City's title challenge will likely succeed or fail on how
they perform during a tough run of away games which starts at Old Trafford on
Tuesday. They then head to Arsenal at the weekend before a potentially-decisive
showdown with Liverpool at Anfield next month.
It's a daunting run but it should also be remembered that visiting Old Trafford
is not what it used to be and I'm confident enough to side with City, even at
what is a pretty short price of 5/4. They are simply the better team right now,
as a gulf of 12 points (which could become 18 due to games in hand) proves.
Captain Vincent Kompany is back for this one after his ban and he will
doubtless relish his battle with Wayne Rooney, who seems to be firing on all
cylinders again. However, Robin van Persie is a big miss for United in big
games like this, while they still look vulnerable defensively where the lack of
a regular partnership continues to be a problem. Nemanja Vidic remains
suspended and if Michael Carrick has to play centre-half again, as seems possible
due to injuries, he'll find dealing with City's fluid attack somewhat tougher
than West Ham's more predictable one. City have won three of the last four
meetings between these sides, including the reverse fixture which they
dominated and won 4-1, not to mention the last two at Old Trafford. If you take
the pre-season Community Shield out of the equation, their record extends to
five wins from the last seven meetings. All things considered, City should be
taken to prevail and keep their title bid - which remains in their own hands -
on track. City are backed even to win by two clear goals.
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