Similar to many other teams this week,
Manchester City face a must-win situation at the City of Manchester Stadium. Currently 5 points behind 4th place Tottenham with a game in hand, the Citizens must get all 3 points here if they are to keep hopes of a top four finish alive. Similar to Liverpool's Rafa Benitez, Roberto Mancini's job may depend on a top four finish this season. The midweek defeat to Everton brought out the manager's emotions as he got into a brief tussle with Toffee's boss David Moyes. The Italian was fined by the FA and will try to behave himself while at home to
Wigan. Emmanuel Adebayor returns to the squad after a four game absence due to suspension and it could not have been at a better time. Adebayor's height and strength is the perfect complement to Carlos
Tevez's quick dribbling ground attack. The Citizens have lost only once this season while playing at home and Mancini will simply not tolerate his squad losing consecutive matches in front of their fans. Expect a quick paced attack from the get-go as City attempt to take advantage from the early minutes.
Hugo
Rodallega handed Wigan a last minute victory with a 90' header against Burnley FC. Burnley lost their next match against Blackburn Rovers and are serious relegation strugglers.
Wigan still have some work to do if they are to ensure Premier League survival, but with 4 points ahead of the curve they have a small cushion and will be happy to get even 1 point from this match. This is a lofty goal as they have lost 10 matches on the road so far this season. In that time they only averaged scoring 1 goal while conceding 2.6. They will use the 1-1 draw against City this past October as inspiration for this match.
Both teams have great motivation to get something out of this fixture. Wigan, however, have been very inconsistent in the back line while on the road. Emmanuel
Adebayor will be looking to impress in his first game back and exhibit his worth to Roberto Mancini. Expect Manchester City's quality and attacking power to break through what little resistance the Latics will bring.
Manchester City vs Wigan Athletic
Monday 29 March, 2010
Kickoff: 8:00 PM (GMT)
Venue: City of Manchester Stadium
Tip: Manchester City -1.5 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 2.05 @ Bet365
