Man City vs Stoke: Take Ladbrokes best price on home win to nil

Manchester City approach their final game of 2011 at the Etihad Stadium having only failed to win one Premier League game at home throughout the whole year and this winning run should comfortably be extended against Stoke.

Home form is the foundation of any title challenge and Manchester City are worthy table toppers given they have a perfect home record from their eight Premier League outings so far this season.

It is 2/9 that Manchester City beat Stoke and make it 14 successive Premier League home victories.

Stoke may have a measure of revenge on their minds for their FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City in May, but 1975 was the last occasion that they managed to triumph in three top-flight away games on the bounce.

But their direct style and well-recognised danger from set pieces always gives them a chance in fixtures and it is 11/1 that they leave with three points.

Stoke would almost certainly be happy with a point from the encounter and it is 5/1 that they secure a draw.

However, undoubtedly the best Premier League bet is the 11/10 on offer that Manchester City win to nil, with Ladbrokes offering the best price on this market.

Stoke have never scored a Premier League away goal against Manchester City in three previous attempts and there is a strong possibility that their wait for a goal at the Etihad Stadium will continue.

If they are to score then Peter Crouch may represent their best hope, given that he has netted on his last two visits to the ground.

Crouch is 12/1 to opening the scoring and a potentially tempting 4/1 to strike at any point within the 90 minutes.

For Manchester City, Edin Dzeko looks to have recovered from a minor injury suffered in training and is 1/1 to net at any time.