Another flip-flop at the top ?

We’re led to believe that 24 hours is a long time in politics and a long way from Tulsa (c) Gene Pitney but it’s an infinitely shorter time in the Premier League judged by the number of flip-flopping leaders.

Arsenal went top (again) yesterday but could be deposed (again) by Man City tonight if they can collect all three points against Chelsea.

At the Emirates yesterday it was a game that took an age to get going (and confession time: I DID fall asleep during part of it, despite having had a bet). Arsenal finally came through 2-0 thanks to a couple of crackers in the second half from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. I bought bookings at 30 but no great damage done with a make-up of 32.

In the morning market movers update from our sister company Star Sports it was no surprise to hear that punters were far more keen on the 17/10 Man City than they were about a draw, or Chelsea win at the Etihad. A win tonight would take their home wins over Chelsea to five-in-a-row and in doing so extend their Premier League winning sequence to nine in-a-row.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Oct 2013 Premier Chelsea 2-1 Man City
Apr 2013 FA Cup Chelsea 1-2 Man City
Feb 2013 Premier Man City 2-0 Chelsea
Nov 2012 Premier Chelsea 0-0 Man City
Aug 2012 C Shield Chelsea 2-3 Man City
Mar 2012 Premier Man City 2-1 Chelsea
Dec 2011 Premier Chelsea 2-1 Man City
Mar 2011 Premier Chelsea 2-0 Man City
Sep 2010 Premier Man City 1-0 Chelsea
Feb 2010 Premier Chelsea 2-4 Man City

Chelsea of course are right in contention themseleves and would move into a share of second if they can upset the odds and steal all three points.

But my guess is, that in order to do that they are going to have to score quite a few goals given the way City are scoring goals for fun. And that’s allowing for the fact that Chelsea have been excellent defensively this season – only Man U and Liverpool have breached the Blues’ goal in the last seven matches (5 clean sheets).

And worryingly for Chelsea, it seems the bigger the team – the bigger the win. City put six past Spurs and Arsenal and four against Manchester United!

Chelsea won the reverse ficture 2-1 and will take home from the fact that Aguero is out for a month with a hamstring injury and Nasri and Garcia are also unavailable through injury.

I can’t be talked out of backing Man City – and am quite happy buying at 0.8 on Star Spreads.

….. and one thing is certain, I won’t be falling asleep during this one.

BUY MAN CITY / CHELSEA for 10 points at around 0.80 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (FEBRUARY): PROFIT 180.00 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): PROFIT 156.80 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.