Sunderland were very negative against Chelsea at the weekend, that is not my kind of football, but it was a disciplined and professional performance and they got what they "wanted" from the match and I doubt that their approach will change too much this evening. However, it is hard to play without the ball, just 34% possession against the Blues and I suspect numbers will be similar this evening and that means a lot of running against what, after all, are superior players. The hosts have a very good record against City and have won the last four meetings here in the North East, all by an identical 1-0 scoreline , which will further encourage a defensive approach and to "steal" a goal on the break. That was certainly the case last season, when City had 63% of the ball and won the shot count 24-5 and the performance was as dominant as that suggests, which is not always the case, for about the final 15 minutes, I do not think that Sunderland crossed the half way line. This is a little different in that the hosts were coming off a game with Hull City 7 days previously and had a full week to rest and prepare and not one with Chelsea four days ago and I do believe that the two games will catch up with them sooner or later this evening.
The visitors will be without Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala at the back which is very far from ideal, but given how Sunderland are likely to play, perhaps defensively they will be asked fewer questions than usual on the road. Offensively, City look strong once more and having taken a little on Yaya Toure (see below) to score at the weekend, he could oblige again this evening and everyone knows what great form Sergio Aguero is in right now.
I see joy for them today, movement up front is good, hosts also have problems at the back, which probably means no rotation in the backline and Brown,O'Shea and Reveillere are all aged between 33 and 35 and the quick turnaround will not be in their favour.
I want to stick with City , the -1 goal handicap would be better, but I cannot bring myself to bet (almost) anything at sub 1.90 and the danger with waiting, is that the hosts are at their most vunerable early, so will instead go for the bigger handicap, one goal will force Sunderland into opening up and then they will be vulnerable. If you are betting " in running", City are an eyepopping 7-0 ( goals scored/conceded) on the road through the final ten minutes of games, second best record in the EPL is 4-1, which highlights how strong those stats are, given that Sunderland will have spent the best part of 170 mins defending as we approach that period tonight, do not rule out another late show, from the well conditioned visitors.
1.5 units City -1.25 ball 2.21 asian line/Sportmarket.
The visitors will be without Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala at the back which is very far from ideal, but given how Sunderland are likely to play, perhaps defensively they will be asked fewer questions than usual on the road. Offensively, City look strong once more and having taken a little on Yaya Toure (see below) to score at the weekend, he could oblige again this evening and everyone knows what great form Sergio Aguero is in right now.
I see joy for them today, movement up front is good, hosts also have problems at the back, which probably means no rotation in the backline and Brown,O'Shea and Reveillere are all aged between 33 and 35 and the quick turnaround will not be in their favour.
I want to stick with City , the -1 goal handicap would be better, but I cannot bring myself to bet (almost) anything at sub 1.90 and the danger with waiting, is that the hosts are at their most vunerable early, so will instead go for the bigger handicap, one goal will force Sunderland into opening up and then they will be vulnerable. If you are betting " in running", City are an eyepopping 7-0 ( goals scored/conceded) on the road through the final ten minutes of games, second best record in the EPL is 4-1, which highlights how strong those stats are, given that Sunderland will have spent the best part of 170 mins defending as we approach that period tonight, do not rule out another late show, from the well conditioned visitors.
1.5 units City -1.25 ball 2.21 asian line/Sportmarket.
