With just four games remaining, and a gap of five points between themselves and champions elect Manchester United, bookmakers are giving odds as high as 5.50 (9/2) for Manchester City to win the Premier League this season.

The Sky Blues were in pole position just six weeks ago, when a convincing 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers took them took them five points clear of their neighbours, with a goal difference of +50.

United won their game against Tottenham Hotspur later that weekend, closing the gap to just two points after 27 games played. However it was the two clubs contrasting form over the next five matches which saw the odds swing so dramatically towards the red half of Manchester.

Roberto Mancini’s men picked up just five points in that period, whilst Sir Alex Ferguson’s side took a maximum fifteen, and did so by improving their goal difference by twelve.

United’s shock midweek defeat to Wigan, coupled with City’s trouncing of West Bromwich Albion means that there is every possibility that the champions could retain their title at the home of their neighbours on April 30th.

Even if Manchester City do managed to defy the odds, they are highly likely to have a summer of rebuilding. Carlos Tevez is still likely to leave, despite returning to goal scoring ways last time out.

The Tevez saga has been massively overshadowed by the continuing antics of fellow controversial City striker Mario Balotelli.

The 21 year old this week escaped further punishment for his challenge on Arsenals Alex Song last time out, leaving him in contention to return for that match on April 30th, though Roberto Mancini has supposedly cast doubt over whether he will ever play for the club again.

Balotelli has apologised to Mancini as well as expressing his regret to Ceseare Prandelli, as he hopes to be a part of the Italian coaches squad for the forthcoming European Championships.

Paddy Power are offering a price of 2.20 (6/5) for Balotelli to be given another chance, and still be at Manchester City after the summer transfer window. A great bet considering Mancini’s much publicised fondness for the player, and the person.

The best chance for Balotelli to not be wearing the Sky Blue of Manchester City would be if Roberto Mancini leaves the club, though with seemingly no contingency plan in place, that is also highly unlikely.