Citizens are having a good start of the campaign, 17 points from 8 games and lie currently at the 2nd place. I still believe they have no serious chance for a title, but as far as they believe in it they’ll be giving their best. And the best from such paid players could be really terrific. They don’t lack in confidence as Chelsea have already be beaten at home soil. Few injury worries for Mancini, but considering quality of full squad they could be characterized as minor. Kolo Toure will face a late fitness test and Kolarov is still out. Mario Balotelli is finally fit and will have a place on the bench.
The Gunners are playing another season that looks like one before. Wenger’s kids are great talents, Cesc is one of the best World’s players, Arshavin one of the most dangerous, they all have a great pace… But beside more experience, they really need more strength. Physically, they’re far below the top Premier sides which cause plenty of problems in the midfield tackles and in aerial challenges. And that again, with the lack of counter attack opportunities, brings defeats in the big games. Also, Wenger has some serious problems with injuries in the defense line. Almunia is long term absent and Fabianski is all except safe goalie that gives security to four players in front of him. Then, center backs, Koscielny and Vermaelen are injured (Sagna is back though). So, not so impressive defense will have to cope with two top shape “beasts”, Tevez and Adebayor. Beside mentioned, midfielder Jack Wilshere is suspended. Arsenal have won one of their last eight Premier League away games and have not kept a clean sheet in their last 15 league and cup away games.
I’m well surprised with the odds here. In my opinion, bookmakers have exaggerated Arsenal’s Champions League performances. This is something else, trip to Manchester is probably the hardest they’ll have this season. Chelsea made a five points margin yesterday and Mancini wouldn’t be satisfied with a point here. Home win.
Bet: Man City -0.25
Odd: 2.16 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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It seems the “honeymoon” for Mancini in Manchester has been finished as they won just once in last six competitive games. Considering their players’ quality they should be just behind Chelsea, but problem is motivation, as they could attract only specific kind of players that evaluate material motives (money) before sport’s. Robinho for example has already left the club, while Adebayor looks bored and not interested (got 4 games ban at Stoke and won’t appear, btw.). There’s also unrest in the dressing room between Mancini and the players. Started with Bellamy (who else?), continue with other players who are dissatisfied with training sessions and progress with Tevez’ trip to Argentina. Tevez has returned to England and will play, but was accused from Mancini for lack of fitness (got response “I don’t care”). This issue is getting on importance as Argentinean is the best goal scorer with 19 goals, second is Adebayor with 9 and with Bellamy that’s almost all attacking potential for Citizens. Also, the reason for Tevez’ trip to home was his wife who just had a birth before the date and his concentration today will be questionable. City also played a game at Wednesday and were knocked from the Cup at Stoke after 120 minutes. Their away shape isn’t something to be proud on as they have won just one of their last 11 league matches on the road. 
Bolton are first above the relegation line with just a single point more. In this game they go after an unlucky home draw against Fulham. Trotters missed some very good chances for a lead and at the end were short for probably regular goal cancelled by referee. Owen Coyle obviously made a positive impact, but it’s also obvious they lack in quality. And that level of quality will be even more damaged tonight, as Coyle will miss key defender Gary Cahill (has suffered a blood clot in his arm and is set to miss the rest of the season) and best goal scorer with 7 goals, second scorer Klasnic (6 goals), on-loan winger Vladimir Weiss, while Andy O'Brien (thigh) and Fabrice Muamba (ankle) are both doubtful. Bolton have kept one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League away matches.
After historic run of seven draws in Premier that caused many turbulences inside the club, Mark Hughes saved his job with a win against Arsenal in Carling Cup 3-0. Just three days later, they defeated the giants 2-1 and returned the good atmosphere in the dressing room. Well, Premier title is probably lost, but City is at sixth place and just two points from Champions League spot. In my opinion, main problem is Citizens can attract only players with specific mental profile and Hughes always has a difficult task to motivate them, especially in situation where all promises about title has been evaporated. However, against London clubs team just proved the potential they surely have. Craig Bellamy and Vladimir Weiss got H1N1 flu, but have been recovering very well and wouldn’t be surprise if they’re ready for the game. Micah Richards, Stephen Ireland and Wayne Bridge all got the knock against Chelsea and their appearance is under a question mark.
