Manchester United V Fulham

Sunday 14^th March – 13:30 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WDLWW

We aren’t quite sure how the United ranks will be feeling after their emphatic and humiliating victory over one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, AC Milan. Probably the same as before kick-off, just a run-of-the-mill win for Fergie as United go from strength to strength under the spearhead of arguably the greatest forward in the game at present in Wayne Rooney. While this is debatable, we think it’s not, although I’m going to be biased for England’s sake, but there is no doubting just how important Rooney has become to United, almost a one-man team dare I say it, and the lethal frontman, whom has now scored five in his last six competitive fixtures, could be the man who single handily decimates another team this Sunday, only this time an English one.

Revenge will be on the minds of the Red Devil’s this Sunday as lingering memories of their 3-0 humbling at Craven Cottage still hurt. United were made to look like right muppets that day, with Fulham turning the champions of England into an ordinary outfit within 90 minutes, but Alex Ferguson will pinpoint a reversal of fortunes on Sunday and who would back against them not only achieving that, but doing it with authority. After all, Man Utd have won the previous five encounters at Old Trafford with Fulham, so the omens are in their favour, not that they should need them. 

Whereas Fulham’s form is patchy, a compliment if you glance at their away form this season, United’s is near enough immaculate, at least at home anyway. In fourteen home fixtures thus far, United have lost only once, that famous 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. While that bitter defeat didn’t go down too well with the locals at the time, United gave the response of true champions, not only winning their very next encounter at Old Trafford but going on to boast a 100% record there ever since, with United winning their last six home games. However, do you want to know what the scary part is? – United haven’t conceded a single goal during this sublime winning run of theirs, with the United goal not being breached in over 540 minutes of home action – Incredible!

United just look too strong on paper for us, on the pitch as well if they somehow replicate their performance at home to AC Milan last Tuesday in which they never looked like losing. There were a few glimmers of bad defending mind, although that was to be expected with Rio Ferdinand still gelling back into the United defence, but there were positives to take from that game, especially in the first 45 minutes, if you’re an opposing manager, more over a Mr. Roy Hodgeson or even a Mr. Rafael Benitez, whom takes his Liverpool side to Manchester next week. However, a home fixture with Fulham is the ideal time to iron out any exposed defensive flaws so by the time Liverpool pay them a visit, a team who beat them 4-1 at Old Trafford last season, United could be in immaculate form.

Fulham

League Position: 10th

Recent Form: WDWWD

While Fulham maybe enjoying their fair bit of success back at Craven Cottage, their away fortunes have taken a big hit ever since their opening day victory at Portsmouth. 15^th August, 2009 the last time Fulham were seen winning an away encounter in the Premiership, although we had to double check as even we didn’t believe they had done so, nearly half-a-year ago and thirteen away games later without a win. It’s drastic form to say the least, atrocious if you like, so surely they are classed in the category of ‘no-hopers’ this weekend as they travel up northwards to take on Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams.

If it wasn’t for all these draws, six in all, Fulham’s away record for the season would be up there with the very worst in the league. Fortunately, though, their hard-working qualities has still got them through some sticky encounters, although these many draws do little to hide Fulham apparent away flaws, having lost exactly half of their away fixtures up until this point. They are, however, unbeaten in their last two after draws at Bolton and Sunderland, but the concern now is more about their luck in front of goal, or severe lack of it, with both those draws being 0-0 and Fulham now having gone 420 minutes without an away goal – Shocking stuff! 

I feel like a boxer in this moment in time, jabbing away at Fulham’s lack of credentials heading up to Old Trafford. However, I’m about to go for the killer blow and say Fulham won’t have a chance as they would need a side fit, fresh and raring to go just to stand a chance in Manchester – Something they won’t have the luxury of unfortunately. On Thursday night, Fulham will have been involved in some Europa League action, as to which we have no idea how they got on as this a Thursday morning we’re writing on, but we’ll give you a brief idea of how they’ll be feeling on Sunday – Groggy, perhaps a tad tetchy and blooming knackered after 90 minutes in Italy against a former Italian giant. Juventus.

If Fulham could somehow snatch a result in Turin then perhaps the confidence they would get from that would cancel out their lack of fitness, or at least sharpness. However, that’s still a pretty big ask, although not impossible by any stretch of the imagination, but the question still remains as to what shape Fulham will arrive back in England in. If it’s anything less than 100% conditioning then Roy Hodgeson has a problem as his Fulham players, for whatever reason, just don’t do away games.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.25 Boylesports

While Fulham boast a 3-0 win back at Craven Cottage, United could quite easily reverse that scoreline and then some on Sunday as they are the in form team right now, as opposed to Fulham who are just plain awful on the road. We wouldn’t have a whole lot of confidence in some of England’s fines halting the United express at this moment in time after their euphoric victory over Milan in midweek, so we don’t rate Fulham’s chances of doing so in the slightest, and believe me, we so wanted to. Straightforward will probably ring around the pundit boards by the time MOTD2 arrives on our doorsteps at something like 22:20 on a Sunday night.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.25 Boylesports

Draw – 6.00 Bet365

Fulham – 16.00 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Manchester United to WIN to NIL – 1.80 888sport

Tuesday, 9^th March

19:45 GMT – Arsenal V FC Porto (1-2)

19:45 GMT – Fiorentina V Bayern Munich (1-2)

Wednesday, 10^th March

19:45 GMT – Manchester United V AC Milan (3-2)

19:45 GMT – Real Madrid V Lyon (0-1)

Matt’s Bets

Nicklas Bendtner Anytime Scorer @ 2.88 Coral (WON!)

With Arsenal lacking forward impotence, Bendtner will be a certain starter as Arsenal take to the Emirates looking for the goals needed to restore parity. The Danish international looks the ideal candidate to open the scoring at 11/2 with Coral, but we’ve been a little more reserved and instead plumped on Arsenal’s donkey of last Saturday being their Tuesday night hero. Bendtner missed a whole host of chances in Arsenal’s 3-1 win at home to Burnley, where Bendtner literally could of bagged two hat-tricks. However, while his lacklustre finishing may have deterred some, the fact he got into such glorious goalscoring opportunities impressed us and we feel it was just a bad day at the office for the Danish international on Saturday, and were the Gunners to hand yet more chances on plate for him this Tuesday, we’re confident he won’t be as wasteful.

Fiorentina Draw No Bet @ 2.05 bWin (WON!)

After a valiant display in Munich, Fiorentina will be hoping for more from the return leg back home in Florence. The Italians frustrated their German opponents in the first leg, with Bayern barely troubling Sebastien Frey in the Fiorentina goal with a decent effort. Italian sides know how to build from the defence up and I’m expecting a clinical performance from Viola in a leg they have to win if they are to progress. Defeat would spell the end, and while victory would probably be enough, unless it’s a high-scoring narrow one, a draw might also suffice if it finishes 1-1. Considering the Italians will probably look to sit on any sort of lead, if and when they get it, the draw could be a viable outcome. However, we wouldn’t discourage anyone from backing Fiorentina to win this home encounter outright so, as to play a tad safe, Fiorentina DNB is is our bet.

AC Milan to Score 3 of More @ 10/1 PaddyPower (LOST!)

Milan know full well they need goals and we expect the away side to sprint out of the blocks in order to not only take the lead but to also avoid an early setback as conceding early would be catastrophic for them, if not deadly. Their forward play in the first leg deserved more than just the two goals but they will need plenty of the same attacking vigour at Old Trafford if they are to pull off one of the best comebacks in recent years. Leonardo has the players at his disposal to score a sufficient amount of goals, most of which actually look stunning bets to score on the night, but we feel a collective performance is needed from Milan if they are to overhaul United’s domineering aggregate lead. Three goals from Milan would make for one enthralling encounter, so while they remain capable of such a feat we will take our chances on them doing so at what we consider immense value.

Lyon to Score 2 or More @ 9/2 PaddyPower (LOST!)

If we’re completely honest, we are more confident in Lyon scoring just the one than going that extra mile and shocking the footballing world with two goals at the Bernabeu, but it’s certainly a no-hoper bet. In fact, we feel it’s not beyond the realms of possibility as Lyon can be lethal on the counter, while their strikes from long range have also been known to rifle into the net. With Madrid looking to attacking at every given opportunity, Lyon will instead aim to absorb the Madrid attacks and return the favour with some quick-fire breaks. It’s been an efficient tactic for the French side down the years and we feel it could prove to be the ‘real’ deal in Madrid, especially as they now posses some more clinical and composed finishers up front, none more so than Lisandro Lopez. Given half-a-chance, Lopez will score, while if Madrid do overcommit, which is a certainty if you ask me, Lyon are more than capable of catching the Madrid defence out.

I wish you the best of luck, Matt.

Manchester United V AC Milan

Wednesday, 10^th March – 19:45 GMT

First-Leg: AC Milan 2-3 Manchester United

The first leg of this intriguing and attractive tie between two giants from their respective countries was exciting from start to finish, with end-to-end football and some classy finishing. The San Siro encounter between two rather familiar foes was settled by one man, and one man only, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, whom is enjoying his best ever season at the club. His second half brace, both of which coming from the Englishman’s head, nodded the current English champions into a first leg lead, a lead strongly bolstered by three away goals. Rooney’s brace, aided by Paul Scholes’s opener for United, leaves the Italians needing to score at least twice at Old Trafford, although they would need to do so without the home side replying if they wish to progress further in the competition.

There was next to now controversy in this affair, just some clinical finishing from a Mr. Wayne Rooney of Man Utd. Whereas Milan were fluffing their lines in the opening 45 minutes, Rooney was thinking smart with his head as he nodded home twice in the second period to put Man Utd 3-1 up. A late Seedorf strike meant Milan at least ended the first-leg with some lingering hope, although their task ahead appears a mammoth one as they need several goals at Old Trafford in what should prove to be an exciting, all-out-attacking affair back in Manchester.

It’s unsurprising that Manchester United, after their impressive win back at the San Siro, are the favourites to progress, but have the bookies overstepped the mark with their obscene odds of 1.10 and worse on United qualifying? While the reigning English champions do have a two goal advantage in theory, plus home advantage, the Italians are in an do-or-bust situation where they were expected to dwindle out of the competition without much fuss. Leonardo’s team know they need to score, probably a good three of four times, but with this in mind the players will want to play as far up as the pitch as possible and will look to strike at every possible opportunity. Of course, the task if massive, but we see some small ounces of value in AC Milan to qualify, even if it’s just our betting pride getting in the way on what we feel is ridiculous qualifying odds for both sides.

Manchester United

Outright odds: 11/2 Bet365

While the return of David Beckham back to his spiritual home will capture the imagination and attention of most neutral onlookers, the Manchester United fans will have their minds set firmly on the task at hand, and that’s fending off what’s expected to be a barrage of AC Milan attacks as the home side aim to defend their one goal aggregate lead, although they lead by two due to the away goals rule. United’s sensational result at the San Siro, winning 3-2, has meant the bookies have gone to town with their price, slashing it from around the 1.33 marker before the first-leg right down to around the 1/10 mark, but will last years runners-up justify their ridiculously short odds by earning victory at Old Trafford this coming Wednesday night?

Anyone with half a brain cell would make Man Utd the favourites to progress, firm ones at that, but that doesn’t mean their price, a best price it has to be said, of 1.10 with totesport is a decent one, far from it. In fact, we believe United are in a tricky scenario as they won’t actually know which tactic would be most effective at Old Trafford, what with the Red Devils boasting a 3-2 lead from the first leg in Italy. Should they set out to defend for the entirety of the game, with the plan being to repel all Milan invaders, or should they look for that killer opening goal, one which would kill the tie stone dead. Now, most traditional European sides would go for option 1, but Alex Ferguson is no traditional manager, and nor are Man Utd a traditionally predictable team, so expect a quick fire start from United with the aim being to strike the first blow.

Some news that could potentially alter United’s chances of success significantly is the doubts surrounding the fitness of Wayne Rooney. The Englishman is having problems with his knee at this moment in time and missed his sides narrow, and somewhat fortunate 1-0 victory away at Wolves on Saturday. His absence left a huge void up front, one Fergie failed to fill as United were void of ideas in the final third, with chances few and far between without the creative flair and sheer thinking brilliance of their most valuable asset. Should Rooney not be fit in time then United may have to attend a back-to-the-walls meeting at the back as it’s hard to see anyone in that United squad having as much guts and courage to take take the game to Milan. 

The good news though is that Rio Ferdinand is back playing at the heart of the United defence alongside Nemanja Vidic. The two form a sturdy and reliable last line of defence for Manchester United, although should Pato make an expectant start the pair could be troubled once again by pace, while Ferdinand will have had nightmares over the torment he endured at the hands of Ronaldinho at the San Siro, with Rio’s lack of fitness a clear problem that night as the Brazilian waltzed past the England captain. United fans will be hoping he’s sharper for his 90 minutes of action at the weekend, and so will the rest of the defence as they finally form back into a familiar back four of old, one that was so successful in keeping sides out last season.

AC Milan

Outright odds: 66/1 SkyBet

It’s plain for all to see that Milan need plenty of goals at Old Trafford, so the question I hear you all asking is can they actually score enough to make this an exciting contest? – Well, we believe so, you need look no further than their list of forwards to see that this Milan team does have goals in them: Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato, Marcos Borriello, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Flippo Inzaghi, it’s an endless list of striking talent, with a mixture of ingenuity and craft, youth and experience; Leonardo really does have just about everything at his disposal as far as strikers are concerned, so there can be no excuses. 

The next question you should be asking yourself is do Milan have the strength of mind to defend in a tidy manner for the full 90 minutes, and possibly then some, as a single United goal would probably end this as a contest when you consider AC need to win by a clear two goal margin. There is of course the outside permutation of Milan somehow surpassing the two goal marker and scoring three at Old Trafford, which would be some feat, but still feasible for a side boasting an array of quality up front. In regards to the first question, however, we would have to say no, at least not against a Man Utd side with Wayne Rooney in it. The Rossoneri have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League this season, so it’s probably asking a little too much of them to record their first of the campaign at Old Trafford, although it’s a must really if they want to harbour any real aspirations of reaching the quarter-finals.  

We will say though, Milan are the value bet when you take into consideration that they of the two need to play attacking football in order to bridge the two goal deficit. They should, in theory anyway, be the team asking all the questions at Old Trafford despite this not actually being a home tie for them. Their opponents will be more inclined to sit on the back foot and protect their first-leg lead, so the omen is on Milan to make the breakthrough, one which must come early if possible. Ronaldinho of AC Milan did land the first blow in the San Siro encounter a few weeks ago, but can the Brazilian shine on English soil or will he be one of many world class players which fails to make an impression on the onlooking English public?

Our Verdict: AC Milan to WIN -6.00 PaddyPower

The deciding factor for us was the price of the two sides, and of course the pairs motives. United are in that difficult mindset where they honestly feel they have a more than healthy lead, one which shouldn’t be bridged even by one of Europe’s giant clubs. They will be unsure as to how much time should be spent in the attacking third and their own half, and that’s scary against a Milan side who know what they have to do: Attack! For us, considering Milan are glorious odds and have to win, the away side are the only team worth backing, especially if Wayne Rooney isn’t fit in time. Should Rooney start then perhaps United are worth a punt, but we certainly wouldn’t take a stab at Manchester United in this game without their most influential player.

AC know what they have to do and they are equipped to achieve their target. They basically have an entire front-line wanting to prove a point and that’s a pleasing factor for any manager, regardless of their poor vein of form recently. The return of Pato from injury is also a welcome one, plus the Brazilian will be fresher than most after spending the weekend with his feet up… Lovely!

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.67 Bet365

Draw – 3.75 SkyBet

AC Milan – 6.00 PaddyPower

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Manchester United

Kick-Off: Saturday, 6^th March – 17:30 GMT

TV Coverage: ESPN

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: DLWLL

One of the more ominous fixtures in the calendar for Wolves is that of Manchester United’s visit to Molinuex. It’s a game which will certainly capture the imagination of the locals but it’s also one which does have a touch of nostalgia about it as United’s last visits to Molineux in a Premiership affair wasn’t a pleasant, no, instead it was a memorable occasion for those Wolves in Orange when on the 27^th August, 2003 Wolves beat the 18-time English champions 1-0. That’s been their only meetings with the mighty Red Devils since, so that victory seven years means Wolves are unbeaten at home against Man Utd and in fact hold a 100% record over one of the greatest teams in English football history.

Mick McCarthy wont hold fond memories of the reverse meeting with Manchester United though, after that infamous night where the former Republic of Ireland coach fielded a team of Wolves reserves in a fixture he, and apparently the rest of the squad, believed was one they had absolutely no chance of getting anything from. The club were consequently fined for what we felt was a joke of a decision but one that was justifiable in that this is a 38 game season, where tactics are a huge part of winning and surviving, and the option to rest any number of players should be at the discretion of the manager, but that’s a long rant we’ll leave for another day.

Will he field a stronger side on Saturday – Certainly, but does he honestly think his squad, of whom he clearly underrates by the sound of it, can overhaul the reigning English champions at Molineux – Certainly, and so do we surprisingly. Their recent displays would suggest a big result in the offing and whom better than Manchester United to suffer their wrath. The stumbling block, and it’s a huge one in football terms, is Wolves just can’t seem to win the games where they dominate and play by far and away the better football. They were dogged at Bolton at the weekend, hitting the woodwork on numerous occasions but leaving The Reebok with zilch. The same happened in their last home fixture when they lost 2-0 to Chelsea, Undeservedly we must add.

Wolves have little problems carving open what was a vulnerable Chelsea defence at the time and they could have yet more success in that area against a shaky United defence. Sticking the ball in the net though is an art Wolves have yet to master, with their baron spell in front of goal now two games long. It’s nothing to be overly concerned about but their failure to score at Bolton last Saturday was the thirteenth time they had failed to do so this season. It’s been an ever present thorn in Mick McCarthy’s side that his Wolves side, one which do create plenty of wonderful chances, simply can’t put the ball in the net on a more regular basis. 

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWDLW

The United camp will be in a buoyant mood after their jubilant weekend. While the Carling Cup does little to turn on the majority of England, Manchester United were certainly the proud owners of a new trophy last Sunday when they came from behind to beat Aston Villa in the final at Wembley. Sir Alex Ferguson will have high hopes of attaining plenty more silverware this season, with the Premiership being his top priority, and, if that’s to be the case, surely only a win will be acceptable at Molineux this coming Saturday. 

It was that man again, Wayne Rooney, who stole the show at Wembley when he fired up yet another header, his sixth header in eight games I believe, to the Carling Cup title and United’s first silverware for the season. While their performance on the whole wasn’t great, with defensive cracks apparent, the success should be all that matters and it will hopefully be the platform to bigger and better things this season. At least that’s what the United fans are thinking.

It’s back to business now though, real business, no fancying around in a competition which we honestly believe lost it’s mojo decades ago. The league is every English sides bread and butter and the United camp must get straight back to doing what only they know best, winning league games. However, while their last two competitive fixtures have been ones they’ve thoroughly enjoyed; Winning 3-0 at home to West Ham in the league and 2-1 in the Carling Cup against Aston Villa, their recent away outings have been nightmares. On their previous two away ventures United have failed to win, with Man Utd’s only away win in four coming at the Emirates against Arsenal.

As the old adage goes though, ‘You’re only as good as your last game’ and if that’s to be believed then United fans are in for another long day. The last time Fergie took his troops to battle away from base camp Old Trafford they were beaten in a resounding manner. Everton gave them a right good hiding at Goodison just a fortnight ago, winning 3-1, and it intriguing from a neutrals perspective to see just how well, if well at all, United respond in their very next away test. They are fortunate in that their next away assignment is an easier one than their last but if the Red Devils don’t turn up the heat on Wolves then it’s them who could be left with burnt fingers.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.35 Expekt

This is us playing safe really on the basis that while United did lose on their last outing, they actually know how to win a game of football whereas their opponents don’t. Despite winning just one of their last four away from home, United have still won just as manager games on the road as they haven’t; Winning seven of fourteen away fixtures. Wolves, however, while their best stuff has come at Molineux, just don’t seem capable of mustering a win of this calibre. They did, though, put Tottenham to the sword only a few weeks ago at home when etching out a 1-0 victory, but while they proven a difficult side to overcome at home this season, they still look inept on paper. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Wolves enjoying large periods of this game, creating plenty of chances, hitting the woodwork on a couple of occasions before losing 1-0. It’s been that sort of season for Mick McCarthy, whereas his opposite number has just enjoyed a cup winning weekend and we expect his good fortunes to continue.

Match Odds:

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 11.00 Boylesports

Draw – 5.00 SkyBet

Manchester United – 1.35 Expekt

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Dimitar Berbatov FGS – 4/1 SkyBet

Carling Cup Final

Aston Villa V Manchester United

Sunday, 28^th February – 15:00 GMT(LIVE on BBC1)

Introduction

This isn’t a competition most clubs in England stick at the very top of their list of priorities for the season, more right at the very bottom in fact. However, it is still a momentous occasion, especially for Aston Villa, whom will be making their first appearance in a domestic cup final for the first time in nearly a decade, with their previous final appearance being a losing one in the 1999-2000 FA Cup final back at the old Wembley. However, you have to cast your minds back ever further for Villa’s last taste of cup success, back in 1996 when Aston Villa won this very competition beating Leeds United 3-0 in the final. Their opponents, however, Manchester United, need only stretch back a single year for their last piece of silverware, that being the Carling Cup as well as they beat Tottenham Hotspur via a penalty shoot-out last season.

The one defining factor every finalist needs is passion, and perhaps experience could be thrown into the equation as well, and while United certainly have bags of the latter, we feel Villa will have far more passion seeing as finals don’t crop all too often for them, very rarely in fact, so you’d have to feel they’ll have more hunger in their souls than their ready-made final opponents, Manchester United. Don’t be fooled into thinking United won’t be fired up to win on Sunday though, as the Mighty Red Devils rarely turn up to a final without that burning desire to complete a memorable cup run with a final victory.

Injuries to big stars in the United camp has levelled the playing field somewhat as Villa, despite picking up four points from their two meetings with Manchester United in the league this season, do have the weaker squad of the two. However, this Aston Villa side have shown on more than one occasion this season that they can be the real deal and that on their day they have the ability to beat anyone, regardless of their more glamour reputation. The problem is, however, very few in that Aston Villa squad have previous final experiences, which is crucial in a Wembley environment which can be a graveyard for young souls. It’s also a venue where stars are born, and with Villa boasting some of the country’s brightest talents, perhaps this is the scene of a beautiful Martin O’Neill masterpiece and the setting for a big future for some of Villa’s young hopefuls.

For Manchester United, this will just be one of many titles to brace the United trophy cabinet. That doesn’t mean they don’t give a care in the world about winning Sunday’s finale, as that’s far from the truth. In fact, they will be the favourites to snatch the Carling Cup crown from under Aston Villa’s noses as their team packs plenty of experience, maturity, quality and class. They also possess a starlet in the form of his life in Wayne Rooney. The England forwards displays this season has seen him rise through the ranks and join the likes of Ronaldo & Messi as some of the worlds greatest players. He’s in the form of his life at present and was the figurehead behind United’s two-legged victory over arch rivals Manchester City in the previous round. Can he steal the show on Sunday, stamp his mark on the sport from a worldwide perspective, or will he falter in United’s biggest game thus far and hand the initiative to one of Villa’s many rising stars? So many questions, all of which being asked by fans, pundits and punters alike, but the only way to find the answers is to watch Sunday’s final LIVE on the BBC from 02:00 GMT.

 ——————————————————

Aston Villa

Recommended Bet: To Score Two or More – 3.75 PaddyPower

Aston Villa football club has such a bright future but it’s all about fulfilling their potential and not crumbling in pressure-cooker moments. Last season, Villa were pushing for a top four finish after a strong run of form in the middle part of the season but fell apart in the latter stages of the season to finish well off Arsenal who eventually snapped up fourth place. Villa shown last season that they didn’t have the maturity nor the experience to keep their cool in their crucial games, but, nearly a year on, can Villa keep their composure in what is their first major final for almost fifteen years?

While finishing in fourth spot is their main prerogative this season, victory in the Carling Cup will certainly be up there now they’ve gotten this far. However, this is one of three objectives Villa are going all out to achieve and you would be forgiven for thinking Villa will become overwhelmed, exhausted and possibly distracted as their minds are concentrating on so many competitions and big fixtures. In Martin O’Neill, though, you have a focused man, a manager who knows how to get the very best out of this crop of potential stars and we have no doubt he will have this Aston Villa side fired up for this huge final encounter as O’Neill and the rest of the Villa squad aim to give their fans their first loyalty deposit bonus for their support down the years. 

Just like their final opponents, Manchester United, Aston Villa preparations ahead of the Wembley show-piece on Sunday have gone to plan and were boosted significantly with progression in the FA Cup. Villa were held to a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace but finished the job at home with a 3-1 win. Those in Claret & Blue that are travelling to Wembley on Sunday will be hoping their goalscoring antics on Wednesday was a taster of things to come as they, as well as everyone else, know Villa need to score a few if they want to put United to the sword and lift the Carling Cup at somewhere around tea-time.  

Goals really should be a given though, considering the vast amounts of attacking quality Martin O’Neill has at his disposal, of which every single one of his star-studded forwards are playing sensational right now. James Milner & Ashley Young will look to make marauding runs down the flanks, with the aim being to supply their bulky forwards with some decent aerial balls. John Carew, whom scored twice in the FA Cup replay in midweek, Emile Heskey & Gabriel Agbonlahor, will all pose an understrength United defence all sorts of problems with their aerial prowess, strength and pace. The latter, Agbonlahor, will scare the United defence the most, not only because of his blistering pace and slick finishing but also because it was him who scored Villa’s winner in the 1-0 victory at Old Trafford earlier in the season.

Aston Villa fans, whom won’t be used to trips to Wembey, will be hoping Agbonlahor will be their saviour once again and a nightmare for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, although, we’re pretty sure they don’t care who scores on Sunday just as long as it’s the match winner.

Manchester United

Recommended Bet: Wayne Rooney to Score within 90 minutes – 2.40 PaddyPower

The Carling Cup, or the League Cup as it sometimes referred to, is about the only trophy Manchester United haven’t won as many times as any other English team. Their tally of just three League Cup wins puts them behind the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and even Nottingham Forest, which just goes to show how insignificant the Carling Cup has been to United in recent years. However, their bright youngsters got them through some sticky openers, whilst the professionals, or their idols if you like, finished the job by ensuring the club booked their rightful place at Wembley for this Carling Cup final showdown with Aston Villa after coming through a two-legged Semi-Final cracker with Manchester City.

Manchester United, arguably the most glamorous team in England, will be gunning for yet more silverware, what could be one of many this season as they seek out their first ever back-to-back Carling Cup success. Sir Alex Ferguson, whom has lifted the trophy twice as the United manager, guided United to their second Carling Cup title in four seasons when beating Tottenham Hotspur in an enticing encounter at Wembley last season. Their opponents this year, Aston Villa, aren’t a whole lot dissimilar to the Tottenham team they faced nearly a year to the day ago.

United’s preparations ahead of this final showdown have gone to plan, with Ferguson’s side wiping their two game run without a league win swiftly under the carpet with a routine 3-0 victory over West Ham in midweek. It was an important win as not only did it provide them with three huge points in their title chasing cause but it also gave the dressing room a much needed winning morale boost after two shabby performances in the league beforehand. When you head into a game of this magnitude, a match where so much is at stake, well, some silverware anyway, you need some positive momentum to spearhead you into such a fixture. You also need your players on top of their game, on top form and in tip-top shape, and while United might have the first two with Wayne Rooney bang inform right now, the latter is something they don’t have the luxury of with some of their key players, unfortunately.

Alex Ferguson will be without a few key individuals for Sunday’s final, none more so than club captain Ryan Giggs, whom despite playing an instrumental part in United getting this far won’t be available due to breaking his wrist, ironically in a league game with Aston Villa earlier in the month. John O’Shea is of course out for some time, whereas Owen Hargreaves is no nearer to a first-time appearance. However, the questions are building up around the fitness of Rio Ferdinand, whom hasn’t featured a whole lot for United this season and was ruled out of the final through a recurrence of the back problem he’s been suffering all season. While Nemajna Vidic will look to be United’s rock on Sunday, the void left by Rio could be huge what with Villa possessing some very tricky forward customers. Jonny Evans will be Ferguson’s preferred centre back partner for Vidic but Evans has been found wanting on far too many occasions for United, especially in the big games, so naturally there will be doubts over not only his own respective performance but that of the Manchester United defence as a whole.

  ——————————————————

Our Prediction: Aston Villa to WIN – 4.80 VCbet

How Manchester United are that short in price (1.87 totesport) is beyond me as Villa have been a constant thorn in United’s side this season, with the Reds’ failing in their bids to beat Aston Villa twice already this season, so why the odds on Villa completing a hat-trick are so big is bewildering.

We suppose it’s down to United’s two impressive wins on the trot; the 3-2 win at the San Siro against AC Milan, of which Wayne Rooney scored twice, as well as the 3-0 win at home to West Ham United on Tuesday, and well, Wayne Rooney was once again seen scoring a brace. England’s biggest hope this summer has been in scintillating form for the Red Devils this season and is arguably the only reason why Man Utd are a touch of odds-on to win within 90 minutes on Sunday. After all, it was the man of the moment, Rooney, who scored United’s winner in the Semi-Final with Man City, so do the bookies think lightening will strike twice, only this time at Wembley on Sunday.

Whereas United are heavily relying on the performance of one man, Villa have a whole host of players who can not only bring their A-game to Sunday’s final but could also win this game single-handily with one swift kick of the ball. The amount of creativity Villa will have on show is staggering; with James Milner, Ashley Young and a bang-in-form Stewart Downing all looking to upset the odds by carving open the United defence with some mazy runs, slickly through balls and some whizzing shots on goal. Moreover, we haven’t even mentioned the strength of their forward line, with Agbonlahor, Heskey & Carew all vying for a place on the starting line-up on Sunday, although only two will start from the off as O’Neill looks to pack that Villa midfield with hard-working, creative players.

Nevertheless, Villa look by far and away the best shout here, although you can never discount Manchester United. Still, at the prices you would have to consider Aston Villa as immense value (4.80 VCbet) but this final does have the makings of a tight fixture so Extra-Time could beckon.

 ——————————————————

Our Bet: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.00 Bet365

Finals often tend to be dull affairs because neither side wants to take any risks in case they concede a silly goal. However, we don’t expect either manager to leave a lot to the imagination, especially Martin O’Neill who will surely start with a very attacking minded side, filled to brim with creative midfielder and forward thinking players. Villa won’t hold back with their attempts on goal and an early strike from them would strike the touchpaper on what we feel will be a change in the wind as an entertaining final finally embraces our screens. Let’s not stop there though as Manchester United are more than capable of popping up with a few and are actually the favourites to land the first blow (To Score First 1.67 BetFred). Wayne Rooney is a man possessed right now, with his form sky-rocketing this season, with just about every defence failing to keep the Premiership’s leading goalscorer out. Villa have though, twice in fact, so perhaps Aston Villa are Rooney’s, and United’s for that matter, nemesis.

Goals for us, plenty of them if you would be so kind, in what should be a rip-roaring affair… Cue the 0-0 stalemate!

  ——————————————————

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.87 totesport

Draw – 3.50 Bet365

Aston Villa – 4.80 VCbet

Aston Villa V Manchester United

Wednesday, 10^th February – 19:45 GMT

Two teams, who can ill-afford to slip up and lose ground on their respective targets, go in search of a vital win that will keep them on course for their own individual mission. Villa are still harbouring hopes of finishing in the top four, the Champions League places, while Manchester United are hot on the heels of Chelsea as they chase down their fifth successive league title. There is so much at stake in this fixture, but for one side revenge is at the forefront of their minds after the reverse fixture at Old Trafford finished 1-0 to the visitors, with Gabriel Agbonlahor scoring Villa’s winner with a first-half header. Who will claim the spoils at the second time of asking and will Villa complete a rare and historic league double over the mighty Manchester United?

Aston Villa

League Position: 7th

Recent Form: LDDWD

Martin O’Neill and his youngish Villa side have come across a sticky patch of form which has seen Villa manage just one win in their last six league games. However, to says it’s been a tricky fixture list for Villa would be an understatement, with Villa playing the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool & Tottenham in a six match spell since Boxing day, with their latest being fellow top four hopefuls, Tottenham Hotspur. Villa were the away side in their clash with Spurs on Saturday, in a game that ended 0-0, much to the relief of the Villa manager and their fans as Villa were completely outplayed for large periods of that game.

O’Neill’s troops spent the best part of 90 minutes on the back foot against Spurs, repelling any Tottenham trespassers that dare enter their penalty area. Tottenham controlled the pace and tempo of the game and were allowed to assert themselves in the match very early on. The Villa goal really did lead a charmed life and the point was a fortunate one for Villa, although a deserved one in many respects as the Villa defence did have to work extremely hard. However, what was discouraging was how negative Villa played at White Hart Lane in that they seemed quite content to let Tottenham dictate play and appeared more than happy to defend. We know Tottenham are a big threat when going forward, especially when playing at home in front of their fans, but it was a game Villa were equipped to win. Not saying they would have won with a more adventurous attitude but it would have certainly led to a much more competitive affair than the one-sided contest we eventually got.

We don’t expect for one second that Martin O’Neill will opt for a similar style of play in this fixture as it’s a home outing for his Villa side this time around. However, the negativity of their play was astonishing and it could have a downward effect on their forward play if they don’t actually attempt to make forward runs in games. After watching them on Saturday, it didn’t surprise me to hear that Villa haven’t scored in five of their last six league encounters, with three actually being at Villa Park. Their strikers just aren’t getting a fluent run of play at the present time and it’s having a negative effect on their morale and form. 

The last time, and only time in six, Villa scored in a Premiership fixture was away at Fulham when they won 2-0. However, even those goals were due to defensive mistakes from Fulham, so some could say Villa are struggling for creativity at present, which is a strange comment to make considering the amount of creative players they have in their squad; Milner, Young, Downing and Petrov.. However, the facts remain that Villa are struggling in front of goal and could find themselves leaving Villa Park empty handed once again if they don’t buck up their ideas in front of goal.

They are without a win at Villa Park in their last three, with Villa failing to score in all three, and in the knowledge that Villa haven’t beaten United at Villa Park this side of the Millennium, surely the home side must be opposed in this clash?

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: DWWWW

The Red Devils are back to their scintillating best and even an on-song Aston Villa would struggle to halt this United express on current form. They have all the momentum after yet another winning weekend, this time smashing five past a hapless Portsmouth, and now United take their winning run of four games, and unbeaten streak of seven, to Villa Park where they’ll be gunning for revenge after their home defeat to Villa earlier in the season.

Manchester United are in the perfect form to reverse the 1-0 defeat to Villa at Old Trafford after looking unstoppable of late, and backing this unstoppable comment up with a seven match unbeaten run. Their demolition of Portsmouth on Saturday was their fourth victory on the spin following their sublime win at The Emirates a week earlier, beating Arsenal 3-1 in an emphatic manner. Their win on Saturday was largely down to some good fortune, but you make your own fortune in this game and United might not need any lucky charms on Wednesday if they can somehow replicate their performance in their last away outing, at Arsenal, into this fixture at Villa Park, in that United were lethal on the attack and tidy at the back against The Gunners, which makes for a pleasant change.  

However, before we get too carried away, we must say that United have only won two of their last four away fixtures and have been found wanting on their travels on a few occasions this season. They are, though, undefeated on the road since their humbling at Craven Cottage by Fulham, back in December. They recovered well mind, winning two of their next three, but one was against a toothless Hull City, at the time, and they did almost come unstuck at Villa’s loca neighbours, Birmingham City, drawing 1-1 at S.t Andrews after coming back from 1-0 down. Still, unbeaten in three games away from home, scoring seven and conceding two, and United look the team to be on in this clash.

One thing we must point out, and advise caution on, is not to get too carried away with United’s recent scoring antics. Alex Ferguson’s side, spearheaded by the leagues top goalscorer in Wayne Rooney, have scored an outstanding fifteen goals in their last four league fixtures; an average of nearly 4 goals a game. However, with the exception of Arsenal, their goals have come against some of the leagues worst teams, with United scoring 3 against Burnley, putting 4 past Hull City & 5 past Portsmouth, all in the bottom half of the table, two of which were in the relegation one at the start of the weekend. The goals will, however, bring about a significant boost in confidence for the United forwards, mainly just Wayne Rooney, and their creative players, but we mustn’t forget that Villa have a strong defence, one of thee strongest in the league, and haven’t conceded a league goal in four games – So don’t be too hasty!

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.91 Bet365

Villa have lost a great deal of momentum with this baron looking run of one win in six, whereas United are flying at the moment and even a resilient Villa could struggle to stop the mighty reds on Wednesday evening. Villa’s attackers haven’t had much luck in recent fixtures, league wise, and we feel they could bottle in the crucial moments at Villa Park, while United have been scoring goals left, right and centre and appear far too strong for an always improving Aston Villa.

Match Odds:

Aston Villa – 4.30 VCbet

Draw – 3.60 Boylesports

Manchester United – 1.91 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Man Utd to WIN to NIL – 3.25 SkyBet

Villa haven’t had much luck in front of goal in their recent outings, while United have been winning whilst keeping clean sheets of late, albeit against far inferior opposition. Nevertheless, the confidence at the back for United is steadily growing and we feel a to NIL victory could be on the cards. Sir Alex hasn’t seen his United side keep an away clean sheet since early December when United ran riot at Upton Park, beating West Ham 4-0, but their defence is looking a lot tighter now, more organised, and should of ended their baron clean sheet run in their last away outing at The Emirates, with a deflected Thomas Vermaelen shot spoiling United’s early defensive celebrations.

Also, Wayne Rooney is on fire right now, and even X2 Jens Lehmann’s, X3 Heurelho Gomes’ and X7 David James’ in the goal would struggle to keep the United machine out on present form. Rooney bagged two when United won 4-1 at Villa Park in 2007, United’s last victory at Aston Villa after drawing 0-0 their last season, and we’ve taken to his odds of scoring more against Villa on Wednesday night.

Advisable Bets:

Wayne Rooney Anytime Scorer – 11/8 Boylesports

Wayne Rooney FGS – 9/2 totesport

Wayne Rooney to score a BRACE (2 or more) – 7/1 WilliamHill

Manchester United V Portsmouth

Saturday, 6^th February – 15:00 GMT

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: DLLWL

Manchester United appear to be back to their ruthless selves and it doesn’t get any better for the current Premiership champions than a home fixture with bottom of the league, Portsmouth. A game which United are expected to dominate from start to finish, control the tempo of the game and score plenty of goals in as they’ve been finding the goal with ease of late. The Red Devils are widely renowned for their strong second-half finishes to a season and 2010, the second half of what is shaping up to be one of the tightest Premiership seasons to date, is no exception, with United winning all three of their league fixtures this year and are aiming to maintain this winning run by dishing out another beating. 

The morale in the United camp will have rocketed through the roof after their sensational display and result over the weekend. Sir Alex Ferguson was touting his sides clash at The Emirates with a in form Arsenal as one of the games of the season and the most successful manager in English history was true to his word as United swept a-side their title challengers. United did need a bit of luck to get the ball rolling when Manuel Almunia in the Arsenal goal flicked a Nani cross-come-shot into his own goal, but the Mighty Reds’ never looked back and seized on this piece of good fortune but asserting their authority. Wayne Rooney, who has been United’s shining light, not only of late but for the entire season thus far, notched up his 100^th goal in the Premier League with United’s second before Park scored their third with a phenomenal breakaway attack. Arsenal did bag a late consolation but, all-in-all, it was a fantastic day at the office for Fergie’s Man Utd and they are now huge favourites to win this game and pile more pressure on Chelsea at the top.

There are few better feelings in football than getting one over on an arch-enemy and it was United who enjoyed such a euphoric feeling on Sunday after their 3-1 victory over the Gunners. That result, on top of their two other comfortable victories in 2010; beating Burnley & Hull City 3-0 & 4-0 at home respectively, should be an ample stepping stone for a big run of form for United as the chase for the title hots up once more. United, who are hot on the heels of Chelsea, are just one point behind Chelsea in the table but do have a game less to play. However, so long as United maintain this pressure then Chelsea are a good bet to slip up at some point. Sir Alex is the master at capitalizing on others misfortunes and it’s no surprise to see many punters jumping ship and backing United for the title now.

With the exception of their away fixture at The Emirates, a game they excelled in, United have had an easy start to 2010 after home fixtures with Burnley & Hull City, with United winning both. Those two sides mentioned are both firmly in a relegation fight and now United welcome another straggler in Portsmouth… A fixture more easier on the eye than their previous easy fixtures. With Rooney & Co winning 10 of 12 home games thus far, and winning their previous four home fixtures, anything other than a comfortable United victory, complimented by a few home goals, would be a turn up for the books as this looks as straightforward a fixtures as you’ll ever see.

Portsmouth

League Position: 20th

Recent Form: LLDLL

Portsmouth could best be described as a Roundabout – Not because they’ve now had their third new owner of the season when Balram Chainrai took over the reigns but because they’ve simply drive you round the bloody bend. We could easily highlight five or six games this season where Pompey played well in a match or were the better side throughout and this was the case on Wednesday as Portsmouth, once again, played extremely well, better than expected, but still came out on the losing side. Argh!

Fortunately for us, we were on Fulham to beat Portsmouth but we’re putting ourselves into a Portsmouth’s fans shoes and we must say they’re giving us blisters. On Wednesday night, Portsmouth succumbed to their 16^th – Yes 16^th defeat of the season. That’s a ridiculous amount of losses for a side that were celebrating an FA Cup success just two years ago. The South Coast team have a 70% losing percentage in Premiership affairs this season and that looks an almost certainty to stretch further with the visit to Old Trafford this Saturday. 

During January, Younes Kaboul left the club and so did Begovic, leaving Portsmouth even lighter in numbers. However, the sale of both was the biggest indication yet, although there has been plenty, that Portsmouth are in dire straits and that they desperately need any form of cash to keep HM revenue and many others of their backs. Avram Grant can’t complain as he knew what he was getting himself into and he must now work with the few half-decent players he has left at his disposal.

To be frank and honest, Portsmouth will do well to escape Old Trafford with a respectable scoreline, such is the task at hand and the gulf in class Portsmouth have to breach. Separating Portsmouth from Man Utd is 18 league positions and 38 points. Pompey, after a thriller of a campaign (Not in a good way, mind) are rooted to the very bottom of the league and, with wholesale departures expected at the end of the season, Portsmouth look doomed already despite nearly half the season still to play. Moreover, to worsen Portsmouth Old Trafford credentials; the Sea-Siders haven’t won an away fixture since early October when they beat a less-than-impressive Wolves 1-0 at Molineux. They’ve lost six of their last seven away games in the league; conceding 11 and scoring just 2.  

The plus point, though was Portsmouth’s performance on Wednesday in that they looked dangerous in attack. Because Grant still has a physically-strong striking duo of Piquionne & Dindane, whom I thought had left the club, Portsmouth do remain a danger when in the final third. However, they will struggle to get hold of the ball in this contest and Portsmouth’s strikers may only get one chance to make a quick-fire name for themselves at Old Trafford for when the club eventually do let them go, which should be in July to ease their money problems.

Head-to-Head:

Manchester United W:8 Portsmouth W:1 Draws:1

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.14 SkyBet

This really could be a mammoth scoreline but one thing Portsmouth still have, even now after all the going-on’s and dramas, they have this fighting spirit, this die-hard attitude where they battle on regardless of all the clubs well publicised financial issues. I do remember when they went to Stamford Bridge a little while ago this season and gave a very good account of themselves. Perhaps should have taken a point from there. However, Portsmouth didn’t take their chances in that game and have had a issue with converting opportunities all season. United, however, will carve out plenty against a Portsmouth defence which would struggle to compete in The Championship. We expect United to score at least a couple in this contest, but Portsmouth to score, as well, could be worth a small dabble mainly because United aren’t worth the hassle.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.14 SkyBet

Draw – 9.00 VCbet

Portsmouth – 25.00 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Both teams to score – 2.75 WilliamHill

Arsenal V Manchester United

Sunday, 31^st January – 16:00 GMT (Sky Sports 1)

Arsenal

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: WDWWD 

A fixture which will really test the resolve of Arsenal and will give us a quick assessment on how The Gunners will fare in this race for the title. Arsenal’s last encounter with a ‘Top Four’ team was that emphatic home defeat with Chelsea, losing 3-0 at The Emirates. At the time, mainly because of the manner in which Arsenal lost that day, most punters and pundits alike were writing Arsenal completely off in the title race and who could blame them after what was an abysmal display. However, they’ve replied magnificently and have since not fallen to a single league defeat, going ten games unbeaten and jumping right back into the title equation.  

The positive factor for Arsenal fans is that their record at home of late is strong, with four wins from their last five home fixtures. However, there are now a few negatives, with one being their recent setback away at Villa Park in which they were held by an Aston Villa side which pushed them closed for the best part of the last season for a Champions League berth, drawing 0-0 at Villa Park last Wednesday. It was a game where either side could have won as both had chances to win the game, but neither had that cutting edge in the final third of the pitch and the draw was a fair result come the end.

However, it was Arsene Wenger who was more disgruntled with the result as he bemoaned Martin O’Neill’s ‘Route 1 & Physical’ style of play in that encounter and claimed Villa got their tactics spot on as Villa didn’t allow his own players to play their own breed of football. To be honest, we felt Arsenal’s players showed a lack of immaturity as they didn’t adapt quickly enough to Villa’s aggressive style on the night, and by that we mean Villa’s obsessive closing down. It was also a poor act on Wenger’s part as you can’t expect to play in the same manner for each and every game, and that the need for a mix-up in style and tactics is always needed in the Premiership.

Our next rant, although this one is smaller, is Arsenal’s poor start in their previous home encounter with Bolton Wanderers. The Gunners were sluggish out of the blocks in their home fixture with Bolton and quickly found themselves two goals down with less than 20 minutes on the clock. They made such a sloppy start that it was beyond belief to see Bolton go two up within minutes, and if they started in the same fashion on Sunday, they would almost certainly be punished. They did, however, pull off a stunning comeback when they eventually ran out comfortable 4-2 winners, but their lacklustre start to the game did concern us and does leave them exposed as the Red Devils come to town.

Arsenal’s home record: 9-1-1.  

The Emirates has brought about a huge chunk of Arsenal’s points this season, with nine of their fifteen league wins coming at home. They’ve also suffered just the one home defeat all season, although that was in their first home encounter against one of the so called ‘Big Four’ this season, losing 3-0 as Arsenal put in one of their poorest displays of the campaign.

Goals For: 34 Goals Against: 11 

As you can see, Arsenal have been prolific in front of goal at The Emirates but have been equally as impressive at the back, conceding just eleven goals in eleven home games. They are averaging over 3 goals a game at home this season and have only once failed to find the opposing goal; that in their solitary home defeat thus far to Chelsea. 

Top Goalscorer: Cesc Fabregas – 11 League Goals

The Spaniard has been the driving success behind this recent Arsenal surge and has often been their saviour in games Arsenal look destined to drop points in. On current form, Fabregas would be up their in the top three of the worlds best players as his slick interchanging, superb vision when on the ball and sleek finishing is just too hot to handle for some sides. With Arsene Wenger suffering plenty of attacking injuries, Eduardo being his most recent injury abseentee, Fabregas has risen to the challenge and has four more league goals than anyone else in the Arsenal squad. An incredible achievement for a midfielder.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWDWW

It’s a Manchester United side buoyed by their Carling Cup semi-final success that heads down to the capital on Sunday in a game they too must win in order to retain some pressure on the league leaders, Chelsea. The Red Devils shown a lot of heart in their 3-1 defeat of Man City on Wednesday night and they’ll require plenty of the same if they are to record another colossal victory at The Emirates and send Arsenal to their first league defeat in ten games.  

Sir Alex thought Wayne Rooney put in a ‘World Class’ performance on Wednesday night and we wouldn’t disagree with those comments. The England forward was at the heart of everything good with United’s play and it was fitting that he grabbed United’s third and eventual winner. To be fair, though, United as a team played extremely well and were the better side for most parts. The first half was a drab affair but United really took it to City in the second half, creating plenty of chances and United could of scored four or five with some clinical and composed finishing. However, it was their midfield which impressed me the most, in the second half that is, as they bombed forward when in attack, in numbers, and they had City camped in their own half for most of the second period.

If United can replicate their second half display into their match with Arsenal on Sunday then we should be in for a real treat as Arsenal will attack United at every opportunity, and so, ideally, we would like United to do the same. However, the Red Devils haven’t fared at all well in away fixtures with the ‘Top Four’ this season, having lost at both Chelsea & Liverpool, both to NIL. Moreover, United haven’t won at Arsenal since their thrilling 4-2 victory at Highbury back in 2005. They have since failed in their last four attempts to overhaul Arsenal on Gunners territory, drawing twice and losing twice. 

United’s form away from home this season hasn’t been the best but they too have a decent unbeaten run under their belts and haven’t lost a league fixture in five games. A run which started shortly after Christmas. However, United have been found wanting on a few away occasions this season and none more so than in their fixtures with Chelsea & Liverpool. At Anfield, United were extremely poor and never threatened the Liverpool goal. They were more lively in their Stamford Bridge encounter, creating a few openings, but their finishing was poor on the day and were punished for their striking arrogance. A defeat at The Emirates would send United to their third ‘Big Four’ defeat of the season and leave them without a point on their travels against the ‘Top Dogs’.

Manchester United away record: 6-1-4

It’s rare to see so many defeats on the road for the mighty Red Devils but what stands out more was the scoreline in each of their four away defeats. In all four, United failed to score in all of them, losing to NIL with Burnley (1-0), Liverpool (2-0), Chelsea (1-0) and Fulham (3-0). You don’t often associate Man Utd with a blunt attacking line but that has been the case this season, with Wayne Rooney their only bright spark for them in attack. They are, though, unbeaten in their last two away fixtures, having scrambled a draw at Birmingham in their last away encounter and earning a 3-1 victory at Hull City just after Christmas.

Goals For: 22 Goals Against: 11

United’s away record this term may not look sharp but they still boast an impressive away goal difference of + 11. However, United haven’t kept an away clean sheet since their 4-0 rout of West Ham at Upton Park on 5th December, and have since seen Fulham (3Gls), Hull City (1Gl) and Birmingham City (1Gl) score against them. The positive for them, however, is the form of Wayne Rooney and you would feel a big performance is required from their most expensive and influential player on Sunday.

Top Goalscorer: Wayne Rooney – 19 League Goals

With a staggering 19 league goals for the season, Wayne Rooney is not only Man Utd’s leading goalscorer but he is also leading the way in the Premiership. Five in front of his nearest challenger, Sunderland’s Darren Bent. Without Rooney, United arguably would be a good four of five positions further down the table, such has been his importance to the United cause this season with both his goals and his performances in a United shirt. He has worked his socks off even when others haven’t even bothered to turn up and if he’s not scoring the goals you’ll often see him turn provider. He doesn’t shy away from the action, is always wanting the ball and will take some stopping on Saturday after scoring a staggering four goals in his last outing in the league, slipping four past Hull City.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 3.00 WilliamHill / Interwetten

We didn’t want to bottle it on the prediction and opted against sitting on the fence by backing United to overhaul Arsenal at The Emirates. The United camp will be buoyed by their Carling Cup success and the prospect of yet another Carling Cup final in February. However, the difference for us is Wayne Rooney and the scintillating form he is in. He has been deadly in front of goal of late and is in one of his ‘unstoppable’ moods. We fancy Rooney to be in the thick of the action in this contest in what should be a tightly contested fixture. Arsenal’s best chance of winning this game will depend solely on the performance of Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal best player by a country mile this season. However, Arshavin has a knack of scoring in the big games and did scores Arsenal’s first at Old Trafford in a 2-1 loss and their winner at Anfield in a 2-1 win against Liverpool.

It’s wide open, but we’d rather cheer on one side than simply play for the draw. Flip a coin if you must as this should be a close affair.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 2.60 Bet365 or WilliamHill

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Manchester United – 3.00 Interwetten 

 [Update 31 Jan: the odds on Man United have fallen, the best odds available now is 2.85 at Expekt]

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Wayne Rooney FGS – 7.00 BetFred

West Ham United V Manchester United

Kick-off: Saturday 5^th December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Upton Park

West Ham United

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: DLDWL

West Ham’s recent success, a 5-3 win over a poor travelling Burnley, is hard to read anything into after they nearly threw away a five goal lead. West Ham started the game like a house on fire, storming into a 5-0 lead, but a lack of concentration at the back almost led to a West Ham collapse and, were it not for the final whistle, West Ham could have left Upton Park red faced. However, the result is all that will matter to Gianfranco Zola, as he clearly stated in his short interview afterwards, and the three points will do nicely as the Hammers continue to climb out of the bottom three.

The result was great, the performance was a mixed bag. The first half seen West Ham put Burnley well and truly to the sword, scoring three in first 45 minutes before extending their lead after the break. However, their second half capitulation has sent alarm bells ringing once again as West Ham look as vulnerable as ever before the arrival of a Manchester United who smashed Portsmouth for four last Saturday.

In past season, Upton Park has often been a retreat for West Ham whenever times are hard. Well, the Hammers are hovering above the relegation after spending several awkward weeks in the bottom three so there’s no time like the present to return home to what should be a happy hunting ground. However, that hasn’t been the case this season, although, results have steadily improved in recent visits, with West Ham winning two of their previous three encounters at Upton Park.

In general it’s been a very poor start from a West Ham side who finished in the top ten last season. It was always going to be hard emulating their success of last term but they’ve gone from hero to zero since the summer. The arrival of Franco means Carlton Cole is no longer a lone solider up front which should bolster their attacking credentials, but it’s been their defence which has been the main cause for concern. Robert Green is normally a master of consistency but even he has struggled to keep the West Ham defence a float. What’s more, Green has conceded four more goals at home then he has done away from their beloved Upton Park so perhaps West Ham have allowed themselves to become too comfortable at home, possibly leading to home complacency.

For West Ham to take anything from this game they will need a rapturous support from their home fans. The players have shown on more then one occasion this season that they can nod off mid-game and it’s down to the fans to keep the players minds well and truly focused on the job at hand. An early goal for United is likely but it won’t be the be all and end all and the Hammers fans need to remember this on Saturday.

Manchester United

League Position: 7th

Recent Form: LWLDD

United warmed up for this trip down to London in fine style when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday. A result which seen The Red Devils progress into the last four of the Carling Cup. However, it’s now all hands on deck again as United return back to Premiership action against a West Ham side in did win on their last league outing, so perhaps United will have to work a lot harder then they did last Saturday when they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Last Saturday, at Fratton Park, United were far from their glistening, free-flowing best but it was yet another set of three points. United were actually under the cosh in the first 20 minutes of that game, with Portsmouth throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the United defence. But, despite a successful Boateng penalty for Pompey, United did the expected and won the game, but in an unconvincing manner it has to be said. They were surprisingly sluggish in the opening exchanges, passes were going astray, and were it not for a generous referee, United may have struggled to get on top of Portsmouth. Two of United’s four goals came from the spot, with Rooney converting both on the way to a hat-trick, but it far from one way traffic as Portsmouth did spur several glorious opportunities.

United weren’t poor, they just weren’t their sparkling best. Still, as long as you win nowadays the performance generally doesn’t matter. With those three points, United have kept in touch with an on-fire Chelsea side, although, The Red Devils are still five points adrift of the leaders. However, with Chelsea facing a tricky trip to United’s nearby City neighbours, this venture to Upton Park could be very beneficial as United could close the gap to just two points were Chelsea to lose at The City of Manchester stadium. That has to be in the minds of the United players and we expect a strong start this time, unlike the one at Portsmouth a week ago.

Man Utd’s away record may look a tad shabby at 4-0-3 but two of those defeats did come at top four venues, losing 1-0 at Chelsea & 2-0 at Liverpool. The other was a rare and arguably the shock of the season defeat at Burnley, losing 1-0. However, on the whole, United have been their usual clinical selves on the road, beating the lesser sides in the league such as; Wigan Athletic (0-5), Stoke City (0-2), Portsmouth (1-4) and even a very creditable win at White Hart Lane against an improving and dangerous Tottenham, winning 1-3. They’ve found the opposing net on 14 occasions whilst managing to ship just six and despite not having sixty-thousand United fans cheering them this Saturday, United should still be far too strong for what is an under-performing West Ham side at current.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

West Ham United W: 3 Manchester United W: 6 Draws: 1

The mighty Red Devils certainly haven’t had it all their own way against the Hammers. However, in recent meetings, it’s been pretty one way traffic, with United winning the previous three. The beat West Ham twice last season, without conceding a single goal. A 2-0 victory at Old Trafford, while a narrow 1-0 win at Upton Park, by virtue of a Ryan Giggs strike, secured them a league double over West Ham, their very first in the Premiership.

Back in 2006/2007, West Ham did go on a three match winning run over United, recording two 1-0 victories and a 2-1 success, two of which came at Upton Park. However, they failed to bridge the gap in recent season and their failure to score against the Red Devils last season just emphasises how far behind West Ham have fallen

Match Verdict:- Manchester United to WIN – 1.50 PaddyPower

West Ham may have won their last home encounter but their defensive flaws were there for all to see, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be licking his lips at the prospect of attacking a vulnerable West Ham defence. Wayne Rooney will be confident after scoring a hat-trick last Saturday at Fratton Park, while Ryan Giggs could start from the off after an inspirational performance against Portsmouth last Saturday and the Welshmen’s goal in last seasons encounter at Upton Park was all that separated the two back then. Will lightening strike twice or will it be Rooney to continue his rich vein of scoring goals, Either way, United should win this relatively comfortably.

Match Odds:

West Ham United – 8.00 Coral

Draw – 4.30 Bet365

Manchester United – 1.50 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Wayne Rooney FGS – 4.50 SkyBet

Portsmouth V Manchester United

Kick-off: Saturday 28th November – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Fratton Park

Portsmouth

League Position: 20th

Recent Form: LDWLL

It will be difficult to back Portsmouth with any real confidence after the week they’ve had. The 1-0 defeat to Stoke City on Sunday led to the departure of Paul Hart, a manager who saved their bacon last season, and with their being a strong case that the Pompey players might struggle without the guidance of a real manager on the touchline, God only knows how they will perform without any influential figure leading them on. Paul Groves & Ian Woan will take over on a temporary basis for Saturday’s clash with Manchester United, while a full-time manager should be in place by this time next week, if not sooner.

Last Sunday saw Portsmouth lose their tenth game of the season, taking their losing average up to 77%. With this in mind, the sacking of Paul Hart probably won’t raise too many eyebrows but, although we were asking for his head at the very beginning of the season, we thought Portsmouth had turned a corner, with their performances steadily improving. However, it’s a cut-throat world today and it’s now a results business, and the points weren’t flooding in enough to keep Hart in a job.

Portsmouth have now lost their second successive game in the Premiership following their 1-0 defeat at Blackburn just before the international break. However, both of those did come away from their Southern venue – Fratton Park, a stadium where Portsmouth won on their last visit, a resounding 4-0 win over Wigan, a side who did, however, go on to lose 9-1 at the weekend, so perhaps that victory wasn’t as impressive as first thought. At Fratton Park, results on the pitch haven’t been great, far from great, with a record of 1-0-5. At first glance that will come across as a terrible record, and it is, but Portsmouth haven’t been on the wrong end of a home battering this season, with all five of those defeats coming by a one goal margin. 

This really is a situation where boys become men but it’s been one of the boys which has carried Portsmouth in recent weeks, and that’s been Tottenham’s, Jamie O’Hara. The English U21 international has been a revelation at the club since his loan switch but he has been about the only shining light in this relatively low quality and low budgeted Portsmouth squad. The slimness of squad and talent is already apparent and this should be evident once again on Saturday, with the absence of a natural born managerial leader now making matters whole lot worse for Portsmouth’s dire and distressing situation.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WLWLW

Manchester United are firm favourites to notch up their second win in succession but, after losing on their previous two away outings, perhaps there will be a few doubters out there.. somewhere. Us, however, can’t see anything other then a United romp but who knows. The Red Devils did scrape through this fixture last season by the skin of their teeth, winning 1-0, but a more comfortable and comprehensive result is expected of them this time.

It’s imperative that United do obtain all three points, that’s the main objective after losing on their previous two away trips in the league. However, let’s not forget that both those outings were against two of the hardest teams in the league in Liverpool, losing 2-0, and Chelsea, losing 1-0. They were completely outplayed at Anfield but they were by far the better side at Stamford Bridge and the 1-0 defeat wasn’t a fair reflection on a game which United pretty much dominated. Still, even though those pair of defeats will have been disheartening, a trip to Portsmouth is a massive step down in class and United shouldn’t be troubled all that often at Fratton Park – that’s the plan anyway.

We were really disappointed with United in midweek, mainly with Alex Ferguson, as it was a golden opportunity for their youngsters and some of their fringe players to really shine and put their name in the frame for a possible starting berth in this fixture. The starting line up basically consisted of United’s young crop, neither of which impressed, and the defeat was an embarrassing one come the end. Still, it was a nothing game for United and we haven’t took too much notice of it, although, it may have halted some of the momentum after their 3-0 win over Everton last Saturday.

Man Utd’s away record has taken a battering in recent weeks, with it now standing at 3-0-3, but if you disregard their two defeats to Liverpool & Chelsea, as they are far better teams then Portsmouth, then United have faired extremely well. Stoke City (0-2), Tottenham Hotspur (1-3) & Wigan Athletic (1-5), were all dispatched with ease, with United scoring ten away goals thus far. Wayne Rooney has been United’s main man up front, scoring seven league goals, but he’s now gone two games without a goal so we expect Rooney to be extra motivated and as hungrier then ever this Saturday.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

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

The fact that Portsmouth have two victories to their name is an achievement in itself considering the position they are currently in and the stature of their opponents. However, Portsmouth last win over the Red Devils came three years ago in a 2-1 success at Fratton Park, the venue for Saturdays encounter. Somewhat surprisingly, United have won just twice in six visits to Fratton Park, although the most recent came last season in a narrow 1-0 victory. United have dominated back on home soil so Fratton Park is the only place where Portsmouth have managed to close the gap on the formidable English side.

Match Verdict:- Manchester United to WIN – 1.40 BlueSquare

If Portsmouth do manage to work their socks off and earn a point, or even more, then fair play to them because coming out of this fixture with anything to show for their efforts will take some doing. However, we, unfortunately, cannot see this happening and if Portsmouth aren’t careful, a United romp could be on the cards. With the manager being relived of his duties in midweek, the confident within the Pompey dressing can’t be too great, while United’s, after their resounding 3-0 victory over Everton last weekend, will be eager to get back to winning ways on the road and they don’t usually pass up these types of glorious opportunities.

Match Odds:

Portsmouth – 10.00 Bet365

Draw – 5.00 SkyBet

Manchester United – 1.40 BlueSquare

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Manchester United to WIN to NIL – 2.10 totesport