Give Roberto Mancini another hug or score a backheel - The odds on what Mario Balotelli will do next

Whether you support Manchester City or not there is no argument that Mario Balotelli provides great entertainment both on and off the pitch. He's a maverick who infuriates and delights fans and football managers in equal measure. 

With Balotelli around there is always a story to write and British bookmaker Sportingbet have put their thinking caps on to forecast what the Italian will do next. Appropriately enough, the market is called 'Mario Meltdown'.

Balotelli has hardly been a regular first-team starter so far in 2011-12, and he is 4/1 (5.0) to leave the club in his next move. Those odds may seem skinny, but with his attitude called into question on more than one occasion and while also regularly citing homesickness since his arrival in Manchester, a January transfer can't be ruled out. 

The Italian striker once posed in a Milan shirt when he was playing for Inter so a move to the Rossoneri could be on the cards. He may decide to stay put at the Etihad Stadium for a while yet due to the Carlos Tevez matter which should open up more playing opportunities. 

As with many flair players, discipline has been an issue for the controversial 21-year-old. He was sent off once last season and picked up six yellow cards in just 12 Premier League starts for City. If you fancy frustration to get the better of him, a price of 7/2 (4.50) is available on Balotelli seeing red in his next meltdown. 

A tasty Manchester derby is just round the corner, and Balotelli has few friends among the Red Devils after winding them up in the FA Cup semi-final last season. For a man who can't manage to put a training bib on, a rash tackle can’t be too far away. Can it? 

Perhaps Tevez’s antics have struck a chord with Balotelli in recent weeks, as he is just 7/4 (2.75) to argue with Mancini after being substituted. Edin Dzeko and Tevez have gone down this confrontational route recently, so Balotelli making it a hat-trick can't be ruled out. 

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini knows Balotelli well and gave him his debut at Inter before signing the striker for the Citizens. The duo enjoy a famously fractious relationship, with Mancini alleged to have thrown a suitcase at his star forward last season after he was sent off against Dinamo Kiev. 

Like in any good relationship, they have a habit of making up, and Balotelli rewarded his manager's faith in him with a goal and a hug against Everton recently. 

Another hug is currently the favourite withSportingbet @ 5/2 (3.50) and could be a shrewd investment. 

But by far the most outlandish act on the list is 'Super Mario' to score a back-heeled goal next. He tried (and failed miserably) in a pre-season friendly game against LA Galaxy and was substituted almost immediately by a furious Mancini. 

The odds are set at 20/1 (21.0) for Balotelli to repeat the infamous trick more successfully and small stakes are most certainly recommended.