Man City - Fulham

Don't think the fatigue is a significant factor here, as their mid week game looked like a stronger training session. Price on City is too good to be refused.

Bet: Man City -0.75
Odd: 1.90 188bet, Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10
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Aston Villa - Man City

Villa are first above the relegation line with same points as Wigan. I think the market is overreacting on Bent’s arrival. First, he (probably) won’t start bagging the goals immediately. Second, I think he’s hardly overpaid and I’m not so sure it is a huge boost to the rest of the squad. The Villans have only one win of last 10 league games, haven’t kept the clean sheet in last 12 and defeated City just twice in 13 league games at Villa Park. Adding on that Gerard Houllier as manager, I wouldn’t be too optimistic. Good news is Ashley Young returns, bad (?) Heskey is suspended.

City are in a great shape with five wins and a draw (at Emirates) in last six Premier games. They also have superb record on the road with 21 points collected (just Arsenal have taken more). Whatever Mancini has been saying, I think Citizens are title contenders and failure in winning any silverware this season would bring an axe for him. Maybe that’s why he named a strong squad against Leicester in Cup game, but as long as Tevez is fit I don’t care too much about their available players. Silva or Johnson on the wing? Who really cares? Both are superb players. Mancini rested Barry, Dzeko, De Jong and Kolo Toure, all are back in contention. City have lost only twice against Villa of last 18 games, in all competitions, both at home and away (12 wins).

I think the price on City is simply too good to be refused. If they want the title they have to win games like this. Both of they away defeats came against mediocre teams (Wolves and Sunderland) and I hope they learnt the lesson.

Bet: Man City -0.25
Odd: 1.98 Canbet, 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Burnley - Port Vale

Burnley are 10th in Championship with more than decent home record (8W-2D-3L). Their current form is not something special as they have four wins and four defeats in last eight and have not kept a clean sheet for 13 league and cup games. However, caretaker Stuart Gray plans to name the strongest squad for this game. Only missing is striker John Guidetti who returned to Manchester City.

Port Vale are third in League Two and fight for a direct promotion (a point below the line). In the last league round they beat Burton at home (2-1), but before that they noticed three consecutive defeats on the road where scored zero and conceded nine goals. Best striker, Marc Richards, is injured (and suspended). Midfielder Doug Loft will also be sidelined due to injury.

Burnley are 42 places higher than Port Vale. Difference in quality, serious approach and home turf are factors that make me feel there’s no room for surprise.

Bet: Burnley -1.25
Odd: 2.03 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

Maybe one more...
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Weekend and statistic update

Fourth time I wished to bet on City's game this season and noticed fourth loss! Really great...

Bristol City - Preston 1-1  1/2 LOSS
Watford - Nottingham Forest 1-1  DRAW
Plymouth - Swindon 0-4  WON
WBA - Man City 0-2  LOSS

Statistic:

November
Profit: -5.6 units Yield: -14.36%

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Season
Profit: -33.46 units Yield: -8.25%

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Manchester City – Arsenal

Citizens are having a good start of the campaign, 17 points from 8 games and lie currently at the 2^nd 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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Thursday's results and statistic update

City were... Pathetic? Guess, I accept that harder than I should. September is red.
Not too much time for moaning, plenty of English football tomorrow.

Manchester City - Juventus  1-1  LOSS

Statistic:

September
Profit: -5.18 units Yield: -4.43%

Season
Profit: +20.18 units Yield: +8.72%

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Manchester City – Juventus

Citizens defeated Chelsea at Saturday, they’re still contenders for the Premier title and seem to have a good atmosphere, despite some rumors. However, Mancini’s team already exited from Carling Cup and one more failure would be extremely difficult to explain to the boss. I expect a strong line-up tonight (could it be weak?) and serious approach. Juve are a big challenge and players will be eager to prove themselves (once more) on a big scene. Recent defensive worries don’t look too serious anymore, as Micah Richards has recovered from injury and will take his place at right-back. Shaun Wright and Mario Balotelli will be sidelined, but their positions are far from being critical.

Juve made a bleak start in Serie a with just 7 points from 5 opening games. Fortunately, they’re still just 3 points far from the top. Their defense line looks more than shaky, as they conceded 3 against Doria 3-3, Lech 3-3, Palermo 1-3 and 2 vs. Cagliari 4-2. All of those were at home and at last one, new embarrassment was avoid thankfully to Krasic who scored a hat-trick. On the paper their squad looks very strong, but their performances don’t give too much faith they can challenge for a title. Serie a will certainly be a priority over Europe and important thing is Juve have Inter on the corner (away, at Sunday). Luigi Delneri will be without injured Amauri and Quagliarella who isn’t registered for EL. Also, there’s possibility to some players be rested.

Europa League is a chance for City to get some silverware this season. They won’t get a title in Premier and already failed in Carling. Mancini must impress the bosses every day, while players are best motivated against strongest sides which Juve definitely is. Visitors haven’t impressing, lately. Weak start could turn into disaster in case of failure at Milano, European second stage could be reached even with a defeat tonight. Home win.

Bet: Man City -1ah
Odd: 2.11  Canbet
Stake: 7/10


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dj

Saturday's results and statistic update

Couldn't decide what was the bigger shock, City or Wednesday. Can't really remember when all my picks were down at the half time. At least, good-old Leeds turned the game. However, total balance is positive, but September started bad. Hope for the better days.

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Man City - Blackburn  1-1  LOSS

Leeds - Swansea  2-1  WON

Sheff Wed - Carlisle  0-1  LOSS

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Statistic:

September

Profit: -15.3 units Yield: -69.55%

Season

Profit: +10.06 units Yield: +7.37%

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Wednesday's World Cup round-up

Uruguay's success has been enjoyed by the the people of the gritty mining city of Kimberley, where the quarter-finalists set up base camp high on South Africa's central plains at the launch of their campaign. So much so that the Uruguayan Football Association plans to develop the links forged by setting up coaching schemes in the area and inviting the best youngsters to Uruguay.
"I want to hug them. They have made us proud," said senior citizen Pulane Boikanyo, who was waiting for the Uruguayans to arrive for training ahead of Friday's quarter-final showdown with Ghana. The Dream Stays Alive - City Team Book Their Place in the Quarter, was the front-page headline in the local newspaper after Uruguay's 2-1 victory over South Korea in the previous round.

Manchester City's Argentina star Carlos Tevez is confident that his nation will beat Germany to secure a place in the last four - and believes previous opponents Mexico were a bigger threat.
"I was more afraid of Mexico than Germany because the Mexicans play better football - they took the ball from us in the first minutes of the first half and at the start of the second. We would have suffered more if we hadn't struck at the right moments," he told Argentine newspaper Clarin. 

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie has defended his angry reaction to being substituted against Slovakia. Van Persie remonstrated with coach Bert van Marwijk when he was replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 10 minutes before the end of the 2-1 win and then took no part in the Dutch celebrations of Wesley Sneijder's late goal.
Van Persie said: "What I said to Van Marwijk was not over the top. I just want to be important to the team and score. I wanted to stay on as we would have had more space with Slovakia chasing an equaliser and I felt that I could profit from that."

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has insisted that his players will not be affected by the pressure of attempting to become the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Speaking ahead of their match against Uruguay, he stated: "We are not thinking about the pressure. We have already proved that we are a team that knows how to compete. We will try to relax and are very happy with the whole situation. We have no obligation but still we want to use this opportunity to do our best and to make history." 

Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan has issued a statement thanking his national team for their efforts following their World Cup exit in a penalty shoot-out against Paraguay.
"The players and the bench were united and showed the world the potential of Japanese soccer. I sincerely congratulate their efforts," he commented.

www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's failure and Sunday's double

Newcastle U. 2 - 2 Ipswich T.  LOSE

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Norwich C. 2 - 0 Gillingham  WIN

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Peterborough U. 0 - 1 Blackpool  DRAW

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Arsenal 0 - 0 Manchester C.  LOSE

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Bad day. Today I have a hangover and terrible headache. So, will keep it easy. Everton and Roma, double.

Thank you to all for visiting.

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need a drink

Man City 0 - 2 Everton

Everton dented Manchester City's hopes of a Champions League place with a fully deserved win at Eastlands.
Tim Cahill scored a trademark header after a neat build-up between Mikel Arteta and Leighton Baines, who provided the cross. 
City raised the tempo in the second half but after finding no way through, Arteta slotted home a fine second after a superb run from Jack Rodwell. 
In the final stages both managers were sent to the stands as tempers frayed. 
City boss Roberto Mancini raced to retrieve the ball, clattering into his opposite number David Moyes, sparking a melee on the sidelines and prompting referee Peter Walton to dismiss them both. 
And after delivering Mancini his first defeat as City boss back in January, Moyes once more masterminded a fine victory for his side. 
The Toffees, who have won their last two visits to the City of Manchester Stadium without conceding a goal, were again good for their win here and in the process ended City's unbeaten record at home this season.
www.bbc.co.uk

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WBA - Coventry 1-0

1-0 S. Reid  22.min

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is considering a bid for Benfica's £10m-rated Brazilian defender David Luiz. Manchester United and Real Madrid are also interested in the 22-year-old. (Daily Mirror) 
Cesc Fabregas will resist interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid and decide to stay at Arsenal, according to the man who discovered the Gunners star. Scout Francis Cagigao said reports he had agreed to join Barca in the summer were wide of the mark. (Daily Mail) 
Real Madrid have stated their intention to keep new signing Sergio Canales for the long term, by slapping a massive 150m Euro (£135m) release clause on the 19 year-old's contract. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in the attacking midfielder. (IM Scouting) 
Manchester United are tracking Dinamo Zagreb playmaker Milan Badeli. The 21-year-old Croatian is also attracting interest from German sides Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. (IM Scouting) 
Italian giants Juventus have joined Manchester City in the chase for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. The 22-year-old is also reported to have a 150m euro release clause. (IM Scouting) 
Blackburn outcast Steven Reid is set to join Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of the season. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland are in talks with Paraguay star Cristian Riveros. Manager Steve Bruce wants to sign the midfielder from Mexican side Cruz Azul before the World Cup. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa defender Habib Beye has threatened to quit Aston Villa - barely seven months after joining them from Newcastle. The 32-year-old Senegal international is upset at his lack of first-team opportunities. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias says the club has been taken off the market because no-one was willing to bid enough money for it. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester City keeper Shay Given insists Brazilian forward Robinho, who is on loan at his boyhood club Santos, will return to Eastlands next season. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Fulham defender Chris Smalling has admitted that his summer move to Manchester United came as a complete surprise to him. The 20-year-old was working as a waiter 18 months ago. (Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

dark saturday

Chelsea 2-4 Man City

Manchester City inflicted Chelsea's first home Premier League defeat this season in a game which began with Wayne Bridge refusing John Terry's handshake.
Frank Lampard's low strike put Chelsea ahead but Carlos Tevez equalised after a long ball was not dealt with, before Craig Bellamy shot beyond Hilario. 
Tevez scored a penalty after Juliano Belletti saw red for a trip on Gareth Barry before a Bellamy tap-in. 
Michael Ballack also saw red and Lampard scored a consolation penalty. 
City had failed to score in their previous seven visits to Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea had only conceded eight at home in the Premier League all season. 
But those statistics were rendered meaningless on an afternoon of triumph for City coach and former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini, who pitted his wits in the Premier League for the first time against ex-AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti. 
City saw their hopes of silverware this season ended by their FA Cup defeat at Stoke in midweek but they boosted their prospects of a top-four finish by completing the double over Chelsea for the first time since 1957.
With Manchester United not in league action this weekend, victory would have taken Chelsea four points clear at the top of the Premier League. 
But it was a disastrous afternoon for Ancelotti, whose side had only dropped points in one previous home game this season, a 3-3 draw with Everton. 
What's more, his team lacked discipline after the break and were vulnerable in defence, with Hilario looking particularly suspect.
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Swansea 1 - 0 Peterborough

David Cotterill extended promotion-chasing Swansea City's unbeaten run to 12 games and pushed bottom club Peterborough closer to relegation.
Cotterill struck from the spot after Charlie Lee brought him down. 
Nathan Dyer had an effort cleared off the line while keeper Joe Lewis denied Ferrie Bodde and Lee Trundle. 
Lee Frecklington put a header wide for the Posh but Swansea's biggest worry was the injuries to midfielder duo Bodde and Darren Pratley. 
Bodde was making his return from five months out with a knee problem and the Dutchman's exit after just 28 minutes raised question marks as to whether he was ready to play. 
It was the third time in 15 months Bodde has suffered an injury to his left knee. In November 2008 he suffered cruiciate ligament damage and then broke down after eight minutes of his starting return against Sheffield United last September. 606: DEBATE 
Give your thoughts on Swansea v Peterborough 
The double-blow will add to manager Paulo Sousa's midfield woes with Joe Allen, Andrea Orlandi and Jordi Lopez already sidelined. 
But the fourth-placed Swans kept their focus on the job in hand and are seven points off an automatic promotion spot and eight ahead of Sheffield United in seventh. 
Peterborough remain 10 points adrift of safety and winless on the road.
www.bbc.co.uk

Chelsea - Man City

Chelsea played an exhausting match in Italy at Wednesday, but Man.Utd. are on just point behind and they have to continue collecting the points. Good thing is they, despite a defeat, made a good result. At Stamford they have a brilliant record in Premier with 12 wins from 13 games (and draw vs. Everton 3-3), scored 38 goals and conceded just 8! Bad thing is they lost Cech for at least a month and Hilario will take his place. There’s nothing much to say about Chelsea and their shape. They’re most quality team in Premier, playing without turbulence through the season and they’re desperate to win. Beside mentioned Cech, Ancelotti will miss Bosingwa, Deco, Essien and Ashley Cole. In last 8 games against City at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won 7 and drew one game with goal difference 20-1!

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. 

This game will also have a tension as “old friends”, Terry and Bridge will have to face each other which could include rest of the players. As the result I can see few more yellow cards and maybe one red on the visitors side (can’t to not think on Bellamy). Considering all, this game is a derby only on a paper. The Blues are hard favorites and anything less than a win with 2-3 goals margin would be a first class surprise. Odd isn’t too high, but considering the risk looks adequate. Home win with -1 asian handicap.

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Man City 2-0 Bolton

Manchester City moved up to fifth place in the Premier League with an uninspired victory over Bolton.
Carlos Tevez struck with a fierce penalty that went in after hitting goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. 
It was awarded after Paul Robinson brought down Adam Johnson, while Bolton should have had a spot-kick after Kolo Toure tangled with Johan Elmander. 
Tevez hit the crossbar with a free-kick before Emmanuel Adebayor struck a ferocious volley to secure the points. 
The match was a pale imitation of the thrilling 3-3 draw the two teams contested at The Reebok in December, with the tempo often disappointing and clear openings at a premium. 
But after losing two of their last three Premier League matches, it was a welcome result for Roberto Mancini's team as they continue their quest for fourth place. 
City have not lost at home since April 2009 and Bolton have not won on the road since September so the result is hardly a surprise. 
But it nonetheless adds to the precariousness of Bolton's position. Owen Coyle's side were hardly outplayed during what was for the most part an even contest but the result means they remain one place above the relegation zone. Bolton have now lost four out of six since Coyle took charge.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini:
"He (Adam Johnson) is a young player who wants to do well. 
"He can play on both the left and the right and he can also play behind the main striker. He can continue to grow and I think he can be a very important player." 
"I feel good after a victory but if we want to arrive at our targets we must improve. We must win at home, we must win away and we must play better. 
Bolton manager Owen Coyle:
"City have a squad that cost over £200m and we made them look ordinary. If they are honest they will admit they were fortunate. 
"We played with lots of spirit and quality but we must be more clinical when chances present themselves. 
"The first five minutes belonged to Man City but I thought that we really took the game to them after that."
www.bbc.co.uk

Manchester City – Bolton

City suffered an unexpected defeat in last round, on the road from Hull. They had a comfortable approach to the game and it resulted with two conceded goals. They woke up after, but was too late. However, it was the third defeat in Mancini’s era (Hughes had only two and got sacked) and this game could be decisive in their CL pursuit. They have top quality players, but main problem is how to motivate them. Owners promised last week generous rewards (good way in my opinion) for reaching CL spot and for winning FA Cup. Citizens will play in next rounds against Liverpool and Chelsea and in case of another failure tonight will find themselves very far from promised money. Craig Bellamy will see a specialist about his long-standing knee injury and he won’t appear. City have scored in 21 consecutive home matches and in last four at least twice. 

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.

As I wrote, the main problem for Citizens is motivation and probably the best way for it is money. The class difference is more than obvious and with correct approach it will be a win by few goals margin. Trotters will try to keep a goalless draw, but with first goal conceded the game for them will be finished. Home handicap win. 

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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will launch a £9m move for West Ham striker Carlton Cole if Nicklas Bendtner fails a fitness test on Friday. "If Bendtner is out for another two months we will need to buy someone, absolutely," admitted Wenger.(The Sun) 
However, Arsenal are set to lose highly-rated Spanish midfielder Fran Merida, who has snubbed a new deal at the Emirates and is set to join Atletico Madrid. (Daily Star) 
The Gunners are battling it out with Manchester United for Cardiff City's 17-year-old defender Adam Matthews, who is seen as one of the best prospects outside the Premier League.(The Sun) 
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has played down suggestions he will leave the club for Real Madrid, insisting he has "a marvellous understanding" with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. (The Sun) 
Bolton are prepared to cash in on £15m-rated defender Gary Cahill in order to provide prospective new manager Owen Coyle with substantial funds during the transfer window.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham have renewed their interest in Miguel Veloso after seeing the Sporting midfielder score in the Portuguese Cup win over Braga.(The Times) 
Spurs have joined Chelsea and Manchester City on the trail of Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini, who is valued at £22m by his club. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, who plays for Estudiantes, has been linked with a shock £7m move to Manchester City.(Daily Mail) 
Andrea Dossena's agent claims a deal to take the Liverpool defender to Napoli is all but done. "I believe the player will arrive in Napoli tomorrow," Roberto La Florio told Tuttomercatoweb. (Press Association)
Liverpool have turned down Birmingham's £9m bid for winger Ryan Babel, as the price falls short of their £12m valuation.(Daily Mirror) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is ready to swoop for Sporting Gijon left-back Roberto Canella - and open the door for Maynor Figueroa to be sold.(Daily Mirror) 
Midfielder Kevin Kilbane and striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink are heading out of Hull as the Premier League strugglers attempt to cut costs.(Daily Star) 
Blackburn are prepared to listen to offers for striker Benni McCarthy who has told Rovers manager Sam Allardyce he would like to leave Ewood Park.(The Sun) 
Wolves are on the trail of £2m-rated Derby winger Kris Commons.(The Sun) 
Derby boss Nigel Clough wants Bolton's out of favour right back Nicky Hunt on loan. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Burnley have put manager Owen Coyle on gardening leave until Bolton agree to pay them £3m in compensation to take him to the Reebok. The Clarets released a statement yesterday saying Coyle had requested to leave Turf Moor to join the Trotters.(The Sun) 
Hibernian's John Hughes is an early candidate to replace Burnley manager Owen Coyle, who is poised to take over at Bolton. (The Guardian) 
Portsmouth will have to sell some of their stars to avoid becoming the first club in Premier League history to go into administration, with defender Younes Kaboul likely to be the first to leave in a £5m switch to French side Lyon.(Daily Mirror) 
West Ham and Millwall face the threat of ground closures when the two clubs answer Football Association charges on Wednesday brought after violence marred a Carling Cup clash between the sides last August.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City are set to hand goalkeeper Joe Hart a double-your-money pay rise, even though they intend to send him out on loan again next season. The England man is currently on a season-long loan at Birmingham. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is putting in up to five hours extra training a day in order to boost his fitness so he can last the season. "One of the reasons I'm working really hard is because I know in this situation Liverpool need every player fit," said Torres.(The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Middlesbrough 0-1 Man City

Manchester City overcame a spirited Middlesbrough side to maintain Roberto Mancini's unblemished record and book a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
Benjani broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when he swept home an incisive pass from Martin Petrov. 
Boro impressed with their work-rate and commitment, but struggled to create. 
Their attacking play improved after the break, however, with Rhys Williams heading over their best chance as City squandered several opportunities. 
The win maintains City's flawless start under new Mancini, who has now guided his side to three wins in three games, with six goals scored and none conceded. 
But while Mancini might have racked up 10 Coppa Italia wins as a player and manager, his team selection will have left some onlookers questioning his determination to build on that notable cup record in England. 
Adopting a conservative approach, the Italian made five changes to the City line-up, leaving Benjani to plough a lone furrow up front and handing young defender Dedryck Boyata a first-team debut. 
Even with City in fine form since he replaced Mark Hughes, it was a risky call by Mancini and on another day it might have backfired. 

Boro, labouring 26 places below City on the league ladder, had won just twice in 10 games since Gordon Strachan's late-October arrival on Teesside.

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Scunthorpe Utd.  1-0  Barnsley

1-0 P. Hayes 68.min.

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Blackpool  1-2  Ipswich T.

0-1 J. Colback 3.min.  
1-1 B. Ormerod 51.min.  
1-2 O. Garvan 77.min.
www.bbc.co.uk

Middlesbrough - Manchester City

December was surely the worst betting month in my life. The fact it was a failure for 99% of punters doesn't make me feel better. However, I hope new year should return my record in green. Here is the first analyze for today. Before the 4pm kick-off will probably write few more words about the rest. Stay tuned.

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Gordon Strachan was appointed to secure promotion to Premier. Boro have talented team, considering players’ potential, they should be in play-off zone at least. Strachan has specific training methods, in previous clubs (Coventry, Southampton and Celtic) he noticed first win after 4-5 games. Fine. In Boro first win came in fifth game and in big style, QPR were trashed 5-1 on the road. But, instead a start of good run, Riverside was froze by Blackpool 0-3. So, after 10 games under new boss Middlesbrough lie at 11^th position with shameful record of two wins, same draws and six defeats! For this game they will be without a number of important players. Key strikers Leroy Lita is suspended, Dave Kitson returned to Stoke and Jeremie Aliadiere is in a doubt with an ankle injury. Midfielder Isaiah Osbourne is ineligible, key defender Emanuel Pogatetz is out, while David Weather (defense), Adam Johnson (midfield) and Chris Riggot (defense) are doubtful. Defense will also be weakened than usual for Sean St Ledger who returned to his parent club – Preston.

 

Mancini has made a perfect start in City. Two wins from two games and two clean sheets. He has been talking seriously about Cup competition, the least he wants is early upset, Hughes was fielding strong squads and I believe Mancini will keep that manner. But, he also has injury problems. Wright-Phillips is major concern with his ankle problem, Stephen Ireland is definitely out, while Craig Bellamy is doubtful. Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are at the African Cup of Nations. But the fact is City have a huge number of quality players and whoever will start the game will have a motive to put a good display. To prove himself to the new boss or to advertise before a transfer market, doesn’t matter.

 

My major concern wasn’t teams’ quality. Weather is cold, but it’s the same for both sides. Pitch is in good condition, won’t limit City’s pass play. I was thinking a lot about their seven draws in a row. In every case you could put an own house on City. This game also looks obvious. However, Mancini’s era has just started in great style and I don’t believe they’ll allow an early shock. Odd for Boro's win is based on mutual history that favors Boro, their 8-1 win from May 2008 and definitely has a value. I choose away win and handicap as a gamble.

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Initial thoughts - Premier League

Birmingham - Chelsea 2
West Ham - Portsmouth 1
Fulham - Tottenham X
Burnley - Bolton X
Sunderland - Everton X
Manchester City - Stoke 1
Wigan - Blackburn 1
Liverpool - Wolverhampton 1

Total goals: 15

Some analyzes will follow.

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