West Brom v Man City predictions

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
West Brom v Man City predictions Premier League England, England	20/10/2012 16:00	total goals	Over 2.5 goals	1.73	Bet at Stan James
Betting prediction was written by Matt

West Brom v Man City predictions and preview: Betting stats

West Brom currently sit 6^th in the Premier League having notched up 14 points from their opening 7 games at a record of W4 D2 L1. Their recent form reads WLWDW and at home they are seemingly invincible; played 4, won 4. This run includes two good wins to nil against Liverpool and Everton. Their games have seen on average 2.57 goals with 3 over 2.5 goals and 4 under.

Reigning champions Man City lie 3^rd in the table just one point above their opponents on 15. Their record reads W4 D3 L0 and they are one of two unbeaten sides this season. Their form is WDDWW but away from home they have only picked up one win; coming from behind to beat Fulham 2-1. The other two trips have seen two draws, 2-2 and 1-1 with Liverpool and Stoke respectively.

Head-to-head for this tie since West Brom’s most recent promotion to the Premier League in 2008 is interesting. At the Etihad City are relentless in thrashing West Brom but at the Hawthorns it’s one apiece and a draw in the three meetings; the most recent being a 0-0 draw on boxing day last year.

Team News and Run of Play

West Brom will be without on-loan striker and joint top scorer Romelu Lukaku for this game. Depending on how their recoveries have gone over the international break West Brom could welcome back as many as 6 first team players including Chris Brunt, Liam Ridgewell and Jerome Thomas. Man City will have skipper Vincent Kompany restored to their line up but will be without Jack Rodwell who had to withdraw from the England U21 squad midweek due to a hamstring injury. They could see the returns of Maicon and Javi Garcia after their recent injuries and the ill Mario Balotelli.

West Brom are one of two sides with a 100% home record and have been the surprise package so far. Before the start of the season I had my doubts as to whether Steve Clarke could get them playing but he’s done wonders so far and they sit pretty near the top of the table. They are yet to face a particularly stern test at home as both Liverpool and Everton put up no real fight and the other two games were against the bottom two. The key to their success has been consistency and goals from midfield. The likes of Zoltan Gera and James Morrison have been impressive.

Man City have started their title defence not too dissimilar to how they ended last season. Stuttering might be the right word. They are unbeaten but don’t look totally assured away from home. I think their leaky defence needs to be sorted if they are to avoid potential slip-ups against lower teams who feel they can nick an unexpected point or more. Their first clean sheet only came last week and was surprisingly when Kompany was absent.

West Brom v Man City predictions: 1X2 betting preview

One record has to go: either West Brom’s winning home record or City’s unbeaten record. For me, despite their struggles at the back, City’s unbeaten record will remain intact. I think they will see off the challenge of West Brom at the Hawthorns but it may take them some time to find their way through. West Brom have conceded just two goals in their four wins at home (all against QPR) and I believe they will play in a way in which they think they can restrict City to just a goal or less. I still think Man City have enough to take the three points.

If you agree then Paddy Power are 1.75 for the Man City win.

West Brom v Man City predictions: Asian Handicap preview

If you have confidence in City and you think they can win this by more than one goal then I think City (-0.75) at 1.97 with Pinnacle looks good. If they do take the game to West Brom and come away as clear two goal or more winners then you win. A narrow victory and half your stake is returned, half wins. I think this represents a fantastic value bet.

If you want to take the value then City (-0.75) is 1.97 with Pinnacle.

West Brom v Man City predictions: Total Goals preview

For me the signs point to over 2.5 goals in this game. West Brom’s home games average more than their away games and most of City’s away games have seen over 2.5 goals. I think a price of 1.73 with Stan James is about right for this match to see 3 or more goals. Aguero should be back to scoring form now and with Tevez likely to cause problems also, they might get a couple between them.

Fancy a few goals? Over 2.5 is 1.73 with Stan James.