Man U

Manchester United V Rangers

Tuesday, 14th September – 19:45 GMT
LIVE on Sky Sports 2

UEFA Champions League: Group C

Manchester United

Boasting one European Champion Clubs’ Cup triumph and two UEFA Champions League successes, their most recent coming in the 2007/2008 campaign, Manchester United will attempt to get their European adventure off to a flyer when Sir Alex Ferguson welcomes an old pal of his, Rangers manager Walter Smith, to Old Trafford in a game promised to be hyped up by all corners of the media as the ‘Battle of Britain’ encounter. That somewhat exciting headline couldn’t be any further from the truth, though, when you consider the plight at which the Scottish Premier League has fallen over the years, while Rangers’ money woes and their poor record in England means the Red Devils are worthy favourites to clinch all three points in Tuesday’s clash.

Last season seen United fail to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 2006, bowing out to Bayern Munich at the last-eight stage of the tournament last term, but after being handed a generous group will be confident of at least getting the ball rolling with an opening victory over Rangers before later, hopefully, progressing into the last-sixteen, the stage of the competition where the men are separated from the boys. And that could be the best way to define this encounter; men against boys, as United stand over the Scottish outfit like giants with the amount of talent and the sheer value of their squad. Wayne Rooney alone is arguably worth more in pounds than the Rangers team combined, although he was absent at the weekend as his team-mates let two significantly importantly points slip through their grasp away at his former employers’ Everton. The Red Devils conceding twice in injury time in a game they seemingly had wrapped up; hardly the pre-Champions League display asked for by manager Ferguson.

United’s form before Tuesday’s clash remains positive nevertheless, boasting an unbeaten start in the Premier League – 2 wins and 2 draws – although the off-field problems of Wayne Rooney could hardly of come at a worse time seeing as United kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday needing to begin on a positive note. They should do that with or without Rooney in fairness, although you would think the matter is a foregone conclusion should Rooney, who was reportedly omitted from Ferguson’s squad which travelled to Everton at the weekend through ‘lack of fitness’ but really was left out because he put his own needs before the good of the team, start on Tuesday night, and we reckon he has solid claims to make his United reappearance, with our hunch being Ferguson’s reluctance to throw Rooney into the Lion’s pit at Goodison, seeing as Goodison Park was where Wayne Rooney made both his Premier League début and a name for himself as one of England’s finest youth products in recent years.

With only Spanish outfit Valencia standing out as much of a rival in a lightweight Group C, nothing less than three points and a comfortable scoreline is to be expected from Man Utd. Their record on home soil against Scottish opponents is formidable, having won three of four encounters, beating Celtic twice in the last couple of campaigns, while the Red Devils have lost just one of their last 25 European affairs at Old Trafford, that rare loss coming last season against Besiktas, at a time when progression was assured in another featherweight group.

Rangers

Rangers qualified automatically for this seasons UEFA Champions League by virtue of clinching their second successive SPL title, but the Glasgow based club have never won Europe’s elite club prize and don’t boast particularly strong claims this time around either, with progression into the knock-out’s a feat in itself. In fact, Rangers will be hoping it’s third time lucky as they attempt to be a part of the competition’s last-sixteen which, should they do so, would be their first appearance in the knock-outs since the 2005/2006 campaign. However, first and foremost is their first encounter of the campaign, a trip to Old Trafford where one of England’s finest await them in a game they ideally need to get something from but will face an upward task in doing so.

It shouldn’t be too difficult bettering last season’s performance in Europe, where Rangers accumulated just two points in a realistic group which contained Sevilla, VFB Stuttgart and Romanian newcomers Unirea Urziceni, and yet Rangers’ only noteworthy results came away from home at Stuttgart and Urziceni, where the Old Firm surprisingly earned a share of the spoils in both encounters. Their away form was a great deal better then their form at Ibrox of three straight defeats but that doesn’t mean they’re in with even the slightest of chances of obtaining points from this venture to England against a wounded Man Utd at Old Trafford.

Following United’s slip up at the weekend, Rangers could find themselves up against a wounded animal in the form of the Red Devils, who are lethal and prolific at the best of times but when in the mood to turn a few heads and set the record straight, really do take some stopping. And that’s the task ahead which awaits Walter Smith’s players, to somehow tame this United beast which only Besiktas of Turkey has achieved in 25 atmospheric European nights at the Stadium of Dreams, although even that rare momentary lapse was tarnished by the fact Sir Alex fielded a weakened side. A Rangers side at the best, playing to the best of their ability and at full capacity wouldn’t cope with a United side at half the respective levels, and that’s the daunting prospect for Rangers, knowing that their opponents are far superior than them and nothing less than a fully committed performance from themselves will be enough to even remain competitive.

Although Rangers do have a great deal of winning form behind them, beginning the new SPL season with four straight wins, their most recent success, a 2-1 win away at Hamilton, wasn’t exactly vintage stuff and a similar display from the Scottish champs would see them handsomely beaten in Manchester on Tuesday night. Somehow, and even we aren’t quite sure how they will, Rangers need to raise their game by a considerable margin, as they can ill afford to begin this European campaign like their last, with a thumping defeat which will surely leave Rangers on their knees and begging to put out of their misery. In order to go from strength to strength they need something positive from this game, even if it is a disappointing but spirited defeat. Anything less and you do worry for Scotland’s only European competitors.

Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 1.20 BetFred

The odds aren’t particularly great on a home win here but by the same token the Reds Devils won’t nee to be at their vintage best in order to see off an ordinary Rangers outfit, whom were dreadful in their last Champions League campaign and aren’t fancied to perform a great deal better this time around either.

Seeing as he was omitted from the squad at the weekend, Wayne Rooney is likely to jump straight back into the starting eleven for United’s Group C opener and that’s a deadly sign for Rangers, knowing full well Rooney will be eager to mend a few wrongs when he takes to the fray on Tuesday night. Although, a Rooney-less United should still have far too much ingenuity and class for Rangers anyhow, so anything less a Manchester United win would be a genuine shock.

Soccer-Betting Value Bet: Darren Fletcher Anytime Scorer – 4.30 Boylesports

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.20 BetFred

Draw – 7.00 Bet365

Rangers – 19.00 WilliamHill

UEFA Champions League: Quarter-Finals, First Leg.

Bayern Munich V Manchester United

Tuesday, 30^th March – 19:45 GMT (Sky Sports)

Venue: Allianza Arena

Bayern Munich

Champions League Outright Odds: 12/1 Ladbrokes

To Qualify: 2.88 Coral

Louis Van Gaal is just two games away from guiding Bayern Munich into their first Champions League final for nearly a decade, although they’ll have to see off a team that inflicted one of their most painful Champions League defeats in England’s Manchester United just to do so. I’m sure everyone remembers, although Munich fans won’t be too keen to relive, that memorable Champions League final in 1999 where Bayern led 1-0 up till the 89^th minute only to lose the final within a bizarre last few minutes which seen United win 2-1. While that bitter final loss did come nearly a decade ago, the press in Germany keep bringing that disastrous occasion back to light in a bid to inspire the Munchen team to a vengeful victory. So will their dastardly plan work and will Bayern bring back the glory days of old with what would be considered a stunning aggregate victory should they get past the current English champions.

Back in the day when Bayern were consistently challenging for European honours; a losing finalist in 1999 and then a subsequent winner in 2001, Munich were one of Europe’s powerhouses, feared throughout the land. Nobody enjoyed played the Germans while they all dreaded getting them in the draw. Now, however, that’s not the case and after a few largely disappointing years it has resulted in Bayern Munich losing a fair chunk of their intimidating reputation and are now considered an ‘easier’ opposition. They will set out to mock those narrow minded, but probably completely correct, individuals on Tuesday night at the Allianz Arena but their form both in the German Bundesliga and in the Champions League has hardly been formidable so they’ll do well to change people’s opinions you would feel.

It would be stating the obvious to say previou and recents form is often paramount when heading into decisive and crunch encounters, so to hear that Bayern Munich have lost back-to-back games in Germany isn’t the best of news, nor does it inspire confidence into those neutrals desperately wanting to see the Red Devils of Manchester kncked off their high perch. As Van Gaal rested his two most prized possessions in Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben at the weekend, Bayern were struggling at home against former Champions League side VFB Stuttgart at the famous Allianz Arena. Without the pace and guile of their influential wingers, Bayern struggled severely for chances and were made to pay with defeat. Their second on the trot whilst in league action. The scary thing was, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben were both introduced in the second half but neither made a real impact on the game, so not only are the team as a whole sapped of momentum but so are their two best players.

The German side at least have a formidable record against Man Utd to be positive about, with Bayern losing just one of the previous seven competitive meetings with last seasons losing finalists. However, these two haven’t met for quite some time, not since 2001 in fact when Bayern Munich beat United at this very same stage winning 3-1 on aggregate along the way to winning the tournament outright. A lot has changed since then however, with Bayern’s fortunes having rapidly declined whilst United’s have continuously rocketed. Bayern do at least have an intimidating arena to fall back on, although their fans can be hostile when things aren’t going Bayern’s way so the pressure will really be on Bayern to gain a valuable first leg victory and leave the tie firmly poised.

Key Players:- Franck Ribery & Arjen Robben

Those of you who don’t regularly watch the German Bundesliga might think that with all the regular goals German sides are an aggressive bunch. However, while that might be the case for some it’s definitely for not Bayern Munich who instead use patient build ups to get the job done back home. They prefer to retain possession for as long as possible, until a gap appears and it’s not until either Franck Ribery or Arjen Robben get on the ball until Bayern really show signs of any life. Without their skilful flanking duo, Bayern wouldn’t even be a force against the bigger and better teams around Europe. However, the pair do bring some different to the forte, that surprise package feel where within the blink of an eye something special can happen. Both have the ability to dazzle us with some mazy runs while the pair also know how to unleash a rocket or two. These two will need to be keenly watched in both legs, especially in those situations where the game appears to be dwindling into nothing and then bang, on of them pops up with something extraordinary. It was Robben who did so in the previous round with his 30 yard thunderbolt in Florence against Fiorentina, so is it now Ribery’s turn to take the limelight?

Manchester United

Champions League Outright Odds: 7/2 bWin

To Qualify: 1.50 SkyBet

Sir Alex Ferguson will meet an old foe in Bayern Munich, although he’ll be the one with the happier memories despite losing the previous encounter with the German side. It was Ferguson, who else, that masterminded that memorable victory in Barcelona which handed United the Champions League title back in 1999. That one night in Barcelona will rate right up their in terms of personal highlights for the United manager, although he’ll put all those sentimental memories to one side as he prepares to plot Bayern’s downfall once again only this time he has the better team.

While their last-sixteen opponents scraped through their respective group, United never really broke sweat getting through theirs, while they bamboozled a former Champions League champion in AC Milan in the previous round, smashing the former six-time European champions 7-2 on aggregate. That’s one former European great down, just one more to go and then a Semi-Final beckons, what would be their fourth successive semi appearance. Their scintillating displays against AC Milan both in Italy and England would suggest last years beaten finalists are well on course for yet another semi-final.

While United no longer boast an unbeaten record in the competition after defeat to CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford in the groups, they have yet to taste defeat outside of England and won’t want to start now in Germany. In fact, their record on the road in this seasons competition is immaculate, winning four from four and scoring ten goals in the process. Moreover, three has been a popular number for them, with United scoring exactly three goals in their previous two away encounters, putting three past AC Milan and Wolfsburg, a fellow German side. United tore Wolfsburg, who are the reigning German champions, to pieces in Germany on a night when Alex Ferguson rested his key players. He was at it again at the weekend as Wayne Rooney, touted as one of the best players in the world on current form, right up there with Lionel Messi, sat out United’s 4-0 romp at Bolton as the Red Devils continued their relentless pursuit of a fourth successive league title, what would be a record 19^th.

Unlike Bayern Munich, Manchester United have tonnes of form behind them and back it up with quality. The Red Devils haven’t lost a competitive game in just over a month, while victory in Germany on Tuesday would extend their winning run in all competitions to eight following five straight wins in the Premier League and two comprehensive victories home and away to AC Milan. They’ve gone momentum in abundance, players with a winning mentality and a player on top of his game in Wayne Rooney, whom will take his tally to 33 for the season should he score at the Allianz Arena. Rooney has four Champions League goals to his name this season, while he score both home and away against AC Milan, even slamming home two headers at the San Siro, so he’ll definitely be one to keep an eye on.

Wayne Rooney did miss United’s 4-0 rout of Bolton with injury mind, although assistant manager Mick Phelan admitted Rooney should feature from the off for United in Germany. It would seem Rooney’s absence was just a precaution and that Bayern will be up against a fresher Rooney on Tuesday night. Should he not feature, don’t let it deter you from a Man Utd punt too much as they’ve proven down the years to cope stoutly even without their more influential figures.

Key Player:- Edwin Van Der Sar

While Wayne Rooney will likely steal the show for United up front, Van Der Sar between the sticks will need to be at his alert best to keep Bayern’s troublesome duo at bay for the entirety of the first leg. A clean sheet in Germany would set United up perfectly heading back to Manchester, while if they could just sneak an away goal it would leave them all but there in those semi’s. However, for that to happen they will need their 6ft 5in goalkeeper to put in one of his famous shot-stopping displays in the Allianz Arena. He’s had his injuries this season but has been a marvel since returning, while he was pulling out all the stops to deny Bolton a sniff at goal last weekend. The former Dutch international might be edging towards the 40 marker but he’s still got tonne of agility and elasticity, while his shot-stopping ability is still second to none. He will be a difficult obstacle in the United goal mouth on Tuesday night and should United leave Germany with a clean sheet then chances are Van Der Sar will have put in a huge shift. He’s only conceded just one goal in 540 minutes of competitive action and even that took a Torres strike to ruin his shut-out run.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN - 2.70 Bet365

The only scenario where we can see Bayern taking anything from this first leg is if Wayne Rooney miss the trip to Germany, whether that be through injury or just misses the plane – The Germans will settle for either. Bayern have been relying heavily on their European pedigree to intimidate their opponents, and while their European credentials stretch further than most, there’s only so long that will last and it ran out a good few seasons ago. Munich’s best seasons are well behind them and they’re now playing catch up with the rest of Europe. The German league as a whole is on the decline, with Champions League football set to be restricted to just the top three next season should Bayern make what we see as an inevitable exit to Manchester United.

Manchester United are playing out of their skin and will travel to Germany with bags of momentum. They were rampant at Old Trafford against AC Milan last round winning 4-0 and it’s a result like that which will reverberate around the Allianz Arena as the fans will know only a winning result will do in this home leg. However, United were just as emphatic in Italy, more along the lines of clinical in fact as Milan had most of the possession. Bayern aren’t too dissimilar in that they too like to retain possession for large periods of time although they often struggle to do anything with it. United, though, are more than capable of playing on the counter if needs be and have shown in recent clashes alone, whether that be back home or in Europe, that they can be clinical.

We wouldn’t be at all surprised if Bayern didn’t score at least one as they’ve have been strapped for creative ideas of late, although we definitely don’t see United failing to score in Germany. They’ve scored in all four of their away encounters thus far in the Champions League and we expect that to stretch to five after the visit to Germany.

Match Odds:

Bayern Munich – 2.70 SkyBet

Draw – 3.25 PaddyPower

Manchester United – 2.70 Bet365

UEFA Champions League – Round of 16

AC Milan V Manchester United

Tuesday, 16^th February – 19:45 GMT

The fact that these two clashed in the semi-finals two seasons ago has barely been mentioned, and it’s all because of one man – David Beckham. The former United wingman is still renowned for being one of Manchester United’s greatest ever products but this will be a first for him as he pits his wits against a familiar foe in Sir Alex Ferguson at the San Siro in Italy. For all of you who can remember the last encounter between the two, that of the Semi in 2007, United took a 3-2 lead into the away leg in Italy before crumbling at the San Siro in the deciding encounter, losing 3-0 on the night. Will this United side consisting of several players who took to the field that night, handle the pressure of the Italian spotlight at the second time of asking? Or will Beckham lend a helping hand in giving Milan the initiative.

AC Milan

Match Odds: 2.75 (7/4) SkyBet

Recommended Bet: Score First – 2.15 VCbet

While all the talk is about David Beckham playing against his old employers, the fact remains that the former captain of his country might not even start on Tuesday night as since his loan spell from LA Galaxy kicked into life Beckham hasn’t exactly excelled. The press were quick to jump on his back and his mediocre performance on Friday night, despite being just a brief 10 minute second half stint, might just have put him firmly on the Milan bench ahead of this clash. Leonardo, the AC manager, can ill-afford to let sentiment get in the way of a potential last sixteen victory so Beckham could be sacrificed in a bid to push United to the limit at San Siro.

While Milan lye 2^nd in Serie A and look to be having an enjoyable campaign thus far, it’s worth remembering that matters weren’t always this rosy as Milan’s start to the season wasn’t great. Just two wins from their opening seven league games left Milan playing catch up before the season really established itself, but they come on strong ever since and their form has been staggering. Since the 23^rd September, a span of eighteen games, Milan have lost just twice, with one being against the best team in Italy, Inter Milan. The other was a bizarre home defeat to Palmero, but if you disregard those two blips Milan have been arguably thee in form side in Italy. The evidence to back up this statement is the gap between them and the league leaders, Inter, is now just eight points, which was a whole lot bigger a little earlier in the season. 

As far as their chance in this opening leg go, Milan have strong claims for a vital first leg victory. After all, they’ve lost just once at the San Siro in eleven games, league games that is as they did succumb to an embarrassing defeat in this competition when they lost 1-0 to FC Zurich, the shock result thus far. However, in recent home fixtures, Milan have proven they are a prolific side when they want to be and are in a rich vein of scoring goals. Back in the Serie A, Milan have notched up a total of twelve goals from three games at home, averaging four goals a game, and this ample run of form in front of goal has been aided by the return to form of former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, who put in another inspirational performance on Friday night in a 3-2 victory over Udinese. Add this to the fact that Klass Jan Huntelaar is finally getting in amongst the goals and Milan are rapidly becoming a more favourable punt for the competition outright let alone just this encounter.

Milan aren’t exactly bang in form as their victory over Udinese recently did end a baron run of three league games without a win. However, despite some odd blips, Milan have been extremely strong on their own patch and the return to form of Ronaldinho could be key in both legs, especially the home leg, as the Brazilian maestro has never really put in a performance to remember against an English side. However, Milan aren’t a one trick pony, they aren’t full to the brim of talent either, but there are a few danger-men that Sir Alex will need to keep an eye on, more notably Alexandre Pato, a Brazilian forward is tipped to go all the way in football and has already given Real Madrid a taster of what’s to come when he smashed two in as Milan earned a sensational 3-2 win at The Bernabeu. Milan proved that night that they could raise their game for the big occasion and that’s something all you United fans will need to bare in mind.

Manchester United

Match Odds: 2.85 (24/13) Expekt

Recommend Bet: Total Goals (2) – 3.80 bWin

While Sir Alex will have preferred to have been in action over the weekend in the FA Cup, the week and a bit off will have down his squad the world of good as he hardly possess the fittest of teams right now. The Red Devils, by the time match day arrives, won’t have played football for a little under a week whereas their opponents were in action two days later, which won’t be a huge advantage but it could play a small part in the latter stages of the game. However, United have been to the San Siro before, just two seasons ago in fact, and got off to a terrible start in that fixture. While United may have the edge going into the final stages of the tie on Tuesday night, a similarly poor start could spell the end of their San Siro chances before that crucial period even arrives.  

It was just as well United weren’t involved over the weekend after their gruelling encounter with Aston Villa, of which they spent the majority of the game down to ten men. Nani was dismissed for a rash tackle during the first period but will still be available for action if given the nod by Alex Ferguson. The Portuguese flops, whom has actually been enjoying a decent spell of form of late, might just lose his place after that outburst to Antonio Valencia, but even the Ecuadorian has yet to prove himself in a United shirt and could well be found wanting in such a big occasion, what would be his biggest game thus far.

Wayne Rooney, though, looks likely to outshine the both, and probably the rest of the United starting eleven, as he’s been sensational for the reds all season and is not only their leading goalscorer but also the Premiership’s with a staggering 21 goals to his name. If we’re honest, we don’t actually rate this United crop too highly, actually very little, but the form of Wayne Rooney makes United a big threat in this competition and he has the talent and attributes to be the driving force behind a successful Champions League push. He has been instrumental in United’s bid for a fifth successive league title, almost single handily keeping them in touch with Chelsea at the top, while his antics up front saw him claim the winner in the Carling Cup semi-final, with United now already jotting in a final date for the season, thanks to their superstar. For us, Wayne Rooney is pivotal in United’s chances as a fired up Rooney will be hard to stop, both home and in Italy.

The rest of the United squad will be eager to prove that the 2008 Champions aren’t a one man band and that a team effort is what got them here in the first place. They are, though, unbeaten in eight back home in the Premiership, and while they only drew in their last away encounter, a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, the fans and players can seek inspiration from their performance the away game before that draw when they tore Arsenal to pieces in a 3-1 victory. United were lethal on the counter that day and against a Milan side which doesn’t boast the sturdiest of defences, who would back against another United demolition job as Milan aren’t the side of old that emphatically beat the Red Devils 3-0 in their last visit.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.20 Bet365

This will look a ‘sissy’ prediction but it’s not as though I feel this will be a boring stalemate, No, rather an exciting score draw with plenty of goals and goalmouth action actually. United have been scoring more than enough goals of late to have us thinking they could do the same at the San Siro, against what is an exposed and weak Milan backline, while Milan have been scoring goals for fun in their recent league fixtures and could carve out opportunities with relative ease against a United defence which is far from stable, mainly due to so many injuries to key defensive players. We expect both sides to go for it in this opening leg and an early goal for either side could spark off a cracker of an encounter at the San Siro.

SoccerBetting Goal Scorer Picks:

AC Milan – Ronaldinho

The former FIFA Player of the Year isn’t back to his glorious best but he’s certainly hit a rich vein of form and has been by far and away Milan’s best player of late, with his match winning displays catapulting Milan up the Serie A table. He still has silky touches, his jaw-dropping skills and a lean finish, while he’s also Milan’s free-kick and penalty taker, so the Brazilian is surely worth a punt at tasty looking odds.

First Goal Scorer – 6/1 Boylesports

Anytime Scorer – 2/1 Boylesports

Manchester United – Wayne Rooney

He’s up their with the very best on present form and he’s been deadly in front of goal for United this season, leading the way with 21 league goals. Like Ronaldinho, only much better, Rooney has been at the forefront of this United charge for yet another league title and his goals have kept his sides well and truly in the hunt. He has the ability to score goals, create goals and create a goal out of absoulouetely nothing. Even if United are seemingly banging their heads against a brick wall, fear not as Wayne Rooney could, or should we say probably will, pop up with an unbelievable goal or pass to turn the game on it’s head. He’s the favourite to strike for United at the San Siro and we must say we do like his odds of silencing the home crowd.

First Goal Scorer – 11/2 Boylesports

Anytime Scorer – 15/8 Boylesports

Match Odds:

AC Milan – 2.75 SkyBet

Draw – 3.20 Bet365

Manchester United – 2.85 Expekt

To Qualify:

AC Milan – 2.63 BetFred

Manchester United – 1.53 Bet365

Manchester United V Everton

Kick-off: Saturday 21st November – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

TV Coverage: ESPN

Manchester United

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: DWLWL

Sir Alex Ferguson usually comes out on top in the ‘Fergie Versus Moyes’ affair and Saturday shouldn’t be no different. Although the Red Devils did lose their last game before the break, losing 1-0 at Chelsea, they were given a small lifeline in the International break which has allowed them the chance to mull over what actually went wrong. What went wrong exactly? – Well, let’s just say luck wasn’t on United’s side… for once! 

Ferguson was bitterly disappointed with the final result at Chelsea but he was more distressed with some of the referring decisions, surprise-surprise. In our honest opinion, the ref didn’t have a too bad game and it’s United who only had themselves to blame after failing to convert the chances they did create after dominating throughout the course of the 90 minutes. Unlike their trip to Anfield last month, United showed no fear at The Bridge, taking the game by the scruff of the neck, controlling large periods of the game and created most of the decent opportunities. Although the result won’t have pleased a single United fan nor their grumpy manager, the performance was a a big positive as United had performed very poorly in their opening two encounters against the ‘Big Four’.  

The United players must now put that defeat to Chelsea to one side and concentrate on a tough fixture with Everton, a fixture they should win though. The last three meetings at Old Trafford have gone the way of the home side, and with United still boasting an unbeaten record at home this season (5-1-0), the Red Devils should probably win at a cantor, although Fergie will probably send me a message of displeasure for my comments. After all, we mustn’t forget Fergie’s jibe at Benitez for calling Everton a ‘small club’.

Manchester United at Old Trafford this season have been clinical rather than impressive. Five wins from six, the only blip being their 2-2 draw with Sunderland, of which they scraped a point out of the game. Two big sides have already fallen at the home of the Red Devils, with Arsenal (2-1) & Man City (4-3), both outplaying United to some extent but yet still ending up on the losing side. However, several teams have kinda shown this season that if you can defend stoutly at the home of United, and take your chances, then points are there for the taking. Sunderland exposed United last month, although, Everton’s defending has been far from satisfactory this season so perhaps this rule of thumb isn’t applicable this weekend.

Everton

League Position: 12th

Recent Form: DDLDW

With a relatively small squad, it was always going to be a big ask for David Moyes & Everton to replicate their end of season finish of last year – 5th position. However, not even the wildest of punters would have predicted the abysmal start Everton fans have had to endure up till this stage, with the Toffees found floundering in 12^th position, nearer the bottom of the league then the top. A trip to Old Trafford is never an ideal recipe for an early season recovery but perhaps this could be the game they need to kick boost their lacklustre season.

A point would be a fabulous result for Everton, and we feel that is what David Moyes will set his sights on, on Saturday. Firstly, he will need to insert some steel and resilience into that back four as they’ve been far too vulnerable for our liking. However, their offence is actually looking pretty good, especially Louis Saha, a former United employee, who has seven for the season, scoring in two of his last three league appearances. Perhaps the competition for places is now having the positive affect David Moyes was hoping for as injuries to forward thinking players has restricted Moyes’ forward options.

Everton’s away record thus far isn’t ideal, winning just the two, those coming against Portsmouth (0-1) & West Ham (1-2), although, the West Ham victory was their most recent and that victory could have rekindled their away spirits after previously losing on three of their last four outings. They don’t give too much away when on the road, although, they struggle to keep clean sheets at the same time. Their away goal record on the road stands at 6-7, with only Portsmouth failing to score against a travelling Everton, but only Fulham has managed to score more than once.

David Moyes is still without a whole host of players but that’s nothing new. He has had to contend with injuries to some of his key and influential players for some time now. The midfield is where Everton do look extremely light, with Phil Neville, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar all out, and all would have been starters. Mainly the former two, are great at keeping hold of the ball and supplying the forwards and without them, Everton will and have struggled to compete in the centre of the park. That will be the case on Saturday, we have no doubts about that.

Head-to-Head:

Manchester United W: 6 Everton W: 1 Draws: 3 

United have generally enjoyed the arrival of Everton and have won the previous three encounters at Old Trafford, winning 1-0 last season, and 2-1 and 3-0 the two seasons gone before. However, Everton did hold United to a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup last season so they do undoubtedly have the credentials to frustrate a usual rampant Manchester United at Old Trafford, although, the chances of that happening this Saturday do look slimmer than ever.

Everton’s only victory over United came back in the 2004/2005 season, that coming by the way of a 1-0 win at Goodison Park, which, is unfortunately not the setting for this weekends fixture.

Match Verdict:- Manchester United to Win – 1.40 BlueSquare

As Kevin Keegan once put it “We would love it if we beat them”, although, I’m no Everton fan so why I’m using that quote is beyond reasoning. However, from a Liverpool fans perspective, we would be thrilled if our local ‘chums’ would put one over on United, but we just can’t see it happening. The Everton midfield looks out muscled before the game has even kicked off, while United have been far too consist on home turf for us to have a wager on them slipping up. Man Utd have already lost too much ground on Chelsea and they can ill-afford any more slip ups. A home win for us.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.40 BlueSquare

Draw – 4.50 SkyBet

Everton – 9.50 Boylesports

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Manchester United to WIN to NIL – 2.38 888sport

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Full-Time: Manchester United 3-0 Everton

Goalscorer(s): Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

Kick-Off: 14:00

Venue: Anfield

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Liverpool

League Position: 8th

Recent Form: WWWLL

Where do we even start with Liverpool. Four consecutive defeats in all competitions, their worst run in nearly 30 years, and now Liverpool find themselves on the verge of capitulation. Their league title dreams were left in tatters as Sunderland, aided by a beach ball, sentenced Liverpool to their second successive defeat in the league while their woes were extended in midweek when Lyon scored late on to record a huge victory over Rafa Benitez’s side at Anfield, a venue which used to be a fortress on European nights.

Injuries is just one of the many excuses Liverpool fans may use but Benitez has signed well over 70 players during his five year stint at the club and we feel the blame falls mainly on his shoulders. The lack of depth within the club is incredible, and this shown in Liverpool’s defeat on Tuesday as they were a completely different side without their talismanic duo; Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres. The former limped off after just 15 minutes and is a major doubt ahead of the arrival of Manchester United, while Fernando Torres, according to our sources anyway, has yet to even return to training and that’s disastrous news for Liverpool fans.

The bench on Tuesday consisted of Ryan Babel & Fabio Aurelio, we mustn’t forget Andriy Voronin, although, it was hard to notice him when he came on late into second half as his impact on the game was next to nothing. Aurelio was the only player who would get into Liverpool’s starting eleven for most games, the rest simply aren’t cut out for this level of football and Liverpool will continue to struggle unless they build an actual squad and stop concentrating on just the starting eleven.

So far Liverpool have won three out of four at home but their three victories have come over some of the leagues poorest sides in Stoke City, Burnley & Hull City. They were defeated by Aston Villa earlier in the season, losing 3-1, with Villa being the only side with genuine quality to play to Anfield thus far. United are a much better side than Villa and you could forgive us for having doubts over Liverpool’s credentials this weekend.

The confidence within the Liverpool dressing room must be at an all time low as the Reds haven’t suffered such a demoralising run in years. They look clueless without their captain, Steven Gerrard, leading them forward while their defence was non-existent at times, and while Benitez’s is still reluctant to bin his stupid Zonal marking policy, we won’t be backing them again against any of the big sides until we see some vast improvements. They have already conceded 13 goals in just nine games, an unheard of defensive statistic for a team that normally boasts one of the leanest defences come the end of the year.

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WWWDW

It’s not often that the away side in a ‘Big Four’ clash is viewed as the favourite but that will be the case this weekend as Man Utd make the relatively short trip to Merseyside to take on their bitterest of rivals; Liverpool, at Anfield. The ‘Red Devils’ came up short in both meetings last season, losing 2-1 on Merseyside but then emphatically losing the reverse clash 4-1 at Old Trafford. It will be the latter result that will live long in the memory for the United fans but for all the wrong reasons. However, they can undo their wrong doings in that clash as they have a golden opportunity to hand Liverpool a hammering of their own, with their opponents struggling to field any world-class players for this clash.

There is no team in the country that Alex Ferguson hates losing to more than Liverpool, a club that has won just as many league titles as United, albeit with Liverpool’s last title coming over 18 years ago. Nevertheless, Fergie will have several ‘things to do’ this season and, although one of them will be to secure United’s 19^th league title, a feat which would take them above Liverpool in the all time league titles leader board, he will also be keen to exact some revenge on Liverpool’s rare league double of last season.

Manchester United look more than capable of beating Liverpool on their own patch with the form and momentum currently on their side. Their narrow 1-0 victory away in Moscow, on Wednesday evening, was ideal as it kept the United ball rolling but, more importantly, United have gone eight games without defeat back in the league, with seven of those coming in the form of wins. They have won on their last three away outings in the Premiership, all by comfortable margins, although, neither were against any of the ‘Big Four’ but the ‘Red Devils will certainly be full of confidence that they can put Liverpool back in their place and as good as bury their title bid for the season by humiliating them in front of their own fans.

Several key players didn’t travel to Russia for Wednesday clash with CSKA and that will mean that several will face late fitness tests ahead of this trip to Anfield. Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher, Patrice Evra, Ji-Sung Park & Ryan Giggs all missed the trip in midweek and, although several will return for this trip to Anfield, none are certainties.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Liverpool W: 2 Manchester United W: 7 Draws: 1

Liverpool have a dire record against the ‘Red Devils’ and were it not for their double victory over United last season, United would have had an even flattering head-to-head record over one of their bitter rivals. However, it’s recent form that counts and Liverpool will be buoyed by their league double of last season, beating United both home (2-1) & away (1-4), although, there is no getting away from United’s dominance in previous encounters.

Key Player:- Javier Mascherano

With the liklihood of both Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres both missing this fixture, Liverpool will look ordinary at best, and United will look to attack Liverpool right from the word ‘Go’. Mascherano will form a defensive blanket over what has been an extremely vulnerable Liverpool back four and his input it’s imperative in how Liverpool will fare on Sunday. A bad day at the office for him and it could be goodnight for Liverpool and their bid to end their title drought.

Match Verdict:- Manchester United to WIN – 2.63 BetFred

How this game pans out depends soley on who starts for Liverpool, although, even if their talismanic duo do start the game there will be big doubts surrounding their match fitness and their ability to last the full 90 minutes whilst putting in a sufficient enough performance. United’s squad is by far the superior of the two and even if they do play without a few key players, United have suitable replacements that are more than willing to step in and put in a big shift. United are far more reliable right now, as much as it pains me to say, and Manchester Utnited look the bet to be on here.

Match Odds: 

Liverpool – 3.0 Bet365

Draw – 3.3 Boylesports 

Manchester United – 2.63 BetFred

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Over 3.5 Goals – 4.20 Boylesports

Manchester United

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
Stadium: Old Trafford
2008/2009 Finish: Champions!

Premiership Outright: 2/1 Bet365
Relegation Odds: 5000/1 Bet365

Transfers In:
Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan

Transfers Out:
Manucho, Richard Eckersley, Fraizer Campbell, Lee Martin, Rodrigo Possebon, Christiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez

Key Player – Wayne Rooney
United have lost a huge player in Ronaldo but still posses arguably England’s finest talent in Wayne Rooney. The kid literally has it all. An abundance of pace, bundles of strength and he can also chip in with a fair amount of goals as well. Speaking on the topic of goals, Rooney will be under a lot of pressure to make up for the loss of Ronaldo and he will certainly thrive on the pressure asserted on him throughout the course of the coming season. Rooney will have more freedom to play the way he wants and he will now be the main man at United this season.

SoccerBetting Opinion – Manchester United aren’t nine time Premiership champions for nothing. They have obvious Premiership credentials and it comes as no surprise that they are amongst the favourites to win the crown for a fourth successive year. The loss of Ronaldo now means United are without a winger who can score 25 odd goals a season. They’ve brought in Valencia and Owen in a bid to bolster their forward options but there are obvious doubts over United’s chances without the world’s current greatest player in Christiano Ronaldo. Nevertheless, Manchester United will certainly be thereabouts come the very end.

SoccerBetting Prediction: 2nd Position