Opposing Manchester City at Norwich on Saturday didn’t pay off but they look extremely short once again on Wednesday and I’ll be laying them against Stoke.
City only prevailed by the odd goal in seven at Carrow Road, despite having surged into an early 2-0 lead, and it is clear they remain well below their best.
Seven points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester United, the champions are obviously the most likely victors but you won’t find many punters steaming into the 1.30 about a home win and there is every reason to believe the visitors can leave with something.
Having rallied late to draw 3-3 with Southampton last time out, thanks to a stunning Cameron Jerome injury-time equaliser, Stoke are now unbeaten in their previous 10 top flight matches and that is an extremely impressive record.
It ended 1-1 when these two met at The Britannia in September and Stoke will be confident of testing a City side that has failed to reach the heights of last season.
Roberto Mancini’s side remain in the title hunt but even their imperious home record has been dented somewhat in recent weeks and only a last-minute Gareth Barry winner saw them squeeze past Reading on their final outing at Eastlands.
Prior to that City had been held by Everton and suffered defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals and Stoke boss Tony Pullis will know exactly what it takes to frustrate the Manchester millionaires.
At odds against receiving a 1.5 handicap on the Asians, Stoke look tremendous value in that particular market and I’ll be surprised if they are given the run around.
The wager will be landed even if City prevail by a single goal and I’m more than hopeful of starting 2013 with a winner.
2pts Back Stoke +1.5 (vs. Manchester City) @ 2.03 (Bet 365)