Man City vs Birmingham – Time for Mancini to put attack first

Manchester City have struggled for attacking fluidity in recent games, but in Birmingham they have the perfect opposition to improve their performances in the final third.

Match Odds

The goalless draw with Manchester United has left City boss Roberto Mancini being targeted for criticism due to the defensive set up of his team.

However, there is every reason to feel that he can afford to be more expansive with his style as Birmingham arrive at Eastlands.

Manchester City have won nine of their last ten home games against Birmingham, while scoring 13 goals in the last four clashes at Eastlands.

Take in the fact that Birmingham have failed to win away in their 11 league games since March, then a home win seems even more likely.

Manchester City are 2/5 to beat Birmingham, with a victory giving them an outside chance of finishing the weekend in second spot in the Premier League standings.

Birmingham have not beaten Manchester City away from home in the top flight since 1980, but are 7/1 to do so this year and potentially give themselves some valuable breathing space from the relegation places.

First Goalscorer

Carlos Tevez scored twice in the 5-1 win over Birmingham at Eastlands last season and he is the obvious candidate to score first this season.

Tevez is 3/1 to be the first goalscorer and being Mancini’s chosen penalty taker could be an added advantage in this market against the opposition.

This is because four penalties have been given in the last three games between Manchester City and Birmingham, while six penalties have been awarded in the last seven meetings.

Cameron Jerome has had a positive impact upon returning to the Birmingham first team of late and he is 9/1 to break the deadlock.

Manchester City have still not scored with a header this season. See the whole Manchester City vs Birmingham match betting odds market.