalk last Friday, taking a long time to find their stride. They impressed against a poor Linfield side in the Setanta Cup but they won't find it as easy to create chances here. The suspicion is that these Dublin rivals are in danger of cancelling each other out. 

The 3.3512/5 about the draw is attractive, with the 1.664/6 about Under 2.5 goals reflecting that traders evidently already believe it's the way to go.

Elsewhere, Dundalk appeal as one of the bets of the night as they travel to Shelbourne. Stephen Kenny's side won a League Cup meeting between these teams on Monday, and the hosts might find it difficult this year after losing some big players in pre-season. The 2.942/1 about a way win is extremely appealing.

Drogheda are 2.166/5 to defeat Limerick, but the visitors are capable of putting it up to them. Stuart Taylor's side demonstrated some promise in a scoreless draw with Cork on Sunday and while the Louthmen came through with a late winner in the Setanta Cup against Derry on Monday, they could be laying material here.

Cork City are capable of living up to their favourites tag when Bohemians visit Turners Cross, and they burst out of the blocks to comfortably beat Cliftonville in the Setanta Cup at this venue. It took them longer to warm up against Crusaders but they have the ability to start well so if you're looking for extra value on top of the win odds, take the 3.185/40 about the Leesiders to lead at Half Time and Full Time. 

The Belfield meeting of UCD and Derry is difficult to assess. Derry are favourites but they've made a less than convincing start to the season and they have some inconsistent performers in their ranks. A small bet on a draw is advised 3.3512/5.

Recommended Bets

Back The Draw Shamrock Rovers v St Pat's 3.3512/5 
Back Dundalk to beat Shelbourne at 2.942/1 
Lay Drogheda to beat Limerick at 2.166/5
Cork City/Cork City Half Time/Full Time v Bohemians at 3.185/40 
Draw UCD v Derry at 3.3512/5 

There are no comments on this article.

Product reviews and advice for best reference

Premier League 3pm Kick-Offs: Massive day in relegation dogfight

"West Brom have lost all three of their Barclays Premier League matches against the Swans"

Back Swansea (Draw No Bet) @ 2.3611/8

Using Opta as his guide, Jaymes Monte has picked out his best stats-related bets from a weekend of huge games at the bottom of the Premier League table...

Norwich 2.526/4 v Southampton 3.185/40; The Draw 3.45n/a
Norwich's last-gasp 2-1 win over Everton a couple of weeks ago has afforded them a bit of breathing space in the increasingly compact battle to avoid relegation. It was Chris Hughton's men's only victory in 11 Premier League matches and their only league triumph this calendar year.

Southampton, meanwhile, were sucked back into the mire with defeat at home to QPR last weekend and what had looked like a promising start under Mauricio Pochettino now reads as one win in six since he controversially joined the club.

Both teams have scored in the last six meetings between Norwich and Southampton in the Barclays Premier League and those six games have seen a total of 27 goals, an average of 4.5 per game. Most significant, however, is the 1-1 draw between the teams earlier this season.

Best Bet: Back Both Teams to Score @ 1.75/7

QPR 2.3211/8 v Sunderland 3.55/2; The Draw 3.412/5
QPR pulled themselves back into contention for survival with the aforementioned 2-1 win over Southampton last weekend. But must put together a string of results in order to turn a glimmer of hope into something more tangible.

They'll need to overcome a harrowing statistic if they are to make it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since 1995, however. Sunderland are unbeaten in 11 league games against QPR, winning seven, drawing four and not losing to them since April 1991.

Regardless of the Black Cats' record against Rangers, I don't agree that a single win away to Southampton should result in Harry Redknapp's men being quite so short for this one.

Best Bet: Lay QPR to win @ 2.3211/8

Reading 2.486/4 v Aston Villa 3.185/40; The Draw 3.55/2
Another relegation six-pointer takes place at the Madejski this weekend where two teams separated by just one point and both entrenched in the relegation zone meet.

Reading have lost four of their five Barclays Premier League games against Aston Villa, including their meeting at Villa Park earlier this season.

Regardless, I wouldn't be confident siding with either side in the Match Odds here, so we'll plump for a bet in the goals market instead. Villa have conceded 17 goals in their last five Premier League away games, making the Over 2.5 an obvious selection at the odds.

Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ 1.9210/11

West Brom 2.47/5 v Swansea 3.259/4; The Draw 3.45n/a
Swansea showed no signs of a hangover from their League Cup win when they beat Newcastle 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium last week, and look good value to make it back-to-back league victories here.

West Brom have lost all three of their Barclays Premier League matches against the Swans, while Michael Laudrup's team have thrown away only two points from winning positions this season, fewer than any other side. So if they take the lead, then we can be confident that they'll hold out for the points.

Best Bet: Back Swansea (Draw No Bet) @ 2.3611/8

Newcastle 1.9310/11 v Stoke 4.84/1; The Draw 3.613/5
Stoke have lost six of their last eight league games and Newcastle have conceded exactly two goals in their last four Premier League home games. So the omens are good for Alan Pardew's men

Perhaps surprisingly, six of the seven Premier League games between Newcastle and Stoke have gone over 2.5 goals, as have each of the Tyneside club's last four home league games. Making odds-against prices for this one to follow suit particularly appealing.

Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 goals @ 2.26/5

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center

Premier League Stats: Liverpool's tough double header to result in nil points

"City have scored in their last 43 Premier League home games, winning 37 (86%), and it would be a surprise if Liverpool were strong enough to shut them out."

Back Manchester City to beat Liverpool @ 1.910/11

After Liverpool's shock loss to Oldham in the FA Cup they now face a tough double header in the Premier League, starting with tonight's trip to Arsenal. Andrew Atherley assesses their chances...

Brendan Rodgers questioned the mental strength of his young Liverpool players following the FA Cup defeat at Oldham and it is something that may be asked again if they come away empty-handed from this week's away double-header at Arsenal and Manchester City.

The signs are not promising for an immediate pick-me-up. Whether it's in the mind or simply a case of a lack of class, Liverpool's players have had particular difficulty in this type of fixture this season. They have the third-worst record against top-half opponents (based on the table prior to this week's fixtures) with no win out of 11 - only Wigan and Southampton have done worse in terms of points per game, and even then only marginally.

On the road Liverpool have drawn three and lost four against top-half teams, but a more telling statistic is that they have kept only one clean sheet in those seven matches, which backs up the argumenr that there is a lack of resolve in Rodgers' team. It is notable also that only West Brom in the top half have conceded more away goals than Liverpool's 18.

Arsenal, Liverpool's first hosts of the week, have a good chance of exploiting that weakness. While they haven't been as strong at home as usual, Arsene Wenger's team still have a good record when scoring at the Emirates (six wins out of eight in the Premier League) and look a decent win bet at 2.47/5 .

Manchester City are shorter, of course, at 1.910/11 for Sunday's home match against Liverpool but they are no less appealing.

City have scored in their last 43 Premier League home games, winning 37 (86%), and it would be a surprise if Liverpool were strong enough to shut them out.

On the other side of the coin, Liverpool have lost half of the 14 Premier League games in which they have conceded under Rodgers. Although both wins in that scenario came on the road, those were against bottom-half sides Norwich and West Ham and Liverpool have lost three of the last four away league games in which they have conceded.

If the premise is correct that both City and Arsenal will score against Liverpool, goals-related bets are worth considering too.

City have had 67% over 2.5 goals in those last 43 home games in which they have scored, but it is worth noting that both teams have scored in just 42% (a figure that rises only slightly with the quality of opposition).

Both outcomes seem more likely judging by Liverpool's figures. Of the nine away games in which Liverpool have conceded, seven (78%) have had over 2.5 goals and both teams have scored in eight (89%).

Clashes between the Premier League big six have continued to be high-scoring this season - 67% over 2.5 goals with both sides scoring in 84%. Last season both of those figures were 67%, which seems a good indication of where the true average might be at the moment.

Like Manchester City, Arsenal tend to hit higher scores once the opposition's barricades have been breached. Six of the eight home games in which they have scored this season have gone over 2.5 goals (both sides have scored in those same six games).

The odds seem in the backer's favour for Over 2.5 Goals in Arsenal v Liverpool at 1.738/11 and even on Both teams to Score at 1.68/13 .

Both outcomes are similarly priced for Manchester City v Liverpool at 1.748/11 for Over 2.5 Goals and 1.625/8 for Both teams to Score.

Recommended Bets

Back Arsenal to beat Liverpool @ 2.47/5
Back Arsenal v Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.738/11
Back Manchester City to beat Liverpool @ 1.910/11
Back Manchester City v Liverpool Over 2.5 goals @ 1.748/11

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center

Premier League: Boot is on right foot for Suarez and Liverpool

"Brendan Rodgers’ odd-ball training-ground insight sounded more Mike Bassett than Messianic."

Romilly Evans looks at the virtuoso efforts of Luis Suarez, as he pursues Liverpool's redemption and the Golden Boot

Liverpool's worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1962 has picked up. It had to. And now, after Saturday's 3-0 romp at home to Wigan, it's their slowest start to a season in only 20 years. Nevertheless, they remain inside the bottom half of the table and are going nowhere. Which might lead fans to fear that Luis Suarez might be going somewhere in the forthcoming January transfer window. The Uruguayan has been the one ray of light beaming through the Reds' dark days and he again proved the point at the weekend with two well-taken goals to lift his league tally for the season to 10.

Those net gains, coupled to the manner in which most were scored, has already caught the attention of Roberto Mancini, who earlier in the week made Suarez his top target for when the Premier League Exchange opens up again after Christmas. The Man City manager, of course, is one of the few who doesn't wait for the January sales with a view to purchasing the league's bargains and best-kept secrets. Instead, Mancini can afford to pursue the glaringly obvious prized possessions of other clubs, no matter what the cost. However, even this spoilt child may not secure all that he craves.

Already knocked back in his pursuit of Falcao from Atletico Madrid, Mancini is facing a similar problem with the Liverpool lynchpin, ostensibly conceding defeat in his chase only days after citing Suarez as the object of his affections. His problem is two-fold. Firstly, having wisely put pen to paper on Suarez's new contract, the Reds are in a strong position to ward off suitors, including the Etihad variety, with exorbitant price tags. If they managed to flog Fernando Torres to Chelsea for a club-record fee of 50m, what price Suarez?

City have already subscribed to the new Financial Fair Play regulations, so even their purse strings may no longer have the elasticity to ensnare the South American. Secondly, though, Suarez himself genuinely appears to have embraced the Merseyside mythology which surrounds Liverpool. "I love this club," he enthused. "I am happy here, my family is happy here. I have fantastic team-mates, a manager from whom I'm learning and although we haven't begun the year as we'd have wanted, things are turning. I want to stay for many years."

Cynics might counter that Suarez sounds like an alcoholic about to fall off the wagon, but it seems he is intoxicated by another powerful agent: the unswerving belief of his manager and his peers. Anyone who saw the Liverpool FC which tailed Brendan Rodgers after his appointment will have doubtless concluded that it was a misjudged PR initiative from the club's American owners to export their "product" stateside. Rodgers' odd-ball interviews and training-ground insight sounded more Mike Bassett than Messianic. Yet, before these new clothes stripped him of all his dignity, Rodgers pulled off a masterstroke worthy of any successful emperor. He aligned his own fate with that of his most talented general, making him an untouchable field marshal. "Luis is our Lionel Messi," raved Rodgers. "He plays to false-nine role just as well, moving freely, forcing others to get in behind him. He's world-class."

The plaudits keep on coming. Steven Gerrard has recently identified Suarez as the best striker with whom he has ever played. Which puts the Uruguayan ahead of Torres, Michael Owen and God himself (Robbie Fowler). That's no faint praise and Gerrard is clearly relieved to trade his one-man-band badge to a grateful recipient. Naturally, no one player can carry a side's aspirations on their back. Gerrard gave it a good, single-handed shot in the 2005 Champions League, but the Premier League is a different matter. Still, for now, Suarez is repaying his comrades' faith in spades.

No longer prone to profligacy, Suarez's solitary Achilles heel is his discipline. If he can avoid the rash challenges, he should certainly be favourite for this year's Golden Boot, for which he is currently available at an attractive 4.216/5 to back. Robin van Persie may head this market, but the flying Dutchman is not his team's lone conduit to goal, while his frame has proved fragile in the past. Better to leave it instead to the main man on the Mersey.

Top Goalscorer may be the only individual honour a Liverpool player receives this term, but Suarez is also offering The Kop something more ethereal: the promise of a better tomorrow. So while Rogers' tactical revolution continues, at least there's plenty of joy to be found in their struggle.

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Sports Center