Manchester United

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)

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

Manchester United V Wolves

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 10 December 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

Preview

Embarrassed by Crystal Palace, humbled in Basel. What next for the reigning Premier League champs? Surely they won’t sink to such depths as losing at home to lowly Wolves? But with numerous key players out injured – the latest being Nemanja Vidic – perhaps the upset is a genuine possiblity?

Personally, after watching Wolves’ pitiful display away at Chelsea recently, the upset looks extremely far-fetched. Nevertheless, few could argue that this weekend is a better time than any to face United, who within the space of a fortnight have bowed out of two separate competitions and now face the ignominy of spending the second half of the campaign in the Europa League.

Europe’s second tier tournament may await United but the Championship is fifth from bottom Wolves’ likely destination, that is unless they add some continuity to their results. Last week’s narrow win at home to Sunderland was only their fourth of the term, a term littered with eight defeats; only the bottom two in the table – Blackburn and Wigan – have racked up more losses.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

League Form: WWWDW

Responding to adversity is what Manchester United do better than most; it’s one of main reasons why they’ve dominated English football ever since the inception of the Premier League back in 1992. The other being the manager. Sir Alex has seen tougher times so he’ll know exactly where to go from here, and he will be telling his players to go out and prove a point at home to Wolves on Saturday.

United bowing out of the Champions League before the knockouts has come as a shock to us all, but to the team it will feel an awful lot like humiliation. So there will be a fair few bruised egos in that dressing room before Saturday’s hugely significant fixture with struggling Wolves, significant for the simple fact Man City go to Chelsea on the Monday, meaning there’s every chance of the trailing pack – United especially – reducing the arrears on the long-time leaders.

As if exiting the most exciting club competition in the sport wasn’t demoralising enough, United must also come to terms with being in the Europa League. That means a lot of games, a lot of travelling and plenty of fixture congestion. On top of this, it would appear they’ve lost the services of their best defender, with Nemanja Vidic set for yet another lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee in Basel.

So much doom and gloom. There isn’t a whole lot to be excited about, that’s why. Even in the league, where they have actually been enjoying a decent spell of form – winning four of their last five in an unbeaten sequence, folk are still to be convinced. That’s because all four triumphs were by the narrow margin of one-goal, 1-0 to be more precise, while they haven’t conjured more than one goal in any of their last seven.

Combine their lack of cutting edge in the final third with the absence of unquestionably their most accomplished defender in Vidic, and what you could very well have is a recipe for disaster over a hectic festive period.

Wolves

League Position: 16th

League Form: LWLLW

Although their record at Old Trafford is horrific, losing all seven league and cup matches there since their last triumph back in 1980, Wolves have rarely left disgraced. It took a last-gasp winner from Park Ji-Sung to deny them what would have been a deserved share of the spoils there last season, while no Wanderers fan will ever get their team’s stunning fightback in the reverse encounter at Molineux.

Goals from George Elokobi and Kevin Doyle sealed a fine win over the soon-to-be champions back in February. Wolves fought tooth and nail, worked tirelessly all over the pitch, and in the end earned their just rewards. They did nothing of the sort away at Chelsea recently, but they did do something very similar at Liverpool in September and a repeat performance could see them give the defending league champions another run for their money in Manchester.

However, based on form alone, Wolves will consider themselves fortunate if they avoid a hiding. Their 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea at the end of November was their fifth straight away defeat in the league, and the third occasion they failed to locate the back of the net on their travels. Only three teams have actually scored fewer goals away from home this season than Mick McCarthy’s toothless travellers, who have netted five themselves.

Jamie O’Hara missed the defeat at Chelsea a fortnight ago through suspension, and boy was his absence obvious. The Wanderers midfielder pulls all the strings in the middle of the park and without him, Wolves struggle. Full-back Kevin Foley remains on the sidelines, as does the experienced Jody Craddock. Steven Fletcher should spearhead the Wolves attack with the Scot searching for his sixth goals of the campaign, having netted both his team’s goals in last Sunday’s pivotal win over Sunderland.

Match Pointers

- Wolves haven’t won away at United since 1980, with Manchester United winning the previous seven competitive meetings at Old Trafford.

- United have lost only once at home in the Premier League in 28 games, winning 25.

- The Red Devils sit second in the table having won 10 of their opening 14 league games (W10 D3 L1), going their last five unbeaten (W4 D1).

- Each of United’s last four league wins were by a 1-0 scoreline; they’ve not mustered more than one goal in a single Premier League game since beating Norwich 2-0 on 1 October (7 games).

- Wolves climbed up to 17th in the league (W4 D2 L8) after their hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Sunderland.

- Wanderers have lost their last five consecutive away games, three of which were at Chelsea (3-0), Liverpool (2-1) and Man City (3-1).

Betting

United have often been described as a ‘wounded animal’ in similarly testing times, but back then they knew how to bite back. They’ve been toothless for the best part of two months now, scoring precisely one goal in each of their previous seven league matches, and so all it takes is some clinical finishing from their opponents to really put them on the back foot – and as we realised on Wednesday, that is when United are at their most vulnerable.

The thing with Wolves is, they do have a gritty performance in them. However, I haven’t had the best of luck opposing the overwhelming favourites this season, particularly of late, so a lack of courage has swung my tentative vote in the direction of the hosts, a United side who simply must register maximum points what with league leaders City facing Chelsea on Monday night.

I suspect Wolves will make a fist of things yet again though, and With Nemanja Vidic out injured, a commanding presence in the air as well as a natural leader, it could pay to take a chance on the in-form Steven Fletcher continuing his purple patch.

Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 2/9 Bet365

Value Bet: Steven Fletcher (Wolves) to Score – 5/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Manchester United – 2/9 Bet365

Draw – 11/2 StanJames

Wolves – 16/1 VictorChandler

Aston Villa V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 3 December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Villa Park

Preview

Villa Park has been a happy hunting ground for Manchester United over the years, with the Red Devils winning nine and losing none of their previous 15 visits in the Premier League. Their last defeat there occurred way back in 1995. Yet I could not touch them with a proverbial barge pole on Saturday, when they tackle Aston Villa in the live tea-time clash on ESPN.

It’s been sixteen years since Aston Villa last recorded a win at Villa Park over Manchester United in the Premier League – but their barren run has every chance of coming to an end on Saturday. Alex McLeish’s team could not of wished for an opportunistic time to face the defending champions, right on the back of two retched results; their first coming in the league at home to Newcastle, dropping two valuable points in a 1-1 draw, though Wednesday’s exit from the Carling Cup was far more humiliating.

In years gone by, punters would put their life’s savings on United bouncing back. They coined the phrase ‘bounce-back ability’. But this is no vintage crop. This is a young side very much in transition, while there are still question marks over certain individuals/positions. So much so that at this moment in time, with United lacking combative numbers in the middle of the park, Sir Alex Ferguson has resorted to using Wayne Rooney – the most influential figure in the side, from an attacking point of view – as a makeshift central midfielder.

Dropping Rooney back has paid dividends, although only by virtue of Javier Hernandez’s clinical instincts. United have only mustered six goals in as many league games and four of those were netted by the Mexican starlet, who just so happens to have scored in each of his team’s last three away matches. Had it not been for his tap-ins, many would be questioning Ferguson’s decision regarding Wayne Rooney’s new role.

On the plus side, goalkeeper David de Gea isn’t being called upon as regularly as he once was. In fact, Demba Ba’s converted penalty last weekend – which should never have been – was the first goal he had conceded in over six-and-a-half-hours of Premiership football. The drawback: any team competent in defence could spring a surprise with a clinical performance of their own against a goal-shy Manchester United side.

Villa certainly fit the above description. Manager Alex McLeish does try to make his team as difficult as possible to beat, even if it hasn’t always paid off. Comprehensive defeats away to Man City (4-1) and Tottenham (2-0) being prime examples. At home, though, Villa are usually a different proposition; they’ve scored 10 of their 16 goals at Villa Park, and conceded five goals fewer than on their travels.

Villa Park is also where Darren Bent has tended to spring into life this season; all five of his Premier League goals for the term where netted on home soil. Of course, Bent no longer has Ashley Young and Stewart Downing assisting him on the flanks, and that is having a detrimental effect on the number of chances he gets.

However, wingers Gabriel Agbonlahor and Charles N’Zogbia, as disappointing as they’ve been so far this season, are incredibly talented – both have bags of pace, while the pair of them are equally adept at beating markers and supplying decent service to the frontman. Their respective battles with Chris Smalling and Patrice Evra will have a significant bearing on how Villa fare in this fixture, although Smalling has only just returned from injury while Evra has looked shaky all season.

So, far from a foregone conclusion this. United deserve to be favourites; they sit second in the table, have won four and lost none of six away from home, while their record away to Aston Villa is imperious – even though they’ve drawn on their last three visits. Villa, meanwhile, have been extremely hit and miss and haven’t been the reliable sort this season. Nevertheless, I personally see a lot of value in the hosts.

Match Pointers

- Since the 1996/97 season, Aston Villa have beaten Manchester United once in 30 Premier League meetings – a 1-0 win at Old Trafford during the 2009/10 campaign.

- The previous three league encounters at Villa Park have all ended in draws, with United clawing back a two-goal deficit there last season to draw 2-2.

- Aston Villa have won only one of their last six league games, suffering three defeats during this spell (W1 D2 L3).

- Darren Bent has scored all five of his Premier League goals this season at Villa Park, netting in each of Villa’s previous three home games.

- Manchester United have scored precisely one goal in each of their last four away Premier League games, winning the previous two 1-0.

- United boast the strongest away defence in the top flight, conceding just three goals whilst keeping three clean sheets.

- Javier Hernandez has netted five of his six league goals away from home, scoring in each of United’s last three away fixtures.

Betting

I do genuinely believe an upset could be on the cards here. Manchester United are going through a tough spell at the minute, with Wednesday’s embarrassing exit from the Carling Cup at the hands of Crystal Palace only compounding last week’s setback at home to Newcastle. Goals have seriously dried up and while they have improved no end defensively, their lack of goals leaves them vulnerable against any teams with a strong defensive rearguard.

Just two teams have conceded fewer goals at home this season than Aston Villa. Their wingers simply have to make an appearance if there is to be an upset, but in striker Darren Bent you know Villa have a goal or two in them, and on current form, with United failing to score more than one goal in each of their last six league matches, that’s enough to entice me.

I’m sold. Aston Villa to win, with Darren Bent netting the first goal. Both are handsomely priced.

Match Outcome: Aston Villa to WIN – 19/4 StanJames

Value Bet: Darren Bent First Goalscorer – 13/2 VictorChandler

Match Odds

Aston Villa – 19/4 StanJames

Draw – 14/5 StanJames

Manchester United – 8/11 PaddyPower

Swansea City V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 19 November 2011 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Liberty Stadium

Preview

For enigmatic Swansea fans, there will be no bigger fixture all season than Saturday’s evening clash with reigning Barclay’s Premier League champions Manchester United. And it’s a fixture which should hold no fear for those graceful Swans; United have never beaten Swansea in Wales in eight previous attempts, losing six, while no visiting team has won at the Liberty Stadium so far this season – Bolton are the only team to have scored there.

It isn’t as though the Red Devils have been firing on all cylinders of late, either. They were, but not any more. The goals have well and truly dried up, that despite registering in all eleven league matches thus far, as, after plundering 21 goals in their first six games, United have managed a miserly sum of four in as many games.

Should United fail to end their four-match sequence of scoring precisely one goal, Swansea have every chance of recording a famous result. The Swans are in form – currently unbeaten in three but having also won as many games in a row at the Liberty Stadium, where they boast the best home defensive figures in the Premier League (Played 5, Conceded 1, Clean Sheets 4) – while in their last high-profile fixture they held the mighty Liverpool to a goalless draw at Anfield. They’ll be brimming with confidence.

So, at odds of 1/2, are Manchester United really worth the bother. At 7/1, are Swansea capable of toppling Sir Alex’s champions? The draw may well prove a popular betting selection at 7/2, considering United’s recent scoring plight and Swansea’s staunch defence.

Swansea

League Position: 10th

League Form: WLDWD

This is thee game of the season for Swansea and their supporters. The Liberty Stadium is always a sell-out, always rocking on match day, but the atmosphere will be something special on Saturday for the visit of Manchester United. However it is important the occasion doesn’t get the better of them, as this is by no means a fixture whereby Swansea have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

Protecting this aura at the Liberty Stadium could be paramount to Swansea staying up, as away from home points will come at a premium for Brendan Rodgers’ side. The Swans have registered 11 of their 13 points at home, where they have won their previous three matches, while Bolton are the only visiting team to have scored there this season.

Confidence in camp will be high however following their thoroughly impressive performance and result away at Liverpool before the break. The goalless draw did not flatter them either. Swansea actually dominated for periods, monopolising possession at a ground where most newly promoted teams barely get a touch of the ball, while some of the chances they carved out were gilt-edged. It could so easily of been a famous victory.

United at home will be a different kettle of fish though. Liverpool are still going through somewhat of a transitional period whereas Sir Alex’s men have enjoyed their third-best start to a Premier League campaign, even though their form has dipped slightly in recent weeks. Nevertheless, there is a lot to like about Swansea, especially their odds. Defensively they are exceptional; supremely well-organised and so resolute; I don’t think there’s a team in the land who retain possession better, while going forward they boast pace on the flanks (Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer, the latter was in sparkling form at Anfield) and a predatory striker in front of goal in form (Danny Graham has 4 goals in his last 5 appearances).

The return to fitness of Kemy Agustien is also a major boost for Rodgers, while Steve Caulker and Stephen Dobbie are also closing in on a return to first-team football. Scott Sinclair will start on the right-hand side of a three pronged after only making the substitutes bench at Anfeld due to illness.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

League Form: WDLWW

You can only sit back and admire Manchester United as a footballing model. Many teams would have crumbled after losing a local derby by a five-goal margin on their own patch. Not United. Not under Sir Alex Ferguson’s watch. The club has regrouped, winning their subsequent two league games as well as a UEFA Champions League group match, and although this renaissance of theirs hasn’t been explosive or spectacular, the professionalism displayed is phenomenal – and you certainly wouldn’t put it past them becoming the first team to win a Barclay’s Premier League match in Wales on Saturday.

Five teams have tried and still we await the first visiting team to win the first official Premier League fixture in Wales. Step up the defending champions. United, though, haven’t been at all convincing away from home this season, or last season for that matter, despite winning three of five. I felt they were extremely fortunate to take five points from their last three away contests at Everton (0-1), Liverpool (1-1) and Stoke (1-1), particularly the latter two where, if truth be told, they were thoroughly outplayed.

Still, it’s a results business and few churn out more points on their travels than Sir Alex’s men. But their form has tailed off recently, while the level of their performances hasn’t been anywhere near satisfactory. Just four goals scored in as many games is a truly remarkable statistic when you consider how United began the term like an repress train, banging in 21 goals in their first six matches. Key offensive figures have well and truly gone off the boil, wingers Ashley Young and Nani among them, but none more so than Wayne Rooney.

Wayne Rooney was the early pacesetter for the Golden Boot, but no goals in six has allowed the chasing pack, namely those from across the City, to eat into the deficit. The forward by trade has been deployed as a makeshift midfielder in recent games, possibly in a bid to add some backbone to a midfield which does lack a natural leader. You have to say the switch has work because United are back to winning ways, but we’re not seeing the best of a player who when in form, and when asked to play in his favoured role just off the striker, can be unplayable.

In summary, you’d still give the edge to United. Unconvincing they may be but winning games is a wonderful habit and they have just that at the minute, after four straight victories in all competitions. They are, however, shorn of several key individuals who would come into contention had they otherwise been fit. Defender Chris Smalling, Brazilian midfielder Anderson and winger Ashley Young are all absent.

Match Pointers

- First competitive meeting for almost 30 years, since Swansea’s last stint in the top flight back in 1982/1983. Swansea are, however, unbeaten in eight versus Man Utd over in Wales (W6 D2), having never lost a home fixture with the Red Devils.

- Swansea haven’t lost any of their last nine matches at home in league competition, winning three and drawing two of their Premier League games in Wales this season; they’re currently on a run of three consecutive wins.

- Only Bolton have scored at the Liberty Stadium this season, with the Swans boasting the strongest defensive figures at home in the Premier League, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just the one goal.

- Manchester United have scored exactly one goal in each of their previous four league matches, and in each of their last three away from home.

- Danny Graham has four goals in his last five appearances for Swansea in the league.

- All four of Javier Hernandez’s goals this season have been netted away from home, with the Mexican scoring in three of the four away appearances he has made.

Betting

There aren’t too many goalkeepers who have had more shots rain down on their goal than United shot-stopper David de Gea, which should tell you everything you need to know about United’s inability to break down opposition attacks, and why Sir Alex has tried to counter this by deploying Wayne Rooney as a makeshift central midfielder. Moreover, goals have been at a premium. It’s now four in as many league games, while they only managed two at home to Otelul Galati in the Champions League.

So are the defending champions vulnerable in Wales, where they’ve never beaten Saturday’s opposition? Most certainly. Swansea are in terrific form, winning each of their previous three at home, have a staunch defence which has kept four clean sheets in five at the Liberty Stadium, while in wingers Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer boast individuals who can trouble a United defence that is still conceding far too many chances.

Nevertheless, I’m sticking with the champions. As impressive as Swansea’s statistics at home are, they’re based on results earned against far inferior opposition. The class of United should tell. Could be another tight one though.

Match Outcome: Manchester United to WIN @ 1/2 Bet365

Value Bet: Manchester United 2-1 (Correct Score) @ 8/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Swansea City – 7/1 StanJames

Draw – 7/2 Ladbrokes

Manchester United – 1/2 Bet365

Manchester United V Chelsea

Date & kick-off: Sunday, 18th September 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)

Venue: Old Trafford

TV coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Preview

Manchester United have began the season like a house on fire, storming to the Premier League summit in record breaking fashion. They are the league’s early pacesetters in every sense of the word. But while confidence within the United camp is justifiably overflowing, Sir Alex will need to guard against complacency this weekend when his top of the table charges welcome unbeaten Chelsea to Old Trafford for a heavyweight clash of epic proportion.

Having secured bragging rights in four of their five encounters last season, including the two in Manchester, United will feel they have Chelsea’s card marked. The Blues, though, are the most successful visiting side in Premier League history at Old Trafford – winning five and losing just six of their nineteen encounters in Manchester against the usually formidable Red Devils – and with their unbeaten start to the season in toe, there will be no shortage of confidence in Andre Villas-Boas’ ranks either.

It promises to be an absolute thriller – but I just wonder whether the vast amounts of big-game experience in the Chelsea dressing room will prove decisive against Sir Alex’s fledglings.

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

League Form: WWWW

It truly has been a remarkable start to the season from United, who have set an unrelenting pace that only their bitter neighbours City can keep up with in the early stages. To score eighteen goals in just four games is astonishing, in fact it’s unheard of in the Premier League, but make no mistake about it, they’ll be mindful of the danger Chelsea pose to their impeccable record of four wins from four thus far; a team oozing with quality and depth all over the pitch, and perhaps crucially, experience, especially in the crunch games that really count in terms of bragging rights.

United should have the upper hand, though. Sir Alex masterminded Chelsea’s downfall four times last season, twice at Old Trafford, while the omission of goalkeeper David de Gea, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Anderson, Nani and Ashley Young from the team that earned a 1-1 draw with Benfica in Portugal on Wednesday could prove a telling factor on the day as United look to stretch the visitors, who in certain areas – John Terry at centre-half, Ashley Young at left-back and Frank Lampard in the middle, for example – aren’t the youngest any more.

The fact United were held to a score draw on Wednesday should also be examined, despite the wholesale changes. Will it have put a dent in their confidence? Has it put the brakes on their momentum? Wayne Rooney also drew a blank, the striker who has eight goals in just four league starts this season. The 25-year-old is arguably the fittest forward around, but he remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes – could that affect his performance at Old Trafford, especially in the latter stages should his team desperately need a goal?

Everyone is ranting and raving about Man Utd after their imperious start, which is understandable, but I just feel there are a few grey areas. Only a few, mind. The goalkeeper is another, with De Gea having looked more than a little suspect on a few occasions. Nonetheless, Manchester United are undoubtedly the team to beat at the minute, and they would lay down a serious marker to their rivals – possibly just rival, and not plural, should they put Chelsea in their place on Sunday – with an authoritative display against the 2009/10 champions.

Chelsea

League Position: 3rd

League Form: WWWD

Because of the blistering pace at which the two Manchester clubs have set off at, Chelsea have been able to go about their business blissfully, without attracting too much media interest that over the years – like last season, when they opened with a real bang, notching 21 goals in their opening five games, before fading faster than Fernando Torres’ form – has needlessly raised the expectations levels at Stamford Bridge. No, that’s the official role Roman Abramovich plays!

So, under the radar, can Chelsea spring a surprise by ending United’s flawless start to the season – a result that would reverberate all across Europe, worldwide even, such is the interest with Sir Alex’s team at the moment following their incredible start to the term. You can never write them off. You’d be foolish to.

Granted their record against them last season was atrocious, but back then they were a club under enormous strain – domestically they were out of sorts for an alarmingly long period, there was disharmony in the ranks, confusion before each and every game as to who would start, and constant media attention surrounding Fernando Torres’ woeful scoring form since his £50-million switch from Liverpool. The latter unfortunately remains, both Torres himself and his form, but there is far more calm and serenity in the Chelsea ranks now under Andre Villas-Boas, the Portuguese tactician who will no doubt have something up his sleeve for Sir Alex.

It is, of course, a massive ask to bring down this United giant who have trampled over anyone and everyone who has dared to question their Premier League authority up till now. No one has been able to get anywhere near them for well over a year now at Old Trafford, not since April 3, 2010. So who was that famous last team to slay the Red Devils? That obvious, huh? Chelsea!

So can the Blues come back to haunt United? I like to think they have a solid chance, and at the odds – 4/1 with Totesport – I also think Andre Villas-Boas’ team are a solid bet!

Match Pointers

These two powerhouses of the modern game have met 38 times during the Premier League era, United winning 11 with Chelsea victorious in 12.

Chelsea have won five times at Old Trafford in the Premier League, more than any other side, with their record away to United as follows: W5 D7 L7.

United recorded four wins over Chelsea in five competitive meetings last season, two of those being 2-1 victories at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are without defeat in their last 23 Premiership fixtures at Old Trafford, winning 22.

The last team to win a Premiership match at Old Trafford was Chelsea; a 2-1 win in April 2010.

Javier Hernandez opened the scoring in both Old Trafford meetings last season.

Betting Verdict

Those who took the time to read my preview will know exactly who I’m routing for. I am, though, under no illusions as to the mammoth task that awaits Chelsea at Old Trafford – where United are unbeaten in their last 23 league games, winning 22 – against a team who in their last home assignment slammed right goals past Arsenal. But Villas-Boas will go to Manchester with an actual game plan, which is always help.

It would be ironic, after all the praise that has been reaped on this young, supposedly fearless United team, that they should lose at home to a Chelsea side who before the season even started were being written off, as far as winning the Championship, because of their ageing squad, and I do include myself in the latter – though that was before the signing of Juan Mata, who has certainly brought something different to the table; pace, guile, invention, imagination; a forward-thinking individual who has no qualms about heading straight for goal.

I heard somewhere during the week that Manchester United’s record at home to the big boys is out of this world. Some of their football this season has been just that as well, which makes opposing them on Sunday one of the most daring things I have ever done as far as betting/tipping goes. He who dares, wins and all that!

Match Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 4/1 Totesport

Value Bet: Over 4.5 Goals – 6/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Manchester United – 17/20 PaddyPower

Draw – 11/4 Boylesports

Chelsea – 4/1 Totesport