Stoke v Manchester City: Walters in a Potters Wonderland
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That’s it. We’ve had it. From being supremely confident about everything Manchester City, following a run of games that saw them take 26 points from a possible 30 in the Premier League, we can no longer justifiably back the Sky Blues to see off any and all challengers.
For weeks the warning signs have been there but it took a frankly abysmal draw with lowly Hull for Ladbrokes to see the truth and with a tricky trip to the Britannia in the offing we are taking a different tact.
The Citizens still go into the fixture as the 7/10 favourites for victory with the bookmaker but with Stoke 4/1 for victory at home and the draw at 11/4 we are advising you steer clear of all three and instead look to one of the following tips.
The Republic of Ireland international was the man of the hour the last time Stoke turned out in front of their own fans, scoring a hat-trick against QPR at the Britannia to make it four goals in three games going into this clash with City.
Tasked with taking penalties for the Potters and in form himself, in the absence of Bojan, Walters looks the best pick to find a goal for the hosts.
Despite the fact that Stoke have already triumphed 1-0 at the Etihad this season, we are predicting a score draw mainly because that’s all City seem to be capable of at present – doing just enough to draw but not enough to win.
In fact, each of their last three outings in the Premier League have finished as score draws and when you consider the range of teams that has come against – Chelsea, Everton and Hull – you have to think Stoke have a chance of repeating the feat.
With Yaya Toure unlikely to feature against Stoke given his AFCON exploits, the onus is on Silva to step up for the visitors and, in fairness to the Spaniard, he has been trying his best of late.
Goals in two of the Sky Blues’ last three outings away from home make him a solid pick to find the net at any time with a little bit of La Roja magic.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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