Man Utd

Manchester United V Liverpool

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 11 February 2012 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

Preview

The spotlight of the football world will fall on Old Trafford this weekend for what many believe is still the biggest, most high-profile encounter in English football. That’s right, Manchester United and Liverpool – the two most successful clubs in the history of the English game, with 37 top-flight titles between them – renew their fierce, age-old rivalry at the Theatre of Dreams in what has all the makings of a typically fiery contest in the north-west.

It almost goes without saying that the majority of the pre-match focus will be on Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, the controversial Uruguayan who was charged with racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra when the pair contested a 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October, 2011. Thus we can expect a volatile atmosphere in and around Old Trafford as the United faithful voice their ‘candid’ opinions of the South American, especially after Evra was jeered throughout last month’s FA Cup fourth-round clash on Merseyside.

Away from the controversial issues involving Suarez and Evra and if the team’s clash in the FA Cup last month is anything to go by, United are likely to exact their revenge at the weekend. Why? Because they were utterly dominate at Anfield, this in spite of losing the tie 2-1 courtesy of Dirk Kuyt’s late winner. They’re also in considerably better form, with three wins from their last four league games, plus morale will have rocketed after their stunning comeback away to Chelsea last weekend.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have really struggled of late, which is no surprise considering the amount of games they’ve contested recently. Cup scalps of both Man City and Man Utd are very impressive indeed, but it’s one win in five in the league for Kenny Dalglish’s weary side, after they were held to a goalless at home by Tottenham on Monday – the third occasion in their last five Premier League matches in which they have failed to even score. However the Reds have fared a lot better on their travels this season, with six of their ten league victories coming on the road, where they’ve beaten both Arsenal and Chelsea.

If Liverpool are crying out for some fresh impotence, an injection of energy perhaps, then the return of Luis Suarez couldn’t be any more timely. The 26-year-old has even been quoted as saying he will feed off of all the jeers, which is a frightening prospect considering he’s a handful when he isn’t fired up. It remains to be seen whether Kenny Dalglish’s unleashes his Jack in the Box from the outset, although his team’s lethargic showing in midweek would suggest he may.

You have to feel United will be running purely on adrenaline ahead of this clash, especially after their heroics at Chelsea last weekend. To come back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 was a remarkable achievement, a real morale booster for a team rapidly building up ahead of steam. Key figures have been missing, the likes of Nemana Vidic, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Nani, but that hasn’t stopped Sir Alex’s Red Devils from winning three of their last four league games, including each of the previous two at Old Trafford without conceding a goal.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United (FA Cup); 28 January, 2012. A fairly tame affair by this fixture’s high standards was eventually won by Liverpool, who had Dirk Kuyt to thank for progress in the FA Cup. Daniel Agger had opened the scoring for the home side, but their lead was wiped out by Ji-Sung Park just before the half-time interval. However it was Kuyt who landed a telling blow late on for Kenny Dalglish’s men, slamming home a winner in the 88TH minute.

- Each of the last two Premier League meetings at Old Trafford were won by the home side, with United winning last season’s corresponding fixture 3-2 – Steven Gerrard struck twice for Liverpool, who were 2-0 down at the time, but Dimitar Berbatov was the hero for United as the Bulgarian struck a match-winning hat-trick.

- Since the 2004/05 season, Liverpool have beaten Manchester United once in seven Premier League visits to Old Trafford (W1 D0 L6).

- The pair contested a 1-1 draw at Anfield in their first league encounter of the season, a match remembered more for the unsavoury incident involving Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Man Utd’s Patrice Evra than the goals scored by Steven Gerrard and Javier Hernandez.

Manchester United

- Last Sunday’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Chelsea leaves United trailing leaders Man City by two points going into this weekend’s mouthwatering contest, although victory would move them a point above Roberto Mancini’s side who are not in action until Sunday.

- Only Sunderland have taken more points over an eight-game period than United, who have registered 16 points from the 24 that went on offer (W5 D1 L2).

- United have won their previous two home Premier League games without conceding, in beating Bolton (3-0) and Stoke (2-0), with their record at home an impressive W9 D1 L2, scoring 35 goals whilst conceding 14.

Liverpool

- Last Monday’s goalless draw at home to Tottenham meant Liverpool remained in seventh in the league, four points behind Chelsea in fourth and those sought-after Champions League spots.

- Since the beginning of the year, Liverpool have only taken maximum points from one of their five Premier League matches (W1 D2 L2), with those two defeats coming away at Bolton (3-1) and Manchester City (3-0).

- Although they remain unbeaten at home in the league, Liverpool have actually won more times on their travels this season (6 compared with 4 back at Anfield; W6 D1 L5 away from home), and were emphatic 3-0 winners over Wolves in their latest away outing in the Premier League.

- Liverpool have kept three clean sheets in their last four league games, and boast one of the stronger away defences in the top-flight with only 13 conceded from 12 away games – only Chelsea and Man Utd have shipped fewer goals on their travels.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester United to WIN @ 910 (BetVictor)

With a raucous crowd and a volatile atmosphere, emotions could boil over at Old Trafford in what remains thee biggest game in English football. Supporters of both teams have been warned as to their conduct, but I can see that falling on deaf ears as kick-off approaches. This truly is unmissable, for so many reasons.

As far as the result goes, something tells me we’re in for a repeat of their FA Cup fourth-round encounter last month, only this time we’ll have the correct outcome. United were dominant from the word ‘Go’ at Anfield, bossing possession from start to finish and were in no way deserving of a 2-1 defeat. Luis Suarez is of course back for the visitors and although he will be a nuisance, his temperament has to be questioned. Other than the Uruguayan, I don’t see too many in this Liverpool team capable of causing a United rearguard which has kept six clean sheets at home this season too many problems.

Last week’s result at Chelsea was huge for United. The point was crucial, but even more so was the comeback. Every single player will be buzzing after those heroics, and that result will instil so much belief into the dressing room. With Wayne Rooney back to his inspired best, I genuinely feel United will be too strong for a Liverpool side who have tended to come good in the crunch games, against the best teams, but have played more games than most since the turn of the year and were tired and lethargic at home to Tottenham on Monday.

Value Bet: Wayne Rooney First Goalscorer @ 4/1 (Ladbrokes)

The United talisman was inspirational in his side’s stunning comeback at Chelsea last weekend, coolly tucking home two penalties. He was more than just a clinical penalty taker, he drove his team forward with his powerful, direct runs and he can once again be the inspiration for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United as they look to maintain their impressive run at home to Liverpool, having won six of their last seven at Old Trafford versus their arch rivals.

Match Odds

Manchester United – 9/10 (BetVictor)

Draw – 13/5 (Bet365)

Liverpool – 7/2( StanJames)

Chelsea V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 5 February 2012 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Preview

Last September, Chelsea went to Old Trafford as title contenders. They gave a very good account of themselves at the home of the champions, creating a plethora of chances, but yet somehow ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline. Four months on and while United remain in the hunt for a twentieth league title, Chelsea have fallen by the wayside – but that doesn’t mean Sunday’s encounter loses any of its spice or significance.

It is a fixture which requires no introduction, yet it gets one from me – sadly. In recent times they are the two most successful clubs in English football, dominating when it comes to collecting the major honours. Because of this, a rivalry has formed, mainly due to the fact defeat in this fixture usually comes with dire consequences. Now Chelsea may be all-but out of the title race, trailing the two Manchester clubs by twelve-points, but it doesn’t change the fact that Sunday’s result WILL have huge ramifications at the top of the table.

There is an argument that victory for the home side, Chelsea, would keep their slim hopes of reclaiming their crown alive – though they would still need Man City to slip-up at home to Fulham if they’re to claw back any of this twelve-point deficit. Being more realistic however, a win would strengthen their claims for Champions League football next season; the Blues are locked in a three-way tussle for fourth with Arsenal and Liverpool, who are four and five-points behind respectively.

As far as United are concerned, victory on Sunday could be a positive omen. In each of the previous three seasons, the winner of this duel in the second-half of the term has gone on to lift the title. There are a few glitches however, like how Chelsea were title contenders in previous years, whereas only City are on this occasion. Even more critical is how United have gone almost a decade without winning a Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge, losing on six of their last nine visits!

Unconvincing Blues appear vulnerable up against Sir Alex’s imperious travellers

After fortuitously drawing with Swansea on Tuesday, Chelsea stretched their unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions – four in the league and two in the FA Cup. It’s been a strange old run, as not once did Andre Villas-Boas’ men play convincingly. The very same could be said of their form in general; while they are unbeaten in six, they’ve won only two of their previous eight Premier League matches, and just three of their last seven at home, where Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool have all won this season.

Defensively there have been noticeable improvements, as no longer is Petr Cech the busiest Blues player on the park, nor is he picking the ball out of his own net so much; the 29-year-old custodian has conceded a miserly two in his last four league appearances between the sticks. Offensively, however, they remain alarmingly toothless. Their only goal at Swansea in midweek was a Neil Taylor own-goal, which kind of speaks volumes, as Fernando Torres & Co failed to notch more than one goal in a game for the seventh occasion in their last eight Premier League contests.

On the topic of Chelsea’s Spanish striker, Torres has now racked up 12 consecutive Premier League appearances without finding the onion bag. And it will be El Nino who spearheads Villas-Boas’ attack on Sunday. ‘Bleak’ instantly springs to mind.

Chelsea sweating on key duo; United boost by returning trio

Contrastingly, United are looking the business. Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Stoke was their third in succession in the league and was the perfect riposte following Saturday’s FA Cup exit at the hands of fierce rivals Liverpool. They did so without a whole host of stars as well, some of which are expected back on Sunday the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney, as the Red Devils go in search of their ninth away win of the campaign that, at the very least, would see them rejoin City at the Premier League summit.

The hosts, meanwhile, have doubts over the participation of talismanic duo Frank Lampard and captain John Terry, whom has twice as many league goals this season than Torres (2). Brazilian midfielder Ramires is out injured while Didier Drogba remains on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.

Match Facts

Head-to-Head

Last League Meeting: A surprisingly open affair at Old Trafford on 18 September, 2011 was won by Manchester United, who struck three times before half-time (Smalling, Nani and Wayne Rooney the scorers) to give themselves an insurmountable 3-0 lead at the break. Fernando Torres did pull one back for Chelsea, who should have scored more than the solitary one but in the end had their profligacy to thank for a 3-1 defeat.

- Almost a decade has elapsed since Manchester United last won a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, losing on six of their previous nine visits to West London since a 3-0 success in April 2002.

- The pair clashed on no fewer than five separate occasions last season, in three different competitions, with United winning four – including both legs of a Champions League semi-final – to Chelsea’s one, whose only success was in the corresponding league fixture at Stamford Bridge (2-1).

- United striker Wayne Rooney has opened the scoring on each of his team’s previous two visits to Stamford Bridge, with both strikes coming within the opening 30 minutes.

Chelsea

- Andre Villas-Boas’ team have only been beaten once in their last eleven Premier League games (W5 D5 L1), but have won just two of their previous eight.

- In their last eight top-flight matches, Chelsea scored two goals or more on just one occasion – in beating Wolves 2-1 at Molineux, a side who are currently without a win in nine PL games.

- Stamford Bridge is no longer a fortress for Chelsea, who have succumbed to Arsenal (3-5), Aston Villa (1-3) and Liverpool (1-2) in the league there this season (Chelsea home PL record: W7 D1 L3).

- Even central defender John Terry (4) has scored more Premier League goals this season than striker Fernando Torres (2), who has now gone twelve consecutive top-flight matches without netting.

Manchester United

- No team has registered more points away from home in the Premier League this season than Manchester United (26), with the Red Devils losing just one of eleven away matches thus far (United away PL record: W8 D2 L1).

- It is now three wins on the spin for Sir Alex Ferguson and his charges, whom have a 100% record in London this season having won at Arsenal (1-2), Fulham (0-5) and QPR (0-2).

- Despite their goalkeeping issues, United have only shipped seven goals on their travels – thee best defensive figures in the league away from home – and have kept six clean sheets on the road.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester United to WIN @ 19/10 (Coral)

United are at that stage in the season where they know exactly what they want – and that’s the Barclay’s Premier League, especially seeing as they are now out of the FA Cup as well as the Champions League. So there shouldn’t be any let-up in desire and commitment from the visitors, which may not be mirrored by their opponents, a Chelsea team whose commitment to the cause has been questioned all season long.

Tuesday, at Swansea, is just one of numerous examples where Chelsea have been lacklustre (we could name a few others that occurred recently, seeing as the Blues have failed to win six of their last eight PL matches). Quite simply they’re too inconsistent to be backing in such a huge game, a game where we know full-well United will turn up. Can the same be said of Chelsea? Certainly not. They did condemn Man City to their first defeat of the season before Christmas, but they were extremely fortunate in that match. Moreover, both Arsenal and Liverpool have gone to Stamford Bridge and won – the latter twice – which only highlights their hit and miss nature.

There are also doubts over John Terry and Frank Lampard’s participation. The pair have been disappointing all season, however their experience and nous in the crunch Premier League encounters could be critical to their chances on Sunday. Even with them in the side I expect Manchester United, who were awesome at Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool recently – the latter albeit in defeat, the other two in victories – to prevail.

Value Bet: Wayne Rooney First Goalscorer @ 6/1 (WilliamHill)

I love a cheeky goalscorer punt in the Super Sunday games, and Rooney stands out like a sore thumb. The United striker has 13 for the season in the league, six of which were scored on the road, and he’ll appreciate the rest bite gained from sitting out Tuesday’s home clash with Stoke. Furthermore, it was he who opened the scoring on two separate visits to Stamford Bridge last season, in the opening leg of a Champions League semi-final and in the league.

Match Odds

Chelsea – 13/8 (Bet365)

Draw – 23/10 (BetVictor)

Manchester United – 19/10 (Coral)

At the weekend it was the FA Cup, now the focus in England switches swiftly to the Barclay’s Premier League as various tussles across the entire division resurface on Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb).

Straight to matters at the summit and after Manchester City’s dramatic late win over Tottenham Hotspur on 22 January, it would seem the Premier League trophy is staying in Manchester. That aforementioned result ensured Roberto Mancini’s Citizens remained three-points clear of neighbours United, leaving Spurs lagging eight-points off the pace of the leaders.

Premier League Title Betting with Bet365: Man City 2/5, Man Utd 9/4, Tottenham 20/1

It could be all change, though, depending on Tuesday’s results, with all three title protagonists involved in proceedings.

Tottenham (1/4 WilliamHill) are presented with a fabulous opportunity to get straight back to winning ways in the league with a home clash against Wigan (16/1 BetVictor). The Latics currently prop up the division in 20TH and are without a win in seven, shipping ten goals in their last three away PL matches combined, but were, however, 1-0 winners on their last visit to White Hart Lane, in August of 2010.

Manchester United (3/10 888Sport) have won seven of their eight Premier League tussles with Stoke City (12/1 PaddyPower), including all three in Manchester, so any chance of the Red Devils slipping up at Old Trafford would appear slim. But the Potters did hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in their most recent Premier League away game, while it was they who were the dominant force when the two sides locked horns earlier in the season at the Brittania in a 1-1 draw back in September.

Meanwhile, Man City (20/23 Boylesports) take on David Moyes’ inconsistent Everton (15/4 BetVictor) at Goodison Park. It is, however, a fixture the Citizens came unstuck in last season, losing 2-1 despite dominating the opening 45 minutes and taking a deserved 1-0 lead into the interval. Revenge is on the cards, though – Everton have won only two of their last eight home PL games, scoring just six times in the process, whereas City are searching for their fourth straight league win and are firm favourites to do so having had the weekend off due to their early exit from the FA Cup.

The race for fourth hots up with Chelsea and Liverpool both in action on Tuesday, at Swansea and Wolves respectively, with Arsenal taking on Bolton at The Reebok 24 hours later.

Top-Four Finish Betting with WilliamHill: Chelsea 2/5, Arsenal 2/1, Liverpool 7/2

Chelsea (17/20 WilliamHill) are the current occupants of fourth and are five-points clear of their closest pursuer, Arsenal, while Liverpool are a point further back in seventh. The Blues are the most likely to come a cropper. Though, you feel – Swansea (4/1 SkyBet) have been beaten just once in eleven home Premier League games this season and will still be buoyed by their 3-2 victory over Arsenal in their last encounter at the Liberty Stadium.

Speaking of Arsenal (8/11 Ladbrokes), the Gunners won’t have it easy either. Arsene Wenger’s side were unconvincing in the FA Cup at the weekend, edging past Aston Villa at home, and must now go to a resurgent Bolton (9/2 StanJames), who beat Liverpool 3-1 last time out at The Reebok in the league, desperate to avoid a third consecutive away defeat. Moreover, The Reebok was where Arsenal’s world came crashing down around them last season, with a 2-1 loss confirming the end of their title bid last April.

As for Liverpool (3/4 WilliamHill), well they are very much expected to complete a routine win at Wolves (17/4 StanJames) – a fixture they cruised to a 3-0 success in last season. Kenny Dalglish’s side have lost their previous two away league games, at Bolton and Man City, but responded emphatically with quick-fire eliminations of Man City and Man Utd from the Carling Cup and FA Cup. Now the Reds are hotly tipped to dispatch of second from bottom Wolves, who are without a league win in eight and have suffered four defeats in their previous five matches at Molineux in all competitions.

Elsewhere…

Mark Hughes’ QPR (4/1 BetVictor) go to Aston Villa (17/20 WilliamHill) with both sides searching for back-to-back Premier League wins; a Newcastle (7/4 Bet365) side thumped 5-2 at Fulham last time out in the league pay relegation favourites Blackburn (13/8 StanJames) a visit at Ewood Park; the previously mentioned Fulham (10/11 WilliamHill) entertain Roy Hodgson’s inconsistent Baggies (15/4 bWin), while a cracking contest could be in store at the Stadium of Light as Martin O’Neill’s invigorated Black Cats (17/20 WilliamHill) host Paul Lambert’s high-flying Canaries (15/4 BetVictor).

Full list of Premier League fixtures for Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb):

Swansea V Chelsea

Tottenham V Wigan

Wolves V Liverpool

Everton V Man City (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Manchester United V Stoke

Aston Villa V QPR

Blackburn V Newcastle

Bolton V Arsenal

Fulham V West Brom

Sunderland V Norwich (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Liverpool V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 28 January 2012 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Anfield

FA Cup, Fourth Round

Preview

Three months on from their highly-charged and ultimately controversial Premier League encounter at Anfield, age-old rivals Liverpool and Manchester United prepare to do battle all over again only this time a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup is at stake. Fortunately for us, it is live on ITV1 from midday Saturday.

Meetings between these two are always feisty affairs, more so at Anfield where four red cards have been produced in the last six encounters there. However, not one was produced in their league meeting back in October – or so it seemed. Allegations were made after the game that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez racially abused United full-back Patrice Evra, a charge he was later convicted of by the FA and subsequently handed an eight-game suspension.

As a result of the Suarez-Evra incident, relations between the two clubs – particularly the two sets of supporters – is fractious, so we can expect a hostile atmosphere at the game, as is the norm whenever these two footballing juggernauts collide. One suspects a certain Patrice Evra, who was recently made United skipper in the absence of Nemanja Vidic, is in for a hot reception too.

Pair inspired by recent victories over Manchester City

There is a lot these two clubs have in common. Like the fact they’ve both won countless honours, including this very competition eighteen times between them. They also boast recent triumphs over the current leaders of the Barclay’s Premier League, which both will feel should stand them in good stead for Saturday’s dinner-time tussle.

Manchester City have been the team to beat this season, with the Citizens having set an unrelenting pace at the Premier League summit early on. So anybody who manages to get the better of them deserves to go up in anyone estimations.

United will fear nobody in this competition, not after going to the Etihad Stadium in the third round and dumping their City rivals out at the very first hurdle with a 3-2 victory. They have since gone on to record back-to-back league wins, the most recent a gutsy 2-1 win at Arsenal, thus perhaps proving that their win over Roberto Mancini’s men could very well be the catalyst for a typically strong second half of the season for Sir Alex Ferguson & Co.

However, Liverpool inflicted defeat on Man City as recently as Wednesday, with their 2-2 draw at Anfield – coming from behind twice – enough to secure them a 3-2 aggregate victory in the semi-final of the Carling Cup, having also gone to the Etihad Stadium and won two weeks earlier. Now the Reds can look forward to their first appearance at the new Wembley, as well as the very real prospect of silverware, with the Reds set to take on Cardiff of the Championship on February 26 in the final.

Liverpool toothless at home, whereas United are formidable wherever

Morale will be at an all-time high following on from their success in the Carling Cup, but whether a lift in spirit is enough to lift their overall level of performance at home really does remain to be seen. To be honest, Liverpool haven’t performed too badly at Anfield this season. They have been extraordinarily toothless, though; while they’ve not been beaten on their own patch in 2011-12, they have won just the four times (W4 D8 L0 in all competitions).

As for United, well it doesn’t really matter to them whether they’re at home or on the road; Sir Alex’s side have secured as many wins (8) away from home as they have at Old Trafford in this season’s Premier League. Which highlights one crucial point: Manchester United are a prominent threat wherever they play their football, as their 3-2 scalp of Man City at the Etihad Stadium in the third round of this competition proved.

Match Pointers

- Liverpool were 1-0 winners when they last hosted Manchester United in the FA Cup, with Peter Crouch netting the only goal back in February 2006.

- Manchester United ended a run of three successive defeats away to Liverpool when earning a 1-1 draw in their Premier League visit last October; Javier Hernandez, who has two goals in his two visits to Anfield, cancelling out Steven Gerrard’s opener.

- A 5-1 victory over Oldham at Anfield ensured Liverpool’s passage into the fourth round, while United eliminated City rivals Man City with a 3-2 win at Etihad Stadium.

- Liverpool have yet to lose a game at home this season, but they have drawn an abnormally high amount (W4 D8 L0 in all competitions).

- In the Premier League, United have won as many games away as they have at home (8), with their only defeat on the road being a 3-0 reverse to Newcastle on 4 January.

Betting

As ridiculous as it may sound, this could be the perfect time to go to Anfield – which has hardly been a fortress this season. Everyone involved with Liverpool should be proud of their achievements in the Carling Cup having beaten decent opposition to get to the final, where they now face Cardiff at Wembley. However the final isn’t for another month, so it’s crucial Kenny Dalglish stresses the importance of their upcoming games as progress in the FA Cup and finishing in the top-four in the league are far more important objectives than clinching the League Cup.

Liverpool’s focus and application in the big games cannot be questioned. They’ve gone to both Arsenal and Chelsea and won, should have beaten both Manchester clubs at home, while home and away they were awesome versus Manchester City in the Carling Cup semi-final. But they could be caught out here, mid-celebration if you like, by a red-hot United who were unbelievably good for the first 45 minutes at Man City in the previous round.

The Reds were fortunate they didn’t need to win on Wednesday, as they haven’t done a whole lot of that at home this season. Just two wins in their last eight Premier League home games is abysmal by Liverpool’s own very high standards, as is 14 goals in 11. Had it not been for Craig Bellamy, they would probably would not of prevailed in midweek.

That was the Welshman’s second game in four days and with that in mind, he’s an instant doubt this weekend, which means Dalglish, who is already shorn of star striker Luis Suarez, will have to call upon Andy Carroll. I fail to see how a Liverpool side shorn of Suarez and Bellamy can carve out sufficient openings as to win this game, especially with Carroll up top. So it’s United for me, who cut Arsenal open numerous times at the Emirates last weekend.

Prediction: Manchester United to WIN @ 9/5 WilliamHill

Value Bet: 1-0 Man Utd (Correct Score) @ 9/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Liverpool – 17/10 StanJames

Draw – 23/10 BetVictor

Manchester United – 9/5 WilliamHill

Arsenal V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 January 2012 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

Five months on from their epic encounter at Old Trafford, Arsenal and Manchester United – two age old rivals – do battle in the north of London with the Gunners keen to avenge their heaviest ever Premier League defeat suffered at the hands of Sir Alex’s Red Devils last August. On current form though, that seems an unlikely prospect.

Arsenal fans won’t need any reminders as to what happened on that fateful afternoon of August 23, 2010. A remarkable ten goals were scored as defending champions Man Utd and Arsenal locked horns in week three of the 2011/12 Barclay’s Premier League – eight of which were netted by the hosts, a rampant United who took full advantage of the mire Gunners chief Arsene Wenger found himself in that day.

Arsenal were missing more than half-a-dozen first-team regulars when they last took on United, but that didn’t excuse the manner of their defeat, as Arsene Wenger’s makeshift team capitulated in front of a worldwide audience. Much has changed since then, though.

United, unsurprisingly, are firmly in the hunt for another league title, though they do currently trail Man City by three points. Nothing a win over the old enemy wouldn’t change, although Arsenal, to their credit, have recovered tremendously well since that harrowing experience at the Theatre of Dreams, and while they aren’t considered title protagonists any more the Gunners still have every chance of securing Champions League football next season with a top-four finish.

Gunners seeking home comforts

Neither particularly shone over the festive period, but whereas United shown their champion credentials by bouncing back from adversity following successive defeats, recording a comfortable 3-0 win over struggling Bolton, Arsenal are still dwelling on a pair of frustrating defeats away to Fulham and Swansea. The Gunners opened the scoring in both, too.

Nevertheless, Arsenal can at least fall back on home comforts this weekend. Since a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in mid-August, the Gunners have gone nine unbeaten in the league on their own patch, recording seven victories. They also boast one of the tightest home defences to boot, with Polish shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny conceding just six goals all season at the Emirates.

However, goals of their own have been hard to come by, with Arsene Wenger having seen his side muster just one goal in each of their last four home league games. This despite boasting the prolific services of the division’s leading scorer, Robin Van Persie.

Could it be then that the stage is set for Thierry Henry, the Frenchman who did have a knack of popping up with crucial goals versus United during his Arsenal pomp – some of which were of the spectacular variety. The 34-year-old will be looking to add to the 7 he has in 8 Premier League appearances at home to Manchester United, provided he overcomes a late fitness test on a calf injury that is.

United, too, have revenge on their minds…

A 1-0 loss in last season’s corresponding fixture almost derailed United’s bid for a record 19th English League title, with Wales captain Aaron Ramsey slotting home Arsenal’s winner in a typically tight and cagey affair between these two foes. It mattered little come the end of the season, when Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated his eleventh capture of the Premier League – but a repeat result could prove fatal in the context of this season’s title race.

Just keeping up with Manchester City’s unrelenting pace is proving one of the sternest challenges in all of Sir Alex’s years at Old Trafford. The Citizens have been imperious for much of the season and take a three point cushion into the weekend, a gap which could double in size should United come unstuck for the second year running at the Emirates – though they could also go level on points with Roberto Mancini’s men should third-placed Tottenham become the first team to win at the Etihad Stadium since November 2010.

Having lost just once on their travels, a second consecutive away defeat to Arsenal would seem unlikely. Then again, no-one saw a 3-0 reverse to Newcastle coming. Sir Alex is also missing a host of key players, with Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young all long-term absentees, although defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are expected to be in contention.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has even bigger problems however, you could say similar to when he last prepared his team for a clash with the reigning Premier League champions. Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Bacary Sagna, Franis Coquelin and Carl Jenkinson are among the list of defenders currently out injured, while Belgian Thomas Vermealen is doubtful. To compound the Frenchman’s woes, midfield architect Mikel Arteta is also out injured.

Match Pointers

- Manchester United consigned Arsenal to their heaviest ever defeat in the Premier League when notching eight goals in that famous 8-2 spanking at Old Trafford last August.

- Five months on from their unforgettable encounter in Manchester, Arsenal (W11 D3 L7 / GF38 GA 31) sit 5TH while United (W15 D3 L3 / GF52 GA20) are hot on the heels of leaders Man City in second.

- Arsenal will host the final top flight fixture of the weekend on the back of successive league defeats, losing away at Fulham (2-1) and Swansea (3-2) either side of a nervy 1-0 win over Championship side Leeds in the FA Cup.

- The Gunners have not lost a home Premier League game since a 2-0 loss to Liverpool on 20 August, winning seven of their previous nine at the Emirates Stadium.

- Manchester United bounced back from successive league defeats to beat Bolton 3-0 at Old Trafford, although they were emphatically beaten 3-0 by Newcastle in their last league game on the road.

- Sir Alex Ferguson’s United team have scored 14 times fewer than back at home (19 away compared with 33 at home), but just six of the 20 goals they’ve conceded this season where in away matches.

- United have only suffered on away defeat all season (W7 D2 L1) and have kept more away clean sheets than any other side in the top flight (6 in 10).

- Arsenal have scored exactly one goal in each of their last four home Premier League games – five in all competitions with their 1-0 victory over Leeds in the FA Cup recently.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester United to WIN @ 13/8 Ladbrokes

Despite leaving Old Trafford utterly humiliated in August, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists revenge is far from the minds of his players as they seek to arrest their current slump in form, having recently suffered defeats away to Fulham and Swansea. With their recent results in mind, the Gunners will be thankful to be back at home, where they’ve not lost in the league since losing to Liverpool in that same fateful month of August last year.

Defending champions United began 2012 in the worst possible fashion, losing 3-0 away to Newcastle in the league. Their response, however, has been typically emphatic; their impressive 3-2 victory over Man City in the FA Cup was quickly followed by a comfortable 3-0 success at home to Bolton. So it is back to business for Sir Alex and his team, who are rightly considered favourites on Sunday.

It is so difficult to back Arsenal with all their defensive problems, impossible now that Mikel Arteta has been ruled out. United do have injuries of their own but will welcome back both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, while the return to form of Wayne Rooney couldn’t be more timely. With the pace out side to really trouble a Arsenal defence lacking recognised and experience full-backs, success seems almost inevitable for a visiting United who have won seven of ten away from home in the Premier League this season – six were without conceding.

Value Bet: Manchester United to WIN to NIL @ 7/2 PaddyPower

We reached double figures in the goals column when these two clashed in Manchester five months ago. I doubt that will be the case on Sunday though; United are back amongst the goals but are hardly firing on all cylinders, while Arsenal haven’t plundered more than one goal in any of their previous four league games on home soil. Should be another tight affair, one United should edge, possibly by the odd goal to nil.

Match Odds

Arsenal – 19/10 bWin

Draw – 12/5 WilliamHill

Manchester United – 13/8 Ladbrokes

Manchester United V Bolton

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 14 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

Preview

Having been held by League Two Macclesfield in the FA Cup recently, Bolton now go to Manchester United in the league hoping to continue their encouraging festive form at a ground where their record fails to inspire much confidence. In their previous eight visits to Old Trafford, home of the reigning Premier League champions, Bolton have registered zero points and scored just three times – they, themselves, shipped 21.

A formidable task, then, for a Bolton side who have at least struck up some decent form ahead of a return to league action: Owen Coyle’s men have lost only once in their last four in a run which does include a couple of away wins, at Blackburn (2-1), whom beat United in Manchester over the festive period, and Everton (1-2). Whether their disappointing 2-2 draw with Macclesfield has halted their momentum remains to be seen.

Whereas Bolton were being held by lower league opposition in the third round of the FA Cup, Manchester United were out beating their City neighbours, Man City, in a pulsating affair at the Etihad Stadium. United surged into a 3-0 half-time lead and although come the end they were hanging on for dear life at 3-2, victory over their nearest and not so dearest will come as a massive boost to morale and confidence following a troublesome period in the league for the defending champs.

In the lead up to last week’s Manchester derby in the cup, much of the discussion surrounded United and talk of a crisis at the club. Reports of disharmony in camp, especially between Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson; a raft of injuries to key players, including captain Nemanja Vidic and summer signing Ashley Young; while results either side of the New Year were alarming to say the least, with the Red Devils slumping to defeats against Blackburn (2-3) at home and Newcastle away (3-0).

Just about everyone presumes Man Utd will push on now following their epic win over their fierce rivals, and they’ve been handed the perfect fixture to do just that. United have triumphed on each of the last eight occasions they have hosted Bolton in the league, doing so by an aggregate of 21-3, with the Trotters beginning the weekend down in 18TH, a point off safety and 29 off the pace of United, who you would expect, with Wayne Rooney back in the fold, will be far too strong yet again for Owen Coyle’s men, whom were thrashed 5-0 in the reverse fixture at The Reebok back in September.

The star attraction on show will be the returning Paul Scholes, after the United midfielder decided to answer Sir Alex Ferguson’s desperate call and come out of retirement. The media have been urging United to splash the cash in January on a new central midfielder, an area they are especially lacking in, so Sir Alex’s decision to opt for a former Red Devil, who at 35 struggled for appearances last season, has been greeted with obvious scepticism. He may well start against Bolton though.

Match Pointers

- Manchester United have won seven and lost none of their last eight meetings with Bolton, whose last victory over the Red Devils came at The Reebok in November 2007 (1-0).

- Each of the previous eight Premier League encounters at Old Trafford were won by the home side, Man Utd, whose last defeat at home to Bolton occurred nine-and-a-half years ago in September 2002 (0-1).

- Defending league champions United are striving to avoid a third consecutive Premier League defeat having lost at home to Blackburn (2-3) and away at Newcastle (3-0) either side of the New Year.

- Although United were stunned by Blackburn in their last match at Old Trafford, their record on home soil this season in the league remains impressive; they’ve won seven of ten (W7 D1 L2) and have notched 30 goals (3 goals on average), conceding 14.

- Bolton have fared a whole lot better on their travels than at The Reebok, with four of their five wins having been earned on the road (W4 D0 L6).

- The Trotters are yet to draw an away Premier League fixture this season, going their first ten without one.

- All but one of Bolton’s ten away matches this season produced at least three goals.

Betting

Bolton have fared far better on their travels this season than at The Reebok, with four of their five league victories having been earned on the road, where they’ve scored with more regularity and conceded fewer. Furthermore, Owen Coyle’s side are targeting a third consecutive away win following recent triumphs away at Blackburn and Everton.

You can have long odds on a third successive away triumph for the Trotters, whose last victory at Old Trafford was in 2002 and whom have a disastrous record against the top-six this term: Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Tottenham all plundered three goals against them in wins, while both Chelsea and Man Utd put five past them at The Reebok.

Although their mini-resurgence merits respect, Bolton should not be taking anything away from their visit to Manchester. I fully expect hosts United to build on their morale boosting victory over Man City in the FA Cup, by ending their two-match losing sequence in the Premier League with a routine win over one of their favourite opponents.

Those of you keen to catch a glimpse of club legend Paul Scholes, who may well starts proceedings, can get 11/2 with SkyBet on the midfield marvel scoring at any time. That sound like a cracking novelty bet to me, right up there with Thierry Henry opening the scoring on his second Arsenal début against Leeds last Monday!

Match Outcome: Manchester United to WIN -1/6 Ladbrokes

Novelty Bet: Paul Scholes to Score – 11/1 SkyBet

Match Odds

Manchester United – 1/6 Ladbrokes

Draw – 15/2 Boylesports

Bolton – 20/1 VictorChandler

Manchester City V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 8 January 2012 – 13:00 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

There is no shortage of drama whenever these two fierce rivals come to blows on a football pitch, so we can expect another helter-skelter encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday when Manchester’s finest – City and United – do battle for the third time this season, with the current score one apiece.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s United have been the dominant force in Manchester for what will have felt like an eternity in the eyes of City supporters, but that is no longer the case any more, not after Roberto Mancini masterminded a 6-1 City win at Old Trafford last October. That was the Citizens joint-biggest margin of victory over their locals – ever.

United will claim the score is currently 1-1, after it was they who clinched the Community Shield back in August thanks to a miraculous second half comeback, winning 3-2 after storming back from 2-0 down at the half-time interval. However, City have claimed the spoils in the encounters that have really mattered – their league meeting at Old Trafford in October, and their narrow victory in last season’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

So then, we’re now at Round 3. Bookmakers make hosts City favourites, for obvious reason; Roberto Mancini’s side haven’t lost a competitive match at home since December 2010, winning 29 of their last 30 at the newly-named Etihad Stadium. Their ruthless performance against Liverpool during the week, winning 3-0 in the league, was their eleventh in succession on their own patch.

They will, though, be missing of their African stars. Both Toure brothers, defender Kolo and midfielder Yaya, have earned call-ups from the Ivory Coast and have already departed for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Joleon Lescott is a worthy replacement for Kolo but Mancini believes Yaya is an irreplaceable figure in the heart of his midfield, with no player having made more successful passes than the former Barcelona anchorman.

Even though City’s Italian chief will be shorn of a player who he clearly rates in the highest regard, he can consider himself fortunate that he isn’t in a similar position to his opposite number, Sir Alex Ferguson. The United manager is without nine first-team players for Sunday’s trip to Eastlands including captain Nemanja Vidic, defender Jonny Evans and midfielders Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher and Ashley Young, who are all definitely ruled out. Meanwhile Chris Smalling remains a doubt.

On top of all their injury woes, United go into the game in terrible form, too. Wednesday’s shock 3-0 loss to Newcastle on Tyneside was as comprehensive as they come, coming just days after they were humbled at home by lowly Blackburn. It leaves them on the cusp of a third straight defeat. Can you remember the last time Manchester United lost three on the spin, because I certainly don’t.

Match Pointers

- These two fierce rivals have clashed seven times in the FA Cup, with Manchester United edging this particular head-to-head with four wins to City’s three, although the latter were victorious at the semi-final stage of last season’s competition, winning 1-0 at Wembley.

- Their most recent encounter in any competition came in the league back in October, when Man City thumped their neighbours 6-1 at Old Trafford.

- Manchester City haven’t lost a match at home since losing 2-1 to Everton in December 2010, winning 29 of 31 at the Etihad Stadium since.

- The Citizens’ 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the league on Tuesday was their eleventh win in a row at home in all competitions, a run which has seen them plunder 30 goals and concede just 5.

- Manchester United are aiming to avoid a third consecutive league defeat having lost 3-2 at home to Blackburn and 3-0 away to Newcastle in the league either side of the New Year.

Betting

Match Winner: Manchester City @ 23/20 VictorChandler

With United’s injury-ravaged squad having slumped to defeats at home to Blackburn and away at Newcastle, I am finding it incredibly difficult predicting anything other than a home win, which, surprisingly, is healthy odds considering the circumstances. Man City are 23/20 with VictorChandler to inflict a third consecutive defeat on their fierce local rivals; truly stunning odds, in my opinion.

There will be far too much creativity and energy in the Man City attacks for United’s lacklustre defence to handle, while the battle in midfield will be a one-sided affair. Wayne Rooney is the only player who could help United spring an upset, and a United victory would be just that – an upset, but even he doesn’t look capable of carrying the Red Devils, not on current form anyway.

A straightforward win for the hosts, who are targeting their twelfth consecutive home win in all competitions.

First Goalscorer: Vicent Kompany @ 40/1 BetFred

Even though I don’t rate his team’s chances, Wayne Rooney at 6/1 to open the scoring has to be considered value. A player of his quality and calibre is capable of scoring in any fixture. Sergio Aguero is the favourite however, with the Argentine 11/2 to score the game’s first goal, as he did on Tuesday when City cruised to a 3-0 win at home to Liverpool. David Silva at 8/1 is interesting, but the value for me is City defender Vincent Kompany at 40/1!

United have looked vulnerable at the back all season long, but even more so since Vidic was ruled out for the rest of the season because of injury, and it could take something like an effort from a set-piece to liven up what could be a cagey affair in the opening stages. Joleon Lescott, another City defender who is decent in the air, is also worth a shout at the same price.

BetFred are doing their popular Double Delight and Hat-trick Heaven promotion for this game, meaning if you’re player scores the game’s first goal and goes on to score again, they will double your odds if he scores twice and treble them if he bags three!

Match Odds

Manchester City – 23/20 VictorChandler

Draw – 12/5 Bet365

Manchester United – 13/5 PaddyPower

Newcastle V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 4 January 2012 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Sports Direct Arena

Preview

One of the Premier League’s most iconic fixtures takes place at the Sports Direct Arena on Wednesday night, otherwise known as St James’ Park, with out-of-form Newcastle welcoming the defending champions to Tyneside, Manchester United, who were left stunned at the weekend by lowly Blackburn.

So then, after yet another thoroughly entertaining weekend of top flight action, just what exactly are we dealing with here, with regards to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United? Some may argue they’re ‘wounded’, whereas others – and I myself must agree that I fall into this category – believe they are currently in disarray, and that there is no better time to face the Premier League Kings.

As if losing to then rock-bottom Blackburn wasn’t damaging enough to morale, with United relinquishing their five-match winning run in the process, reports suggesting Wayne Rooney was among several disciplined for turning up to training after Boxing Day worse for wear can only have a detrimental affect on the atmosphere in the dressing room – a dressing room which could best be described as dormant at the present time.

Injuries continue to hamper the reigning Premier League champs, with Sir Alex still without a number of key personnel, particularly in the spine of the team. Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher and Ashley Young remain on the sidelines, while Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling are not entirely certain to make Wednesday’s trip to the North East. However Ferguson has confirmed that top scorer Wayne Rooney, who wasn’t even named on the bench in Saturday’s shock 3-2 defeat at home to Blackburn, will start against the Magpies.

Although Man Utd have had to deal with so many injuries over the festive period, it hasn’t held them back like many presumed it would. Their weekend reverse – only their second of the campaign in the league – ended a impressive run of five consecutive victories, four of which were without conceding a goal. The latter does come as a surprise, though, considering Sir Alex is still none the wiser as to who should start in goal, with Anders Lindegaard and David De Gea currently playing musical gloves – though Spaniard De Gea is almost certain to drop to the bench after his abysmal display against Rovers.

Whereas the Red Devils have managed to defy adversity, in the wake of so many injuries, Newcastle have struggled during their personnel crisis. Just one win in their last eight league games comes at a time when manager Alan Pardew has been without numerous key individuals at one time or another, with a 2-0 win at Bolton their only victory since 5 November. They’ve lost five times since then, with their previously watertight defence leaking 17 goals in this dismal spell.

Good news though – Newcastle have almost a fully-fit squad ahead of the visit of Manchester United, whom they held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford back in November. Defender Steven Taylor and midfielders Danny Guthrie and Sylvain Marveaux remain out injured, but former Red Devil Gabriel Obertan is reportedly winning his race to be fit to face his former employers. with whom he featured sparingly for and may feel he has a point or two to prove on Wednesday in front of a raucous crowd on Tyneside.

Demba Ba, who has 14 for the season and scored the equaliser at Old Trafford as Newcastle earned a respectable 1-1 draw with United in November, will lead the line once again, no doubt keen to add to the two he plundered on his last appearance at St James’ Park, where he has netted six times this season.

Match Pointers

- Not since September 2001 have Newcastle recorded a Premier League win over Manchester United, when winning 4-3 on Tyneside – the Magpies have won none but lost thirteen of the previous eighteen top flight encounters with the Red Devils since that 4-3 success at St James’ Park over ten years ago.

- Last season’s St James’ Park encounter finished goalless despite Man Utd dominating possession and creating more scoring opportunities, while their first league meeting of this season, at Old Trafford, also finished as a draw, 1-1, with Demba Ba converting a dubious penalty to cancel out Javier Hernandez’s opener for Man Utd.

- Newcastle have won only once in eight Premier League games (W1 D2 L5), which was a 2-0 victory over struggling Bolton at The Reebok on Boxing Day.

- At home, Newcastle are without a win in three league games (D1 L2), this after previously winning four and losing none of their first six at St James’ Park.

- Manchester United haven’t lost their opening fixture of a new year for sixteen-years, since they were beaten 4-1 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane in 1996.

- Since the start of November, Chelsea (0-3), Liverpool (3-1) and Man City (3-1) have all recorded wins over Newcastle in the league, with only Manchester United failing to do so during this period of the teams currently in the top-six – they could only draw 1-1 at Old Trafford.

- Wayne Rooney has scored six goals in his last six appearances for Manchester United versus Newcastle on Tyneside, opening the scoring three times in this fixture during his six visits to St James’ as a United player.

Betting

Although Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has plenty more options to choose from than he has had in previous weeks, the confidence and momentum that went in toe with their sensational start as been allowed to evaporate amidst this dismal run of theirs, having won only one of their last eight league matches. However, I was very impressed with their performance at Liverpool the other night; they were extremely well-organised and workmanlike for the most part, as they invariably are these days under Pardew, and created several decent scoring opportunities as well, with Demba Ba especially threatening.

United look very frail at the minute, particularly at the back and especially right down the middle of the team. Sir Alex does hope to have Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling back from injury, while the return of Wayne Rooney to the starting XI is an obvious boost. But they return in acrimonious circumstances, on the back of Saturday’s humiliating defeat to Blackburn, while some were even disciplined by the manager, and that’s rarely a good thing for morale.

I tipped Newcastle to claim a famous win at Old Trafford back in November, but they never even shaped like winning that clash. In the end they could consider themselves extremely fortunate to leave Manchester with a share of the spoils, thanks in part to a referring blunder. United created a tonne of chances in that fixture and do have a wonderful record on Tyneside, winning eight of the previous thirteen meetings here, but are tipped to come unstuck yet again.

Like I said, Newcastle were impressive for periods against Liverpool. A repeat performance would see them trouble an injury-ravaged United team still very much embarrassed by their weekend defeat to Blackburn. The taking of chances will be key in a fixture where both defences have excelled this season, and I am encouraged by Demba Ba’s vein of form, with the Senegalese international trailing only Robin Van Persie in the scoring chart with 14 goals.

Match Prediction: Newcastle to WIN @ 9/2 BetFred

Value Bet: Demba Ba to Score @ 12/5 SkyBet

Match Odds

Newcastle – 9/2 BetFred

Draw – 11/4 Ladbrokes

Manchester United – 3/4 PaddyPower

Manchester United V Blackburn

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 31 December 2011 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

Preview

It’s top versus bottom at Old Trafford this Saturday – well, kind of – with Manchester United hosting Blackburn Rovers in a contest which pits two former Premier League champions against one another in the day’s early kick-off, shown live on ESPN from Midday.

With the club currently propping up the league down in 20th, it is easy to forget that Blackburn were once crowned Premier League champions. That was way back in 1995, when current Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish guided the Lancashire club to their third English league title. Almost two decades on and the same club find themselves rooted to the foot of the same league, where they are seemingly destined to remain heading into the New Year.

Only something extraordinary will spare Rovers the ignominy of entering the new year rock-bottom of the league, with Steve Kean’s struggling team requiring at least a point from their visit to the 19-time English champions. So then, they basically need a repeat of their Boxing Day antics which saw them somehow – and I cannot stress the ‘somehow’ part enough – hold on at Anfield to earn a share of the spoils, after playing their part in a riveting 1-1 draw.

You can get long odds on a second consecutive 1-1 draw for Blackburn. In fact, bookmaker VictorChandler make that score an 18/1 shot, which is bigger than Manchester United to win 5-0 for the third Premier League match in a row (16/1 with Ladbrokes). It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why, either.

United are in imperious form right now, as they normally are at this time of year, and this is in spite of a packed treatment room. Monday’s 5-0 thrashing of Wigan at home was made even more impressive by the fact Sir Alex Ferguson rested a whole host of key men – and was missing a fair few as well – with David de Gea, Chris Smalling, Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones among those not to feature who could return at the weekend, while star man Wayne Rooney was a second-half sub.

So it is incredibly difficult to see where on earth Blackburn can trouble their hosts, the overwhelming favourites, in a fixture which United romped to a 7-1 victory in last season, especially seeing as they are likely to be without a number of crucial defensive personnel yet again. Goalkeeper Paul Robinson is again doubtful, along with defenders Gael Givet, Ryan Nelsen and Martin Olsson, while centre-half Scott Dann is out until February.

However, confidence is high following last week’s draw with Liverpool. Stand-in keeper Mark Bunn was the star of the show, producing several stunning saves to preserve what could be a priceless away point in a notoriously tough fixture. That said, Rovers may well struggle for motivation, seeing as they start the weekend five points adrift of safety, although a point – which would appear the only feasible result at Old Trafford – could be enough to move them off the foot of the table provided Bolton don’t get a result at home to Wolves.

Ominously, though, United must beat the worst team in the top flight, Blackburn, the side with the second-most porous defence, by a minimum of five goals if they’re to enhance their claims of ending the first day of 2012 atop of the Premier League – as Man City are expected to take home maximum points from their trip to Sunderland on New Year’s Day. A third consecutive 5-0 win however just might be enough should the Citizens come a cropper.

Match Pointers

In 17 Premier League visits to Old Trafford, Blackburn have beaten Manchester United just once – a 2-1 win in September 2005, with current Rovers midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen with both goals for the visitors.

Each of the previous five top flight encounters in Manchester have gone the way of the home side, with United running out 7-1 winners last season in a game which saw Dimitar Berbatov – scorer of a hat-trick on Boxing Day at home to Wigan – net on five separate occasions.

Manchester United have now gone nine games unbeaten (W8 D1 L0) in the league following their 5-0 demolition of Wigan on Boxing Day – the second consecutive game in which they had won 5-0, after beating Fulham by that same scoreline on 21 December.

It’s now five wins on the bounce for the Red Devils, who achieved this feat by a scoring aggregate of 17-1, as well as keeping four clean sheets in the process.

During their current run of nine games without defeat, United have conceded just two goals and kept seven clean sheets.

United have won seven of nine at Old Trafford in the Premier League this campaign (W7 D1 L1), scoring 28 goals in doing so (average: 3 per home game).

Only Swansea (3) have accrued fewer points away from home this season than Blackburn (5), who have yet to record an away win after nine bites at the cherry (W0 D5 L4).

Rovers have only won two matches all season (W2 D5 L11) and are currently without a win in their last four (W0 D1 L3), though they did hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield last time out.

Blackburn haven’t kept an away clean sheet all season, conceding precisely three goals on five occasions (out of 9).

Betting

Match Winner – Has to be Manchester United. Searching for their sixth straight win in the league, United should make mincemeat of an understrength Blackburn side who invariably conceded goals for fun, particularly on their travels. Even more formidable for the visitors is the prospect of fresh legs on the opposing team-sheet, with David de Gea, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones and Wayne Rooney among those who didn’t start the Boxing Day annihilation of Wigan at Old Trafford who are set to return.

First Goalscorer – It is mighty difficult to see past a United player. Wayne Rooney is an obvious favourite at 11/4 (bWin), though Dimitar Berbatov, the Bulgarian who has three in his last two starts and scored five in last season’s Old Trafford meeting with Blackburn, oozes appeal at 4/1 (bWin) – provided he starts that is, which is unlikely what with Javier Hernandez back in the first-team.

Considering the heroics of Blackburn goalkeeper Mark Bunn at Anfield, it may require something a little special to break open the Rovers floodgates, so Nani illuminates the betting at 6/1 (Ladbrokes). Chris Samba is the pick of the Blackburn bunch, with set-pieces their best avenue for a goal. The powerful defender is 12/1 (Bet365) to score any time in the game.

Correct Score – United won this fixture 7-1 last season, and WilliamHill go 100/1 on a repeat scoreline. A five-goal margin of victory will suffice for the Red Devils in their quest to finish 2011 top of the pile, so 5-0 – a scoreline they’ve won their previous two league games by, with Fulham and Wigan – has obvious appeal at 16/1 (Ladbrokes). I think it could be any number if United really apply themselves.

Match Odds

Manchester United – 1/7 SkyBet

Draw – 7/1 WilliamHill

Blackburn – 28/1 VictorChandler

Fulham V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 21 December 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Craven Cottage

Preview

A second trip to the capital in the space of four days for Manchester United as they prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage a little over 72 hours since their comfortable 2-0 victory over QPR at Loftus Road on Sunday.

It really was a stroll in the park for Sir Alex Ferguson and his charges away to QPR, with goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick enough to secure their sixth league win in seven games and continue their fine vein of form away from home: United remain unbeaten on their travels in the Premier League this season (W6 D2 L0), winning their last four in succession without conceding a goal.

Unsurprisingly, then, United boast the strongest away record in the top flight. The Red Devils have taken 20 from a possible 24 points on the road, which is three more than second-best Man City, and have only conceded three times. However, their away mettle will be tested to the maximum on Wednesday night by a Fulham side with an impressive record in this fixture.

Fulham are unbeaten in their last three home Premier League games versus Manchester United, and they include a couple of to-nil successes (2-0 in 2008/09 and 3-0 in 2009/10). Last season saw the Cottagers score right at the death to maintain their undefeated run versus United at home, with defender Brede Hangeland hammering home a last-gasp headed equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Are we to expect more drama? Judging by some of Fulham’s matches at Craven Cottage so far this season, I believe so. Although their record on home soil isn’t anything to write home about (W3 D3 L2), their results against Man City (2-2), in which they fought from 2-0 down to earn a hard-fought point, and Liverpool (1-0) certainly suggest Martin Jol’s side have few problems rising to the occasion.

Striker Bobby Zamora will face a late fitness test on the knee injury which kept him out of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Bolton, Fulham’s second successive league win at Craven Cottage, as will Steve Sidwell. Goalkeeper David Stockdale will continue to deputise between the sticks for the injured Mark Schwarzer.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t have any fresh setbacks, which is just as well considering he’s shorn of so many already. Nemanaja Vidic, Darren Gibson, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and Anderson remain on the sidelines, although Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez are back in contention after featuring from the bench at QPR on Sunday.

Stat Attack

- Fulham are without defeat in their last three matches at home to Manchester United in the league, winning two.

- The Cottagers have won their last two home games without conceding, beating Liverpool 1-0 and Bolton 2-0.

- Manchester United have won six and lost none of eight Premier League games away from home (W6 D2 L0), winning their last four without shipping a single goal.

- The Red Devils are without defeat in seven overall in the league, winning six.

- Fourteen of the eighteen goals Fulham have scored in the league this season were at Craven Cottage.

- Five of the six Premier League goals Javier Hernandez has scored this season were netted away from home.

Our Prediction: Draw – 11/4 WilliamHill

Anyone who watched United at the weekend will be too frightened to oppose them at Craven Cottage, where their record in recent years is miserable to say the least. However, you have to take into consideration the opposition and how easy they made it. I actually thought QPR could spring a surprise, but boy was I wrong. Defensively they were all over the shop and it was a shock United didn’t plunder more than just the two, as it could have been four, five or even six such was the joy they had in the final third.

Fulham aren’t QPR. In fact, Fulham did the exact same to QPR as United, which was tear their hapless defence to pieces at Craven Cottage earlier in the season in a 6-0 thrashing. So don’t read too much into United’s result at Loftus Road. Fulham like to run a tight ship at home; they get the ball down and play it around; they make sure their defence is compact and organised, while their build-up play is patient – and at times a little methodical – but effect nonetheless.

A very tricky outing, this, for the defending champs, one I envisage them dropping points in. Make no mistake, Ferguson will send his team out in the mindset to win, but Fulham are no pushovers at home, as they shown on two particular occasions this season, against Man City and Liverpool, and will do their best to ensure the scoring in this contest is kept to an absolute minimum.

Value Bet: 1-1 Correct Score – 13/2 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Fulham – 9/2 Ladbrokes

Draw – 11/4 WilliamHill

Manchester United – 8/11 Bet365