Sunderland vs Man City: Dzeko to show worth by being among goals
Published:Even though Sunderland are liable to play in a similar manner to a West Brom side that successfully frustrated Manchester City in their last game, Roberto Mancini’s team can be expected to bounce back to winning ways at the Stadium of Light.
West Brom were happy to concede possession and pack out the central areas of the pitch to starve Manchester City of any space around the penalty box.
With the likes of tenacious duo Lee Cattermole and David Vaughan in their midfield, Sunderland are capable of something similar and some may fancy them to get a result.
Sunderland have already taken seven points since the appointment of Martin O’Neill and 11/2 may look a big price that they win at home, especially as Manchester City have failed to win in three away games upon arriving at the Stadium of Light.
Furthermore, Sunderland won this corresponding home fixture last season.
Meanwhile, the 11/4 that the games ends all square also offers some appeal given that Sunderland’s recent form has been slightly better, which would make it advantage Manchester United in the title race.
However, Mancini will demand a response following the rare blip at West Brom and Manchester City have won 11 of their last 14 showdowns with Sunderland.
Manchester City’s odds are 8/15 to beat Sunderland and the onus may fall on Edin Dzeko to find the target.
Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli started in the goalless West Brom draw and so Mancini may turn to Dzeko in search of a goal.
Dzeko is 4/1 to open the scoring, with David Silva also worth considering in this market at 6/1.
If Sunderland are to score first, it may be best to side with Stephane Sessegnon at 10/1 given his pace and ability to create a chance out of nothing.
