Manchester City - Blackburn

After 125 mill pounds spent during the summer, City started the season of great expectations with a win, draw and a loss. And while opening draw at Spurs wasn’t a big failure, demolishing L’pool was the great confidence boost, then real shock came at Sunderland (0-1 defeat). Considering circumstances and 94^th minute penalty, dressing room atmosphere is still good. They look very good defensively, that was the only goal conceded in 5 competitive games this season, while their attacking potential looks terrific. Mancini’s only concern is Tevez who will face a late fitness test (considering odds movement, he’ll be on the bench). Balotelli will be out for a while, Boateng will wait for a debut, while Micah Richards is fit again.

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Blackburn is a hard working side consisted from just average players, but with the leadership of (in my opinion) one of the best managers. They have enough quality to avoid struggling, but I can see a mid table position as their greatest possible achievement. As always majority of their points will come from home games, while on the road will be playing for a goalless draws. Under Big Sam, in first season they won just 4 away games of 19 and scored 18 goals, in second (last one) won miserable 3 and scored 13! In previous season, against all top sides (including Everton, Villa, Fulham and Stoke) except L’pool they lost with 2 goals margin at least. Defender Olsson is only doubt, while ex City striker Mwaruwari could have his debut.

 

I said once, I’ll be backing City as long as they feel as contenders for a title. They have a great potential and things will be fine as long as there’s good atmosphere. At Sunderland, they got a smack right in the mouth. They treat it as a bad luck and still believe they can win the title. So, let them believe. 

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Bet: Man City -1.25

Odd: 2.16 188bet

Stake: 8/10

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Portsmouth - Stoke City

Pompey noticed the worst start in English league competition ever. Considering their performances, I think it’s fair to be said they’re unlucky to not have more points on their balance. Birmingham scored last minute penalty against them, Bolton scored last minute winner, losing six of the eight games they have lost by the single goal margin. They have two positive results in last three games, both on the road Wolverhampton 1-0 and Hull City 0-0. In the previous Cup rounds, they defeated lower division teams Hereford United (4-1 at home) and Carlisle United (3-1 away). For them cup games are the way to satisfy fans and boost the team morale. Beside cup tied Boateng, Smith, Williamson and O'Hara, all others are available and will be presented tonight.

While in Premier League Stoke play over their real capabilities, Cup competition are usually using for the resting the key players. In the previous round, they passed Championship side Blackpool 4-3 (big come back after 1-3) and in round before only managed to sneak past Orient after extra time. Also, record in the league cup is more than poor. They were knocked out by Derby last year. Rochdale the year before. Darlington the year before that, and Mansfield the previous year. League Cup definitely don’t seem as their priority. For tonight’s game, Toni Pulis, announced that he intends to rest some (no less than nine) players and even in some interview warned Stoke fans who travel to Portsmouth not to expect anything near a full strength team out tonight.

Maybe sounds little weird, but Pompey are the favorites here. With every interview, odds have been decreasing from starting 2.40 to recent 2.07 (Pinnacle), but still worth of a bet. Home win.

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