Premier League Betting Odds: Birmingham City vs. Manchester City

Birmingham City are taking their time to settle into their top-flight campaign after being promoted this season but they enhanced their chances of survival with an important win over Sunderland at the weekend. Another victory would seem them clear the danger zone for the time being. However, their upcoming fixture sees them collide with a tough outfit in Manchester City. Beating the Citizens is easier said than done.

The Citizens failed to seize an opportunity to climb into the top four fold at the weekend when they allowed Fulham to storm back after taking a two-goal lead. Citizens will be looking to make amends at St. Andrews Ground and the soccer betting market favours them to do just that.

Soccer Betting Line:

Birmingham City +½ Ev +350 2½ O Ev U -120 Draw +240
Manchester City -½ -120 -120 2½ O Ev U -120 Draw +240

Match Time: 11:00 am Eastern Time Sunday November 1, 2009

Venue: St. Andrews Ground

Soccer Betting Analysis: Manchester City really squandered a huge chance against Fulham last weekend but they made amends of sorts during Carling League Cup action, beating Scunthorpe 5:1 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Spurs were naturally pleased by the result but still there is their league campaign to refocus and that has to be a priority right now.

The Citizens started the season strong but recently they have shown a marked decline in form. They are after three consecutive draws in league action and consequently out of the top four, sixth in the table on 18 points with a game in hand.

Birmingham City have more potential than their results on the early season would indicate. Many feel Birmingham City should be higher than their current 15 th spot on ten points after ten cycles. The recent victory over Sunderland was a step in the right direction and might be a sign they are on the verge of discovering their potential. They certainly will be looking to replicate the performance against the Citizens.

Soccer Betting Verdict: In many respects, this match is a tossup and perhaps more wide open the soccer betting line would suggest. Man City enter as the prohibitive favourites at -120 but they have been making too many defensive mistakes lately to make them a sure play for the win. Birmingham City have shown their potential lately but are still struggling to win convincingly and keep a clean sheet. Therefore, the draw is on very much on the table. Safer strategy though has to be to take the Over 2.5 goals at Even.

Soccer Free Picks: Draw +240 | Over 2.5 goals Even