Man City holds right lure for Guardiola

29Jan 2013

England - Premier League

With the help of Opta wisdom Christian Crowther picks out a tip for each of Tuesday's vital Premier League clashes..

Aston Villa v Newcastle, Tuesday 19:45, Match Odds: Aston Villa 2.76, Newcastle 2.8, The Draw 3.55

With only one point separating these sides occupying the spots directly above the drop zone, this has relegation six-pointer etched all over it. Villa's woes in the Premier League have coincided with a run of four home games without a win, a run in which they've picked up just one point from a possible 12. However as Opta informs us, there is some consolation for Villains fans in their team's recent home record against Newcastle at Villa Park, where they are unbeaten in five, winning four and keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 3.55

QPR v Man City, Tuesday 19:45, Match Odds: QPR 8.0, Man City 1.5, The Draw 4.6

With an FA Cup humbling still bitterly swilling around in the mouth of R' fans the last visitors they could have wished for at Loftus Road are the champions Man City. As Opta informs us, QPR have lost each of their last four Premier League clashes with Man City, shipping three goals in each of the last three defeats and two in the loss before that. Harry Redknapp's plans for the great escape look likely to take a dent against their title chasing visitors here.

Recommended Bet: Back Over 3.5 goals @ 2.92

Stoke v Wigan, Tuesday 19:45, Match Odds: Stoke 2.08, Wigan 4.2, The Draw 3.55

Tony Pulis was very honest in his assessment of Stoke's FA Cup exit to Man City, admitting they were beaten by the better side. However, the Potters straight talking gaffer is unlikely to be as excepting if their poor form continues against struggling Wigan. Yet, Roberto Martinez's side are unlikely to roll over against their off-colour hosts, who have conceded 13 goals in their last four home Premier League games. As Opta tells us, since the Spaniard took over, the Latics are unbeaten in their last three visits to the Britannia and haven't lost in their last seven encounters with the Potters, winning twice.

Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 1.86

Sunderland v Swansea, Tuesday 19:45, Match Odds: Sunderland 2.54, Swansea 3.15, The Draw 3.45

Sunderland have finally showed up to the party in their last two league games, scoring six times on the way to as many points and the Black Cats should feel well rested after a weekend off. Visitors Swansea give nothing away easily however, highlighted by their latest run of six games unbeaten in the top flight. As Opta tells us, Sunderland's best chance of achieving victory may well come by scoring early, because if matches ended at half-time this season, Sunderland would be 4th in the Premier League table, while if only the second half of PL games counted, Swansea would be 5th.