ManU

 Manchester United V Stoke City

Sunday, 9th May – 16:00 (GMT)

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd
Recent Form: LDWWW

‘Sitting, waiting, wishing’ a song sung by artist Jack Johnson, which summarises Manchester United’s current predicament up perfectly, as Sir Alex sits and waits for a Wigan miracle to land his way at Stamford Bridge. It looks as though United won’t be winning a record fourth Premier League crown in a row, what would have been their 19th first division title overall, but at least United have done their bit by taking this intriguing battle for the championship right down to the wire, piling heaps of pressure onto Chelsea in the process ahead of the final set of Premiership fixture on Sunday. But for the very first time in three years, Alex Ferguson doesn’t look like he will be getting his own way as far as the league title is concerned.

Nani was often overshadowed by Ronaldo last season, mainly because he was rubbish if truth be told, but this season the young Portuguese winger really has come of age, claiming the April Player of the Month for his industrious efforts for the Red Devils last month. It was also his goal, the one and only goal at the Stadium of Light, which ensured this intense race for the title went down to the final day of the season. It does, though, still leave United a point short of the Blues meaning the Reds of Manchester need a huge favour from Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge in order for United to be triumphant this Sunday.

It seems a big ask now for United to clinch the Premier League title from Chelsea’s grasp, but as everyone kindly keeps reminding us,‘This is football, and stranger things have happened’. It quotes like that which will keep the spirit in the Manchester United dressing room high, as let’s not forget Ferguson still needs to guide United to a win on Sunday just to be in without a shout. Where United to slip up at home to Stoke, a team who recently lost 7-0 at Chelsea, United would instantly forfeit any slim chance they had of winning the crown.

With Man Utd knowing they must win at Old Trafford in front of an obvious sell-out crowd, victory should be a certainty, surely? Only two sides have beaten the Red Devils at home this season, both of those were stiff opposition, while Sunderland remain the only team to have earned a draw there, so Stoke really don’t stand much of a chance of halting United’s probable in vein sprint to the title. Nevertheless, a professional display is needed from United and we shouldn’t also discount the fact that whenever a goal goes in for United, it will reverberate around Stamford Bridge and that could play a significant part in Chelsea perhaps slipping up against Wigan. Like everyone keeps saying, ‘Anything can happen in football’.

Stoke City

League Position: 13th
Recent Form: WDLLD

Tony Pulis will have suffered nightmares after Stoke’s last encounter with a title contenders ended in Stoke receiving their heaviest ever defeat in the Premier League – Chelsea inflicting a 7-0 loss on the Potters. So, a visit to Manchester’s Stadium of Dreams is far from ideal but you could view it as the footballing Gods giving Stoke one final chance to redeem themselves, show the world that heavy defeats simply aren’t them.

It’s been another impressive Premier League season from Stoke City, with Tony Pulis working yet more magic in keeping a pretty average looking Stoke squad up without any fuss or scares. In fact Pulis has done such a good job that no-one really expects the Potters to even be involved in any relegation scraps. However, with rumours of dressing rooms busts ups leaking through to the media, the summer months could well see several depart as Tony Pulis looks to clear the club of egocentrics and self minded individuals. If ever there was a manager which demanded top-notch team spirit, that camaraderie, it’s Pulis and it will be interesting to see the fresh faces he introduces to the club ahead of next season.

Now, however, Stoke have to play their part in a potentially decisive encounter, as the Potters make their way to Old Trafford aiming to thwart Manchester United’s bid for a fourth successive Premier League crown. If Stoke can somehow avoid defeat in Manchester, they will have single handily scuppered any remaining chance of United lifting the trophy aloft, and we’re certain the Stoke players will celebrate such a feat… behind closed doors of course, as no-one celebrates in front of an irate Ferguson.

If Stoke’s most recent fixture with one of the so called ‘Big Four’ teams is anything to go by, The Potters could be in for a long afternoon. Memories of their 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea will start to resurface along the way to Old Trafford, a game where Stoke were honestly at their very worst, arguably the poorest team display we’ve seen from them. Their usual organised and robust set up simply wasn’t there, or went missing, either way it wasn’t apparent, while they rarely broke into the final third of the pitch. Stoke will need to have their wits about them at Old Trafford, sprint out of the blocks and ensure everyone knows their specific role. Stoke are a well drilled machine on their day, arguably the most difficult side in the Premiership to break down on their day, but if a cog gets loose then they’re left wide open, as was the case against Chelsea. It’s Tony Pulis’ job to ensure that doesn’t happen in Manchester.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.13 Bet365

Alex Ferguson has been in this position on more than one occasion, and so, a slip up from his United players really would be a major shock. Against a Stoke City team which has lost their edge, their sharpness and their desire to keep their ‘tough to beat’ status, they really shouldn’t encounter too many problems despatching of the Potters. However, if United want all three points they will need to turn up and put in a performance worthy of a victory. Stoke won’t roll over, despite how bad their 7-0 drubbing away at Chelsea looks just a few weeks ago. In fact, United really do need to storm out of the blocks, grab an early goal so Chelsea then know United are doing their bit, now Chelsea must do the same. Keep piling the pressure on and you never know, Chelsea may just slip up.

Match Odds

Manchester United – 1.13 Bet365
Draw – 9.50 Boylesports
Stoke City – 19.00 Expekt

SoccerBetting Pick: Manchester United to be WINNING after 15 minutes – 3.60 SportingBet

Manchester United V Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday, 24^th April – 12:45 (GMT)

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWLDW

If there is such a thing as a ‘footballing God’ then he was surely looking down on Manchester United last Saturday in what could only be described as the perfect weekend for Alex Ferguson. To win the Manchester Derby against a team which has been winding you up all season is one thing, but to have Chelsea lose just hours later will have left Alex grinning all weekend as this title race takes yet another twist.

Manchester United are well renowned for finishing seasons on a high, like a steam train, and after a miraculous turn of evens seven days ago, they will fancy their chances ending this campaign on a similar high note, with the Premier League aloft hopefully. However, if they wish to land the league crown for the fourth year running, becoming the first English side in the history of the game to have won the top-flight title four consecutive seasons, they’ll need to finish the season in a flawless manner as while they were gifted the best possible weekend, the Red Devils are still playing catch up with Chelsea and still require another slip up from the Blues.

For Chelsea to slip up, United need to pile some pressure onto Carlo Ancelotti and his men by winning every single game from now until the end of the season. Victory on Saturday against a side which only recently recorded a sensational 2-1 win over Chelsea would certainly do some damage to the confidence of the Chelsea camp, especially as the league leaders will be without their influential captain for Sunday’s home encounter with Stoke City. Fergie’s United must do their bit first though, and against an in form Tottenham team, that could be easier said than done. United haven’t been playing at well of late and will need to raise their game several knots if they are to overhaul Spurs in the weekend’s early kick-off, although the return of Wayne Rooney, who should be close to full fitness once again after playing a substantial part in their 1-0 win at Man City last Saturday, means United should go close to all three points despite the class of their match day opponent.

To say this is a big game for United would be the seasons biggest understatement as this fixture is colossal, for both teams we must add. However, it’s rare that you see the might of Manchester United flapping in the big game occasions and we don’t see them fluffing their lines on Saturday. It’s an early kick-off though, so United will need a bright and early start. The last time United were involved in an early kick-off it was against Everton where they lost 3-1 at Goodison Park. Fergie’s Reds were poor that day, well below par, but with the title now back within touching distance, there shouldn’t be any complacency from a team which always come good in the title run-in, it’s almost a Premiership fact!

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: WWLWW

Tottenham will set out on the road to Old Trafford to complete an outrageous hat-trick of wins when they take on title chasing Manchester United at the world famous Old Trafford stadium. Harry Redknapp’s Spurs head into a usually daunting fixture with no fear whatsoever after claiming the scalps of both Arsenal and Chelsea within the space of four days. We doubt you’ll see Tottenham fans head to Old Trafford with so much confidence and optimism as they will on Saturday for quite some time, but will their new found belief that Tottenham are no amongst England’s elite equate into another winning result?

Wins over Arsenal and Chelsea last week weren’t just for bragging rights, and believe me Tottenham fans were certainly boasting about their recent brace of success story’s, they were important and oh so necessary as they kept Tottenham firmly in Champions League contention. In fact, the six points from two seemingly tough fixtures took Tottenham into fourth position and in control of their Champions League destiny with just a handful of games left to play.

It’s all good and well beating the big boys at home but beating them on their own turf is where the bragging rights really are and Tottenham haven’t even got close to beating one of the league’s elite sides this season, losing at Arsenal (3-0), Chelsea (3-0) and Liverpool (2-0) all without scoring. Of course, we’re not devaluing their recent wins over Chelsea and Arsenal as Tottenham were scintillating in both, but it’s easier to to pull out the big displays when you have 40 off thousands cheering you forward. Doing the exact same when you’ve got 60 thousand cheering the other way is a different kettle of fish and it’s something Tottenham haven’t dealt with at all well this season.

While Tottenham’s exploits against the ‘Big Four’ haven’t been up to scratch on the road, Tottenham’s pair of terrific displays recently against Arsenal and Chelsea mean Spurs can no longer be underestimated and merit the utmost respect. They are arguably enjoying their best ever spell in the Premiership having won seven of their last eight league games, while they have a left-back, or left-midfield, he can play either exceptionally well, on top of his game in Gareth Bale. The Welsh international has been in scintillating form for Spurs and almost single handily destroyed both Arsenal and Chelsea scoring a goal in both encounters, the winner in both as it happens. His sheer pace enables him to bomb past the full-back while the quality of his delivery has improved greatly. He’ll be gunning for yet more personal glory when he aims for the third successive game on Saturday, although he’d rather miss out on the goal if it meant Tottenham walked away with all the spoils.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.50 BetFred

Tottenham have quickly become the side no-one wants to play and unfortunately for Manchester United, they’re the team that has to not only halt the Spurs express but beat them as they continue to press Chelsea for top spot. Tottenham, however, need the points just as badly for their Champions League cause. Only a win will do for both sides, although for United a draw isn’t a result they can afford to contemplate whereas Tottenham might get away with a point. That just about says it in all in terms of who’s under the mores pressure to attain the victory in a clash which will attract it’s fair amount of viewers.

Tottenham shouldn’t be underestimated after their recent exploits, but their record away from home against the Big Four this season isn’t great, in fact it’s terrible having lost at Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and are on the verge of completing an unwanted set of defeats. If Tottenham are honest, they would settle for a point as very few walk away from Old Trafford with a win. However, if they approach this fixture in that frame of mind then Manchester United will punish them severely. We don’t expect Tottenham to defend for large periods in a bid to get the point, but we do feel they could be outdone by a United side in a rampant mood after their Derby success last Saturday.

We can’t ignore United after the weekend they had seven days ago, so our vote goes in the direction of Manchester United to mount more pressure on league leaders Chelsea by temporarily dethroning the Blues with a win at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Either way, it should be a thoroughly entertaining fixture.

Match Odds

Manchester United – 1.50 BetFred

Draw – 4.50 Bet365

Tottenham Hotspur – 8.00 Coral

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Wayne Rooney FGS – 4.00 SkyBet

Manchester City V Manchester United

Saturday, 17^th April – 12:45 (GMT)

- Manchester Derby –

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Manchester City

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: WLWWW

For City, a team chasing the Champions League dream, every game from now on will be considered ‘Big’. They don’t come any bigger though than the Manchester Derby and it’s the Blues side of Manchester that shouldn’t be short of an incentive or two. After all, in three clashes with the Reds already this season City have ended up on the losing side on two occasions, with one of those defeats being inflicted upon them in the Carling semi-final. A dose of revenge will be on the City menu you would feel but quite whether they can dish it out to the reigning league champions is question open to debate.

Of the two defeats it will have been the Carling Cup loss that would have hurt the City camp more but unlike some City have bounced back with aplomb. Since the turn of the year, City have won 8 of their 14 league fixtures, while some of their mishap results haven’t come at The City of Manchester. The Blues have been sublime at home and have won 9 of their last 11 home games in the league. They’ve also suffered just the one solitary defeat in Manchester this season, although that would be two if you include their 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford way back in September. Everton, though, remain the only Premiership team to have won on Man City soil all season in all competitions.

With tonnes of money spent of relatively big names over the summer, some of them not the wisest of signings, you could hardly say Manchester City were an ideal business model. However, City have come good at the business end of the season and have struck up a decent run of form having won four of their last five league fixtures, while victory over Manchester United would equal City’s previous longest winning streak of four games. While their opponent may make achieving that difficult, City’s home form should more than account for City’s lack of Premiership pedigree while Roberto Mancini doesn’t have to contend with any injuries to key players unlike his opposite number does with Wayne Rooney. In fact, Mancini has arguably the Premiership’s in form player right now at his disposal, fresh and raring to go in Carlos Tevez. The Argentine just can’t stop scoring of late and has had a scoring addiction all season. The little ‘Argie’ scored twice on Sunday in City’s 5-1 romp of Birmingham City, his sixth in three games, while he’s been amply assisted by the now internationally retired Emmanuel Adebayor, who also scored twice on Sunday and is aiming to score his third successive brace on Saturday.

Manchester City have hit top gear and have shown little signs of relenting. Within the space of a fortnight they’ve notched up three successive league wins scoring a quite sublime 14 whilst conceding just 2. Not only have they found chances easy to come by but they’ve now got quality up front to bang them home on a regular basis. City backers should no longer be concerned with City’s wasteful attitude in front of goal so long as Adebayor and Tevez are strutting their stuff in front of goal. The pair have been on-fire of late, while Craig Bellamy also deserves a mention as he’s been one of the main creators for Adebayor and Tevez while he was also the player who scored twice at Old Trafford earlier in the season. So, what we have here is a host of City players with two goal or more habits. Surely one of them won’t bag another brace against the mighty Manchester United?

Emmanuel Adebayor to Score a Brace – 11.00 WilliamHill

Carlos Tevez to Score a Brace – 9.00 SkyBet

Craig Bellamy to Score a Brace – 26.00 BlueSquare

Manchester City’s Home Record: 11-4-1

Home Form: WDLWW

Leading Goalscorer: Carlos Tevez, 22 Goals.

Manchester City Fact: Mancini’s Blues have only failed on two occasions to score at home in the league this season, of which both occasions where against teams from Merseyside in Everton & Liverpool. They’ve put four past Arsenal and two past Chelsea at The City of Manchester stadium earlier in the campaign.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWWLD

Sir Alex Ferguson, a man who has guided Manchester United to 11 league titles during his reign as United manager, has already conceded the title is now beyond them despite them having four more fixtures elft to play and Chelsea having to face both Liverpool and Tottenham before the season is out. Moreover, the Scot claimed Chelsea’s fixture with Bolton on Tuesday night was easy. A low blow for all the Bolton fans but is it an early indication that Sir Alex is beginning to lose the plot or is the masterful Ferguson back to his old tricks? Well, if he is then it certainly didn’t have the desired effect this time around as Chelsea strolled to victory on Tuesday night. That now leaves United having to win every single game while even a draw against their bitter, local rivals cannot even be contemplated.

It’s nail-biting stuff down at Old Trafford, although, it’s made a whole lot worse by the fact they need results elsewhere to go their way. They aren’t out of the running yet mind, as like we said, Chelsea still have to play two tough fixtures before the season draws to a close. However, the fact the league isn’t in United’s hands any more is a huge disappointment, although they only have themselves to blame. They gave the initiative away in that 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, while the 0-0 draw at Blackburn last weekend certainly didn’t help their cause. In fairness, it leaves Manchester United needing a minor miracle to land their fourth successive league crown and surpass Liverpool’s tally of 18 league titles. Fergie was desperate to knock Liverpool off their perch. He said so last year. So it’s understandable that Fergie has had to resort to some old, dirty mind games in order to divert pressure elsewhere, to a specific place in London in particular.

Enough with all the mind game rubbish as all that mental maths will be in vein should United come a cropper and drop more points for the third successive occasion. The Reds have now gone two league games without a win, while in between them was a Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. The notable occurrence? Wayne Rooney wasn’t involved in any of those games. However, the man with the pressure of a nation upon his shoulders, Wayne Rooney, should make his return for the Manchester Derby after being rested last weekend as Man Utd could only conjure a 0-0 draw with Blackburn. That’s a huge boost for the United camp as they’ve struggled something rotten without him. There’s been a distinct lack of creativity, no forward spark of movement from Berbatov or Mecheda, while the pair of them have strived to fluff every half-decent opportunity that does come their way. Rooney, however, just doesn’t know how to miss, especially against Man City. Rooney has scored in two of the three meetings with Man City this season and will be eager to stick in a few more at The City of Manchester stadium, while it was the main man himself, Wayne Rooney, who scored United’s winner their last season, so will lightening strike twice?

The problem with a Manchester United bet is the team have suffered too many heart wrenching results in such a short space of time. Not only have their dreams of making a third successive Champions League final gone down the pan thanks to Arjen Robben but their title aspirations are also hanging by the balance. It’s now got to the point where one more defeat, or even a draw for that matter, and United can rule themselves out of a 19^th league crown. Each and every one of their remaining four fixtures are must win affairs, with this trip across Manchester included. That’s some immense pressure going onto the United shoulders and when you consider that the team isn’t taking any form or packing any positive momentum, it’s sound quite an asking to get a result a venue where the locals have only lost once all season.

Manchester United Away Record: 9-3-5

Away Form: DLWWD

Leading Goalscorer: Wayne Rooney, 26 Goals.

Manchester United Fact: Their 0-0 draw at Blackburn on Sunday afternoon was the first time the Red Devils had failed to score in an away fixture in the Premier League since the middle of December. They have, however, failed to score in nearly a third of their away games this season.

Match Prediction: Manchester City to WIN – 2.88 VCbet

With Rooney likely to be back in the United fold, some will jump on the United boat on Saturday. We, however, feel Rooney’s return could be too soon and too much of an anti-climax, much like his return was against Bayern Munich a fortnight ago, and we all remember what happened there.

City have been nothing short of sensational in their recent league encounters, carving open defences and scoring goals for fun and in bountiful supply. The team is beginning to look like a well oiled machine with every player doing their respective job in a satisfactory manner. Their defending has improved, although it’s far from impenetrable, while it’s difficult to envisage any team halting City’s forward momentum right now. They took a while to really get going on Sunday against Birmingham but when they did, they were ruthless and cut-throat. Now Birmingham have one of the leanest defences in the league so to score five against them takes some doing, while it was only a month or so ago that City were humbling the current league leaders and United’s closest rivals for the title, Chelsea. City humiliated Chelsea at The Bridge by winning 4-2. City proved there and then that they could raise their game for the big occasion in case Sir Alex didn’t already know after pushing United close on three other occasions already this season.

We don’t think City will roll Man Utd over like they did with Arsenal earlier in the season and like they did with Chelsea in February. With tensions running high and so much at stake for both teams, we feel this Manchester Derby could be a real corker. We expect mistakes from both teams and that could prove decisive considering two of the league’s most prolific forwards will be on the same pitch. This could turn into a ‘who scores more’ type of encounter, especially if the first game at Old Trafford was anything to go by. Should this be the case then we would fancy City to overpower what has been a toothless United in recent outings.

Match Odds

Manchester City – 2.88 VCbet

Draw – 3.50 bWin

Manchester United – 2.50 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Carlos Tevez Anytime Scorer – 2.88 Coral

Blackburn Rovers V Manchester United

Sunday, 11^th April – 13:30 GMT

Blackburn Rovers

League Position: 11th

Recent Form: LDDWD 

Blackburn have been known to rustle a few feathers in the Premiership, and should they land a famous victory on Sunday, Rovers could cause quite a stir and give this race for the title a good-old proper stir up. However, Blackburn haven’t beaten the reigning English champions in their last seven attempts, three of those were at Ewood Park, and can only seek inspiration from their 4-3 win way back in 2006. We suppose that isn’t totally true as Blackburn do boast an unbeaten record against ‘Big Four’ opposition at Ewood Park this season having held both Chelsea & Liverpool to draws at Ewood Park, while there are plenty of other reasons why Blackburn’s corner is looking a lot rosier this time around.

As Manchester United travel down to Lancashire trying to notch up some vital points in a bid to defend their league crown, Blackburn have their own defending to do, defending their six match unbeaten run at Ewood Park from distinction. The Red Devils have beaten Blackburn on two of their previous three visits so it’s a fair assumption that Blackburn could be on the verge of relinquishing their sublime run of form on home soil. Then again, it was only three weeks ago that Rovers were frustrating United’s main challenger for the league in Chelsea. Blackburn defied the odds that day to earn a well earned point against table topping Chelsea, while Blackburn are big odds and somewhat unfancied ahead of this weekend clash with yet another side honing in on the league title, so will it be a case of Deja-Vu for Rovers?

Blackburn fans will be well aware of Manchester United’s recent misfortunes though, and while the draw would represent a decent outcome, they will look upon Sunday’s fixture as a golden opportunity to register a rare win over a side which has enjoyed plenty of wins over them down the years. It’s been four years since Blackburn last beat Man Utd at home in the league, while even back then it was considered a massive shock. Victory on Sunday, despite their opponents being under the weather at the moment, would cause similar ripples of stunned silence and shock should they overhaul the English champions in front of what should be a rousing Blackburn support.

The confidence within the Blackburn camp should be sky-high you would feel as not since their 3-1 defeat at Tottenham have they lost in the league – four games without loss in the Premiership. Their two game unbeaten run on the road will also enhance team morale as Blackburn has a dire away record before picking up four points at Burnley and Portsmouth. It should be noted that Blackburn still aren’t overpowering teams with goals but have been more than making up for their loss in goals with some resolute defending. In their last four games (2 at home, 2 away) Rovers have only scored four goals but have shipped just two in return and haven’t conceded in the league for 230 minutes. Granted it’s a run built upon two games with teams down near the foot of the table but it’s a streak which will install plenty of confidence into the Blackburn players and it’s one run, aided by many other positive factors, which make Blackburn a STONKING good bet this weekend!

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWWWL

Alex Ferguson, now a gambler it would seem, takes a deflated squad of Red Devils to Ewood Park this Sunday knowing only a win will do at a venue where neither Chelsea nor Liverpool have won at this season, which puts it into perspective the task at hand for United. It’s a task which is made even more daunting by the fact Wayne Rooney is a huge doubt after aggravating his ankle during Man Utd’s 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday on a night where United’s Champions League dreams were dashed. Unitedhaven’t won the last three league titles without showing bags of fight though, so surely United remain a good bet to bounce back immediately with a win at the weekend? 

Quite how Manchester United were knocked out on Wednesday is unbelievable. Their opponents were a Bayern Munich side which didn’t turn up until half-time, while United stormed out of the starting blocks and raced into a 3-0 lead. It looked plain sailing from then on, perhaps even Rooney could get a needed rest bite such was the comfortabilty of United’s situation, but Ivica Olic’s strike just before the break, followed by Rafael’s rash sending off in second period, meant United were on the ropes and were duly given a knock-out blow by a former rival of theirs, Arjen Robben. It was a goal worthy of winning any two-legged tie, but that will be of little consolation to both the United fans and players as for the first time in five seasons, England don’t have anyone representing them in the Champions League semi-finals.

Fergie needs to somehow lift his players after that crushing defeat. United didn’t play bad though, in fact they were brilliant in the first 40 minutes and should of wrapped the game up with a good four or five goals before half-time. They were dominant, however, costly little mistakes were just that; costly. We’re sure some of the United players, Rafael especially, are thinking ‘What if’ but that game is in the past now, with that sickening quote you always hear after being eliminated “There’s always next year” now being uttered around Old Trafford. But there’s always the next few weeks to make amends starting with a win down at Blackburn Rovers. Victory at Ewood Park would keep United hot on the heels of leaders Chelsea, while it would even lift the Reds back to the top of the league.

Words cannot express just how important three points are on Sunday. Man Utd simply have to pile the pressure back onto Chelsea as the Blues won’t play again in the league until a week later due to their FA Cup commitments on Saturday. Before Chelsea’s next game, United could be a point in front should they succeed in their bid for victory, albeit having played a game more, and a win would pile immense pressure back onto Chelsea. However, without Wayne Rooney, who surely has to be a major doubt after his midweek exertions, how will United break down what has been a stubborn Blackburn side when playing at Ewood Park? Will Berbatov come back into the team after only playing the last 10 minutes of Wednesday’s defeat, or will Fergie spring another surprise? We’re fed up of guessing to be fair and don’t actually think anyone of United’s fringe players will make much difference after that gut-wrenching defeat on Wednesday.

Match Verdict: Draw – 4.30 Expekt

While United are still recovering from their Champions League heartache, Blackburn will aim to pile more woe onto Sunday’s tourists by denting their title bid. They’re unbeaten in their last four league games, haven’t lost a home fixture in 2010 and look the real business to halt United’s charge for the top of the table as an away win for the Reds would send them top of the pack. With the likelihood of Wayne Rooney not featuring, it’s difficult to see where their creativity and forward spark will come from. Dimitar Berbatov looks the likely replacement for Wayne Rooney but he’s too easy to keep quiet. United fans will be pinning their hopes on the form of Nani. The Portuguese winger has found a new lease of life since the turn of the year and was sensational on Wednesday night, scoring twice whilst being at the heart of every United attack. Nani is finally beginning to show his worth and Alex Ferguson will need his former flop to shine once again as United can ill-afford any more slip ups from now on.

Match Odds:

Blackburn Rovers – 8.00 Coral

Draw – 4.30 Expekt

Manchester United – 1.50 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Blackburn Rovers +1 Goals (Asian Handicap) – 2.10 VCbet

UEFA Champions League: Quarter-Finals, Second Leg

Manchester United V Bayern Munich

Wednesday, 7^th April – 19:45 GMT

TV Coverage: ITV1

First Leg: Bayern Munich 2-1 Manchester United

As Manchester United set out to end their baron run of seven successive failures to overhaul a German opponent over two legs, the Red Devils got off to the worst possible start as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. It was the English side though, Man Utd, who struck first with barely a minute on the clock when Wayne Rooney – who else – volleyed home from just two yards out to send the away side sprinting into a 1-0 aggregate lead. More importantly, Alex Ferguson could breathe a little easier as he know he already had a vital away goal to take home with him, although he wanted a lot more. He didn’t get what he wished for however as Franck Ribery’s deflected free-kick found the back of Van Der Sar’s net via the heel of Wayne Rooney.

With United being pushed further back as the game began to die away, Bayern pressed for a winner, although clear chances were few and far between. Just as the game appeared to be dwindling out into a 1-1 draw, some sloppy defending from Patrice Evra of Manchester United gave Ivica Olic the opportunity to strike the last blow, and he did so with aplomb. The first leg did eventually finish 2-1 as Olic’s strike was virtually the last kick of the game. However, while the talking point should have been about Olic’s last gasp winner, it was instead about Rooney’s sprain ankle. An injury which will keep the England international sidelined for the second leg and a further two more weeks as well.

United were overwhelming favourites before the 2-1 defeat in Germany, but that victory for Bayern has seen their price cut right down to size, with Louis Van Gaal’s team now adjudged to have almost a 50/50 chance of making the Semi-Finals with Bayern Munich now a best priced 2.05 with totesportto sail through to the Semi’s. United, however, without Wayen Rooney spearheading their attack, are still being widely tipped by the bookies to make the next round of the competition and the best price we could find on them was 2.00 with Coral.

Manchester United

Outright Odds: 9/2 PaddyPower

To Qualify: 2.00 Coral 

Ivica Olic’s last minute winner at the Allianz Arena was a kick in the teeth for Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United camp, but there is plenty of room for optimism as they head back to England where Old Trafford, a venue they comprehensively beat AC Milan 4-0 at in the last round, will hopefully become the setting to another memorable European night for the Red Devils of Manchester. The Reds’ have never beaten Bayern Munich over two legs in Europe, and as they trail 2-1 from the first leg they know they have it all to do back home. But it’s possible, and their quote of 1.70 with SportingBetgives us the impression that the majority of bookmakers are of the same opinion, and that home advantage could tell in this deciding second leg. 

As previously stated though, there is still a lot of work to be done. The plus point from the first leg was their away goal. The negative, however, was that their scorer of their goal in Germany will miss this game, as well as several other important fixtures, as Rooney recovers from a sprained ankle suffered in the dying minutes of that 2-1 defeat in Germany. He’s United’s top goalscorer this season with 34 goals scored in all competitions, while he had previously scored in each of United’s previous three knock-out matches even managing three against AC Milan over the two legs.  

So we’ve established Wayne Rooney will be a big loss, but what was more damaging was their weekend defeat to Chelsea. The Champions League isn’t the only trophy Alex Ferguson and Manchester United have on the radar as the Premiership title is firmly within sight. However, the Premier League crown did distance itself from Old Trafford after their 2-1 defeat at home to the now league leaders Chelsea. It was a bitter blow as it meant United relinquished their grasp of top spot, while it also highlighted a huge flaw in that United have no answer to Rooney’s absence. We expected Ferguson’s charges to put in a far better display on Saturday than the one we were treated to. They were uncharacteristically sluggish and sloppy all over the pitch, giving the ball away on countless occasions while their Midfielder’s barely got a foothold in the game. Moreover, Dimitar Berbatov was useless up front on his own. It was a scary sight as you don’t normally see Manchester United strapped for ideas, or lacking in creative flair, but with Berbatov up front by himself United had little to offer from an attacking sense. So much so that they didn’t create anything of note, while their goal came from the arm of Macheda after a pinball like Chelsea penalty area. 

Alex Ferguson opted for five in midfield on Saturday in a bid to contain a predatory like Chelsea. On Wednesday, however, it’s United who should be feeling the pinch as they have no option but to go in search of goals in order to bridge the 2-1 deficit. Fergie will need to abandon his cautious approach but doesn’t necessarily have the players at his disposal to do so. His only striking option is that of Dimitar Berbatov, which won’t fill fans with optimism as he just doesn’t given anyone much of an option, while his lack of enthusiasm while on the pitch is very frustrating for the supporters. They do have two pacey wingers in Nani and Valencia though, while Ryan Giggs’ experience can be relied upon on the big stage, all of which can beat their markers and deliver a decent ball, but whichever lines up on the left could have their work cut out against an accomplished right-back in Lahm, while all three were involved over the weekend and neither exactly boosted their claims for a starting role on Wednesday.

We have no qualms over the United defence, one which, despite conceding a couple in their last few home outings, has been resolute and reliable for the most part at home this season. Our concerns are in midfield, and whether Alex Ferguson has the necessary inventory to dominate the middle of the park. They were clearly the losers on Saturday as Chelsea bossed the midfield, and that’s not good to hear when the likes of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are in the oppositions team sheet. Fergie will need to somehow quell Bayern’s biggest threats which are their pacey wingers, while he will need to give one hell-of-a inspirational team talk to Nani and Valencia after their dismal showings at the weekend. The two mentioned have the potential to land United the spoils at Old Trafford and without a big display from both, United will struggle to overpower their German rivals.

Positives:  

A rampant home crowd at Old Trafford. 

Two agile, skilful and fast wingers in Nani and Valencia. 

Two of the worlds best defenders in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, backed up by a reliable Edwin Van Der Sar. 

Negatives: 

Limited forward options, with Dimitar Berbatov the only stand out in the United squad. 

A Midfield lacking in confidence, ideas and creativity at present.  

An unconvincing right-back in Gary Neville. He was awful on Saturday and will get torn to shreds against Franck Ribery. 

Very few impact players on the bench.

Bayern Munich

Outright Odds: 10/1 Bodog

To Qualify: 2.05 totesport

With Bayern Munich back on top of the German Bundesliga after their 2-1 win at FC Schalke on Saturday, the German giants will once again be dreaming of European domination after putting one foot in the semi-finals after their 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena in Germany. The task now, though, is to travel over to England and defend their narrow aggregate lead against a Manchester United side who not only dispatched of AC Milan in the last round in a comprehensive fashion, but also thrashed the Italians, the 2007 Champions, 4-0 at Old Trafford. A result which will have reverberated around Europe no doubt.

Bayern, though, will be supremely confident after their exploits in Schalke on Saturday. Schalke may not quite be a household name back home but they were, and still are, a force to be reckoned with back in Germany, and Bayern’s 2-1 defeat of them sent the Munich side back to the top of the table as a direct result. It was the best possible outcome for Louis Van Gaal as it ended the clubs run of two successive league defeats and instead put Bayern Munich top of the pile.The Belgium manager will now take a group of buoyant and extremely confident players over to England where he’ll now try to mastermind a victory over arguably the worlds greatest ever manager in Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Bayern’s away form though in the competition will be a concern of Van Gaal after two wins and two defeats on the road thus far. However, it’s certainly worth pointing out that Bayern have scored in each of their four away encounters in Europe this season, scoring ten in all; two of those coming in the last round in Florence against Fiorentina. The Germans did look down and out in that last-sixteen tie at one stage before an Arjen Robben wonder strike booked their place in the next round. That’s the danger with Bayern Munich; they have players which can create a goal from absolutely nothing, those which have the ability toturn any game completely on it’s head. The two stand-outs of course are Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery as they make things happen. Both of whom will cause United all sorts of problems down the wings, while the pair do like to cut in and have a pop at goal, often to great affect.

Louis Van Gaal got his squad fired up at the weekend for their top of the table clash with FC Schalke, and he reaped the rewards in a 2-1 victory. The players putting in a battling display and played remarkably well as a team, as a unit, and their exuberant celebrations were a clear message that they’re hungry for glory this season, and that they’re desperate for some silverware. However, the players went out knowing they had to win at the Veltins Arena at the weekend but won’t have that same expectant pressure upon their shoulders at Old Trafford as they can rest assured in the knowledge that their 2-1 aggregate means it’s United who need to ask the questions.

Bayern took a narrow advantage to Fiorentina in the last round. They tried to sit back and absorb some early pressure but some costly mistakes led to Bayern having to come out of their shells. When they did though, the Germans looked dangerous, although they were also caught napping on more than one occasion at the back. We aren’t entirely convinced Van Gaal has players of genuine quality at the back needed to repel a team with so much European pedigree like Manchester United for the full 90 minutes, while there will be common reservations about Bayern’s ability to chase games. When they need a result on the road they tend to go out in an ‘all-guns-blazing’ attitude. They cause the opposition plenty of problems with their attacking numbers but they also leave themselves exposed at the back. Van Gaal needs to somehow get the right mixture of attack and defence in order for Bayern Munich to claim a big scalp along the way to a semi-final showdown with Lyon or Bordeaux.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.80 bWin

We feel Bayern will prove a step too far for Manchester United even though they now boast home advantage. This Bayern defence isn’t the strongest and should be breached at least once in fairness, but United really didn’t look at all up to scratch on Saturday and their 2-1 defeat, what was a bitter defeat at the hands of Chelsea, could send them spiralling into a terrible run of results if they’re not careful. With United aiming to press and ask questions of what we feel is a fairly weak Bayern back four, and Bayern themselves looking to as their own questions on the counter, this could be a to-and-throe game which could go either way. However, with the momentum now with the Germans, we’re opting for Bayern Munich in a score draw. We’re envisaging a nervy last 15 minutes or so where United have the lead but a late strike from either Arjen Robben or Franck Ribery sends the United fans into despair.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.70 SportingBet

Draw – 3.80 bWin

Bayern Munich – 5.30 Bet365

Manchester United V Chelsea

Saturday, 3^rd April – 12:45 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WWWWW

While the talking point should be about United’s superb run of form at Old Trafford, and how a win over their closest title rival would put them firmly in the driving seat, it is instead all about Wayne Rooney, but for all the wrong reasons. As Man Utd crashed to their first defeat in the knock-out stages of the Champions League on Wednesday night, losing 2-1 in Bayern Munich, Wayne Rooney, with just seconds remaining, was found in a heap in the centre of the Allianz pitch in agony after spraining his ankle. The influential and prolific Untied forward will now miss anywhere between 2-4 weeks of action and it was interesting to see that bookies have altered Manchester United’s odds of winning this hugely anticipated clash accordingly.

Manchester United were strong favourites to win this clash before the Rooney injury, somewhere around the 5/4 mark. Now, however, in the absence of a striker which has bagged no less than 34 goals this season, United are as big as 2.63 (7/4) to win Saturday’s enthralling clash with Chelsea. The bookies obviously feel United just aren’t the same team without a Mr. Rooney in their side and it’s hard to disagree with their viewpoint. With Rooney out, it’s difficult to see where the injection of pace will come from, or who will make those darting runs inside the opposing box. Of course, Alex Ferguson does have a striker valued at £30Million at his disposal, but Dimitar Berbatov is no Wayne Rooney. To even compare the two is laughable and to replace a man with bags of enthusiasm and great work ethic with a striker who spends most of his pitch time twiddling his thumbs will undoubtedly lead to doubting punters and pundits around the country.

Quite how Manchester United will cope without their fiery Scouser we don’t know, but even so, at odds of around 2.63 (7/4), United do look tremendous value considering they still have a team mixed with quality and experience, while their defence is growing stronger with each game. That’s the pivotal factor for us; United’s defence. They may have been sluggish on Wednesday night in Germany, but back home at Old Trafford they’ve been almost impenetrable, with Fernando Torres the only player to score at The Stadium of Dreams in 720 minutes of action. It goes without saying that Chelsea have some forward stars of their own but if the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra – World Class defenders in their own right – could put in a tidy defensive shift, all it would take was a clinical piece of finishing at the other end to win this fixture, of which any number of players could fit the bill. Dimitar Berbatov is quite capable of stealing the show when he wants to. Despite the Bulgarian’s lazy attitude, he’s a quality forward and give him a whiff at goal and chances are, he will grab it with both hands. Granted he’s yet to score against Chelsea in a United shirt but he’s never been given an opportunity as golden as this and we reckon he might take some of the limelight off Rooney’s injury with a match winning performance on Saturday.

If you need me to name other players who can make a difference on Saturday and back up my claims that Manchester United remain a snip at 2.63, look no further than the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nani, Valencia and Park… All have tonnes of big game experience and will know exactly what it takes to win a fixture of this magnitude. You could also throw both Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher into the mixer as the pair will be instrumental in United’s chances on Saturday. The pair, should they both start, will need to shield what has been a rock hard United back line from danger and you’ll struggle to find two men better equipped for the job.

We understand United are now lacking their best player in Wayne Rooney but don’t write Alex Ferguson and Man Utd off just yet. The Scot is a master in these types of games and at the odds, we won’t be opposing them, even without a player battling for European supremacy with Lionel Messi.

• Man Utd have lost just one league game at Old Trafford all season (14-1-1). 

•  Aston Villa are the only team to have beaten the reigning English champions at Old Trafford in the league. 

•  An unforgiven United defence has conceded just one league goal in 720 minutes of play at Old Trafford, and it took one of the world’s best strikers to do so, Liverpool’s own Fernando Torres. 

•  Sir Alex Ferguson has guided United to an impressive 14 wins in 16 games at Old Trafford this season, of which 10 of them were without conceding a goal. 

• United’s defensive record of just 9 goals conceded is the best in the league, while the 44 goals they’ve amassed so far at Old Trafford is the second best offensive record.

Chelsea

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: LWDWW

Chelsea fans must be wandering what they’ve done to deserve such fantastic luck. We are certain none of the Chelsea squad, including their manager Carlo Ancelotti, would have wished an injury on Manchester United’s most prolific goalscorer Wayne Rooney, but for one reason or another the football Gods are shining down on Chelsea this week and they’ll head into this crunch 1^st versus 2^nd clash looking to make Rooney’s absence pay for the hosts at Old Trafford. To do so, though, Chelsea would need to strike up their first win at Old Trafford in nearly five years, while they would have to send the mighty Red Devils to just their second home defeat of the season.

We feel it’s common knowledge now, what with Rooney’s injury being heavily publicised, that Chelsea won’t have a better opportunity to end their four game drought at Old Trafford than on Saturday afternoon. In their previous four visits to Old Trafford, Chelsea have drawn one but lost three, while they’ve not even managed to get on the score sheet in their previous two trips to the Stadium of Dreams. You would like to think, what with United missing their biggest goal threat on Saturday, that Chelsea would at least end their baron run in front of goal with Saturday’s visit, but the travelling Chelsea support will hold out hopes for bigger and better, that being all three points. Basically a win that would lift the Blues above United in the league and back into the Premier League driving seat.

Chelsea have prepared well for this clash, beating their last two league opponents in a convincing manner. Their last away encounter was a trip down South to Portsmouth. Chelsea smashed the South Coast side 5-0 at Fratton Park, although we mustn’t forget that Portsmouth are all but relegated. However, to prove their 5-0 demolition of Portsmouth wasn’t just a fluke, Chelsea obliterated Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge at the weekend in a 7-1 drubbing of a Villa side who beforehand had serious claims for Champions League football. Chelsea have now all but ended Villa’s hopes of a fourth place finish, and with the Chelsea players in a rampant yet savage mood of late, they’ll now go for the throat of United and try to derail their title bid with a victory at Old Trafford. 

The preparation has gone well, they’ve got their rub of the green with Wayne Rooney out, while there scoring plenty of goals. However, something just doesn’t sit right with a Chelsea bet this weekend and I’m not sure what it is. Like we’ve said, they’ve got plenty going for them right now but, for one reason or another, I can just see them falling short at Old Trafford. Chelsea haven’t raised their game in this fixture for quite some time and will they have raised the stakes with some of their recent displays, I’m still not 100% confident there is a team unity within the Chelsea dressing room. Only time will tell whether I’ll be proven right or wrong, although the good news is we only have to wait a couple more days to see.

• Chelsea have lost five games this season, two less than their rivals, but four of those have come on the road away from Stamford Bridge. 

•  Chelsea have now notched up 12 goals from their last two league games after impressive and resounding victories over Portsmouth (0-5) and Aston Villa (7-1). 

•  After 16 completed away games (8-4-4) Chelsea have only failed to score in an away fixture once (Birmingham City 0-0 Chelsea). 

•  Chelsea have the best away defensive record in the league: Conceding 5. 

•  Chelsea’s tally of 30 away goals is the third best offensive record in the Premier League, behind both Arsenal and Manchester United. 

• Chelsea haven’t won at Old Trafford for nearly five years: W:0 D:1 L: 3.

Last 5 meetings at Old Trafford:

2009/2009: Manchester United 3-0 Chelsea

2007/2008: Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea

2006/2007: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea

2005/2006: Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea

2004/2005: Manchester United 1-3 Chelsea

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 2.63 Bet365
 

As Chelsea set out to grasp this golden opportunity to end their five year wait for an Old Trafford win, we turn in the other direction to a man with greater Premiership experience, more English league titles than anyone else and the master at big games… Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scots tactical nous will be the difference for us as he aims to make light of the fact that he is without his most prized asset in Wayne Rooney. He did so emphatically at the weekend when smashing Bolton Wanderers 4-0 at The Reebok, and while this opponent is one of far more class and quality, the fact remains that both Ferguson and Manchester United know too well how to defy adversity.

We reckon Fergie will opt for five in midfield: Carrick and Fletcher in the anchor roles, Park a little in front of them while the wing positions will be occupied by two of either Ryan Giggs, Nani or Antonio Valencia. Personally, I’d have Ryan Giggs down the left and keep an in form Nani down the right. Whoever gets the nods, both wingers will need to work on their supply into Berbatov as they will need to be pinpoint, while the pair will want to cut inside and cause some trouble of their own. I don’t know about you but even that looks dangerous enough, so why some are saying this is Chelsea’s for the taking even before they’ve properly analysed the two teams is baffling.

We could be proved wrong, while we are setting ourselves up for a big fall should Chelsea win at Old Trafford, but we don’t see that being the case and we really do fancy Manchester United back at Old Trafford to put a miserable week behind them and return to winning ways in what would be a win to put their Bayern Munich defeat right to bed… at least for a week or so.

Air of caution: Didier Drogba is just two goals behind Wayne Rooney in the scoring charts and will want to make inroads on that two goal deficit before Rooney returns in about a months time.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 2.63 Bet365

Draw – 3.25 Boylesports

Chelsea – 2.88 SkyBet

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Dimitar Berbatov FGS – 7.50 Bet365

Manchester United V Liverpool

Sunday, 21^st March – 12:45 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: DLWWW

There will be plenty of incentives for Manchester United when they entertain one of their fiercest rivals, Liverpool, at Old Trafford this Sunday. The obvious one will be to attain maximum points in order to maintain their push for a fourth consecutive league title, while the other, one we actually feel is far more important at this stage of the season, is to avenge their humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in the very same fixture of the last campaign in order to sky-rocket the confidence of the players further. That was the biggest defeat inflicted on the mighty Red Devils for quite some time, but, with the tables turning somewhat ever since, perhaps United can inflict a heavy defeat of their own this weekend.

United certainly have the form behind them to suggest they could mirror last seasons epic encounter, although it was epic for all the wrong reasons as far as United were concerned. The Red Devils have produced title winning form at the perfect time, with United winning their last five competitive games. Wins include two victories over AC Milan, both home and away, whilst they’ve notched up three wins on the trot in the league, two of which were at Old Trafford.

In an extension to the form of Man Utd at home, United have been unstoppable at Old Trafford of late and haven’t been put in their place since the middle of December when losing 1-0 to Aston Villa. Since, though, United have notched up seven wins in succession, with every single one of them being to NIL, meaning United haven’t conceded at Old Trafford in seven outings – 630 minutes of action. That run would stretch further to 720 minutes if you wish to include their shut-out against AC Milan in the Champions League. All of this will sound daunting to their opponents, while it will ooze confidence for the United players.

Alex Ferguson is a master at getting his troop into tip-top shape right when the season is coming to its climax and it’s hard to oppose his team despite their humbling of last season. Their form is outstanding, with Wayne Rooney in particular looking a player possessed at current, scoring in every game of this seven match winning run at Old Trafford, while the fact they’ve not conceded in such a staggeringly long time just makes them even more desirable from a betting perspective.

Liverpool

League Position: 5th

Recent Form: LDWLW

This time last season Liverpool were on top of their game, and on top of the world after victories over Real Madrid & Manchester United, Sunday’s opponents. Now, however, the find themselves struggling to maintain their ‘Top Four’ status, while solid form is hardly their forte right now with the Reds having not won back-t-back games in the league since the beginning of last month, yet victory on Sunday would take them to two successive win in the Premiership. Further more, it would complete a memorable double-of-doubles over Manchester United, an enemy around Merseyside, after beating United 2-0 earlier this season and twice last season. 

Victory this time around though does look a big ask, too big of an ask if you ask me, as Liverpool have looked far too inconsistent and weak to even have us considering a minuscule wager on them this Sunday, despite the likelihood of the Liverpool players being fired up for this clash. They were certainly motivated on Monday night when they obliterated Portsmouth at Anfield in what was the first time in months that Liverpool controlled a football match for the entirety and got the goals to show their dominance. 

With the exception of their victory over a hapless and relegated-to-be Portsmouth, Liverpool’s form is pretty lethargic, with only a win over Blackburn Rovers at home being positive. In fact, were it not for Anfield slowly returning to the fortress of old then Liverpool might not even be still in the running four fourth as their form on the road has deserted them in quick time. Their last league outing was a complete failure, losing 1-0 at Wigan Athletic, while it’s a good three months since the Reds last won an away fixture in the league, way back in December. They’ve gone five away games without a win, although make that six if you count their 1-0 defeat in Lille in the Europa League.

That takes us nicely onto our next rant about Liverpool’s apparent no hope in hell chances of winning this game – The Europa League. Not only will the Reds be involved in Europa League action on Thursday night, leaving the players with just two days to rest up, but Liverpool will have to pour their heart and soul into that clash as they were 1-0 down on aggregate. We have no idea what the final result to that game was but, should they lose, it could do no end of damage to the morale of the Liverpool dressing room, one which isn’t exactly booming right now anyway.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.73 SkyBet

I remember last season we tipped United to beat Liverpool at Old Trafford and that went completely array. However, while we did fancy United back then, we fancy their chances a damn sight more this time around, not only because their form is sublime and almost immaculate but because their opponents have been woeful of late. Liverpool have shown next to nothing to suggest they have it within them to pull out a performance worthy of ending Unites’ seven match winning run at Old Trafford, so the preference is for a formidable Manchester United to extend their winning run at home to eight games, and their foothold at the top of the Barclay’s Premier League table.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.73 SkyBet

Draw – 3.80 Coral

Liverpool – 5.50 Boylesports

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Fernando Torres Anytime Scorer – 3.20 Expekt

Manchester United V Fulham

Sunday 14^th March – 13:30 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WDLWW

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

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

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

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

Fulham

League Position: 10th

Recent Form: WDWWD

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

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

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

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

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.25 Boylesports

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

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.25 Boylesports

Draw – 6.00 Bet365

Fulham – 16.00 PaddyPower

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

Manchester United V AC Milan

Wednesday, 10^th March – 19:45 GMT

First-Leg: AC Milan 2-3 Manchester United

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

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

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

Manchester United

Outright odds: 11/2 Bet365

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

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

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

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

AC Milan

Outright odds: 66/1 SkyBet

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

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

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

Our Verdict: AC Milan to WIN -6.00 PaddyPower

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

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

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.67 Bet365

Draw – 3.75 SkyBet

AC Milan – 6.00 PaddyPower

Everton V Manchester United

Saturday, 20^th February – 12:45 GMT (Sky Sports 1)

The first fixture of the weekend is an early one as Everton host title chasing Manchester United at Goodison Park in what is shaping up as a really tough game to call. Both these two teams have been playing outstandingly well in recent weeks, with Everton boasting a 2-1 first leg win in Europe over Sporting Lisbon and a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the league, while their opponents will be buoyed by their Champions League win over Italian giants AC Milan; so who will reign victorious when these two in-form sides meet on Saturday? It’s a game that will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 and it’s one we highly recommended you don’t miss and it should be a close encounter.

Everton

League Position: 9th

Recent Form: WWWLW

The Toffees, whom don’t boast an impressive record against Manchester United in the league; Winning just one of the last ten meetings with their Northern rivals,  will be optimistic over their chances after two huge wins within the space of a week. Their last outing in the league was a home fixture with Chelsea, in which Everton produced the shock of the week when turning Chelsea over in a 2-1 win, while they won by the same scoreline on Tuesday night, just a week after they beat Chelsea, by beating Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon at Goodison Park in what proved to be a very good seven day spell for David Moyes and Everton.

A narrow and unfortunate 1-0 defeat at Liverpool earlier in the month is the only blemish in an otherwise sublime run of form Everton, having gone eleven games in the league with just one defeat. Moreover, The Toffees have notched up four wins from their last five league fixtures, so it’s actually them, the home side, who go into this exciting little fixture with the better form – League form anyway. To bolster their United credentials even further, Everton produced an utter magic display the Tuesday before last to record a stunning 2-1 victory over Chelsea, the current leaders of the Premiership. Add that to victories over Man City (2-0), Sunderland (2-0) & Wigan (0-1), and Everton’s form is looking particularly strong.  

Their last outing was a Europa League tie, although we didn’t have the chance to watch that nor see Distin’s red card. However, we did see glimpses of their match with Chelsea, of which Everton were nothing short of sensational in terms of work rate, determination and overall team effort. The Toffees played out of their skins and completely outplayed a team rated as one of the best in Europe, whom were made to look mediocre by the Toffees. David Moyes will have been both delighted with the pair of wins and, more importantly, very optimistic about his sides chances on Saturday in the knowledge that four of their Premiership points have been taken from games with Chelsea this season, and that one of the leagues elite teams couldn’t get the better of them. This should stand them in good stead for what will be another stiff examination from yet another title contender.

With this being a home fixture, in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd at Goodison, Everton have every chance of registering yet another huge victory over one of England’s elite sides. If they can replicate their performance of that against Chelsea then they’ll be hard to stop in our opinion. They were ship-tight at the back, domineering in midfield whilst remaining bright and lively in the final third. They really did pull out all the stops that night, but can they produce something similar on Saturday in a game which requires some magic on their part? Well, United brushed Everton aside when the pair last met at Old Trafford this season, with United winning 3-0, so Everton will certainly need another big team effort if they are to overhaul the 18 time champions of England on Saturday, but they do have both the form and the potential to claim yet another valuable scalp.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWWWD 

So long as Man Utd avoid defeat on Saturday at Goodison Park, they will go nine games unbeaten in the league after six wins and two draws. However, Alex Ferguson will know full well that Chelsea are expected to pick up three points this weekend at Wolves, so his United side simply cannot afford to come away from Goodison empty handed, with possibly even a draw being a disappointing result in terms of where it could leave them in the table by the close of the weekend. Their form would suggest they will go close to picking up the three points they so desperately crave, but Everton have proved a tough nut to crack in recent weeks, you just need to ask Chelsea about that, and this could be a fixture where United just might have to settle for the solitary point if they aren’t up to cratch after their Champions League heroics, but United just don’t settle for points nowadays so expect nothing less than a full-hearted performance from them.

The players, though, will be buoyed by their recent success in the Champions League against AC Milan after slamming home three away goals in Italy. We say slamming as that wasn’t really the case as one was a scruffy Paul Scholes strike while the other two came from the man of the moment; Wayne Rooney, both from his head. Man Utd won the first of a two legged encounter 3-2 in the end after out-powering their ageing Italian opponents, although they were hanging on come the end and it will be interesting to see whether their arduous efforts at the San Siro will lead to a slightly below par United performance at Goodison Park.

To be brutally honest, if Wayne Rooney just turns up then United should go mighty close to winning this fixture, such is the form of United’s star man right now. He pretty much single handily won the game in Italy for his side, scoring his first Champions League brace this season, while his many goals in the Premiership have kept United firmly in the hunt for a nineteenth league title. The former Everton frontman is the Premiership’s top goalscorer this season with 21 goals, whilst he’s managed to get on the score sheet in five of United’s last seven league fixtures. You wouldn’t dare say United are a one man team but it doesn’t bare thinking about how United would actually cope without their now talismanic forward.

United do have the CV, the credentials if you like, to win at Goodison as they boast plenty of form, momentum and confidence; all the factors you need for a winning formula. However, like we’ve mentioned on several occasions, when United do come a cropper, and that hasn’t been all that often this season, it has been away from Old Trafford, with four of their five defeats coming outside of Manchester. They could only manage a draw in their last away outing in the league, a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa in which Nani, whom will miss this game through suspension, was dismissed for a nasty tackle, and we wouldn’t put anyone off backing the same scoreline (1-1) in a contest which United could win but will do well to win.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

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

•  Man Utd dominate the h2h between the two by winning seven of the last ten meetings. 

•  Victory for United would make it a hat-trick of wins over Everton after winning the two previous meetings at Old Trafford. 

•  The last meeting at Goodison Park, October 2008, finished honours even as the pair played out a 1-1 draw. It was the first time Everton hadn’t lost against United in three years.  

•  United haven’t failed to score at Goodison Park in their previous four visits.  

• Everton’s last home win over Manchester United came back in 2005 when they recorded a 1-0 victory by virtue of a Darren Ferguson goal.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.60 Bet365

Two teams with plenty of form and plenty of momentum and we feel the pair could very well cancel each other out in a score draw. Everton have been very robust in recent weeks,rapidly becoming an extremely difficult team to play against, and evidentially hard to beat, with just Liverpool doing so in eleven games. They were stunning in their last outing when beating Chelsea and a similar display from them would make them so hard to beat, and to oppose in all fairness. United, though, are enjoying a good run of form themselves and do tend to come on very strong in the latter part of the season. Their midweek win will have sky-rocketed their confidence levels but they they are a tad exposed on the road against considering this is a tough team they’re up against and I feel a draw would be a fair result here and probably one neither manager would be too disgruntled with.

Match Odds:

Everton – 5.00 bWin

Draw – 3.60 Bet365

Manchester United – 1.83 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Tip: 1-1 Correct Score – 6/1 Bet365