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 94th 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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