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

 

Manchester United V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 22nd August – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

 

Preview - However unconvincing, defending champions United are in their groove following their slightly fortuitous 2-1 victory over West Brom at The Hawthorns last Sunday. The same cannot be said for Tottenham, whose opening fixture with Everton at White Hart Lane was postponed, though they did make the most out of their midweek Europa League qualifier with Hearts and, after trouncing the SPL outfit 5-0 at Tynecastle, should at least arrive at fortress Old Trafford in buoyant mood.

Fortress Old Trafford is by no means an exaggeration either. The ‘Theatre of Dreams’ was the one outstanding factor behind United getting their hands on a record 19th English league title in 2010-2011, as it was where they dropped just two miserly points, winning 18 out of 19 at home in the league including a 2-0 victory over Tottenham, not to mention victories over their other noteworthy rivals.

On the topic of Tottenham and Old Trafford, though, you might also be interested to hear that not since 1989 have Spurs left Manchester with a coveted away win – with Man Utd triumphant in seventeen of the twenty-one subsequent meetings, including each of the last five by an aggregate of 14-4. So it isn’t just a case of Spurs needing to defy the odds on Monday, they’ll also have to rewrite history as well.

A leveller, perhaps, could be the injuries in both camps. Tottenham have a whole host of them, although few will be as sorely missed as Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic will be for United. The centre-halves have both been ruled out through injury leaving Sir Alex with an exposed and very inexperienced back-line containing 20-year-old goalkeeper David de Gea, Chris Smalling at right-back as well as Phil Jones and Jonny Evans at centre-half. The onus, then, will be on Patrice Evra to marshal a makeshift defence.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are set to be without more than half-a-dozen first-team players for Monday’s formidable trip up north, though none more important than LIndiaa Modric who missed Thursday’s comprehensive 5-0 win over Hearts up in Scotland. Ledley King, William Gallas, Sandro and Steven Pienaar are among those who are definitely unavailable, although Tom Huddlestone is back from injury and should start from the off.

A key area for Spurs will be down the flanks, and exploiting the pace of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon. The latter has given Patrice Evra a torrid time in recent encounters while Bale simply has to display the kind of form which saw him collect the PFA Player of the Year for his outstanding performances in 2010-2011. But the pair could well be overshadowed by United’s dangerous wing duo of Ashley Young and Nani, with the two having already began the season in glittering form.

Match Fact: Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 21 home Premier League matches versus Tottenham, winning 17.

Team News: Man Utd are without Rio Ferdinand, Rafael, Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez; Tottenham missing Ledley King, Alan Hutton, William Gallas, LIndiaa Modric, Jermaine Jenas, Wilson Palacios, Steven Pienaar and Sandro.

 

Betting - United were always going to be odds-on favourites, but bookmakers aren’t entirely confident in the home side’s chances on Monday, despite boasting an incredible record at Old Trafford over the last twelve months, and especially over this particular opponent. Not since 1989 have Tottenham won a league fixture at Old Trafford, just to emphasis the London club’s woeful record at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.

The absences of Ferdinand and Vidic in particular have made bookies a tad wary, and justifiably so when you considering the attacking armoury Tottenham bring with them: Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon are a handful for any full-back with their lightening quick turn of foot, LIndiaa Modric has been known to single-handily boss games in the middle of that Spurs midfield, while Rafael van der Vaart is a world-class act, though usually he hits a brick wall around the hour mark.

Nobody is doubting Tottenham’s credentials ahead of the game, and strictly no one is writing off their chances. On paper, the hosts are certainly vulnerable at the back, but it’s still a case of whether the Red Devils will have too much going forward. Ashley Young and Nani are in sublime form heading into this intriguing contest, while Wayne Rooney has that frightening glint in his eyes so he’ll be a menace.

Because they do have more dangerous players in their line-up, and because they’ll be playing in front of a packed house at Old Trafford – where they’ve not tasted defeat in the league since April 2010 (21 games) having also won their last fifteen on the spin, bookmakers have had little option but to install defending Barclay’s Premier League champions Man Utd as favourites, but they are far from overwhelming ones at 4/6.

This should be a wide-open affair with plenty of action in the final thirds, so I don’t rate the chances of this match ending in stalemate. The draw, however, will no doubt have some appeal at 3/1.

With United’s defensive frailties well documented, this may be Tottenham’s best opportunity to end their 21-year Old Trafford voodoo. And at odds of 5/1, I know I couldn’t discourage any punter from taking a chance on Redknapp’s men.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 4/6 Bet365
Draw – 3/1 WilliamHill
Tottenham Hotspur – 5/1 PaddyPower

 

Verdict - I do envisage an entertaining game of football in Manchester between two teams who’ll look to get forward in numbers at every possible opportunity. If Bale and Lennon both have good games then Spurs are definitely in with a shout. But I don’t have every faith that the pair will indeed show up and bring their a-game to the party, whereas Ashley Young and Nani will, or at least should. Both Bale and Lennon have been hit and miss over the past twelve months – often sublime but on other occasions non-existent. And I haven’t even started on the other key head-to-head between Rafael van der Vaart, who rarely sees out a full gane, and Wayne Rooney, who invariably shines at Old Trafford.

While I don’t doubt for one minute that Tottenham could potentially do some damage, their key players, those who could have a large say in whether Spurs play outstanding or average, are just too unreliable to be trusted in such an excruciating fixture, from their point of view. It’s rare United’s big names don’t show up and shine, and even rarer at Old Trafford, so I’m playing the percentages with this one.

Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 4/6 Bet365
Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals – 2/1 WilliamHill

 

Schalke V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 26 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

A club-first UEFA Champions League final beckons for Schalke, who have taken the competition by storm this season but will have to produce their best yet if they’re to oust three-time winners Manchester United over two-legs who, by contrast, are bidding to make their third final in four years.

No prizes, then, for guessing which of the two boasts the greater wealth of European pedigree, but while United’s record on the European stage in recent years towers over that of Schalke’s, their record against German opposition is pretty ordinary to say the least – having never won a Champions League knockout tie against a German club in four previous attempts – and will need to exorcise a demon of theirs if they’re to qualify for next month’s show-piece at Wembley.

As recent as last season United were forced to feel the full wrath of their German curse, when bowing out at the quarter-final stage to Bayern Munich 4-4 on away goals, despite bossing both legs and leading the aggregate scoring 4-2 at one stage. So they must be wary of their latest German assignment, that despite this arguably being their weakest German adversary of the lot; a Schalke side who are languishing in mid-table back home in the Bundesliga, though United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reassured fans that he certainly isn’t taken ‘The Royal Blues’ lightly by claiming Schalke will be his side’s toughest task yet, as German teams always have that resilience and determination about them which makes them such a formidable foe in continental competition.

The United boss’ call for caution as well as respect for their opponent should speak volumes, as there are few managers in the game, in the history of the game even, who have secured more honours or spent more time out on the training ground with the same club than the 69-year-old, who has experienced as many lows as highs in this competition down the years but is consistently there or thereabouts.

Underneath, however, Sir Alex will no doubt be in confident mood ahead of the tie, a tie his team are overwhelmingly strong favourites to be victorious in, though he’s right to be a little anxious. Schalke have caused so many recognised clubs serious problems this season, and none bigger in stature than the 2009/2010 Champions League winners Inter Milan. Over two legs Schalke blew last season’s treble-winners out of the water with a quite sublime 7-3 aggregate victory, winning the home leg 2-1 as well as astonishingly beating the Nerrazzuri 5-2 in Milan. More poignantly, Schalke were just as unfancied then as they are in this tie to progress, so the message from the Germans is simple: underestimate us at your peril.

Further cause for concern for United is that Schalke have a flawless record at home in the Champions League this season, winning all five matches up till now, whilst scoring 13 goals in the process. And then there is the former Real Madrid icon Raul Gonzalez, the most prolific striker in Champions League history and a former nemesis of United’s, with the 33-year-old Spaniard having scored four times for Madrid against United in Europe – he has also scored 5 en route to spearheading Schalke into this year’s semi-finals, scoring home and away against Inter in the previous round.

While there is definitely some food for thought there, United will hold no fear ahead of a tie they are duly expected to come through unscathed in. After all, they are the Premiership champions-elect, they boast far greater resources and a great deal more experience at this level, and pack a sizeable punch with their away CV in the Champions League: United have lost just one of their last 22 away Champions League matches and have won four of five in this season’s competition without conceding a single goal.

A sixth successive shut-out on the road, which would accompany those against Bursaspor, Chelsea, Marseille, Rangers and Valencia, would leave Manchester United well-placed heading back to England and Old Trafford, where they haven’t lost a single match in any competition all season. No doubt that will be the gauntlet laid down by Sir Alex pre-game, however their hosts on Tuesday are not the most accomplished at defending, though they do boast one of the most promising shot-stoppers in the game in Bayern Munich-bound Manuel Neuer, and to say there’s a few goals in this first leg for Wayne Rooney & Co would be an understatement.

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Recent Form

Schalke

Domestic:

Schalke 0-1 Kaiserslautern
Werder Bremen 1-1 Schalke
Schalke 1-0 Wolfsburg
St Pauli 0-2 Schalke
Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Schalke

Champions League (Knockouts):

Round of 16:

Valencia 1-1 Schalke
Schalke 3-1 Valencia

Schalke WON 4-2 on aggregate

Quarter-Finals:

Inter Milan 2-5 Schalke
Schalke 2-1 Inter Milan

Schalke WON 7-3 on aggregate

Manchester United

Domestic:

Manchester United 1-0 Everton
Newcastle 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-0 Fulham
West Ham 2-4 Manchester United
Manchester United 1-0 Bolton

Champions League (Knockouts):

Round of 16:

Marseille 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-1 Marseille

Manchester United WON 2-1 on aggregate

Quarter-Finals:

Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea

Manchester United WON 3-1 on aggregate

Streaks & Trends

Schalke have only lost one of their previous five meetings with English sides on home soil in Europe: W3 D1 L1.

Manchester United‘s record on German soil isn’t great either: W3 D4 L4.

United have lost all four of their previous Champions League knockout ties with German opposition, most recently bowing out in the last-8 to Bayern Munich on away goals last season.

The German side have a 100% record in Gelsenkirchen en route to the semi-finals, recording five straight home wins as well as scoring 13 goals and conceded just 3 in the process.
 
Man Utd are still to taste defeat in this season’s competition and have lost just one of their previous 22 Champions League away encounters, as well as winning four of five in this season’s competition.

Valencia and Marseille are the only teams to have scored against United in ten Champions League games thus far, the Red Devils yet to concede a goal away from home.

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN -  2.30 Boylesports

Manchester United showed a lack of ambition out in France during the away leg of their Round of 16 tie with Marseille, while they were just as laid-back at Stamford Bridge, that despite leave West London 1-0 winners. So I can understand why some are a tad apprehensive about diving into what I believe to be healthy odds on a United victory on Tuesday. However this is a completely different scenario, in far less hostile surroundings and against a team who while they have excelled in Europe this season, are still a very average outfit, as their midtable stance in the German Bundesliga would suggest.

Defensively Schalke are suspect, so the in-form and prolific duo of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez up front for United could wreak havoc in Gelsenkirchen, where the fans will apply enormous pressure on the home team to attack. Raul will be a constant threat and will score with aplomb if presented with even a sight of van der Saar’s goal, while the pace of Farfan out wide combined with the guile and craft of Jurado in the middle of the park should at least keep a United defence which hasn’t conceded in any of its five away games in this season’s competition on their toes, but I’m still not convinced they’ll score any.

So long as Man Utd keep their wits about them when Schalke counter, and they will, with pace and in numbers, then they shouldn’t have any problems on the night securing the win which would put them firmly in the ascendancy heading back to England.

Value Bet(s): Over 3.5 Goals – 4.50 SportingBet & Javier Hernandez First Goalscorer – 7.50 BetFred

I could end up with egg on my face with this selection, however I foresee an entertaining game of football in Gelsenkirchen. The onus will be on the hosts, Schalke, to take the game to United as everyone is well aware that anything less than victory for them would leave them on the verge of exiting the competition what with United’s record at Old Trafford imperious this season. The gaps left at the back should be exploited by a very much in-form striking duo of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, the latter enhancing his burgeoning reputation with the winning goal against Everton at the weekend which looks likely to hand Manchester United their 19th English league title, so there will be no shortage of confidence or self-belief in the little Mexican.

Match Odds:

Schalke – 3.40 Bet365
Draw – 3.25 PaddyPower
Manchester United – 2.30 Boylesports

 

Manchester United V Everton

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 23 April 2011 – 12:45 (GMT)
Venue: Old Trafford
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

Although the 2010/2011 season has hardly been vintage, United couldn’t care less so long as they get their hands on what would be a record 19th league title, eclipsing their bitter rivals Liverpool as the most decorated club in English league history. It would seem a formality, what with United six-points clear of both Arsenal and Chelsea, who in turn are six-points off the pace, however, Sir Alex’s men face both aforementioned teams before the end of the season and that piles added significance on their three outstanding fixtures, as victory in these would complete a job well done.

First up is Everton, who arrive at Old Trafford with a miserable record at the so called ‘Theatre of Dreams’, having not won there since their very first Premiership encounter with Sir Alex’s men, way back in 1992. Since then, United have gone on to win fourteen of the following seventeen meetings in Manchester, and victory on Saturday – in this weekend’s very first match-up, live on Sky Sports HD2 – would be their fifth in a row at home to Everton in the league.

Everton, though, bring with them some tasty credentials which should stand them in good stead. Apart from Chelsea, Everton are the hottest property in the Premier League on recent form, winning five of their last eight league fixtures. As a result, not only have they rocketed up the table, where they now reside in seventh and are breathing down the necks of their local rivals, Liverpool, confidence in camp is the highest it’s been all season while a third consecutive win on Saturday would take them above the locals in the table, for an hour or two at least.

Furthermore, the Toffees are determined to finish in the European places, as has been their target all season long, and so finishing above Liverpool isn’t just about local bragging rights – though their fans would certainly revel in that mini triumph, it’s about ensuring they have the best possible chance of completing their objective. If Manchester City were to win next month’s FA Cup final but finish outside the top-four, then sixth-place would then entitle the occupant to a Europa League entry, something Everton manager David Moyes will be all too aware of, no doubt.

Whether they’ll be any trouble for United remains to be seen as while Everton are in red-hot form heading to Manchester, the Red Devils have been on fire at Old Trafford this season. Only West Brom have left the United stronghold unscathed in 2010/2011, with Sir Alex’s side winning a quite sensational fifteen of their sixteen home games in the Premier League – and that’s not including their two wins there in the FA Cup, or the four in the Champions League.

It’s going to be a big ask but Everton will certainly have the morale support of every single Arsenal and Chelsea fan, while their own supporters would love nothing better than to throw a spanner in United’s works. However, their cause isn’t helped in the slightest by a barrage of injuries, not that it’s stopped them from embarking on their most eye-catching period of form all season. Both Marouane Fellani and Louis Saha won’t feature again this season while John Heitinga is a major doubt after picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Goodison last time out.

There is at least some good news for David Moyes, with Mikel Arteta expected to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s mouthwatering clash with the league leaders. Unfortunately, though, Tim Cahill is unlikely to be in contention.

Illness kept Dimitar Berbatov out of United’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle in midweek, and the Bulgarian might have made that decisive difference coming off the bench had he been fit. We are none the wiser as to whether that is true or if we’ll see the striker at all on Saturday, with reports suggesting that Sir Alex is set to ditch the former Spurs hitman in the summer transfer market. Darren Fletcher is still gaining his fitness following a long spell out through illness, ironically a real one, while Paul Scholes will serve the second of his three-match ban for seeing red in last week’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Man City at Wembley.

And I almost forgot, United do also have the distraction of a Champions League semi-final first leg with Schalke on Tuesday night. Will Ferguson have one eye on the Germans and rest some key players for the visit of Everton on Saturday?

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Head-to-Head (Premier League)

Man Utd wins: 27
Draws: 6
Everton wins: 4

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Everton 3-3 Man Utd
2009/2010: Everton 3-1 Man Utd
2009/2010: Man Utd 3-0 Everton
2008/2009: Man Utd 1-0 Everton
2008/2009: Everton 1-1 Man Utd
2007/2008: Man Utd 2-1 Everton
2007/2008: Everton 0-1 Man Utd
2006/2007: Everton 2-4 Man Utd
2006/2007: Man Utd 3-0 Everton

 

Streaks & Trends

Everton have won only won of the last eleven league meetings with Manchester United, the Red Devils victorious in seven.

United haven’t tasted defeat at Old Trafford to Everton since their very first Premier League encounter back in 1992. United’s record at home to Everton during Premier League era: W14 D3 L1.

Manchester United have collected 45 points from a possible 47 at home this season: W15 D1 L0.

Everton are unbeaten in their last seven league games, winning their last two away contests.

 

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Draw – 4.33 PaddyPower

Their record at home this season has been imperious, and the same applies to their record at Old Trafford against David Moyes’ Everton. However, the Toffees arrive in scintillating form while United were a little suspect at St James’ in midweek, jaded enough to make me think twice about backing them at well odds-on.

Against Newcastle on Tuesday, United produced one of their poorest performances for some time, though it epitomised how indifferent they’ve been away from their beloved Old Trafford this season. Just five away wins in the league is a pretty damning statistic, so much so that even if they were to win their remaining two away fixtures, they’d still be crowned champions with the lowest ever tally of away triumphs in Premiership history.

United began Tuesday’s game at a pedestrian pace, that despite creating a golden opportunity within the opening 60 seconds, and found themselves bogged down in their own penalty box for much of the opening exchanges, and were more than a little fortunate not to find themselves behind. Their passing was sub-standard at best while the select few openings they did carve out they wasted, emphatically so. Of course, you’d expect nothing less than a more accomplished start from Fergie’s men at Old Trafford, but Newcastle have supplied Everton with some food for thought, that if you up the tempo and burst of the traps, United can be rocked early on. But doing so at Old Trafford will take some doing, as well as some brass balls.

If this title race is take another twist then someone other than Arsenal and Chelsea need to do step up to the plate and do some damage to United’s bid, and in-form Everton are far more likely than Blackburn and Blackpool, United’s final two opponents. It remains a massive ask but Everton certainly tick most the boxes. If only they had the craft of Mikel Arteta and the hunger of Tim Cahill to really give United a run for their money. The absence of both could be the difference on the day.

Value Bet: Jack Rodwell to Score – 15.00 Unibet

United are reportedly keen on signing the Everton starlet in the summer, so it would be fitting for the midfielder to score what could turn out to be his very last striker for the club at his new stamping ground. He doesn’t score often but he does bomb forward and when he does have a pop at goal, they tend to stay hit, if you know what I mean. 

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.50 BetFred
Draw – 4.33 PaddyPower
Everton – 8.50 VictorChandler

 

Newcastle United V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 19 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: St James’ Park
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

There dream of an unprecedented second treble may have been dashed over the weekend, however United are still hot favourites to take home a record 19th English league title and will have taken plenty of solace from Arsenal’s failure to overcome Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday – a match the United manager Sir Alex Ferguson watched from the stands with a keen interest, eyeing up not only his nearest challenger for the Barclay’s Premier League crown but also an opponent of whom his charges go toe-to-toe with at the beginning of next month in a potential title decider.

A six-point lead at the Premier League summit is what United take into Tuesday’s clash with an old adversary of theirs, and they’ll fancy their chances of enlarging the gap to nine-points with a seemingly routine win at St James’ Park, what has been a happy hunting ground for Sir Alex over the years. Not since September 2001, when the Magpies won a seven-goal thriller 4-3, have the Red Devils tasted defeat on Tyneside in the Premier League – winning on six of their previous seven visits.

It is down to Alan Pardew to arrest Newcastle’s dismal form against Man Utd, who have incidentally won thirteen of the last sixteen encounters. The Magpies boss has done tremendously well under testing circumstances since replacing Chris Hughton in the Newcastle hot-seat back in December and believes his team require just one more victory from their remaining six games of the season in order to retain their top-flight status, having already accumulated 39-points from 32 games – so what better way for the club to confirm their participation in next season’s campaign than with a win over their nemesis and former arch rival?

Both parties have had plenty to reflect on of late, the only difference being that Newcastle’s 1-0 reverse away at Aston Villa – their third in four games – wasn’t anywhere near as significant nor recent as United’s treble-bursting loss at Wembley on Saturday.

A little over a week has passed since Newcastle’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park, meaning they’ve had more than enough time to digest the loss, but also for Alan Pardew to conjure a game-plan strong enough to nullify the runaway league leaders. As for United, this clash comes barely 72 hours after suffering the heartache of a 1-0 reverse in the semi-final of the FA Cup – a defeat for them which was made doubly disappointing because of who it was against, local rivals Manchester City.

The good news, however, for United is that Wayne Rooney has completed his two-match domestic ban for intentionally swearing into a camera in front of a live audience and will return for Tuesday’s visit of St James’. One player who is unlikely to feature though is their top goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian missed several gilt-edged opportunities on Saturday and is set to be replaced in the starting XI by Javier Hernandez, the Mexican starlet having netted eight of his eleven strikes in the league this season away from Old Trafford, as opposed to 17 of Berbatov’s 21 having been scored in Manchester at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are still shorn of their leading goalscorer this season as midfielder Kevin Nolan serves the last of his two-match ban. However, Cheik Tiote and James Perch both return with the former providing his manager with some valuable steel in the centre of the park.

Last meeting: Manchester 3-0 Newcastle

These two met on the opening day of the season and as per usual it was those pesky Red Devils who ran away with proceedings, with Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs on target in a 3-0 rout.

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Head-to-Head (Premier League)

Newcastle wins: 3
Draws: 10
Man Utd wins: 20

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Man Utd 3-0 Newcastle
2008/2009: Newcastle 1-2 Man Utd
2008/2009: Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle
2007/2008: Newcastle 1-5 Man Utd
2007/2008: Man Utd 6-0 Newcastle
2006/2007: Newcastle 2-2 Man Utd
2006/2007: Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle

 

Streaks & Trends

Newcastle haven’t won any of the previous sixteen Premiership meetings with Manchester United, with the Magpies’ last league win over the Red Devils back in 2001.

Man Utd’s record at St James’ in the Premier League is imperious: W9 D4 L3, winning on six of their last seven visits to Tyneside.

Wayne Rooney has scored six goals in five league appearances for United at St James’ Park.

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 1.75 Boylesports

Newcastle have caused several of the big fish problems this season, drawing with Chelsea but more poignantly beating both Arsenal at the Emirates as well as Liverpool at St James’; however, their form of late leaves them worryingly exposed against a wounded United who not only have an imperious record on Tyneside against the Magpies but also a knack of responding positively to setbacks.

The return of Wayne Rooney is also decisive, as his vision and desire to get forward will compliment Javier Hernandez’s sprightly movement and hunger to score goals, as he has done more times than not away from home in his début season in England.

As for Newcastle, they are boosted by the return of Cheik Tiote but are still missing their leading scorer in Kevin Nolan, while striker Shola Ameobi is a minor doubt with a knee problem – so now I’m left scratching my head as to where their forward inspiration, and more importantly their goals, will come from, that despite scoring four in their last home game, when routing rock-bottom Wolves 4-1. The Magpies have also scored in each of their last nine home games in the Premier League, including four against second-placed Arsenal back in February. So I suppose I could be wrong; after all, some will say there is no better time to play United after their gut-wrenching defeat in the semi-final of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Value Bet: Wayne Rooney First Goalscorer – 4.50 BetFred (General)

The temperamental forward has a prolific record at St James’, scoring six in five visits with United, and is the hot favourite to open the scoring on Tuesday. Javier Hernandez, in case you were wandering, is second-favourite at odds of 5.50 with Bet365 and WilliamHill.

Match Odds:

Newcastle United – 5.50 Bet365
Draw – 3.80 VictorChandler
Manchester United – 1.75 Boylesports

 

Manchester City V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 16 April 2011 – 17:15 (GMT)
Venue: City of Manchester
TV Coverage: ITV1

After contrasting weeks for both sides, the pair renew their intense rivalry on Saturday inside a packed out Wembley in what is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated FA Cup semi-finals of all time as Manchester City and Manchester United do battle in London for a place in next month’s showpiece.

The reward for the winner will be a favourable final draw with one of either Bolton Wanderers or Stoke City, though that will just be a bonus in the eyes of the supporters, who simply love getting one over on the other. In fairness, though, City haven’t done an awful lot of that in recent times, with United winning six and losing just one of the previous eight meetings in all competition and are hot favourites to continue their hot streak against their ‘noisy neighbour’.

However, Sir Alex is without his prized asset in the red-hot Wayne Rooney, who has scored many a big goal against City. How decisive could his absence be? Or is it more telling that City’s most destructive player is out as well, with Roberto Mancini shorn of inarguably his most influential performer in captain Carlos Tevez, with the Argentine striker ruled out for anywhere up to a month with a hamstring injury which will deprive the former United icon of the chance to lead his team, one which isn’t blessed with many, if any, natural born leaders, out at Wembley. I guess we’re about to find out…

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Manchester City

It would be fair to say that it hasn’t been the most convincing of journeys so far, requiring replays in order to see off lower league opposition in the earlier rounds in the form of Leicester City and Notts County. However, City are going to Wembley and are now just 180 minutes of football away from lifting their first major trophy since clinching the 1969/70 League Cup.

City chief Roberto Mancini insists that both he and the players are now focused 100% on the task at hand, and that with the team on course to secure a top-four finish, and with it Champions League football, this could be one of the greatest ever campaigns in the club’s hardly illustrious recent history. That said, they’ll have to go some to oust a side with a greater all round pedigree, are in imperious form and will arrive in London in buoyant mood following Tuesday’s Champions League success over Chelsea.

In stark contrast, City’s form lacks continuity; they are missing not only their most potent striking outlet but also their leader in Carlos Tevez, who is just as inspirational with his action and second to none work rate than he is vocally, while there will be no spring in City’s step as on Monday, in their last warm-up game before this weekend’s titanic clash, they were comprehensively beaten – as well as out-fought – by Liverpool at Anfield as Mancini’s lifeless, clueless and damn right useless in some areas team were spanked 3-0 on Merseyside.

So what sort of response will we see from Man City? That is the question everyone desperately wants answered. They were abysmal on Merseyside. Surely it’s impossible for them to produce anything poorer in standard and endeavour than that? But apart from the obvious, that they were beaten so handsomely that their confidence and pride will have taken massive hits, it’s not as if there’s an abundance of experience in this City team, certainly not in the big English domestic games. Individually they can be superb, and as individuals each and every one of them are capable of single-handily winning this semi-final – why else would they be paid such astonishing wages? However, in order to overcome such a strong, formidable out you cannot help but feel that City require a collective performance rather than relying solely on individuality, and that’s where the doubts arise.

 

Manchester United

It is astonishing to think that the most successful club in FA Cup history hasn’t gotten their hands on the trophy since 2004. United have won this very competition on no less than eleven previous occasions, that’s seven more triumphs than their local rivals, and they’ll love nothing better than to eliminate Manchester City, a club Sir Alex describes merely as that ‘noisy neighbour’, en route to recording their 12th triumph in a competition which, if Ferguson was truly honest with himself, the United boss hasn’t shown the utmost respect in recent times. Surely he will buck the trend on this occasion?

Two seasons ago, Manchester United were in a similarly healthy position with regards to competing on all three fronts – Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League – and back then Sir Alex made a ruthless decision in the semi-final of the FA Cup, which was basically to sacrifice this very competition in naming a weakened side, in order to pursue league and European glory. It was a bold move which backfired big time, as not only were the Red Devils dumped out of the semi’s on penalties by Everton, they would later lose in the Champions League final to Barcelona and ended up finishing a season which had so much promise of another treble haul with just the one trophy.

It would appear even arguably the greatest manager English football has ever had is still learning harsh lessons, even to this very day, as second time around Sir Alex is set to unleash his strongest XI on City at the weekend, although his hand has probably been forced in that defeat to United’s arch rivals in the semi-final wouldn’t look good on his otherwise imperious managerial CV. However, the 69-year-old will have to mould a team around the in-form Javier Hernandez for a change, and not star man Wayne Rooney, as the latter will serve the final leg of his two-match suspension on Saturday. But apart from that, it’s all good news on the injury front for the United tactician.

No doubt they’ll prove a popular selection with punters, even without Wayne Rooney in their ranks. United were once again at their ruthless best in midweek when dispatching of Chelsea in the quarter-final of the Champions League, with the Red Devils still on course for the treble. United have now won their last seven matches in all competitions, by an impressive aggregate of 14-4. All the momentum is with them as opposed to a stuttering City, while players like Edwin van der Saar, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Javier Hernandez have all hit peak-form at the perfect time of the season; the business end of the term.

 

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Road to Wembley

Manchester City

Third Round: Leicester City 2-2 Manchester City (Man City won the corresponding replay 4-2)
Fourth Round: Notts County 1-1 Manchester City (Man City won the corresponding replay 5-0)
Fifth Round: Manchester City 3-0 Aston Villa
Sixth Round: Manchester City 1-0 Reading

Manchester United

Third Round: Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool
Fourth Round: Southampton 1-2 Manchester United
Fifth Round: Manchester United 1-0 Crawley Town
Sixth Round: Manchester United 2-0 Arsenal

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Head-to-Head (Premier League ONLY)

Manchester City wins: 5
Draws: 6
Manchester United wins: 17

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Man Utd 2-1 Man City
2010/2011: Man City 0-0 Man Utd
2009/2010: Man City 0-1 Man Utd
2009/2010: Man Utd 4-3 Man City
2008/2009: Man Utd 2-0 Man City
2008/2009: Man City 0-1 Man Utd
2007/2008: Man Utd 1-2 Man City
2007/2008: Man City 1-0 Man Utd
2006/2007: Man City 0-1 Man Utd
2006/2007: Man Utd 3-1 Man City

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 2.10 PaddyPower

I’m sure Manchester City will welcome the support of many neutrals this weekend, as there won’t be too many non-United lovers wanting them to complete another treble-haul. But while their support on the day may dwarf that of United, the latter’s class and experience should tell at Wembley over a City side who have proven to be extremely unreliable and are likely to rue the absence of frontman Carlos Tevez.

The absence of Tevez is key for me, as while City do have other renowned goalscorers who could fill in, there aren’t too many players in the City ranks who lead by example like the Argentine does. When he limped off on Monday at Anfield, Man City collapsed, capitulated, and ended up being spanked by a very good but certainly beatable Liverpool outfit. I’m not entirely confident they’ll overcome that pride-bashing defeat in time, if I’m honest.

While there are several doubts and niggling negatives surrounding the Citizens, there is only one factor hampering United’s chances of success, and that’s Wayne Rooney absence. Apart from that, they look a steal on paper. In fantastic form, dressing room full of confidence, players hitting top form, momentum well and truly beneath their feet… I don’t see how it can go wrong.

Value Bet: Javier Hernandez First Goalscorer – 6.50 Bet365

As per usual, City will set themselves up in a rigid, organised manner in a bid to make it as difficult as possible for United to break them down. Hernandez’s movement is sometimes unmarkable however, and after scoring the opener against Chelsea during the week, his 14th of the season, he’ll fancy his chances of scoring on Saturday more than we do.

Match Odds:

Manchester City – 4.00 Bet365
Draw – 3.40 VictorChandler
Manchester United – 2.10 PaddyPower

 

Manchester United V Chelsea

Date & Kick-Off: Tuesday, 12 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Old Trafford; Manchester, England
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

It was being built up as the titanic clash between the two clubs who have completely dominated English football for the past six-years, the pair winning three league titles apiece during that time, however it was 18-time English champions Manchester United who comfortably came out in top at Stamford Bridge in the opening leg, with none other than man of the moment Wayne Rooney squeezing home a winner in a 1-0 victory which has left Sir Alex’s men within touching distance of the last-four.

So then, Chelsea have it all to do heading up to Manchester – which is where the Red Devils haven’t lost a competitive match in 2010/2011. In fact, the last team to have won a game at Old Trafford were Carlo Ancelotti’s now ailing Blues, when goals from Joe Cole and Didier Drogba sealed a 2-1 triumph nearly twelve months to the day ago, which, at the time, paved the way for Chelsea to end United’s Premier League dominance and bring home the league title for the first time in four-years.

Only a year has passed since Chelsea’s memorable at Old Trafford, however so much has changed since then. United are still their same ultra consistent selves though, challenging for all the major honours, as per usual. You wouldn’t expect anything less from Sir Alex’s men. Chelsea, meanwhile, are out of all but one competition – the UEFA Champions League – and even their one ray of light has been dimmed courtesy of United’s slim win at The Bridge a week previous, with the Blues having little option but to face up to the harsh reality of a rare barren season without silverware should they fail for the umpteen time this season to produce the goods on Tuesday night.

So, only victory on the night will suffice for Chelsea. With the wealth of quality and talent at Ancelotti’s disposal, it goes without saying that they are more than capable of going to Old Trafford and beating one of the more average United outfits I’ve seen for quite some time – but not on the basis of their lacklustre, spineless performance in the opening leg. Vast improvements are needed in all facets of Chelsea’s game if they’re to turn this tie on its head, especially as there are few better at retaining leads and advantages than Manchester United, who at times are unstoppable when they have the bit between their teeth, as they do now after cruising to their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions at the weekend.

Probable Teams

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Manchester United

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League – 5.25 bWin

Sailing towards what would be an unprecedented 19th English league title, Sir Alex could afford to rest a number of important players for Saturday’s clash with Fulham at Old Trafford as the wily Scot sent out an intimidating message to Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti – that not only is he intent on taking the Premier League title away from the West London club, he also wants to dump the Blues out of Europe en route to a potential final in Chelsea’s own backyard.

This year’s final will be played inside the spectacular Wembley, home of the England national team, which isn’t a million miles away from Chelsea’s stamping ground of Stamford Bridge. But while Chelsea are geographically closer to the venue for the final, it is United who can almost touch the show-piece. That statement especially rings true when you consider that in the very next round United, should they retain their slim one-goal advantage, would more than likely face German opposition in the form of Schalke, who have been indifferent all season and will be massive underdogs in the semi-final.

There are so many reasons why Sir Alex should be admired, one of which is that he doesn’t have the time of day for complacency nor arrogance. His side were impressive 1-0 winners at Stamford Bridge last week thanks in no small part to Ryan Giggs’ brilliance and Rooney’s precise finishing, yet the 69-year-old isn’t taking the priceless away win for granted.

On Saturday, in a fixture United could ill-afford to lose if they were deadly serious about regaining their top-dog status in England by clinching 12th Premier League title, Ferguson made no less than seven changes to the team which won so convincingly at The Bridge for the visit of Fulham, with the likes of Edwin Van Der Saar, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney handed some valuable respite, though the latter was enforced on Sir Alex as Rooney served the first of a two-match suspension, which could be a blessing in disguise in the long run especially as United cruised to victory with a 2-0 win over Fulham in his absence.

So not only do United hold all the aces following their hard-fought yet thoroughly deserved victory in the West of London six day previous, they’ll also take to the field for Tuesday’s decisive second-leg in fine form, having won their last six matches in all competitions, but also with fresher legs than a visiting Chelsea, who were put through their paces and made to squirm at home to Wigan on Saturday.

 

Chelsea

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League – 11.00 PaddyPower

On the back of two miserable performances, Chelsea have to somehow raise their game from out of nowhere in Manchester this Tuesday if Roman Abramovich is to stand any chance of getting his hands of Europe’s most coveted of prizes – the only trophy the Russian hasn’t managed to manipulate through cash, so far anyway.

The man left with the task of masterminding the extra-ordinary performance required in order to overcome a 1-0 deficit is manager Carlo Ancelotti, a man whose job is reportedly under immediate threat, to such an extent that the Italian could even be out the door as quickly as the end of the night should Chelsea’s Russian billionaire owner, who is renowned for making brash decisions based on disappointing results, leave Old Trafford in a huff and once again without a hope in hell of landing that elusive UEFA Champions League.

After another dismal display in the opening leg, Chelsea now trail in the tie and head to Old Trafford knowing only a win will suffice if they’re to keep alive hopes of ending the season with at least one piece of silverware. The incentive for the players is that the solitary competition they are still going in is the one they want so badly, that elusive European crown. But the lure of Europe’s greatest prize was enough to awaken the West Londoners from their slumber a week previous, and it would appear nothing has changed since either.

On Saturday, in their prep match before Tuesday’s CRUNCH game, Chelsea were handed a stunning opportunity to not only make an immediate return to winning ways but to do so with aplomb. Wigan Athletic were the visitors to Stamford Bridge, a team Chelsea have had a ball against in recent encounters – scoring 14 in the last two league meetings alone – yet not even the presence of rock-bottom Wigan could inspire Chelsea.

Florent Malouda’s controversial goal was all that stood between Chelsea and another embarrassing scoreline, a match where Chelsea lacked any cutting edge, struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities, and even when they did split open one of the Premier League’s leakiest defences, sure enough Fernando Torres was on hand to fluff his lines.

The Spaniard is arguably under as much pressure as his manager, who probably had no say in the matter with regards to ‘El Nino’s blockbuster move to London from Liverpool. Torres is still awaiting his first goal since completing his £50M switch to Chelsea in January and has quickly become the laughing stock of the Premier League – though that could all change and his woeful opening to his Chelsea career would be cast into the shadows should he score the third goal of a still prolific career in England at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

 

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 2.20 PaddyPower

It really is difficult to see past a United victory. This second-leg will play right into their hands, with Chelsea having little option but to set-up in an offensive manner, meaning United should find space easy to come by at Old Trafford as the Blues go in search of that calming opening goal which would restore parity to the tie.

The plus side for Chelsea is that even if they do go behind, their task in terms of qualifying remains the same, with 2-0 the only score which would see them sail through, as would 2-1 via the away goals rule. A 1-0 victory would only prolong the affair into extra-time and possibly penalties, the latter something the Blues will be eager to avoid after losing their last two penalty shoot-outs in Europe, but also another in the FA Cup with Everton earlier this season.

If Chelsea are to leave us stunned and clinch the tie, vast improvements are in order, both on their performance in the opening and their pathetic display at home to Wigan at the weekend. I don’t see it myself, as Carlo Ancelotti’s men would need to be something back to their very best, yet I’m not entirely confident we’ll see the vintage Chelsea of old until next season at the earliest, which by then the Italian probably won’t be at the helm and many of this ageing squad will have moved on.

United will have a spring in their step in every sense of the word. Bang in form and reinvigorated following their weekend off, I simply cannot see past the Red Devils retaining their aggregate lead and qualifying for the semi-final. However, foolishly my gut is saying Chelsea will come up with the goods at Old Trafford – so it’s a case of choosing between logic and my rumbling gut. I can tell you that logic prevailed.

Value Bet: Wayne Rooney First Goalscorer – 6.50 Unibet

Almost playing like he has something to prove, which he has in many respects. Wayne Rooney has been untouchable of late, scoring four goals in his last two starts. He has also scored on both United’s visits to Stamford Bridge this season, and on both occasions he opened the scoring.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 2.20 PaddyPower
Draw – 3.30 Boylesports
Chelsea – 3.50 Coral

 

Manchester United V Fulham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 9 April 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Old Trafford

If Manchester United are to snatch the Barclay’s Premier League crown away from holders Chelsea, and overtake Liverpool as the most successful club domestically in English football, fixtures of a similar ilk to this one simply have to be converted into maximum points. Then again, after the dream weekend they enjoyed seven day previous; coming from 2-0 down to record a 4-2 win away at West Ham on the same afternoon Arsenal and Chelsea slipped up elsewhere, United do actually have plenty of room for manoeuvre. Or so it would seem.

The Red Devils have now opened up a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the table, however Arsenal, who are second, do have a game in hand while United still have to host Chelsea in Manchester as well as visit the Emirates Stadium before the end of the season.

So you could say United’s lead is a tad misleading.

But the Reds can do no wrong at the minute, and after gaining the upper hand in their UEFA Champions League Last-8 tie with Chelsea, after earning a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday courtesy of Wayne Rooney’s fourth goal in two games, Sir Alex’s men are hot favourites to maintain their rich vein of form by claiming a fourth consecutive win in all competitions on Saturday, when they play host to a Fulham side who have caused them more than enough problems in recent encounters to ensure that there is at least a small dose of apprehension within the Old Trafford terraces.

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Manchester United

League Position: 1st
League Form: WLLWW

Buoyed by their triumphant week, Manchester United will set out to ensure they don’t end up slipping on a potential banana skin as the United faithful welcome a former servant of theirs to Old Trafford, with Mark Hughes’ Fulham paying Manchester’s finest a visit.

The Red Devils took a massive stride towards regaining their Premier League crown last weekend at Upton Park. Two successful Mark Noble’s spot-kicks in the first-half had given United a mountain to climb at the break, however Wayne Rooney’s second-half heroics ensured the 11-time Premiership champions would seal one of their more memorable victories of the season, en route to opening up a seven-point lead at the summit.

Then, just four days later, they put one foot in the semi-final of the Champions League, thanks in no small part to man of the moment Wayne Rooney, who else, who struck midway through the first half as United clung on for a priceless 1-0 away win in West London. So, as week’s go, they don’t come much better, certainly if you’re a Red Devil yourself.

After a turbulent week which contained two massive wins and a thorougher telling off from the FA for Wayne Rooney’s four-letter rant at Upton Park in front of the Sky Sports cameras, it’s business as usual for Sir Alex and his team. Unfortunately, though, Ferguson is a man short, with Rooney beginning his two-match suspension on Saturday – his punishment for swearing directly into a camera during a live broadcast shown at midday – although the 69-year-old does at least have Rio Ferdinand back from injury, while there may even be a long-awaited appearance from Darren Fletcher, who hasn’t featured for United since February because of illness.

Although Fergie would have ideally liked Rooney to have been available, especially as recently he’s relocated the goal trail, the striker’s absence shouldn’t handicap United too much considering how incredibly consistent United tend to be on their own patch. Firstly, nobody has gone to Old Trafford this season and left with all three points. And second, only West Brom, of all the teams, have avoided defeat their during the 2010/2011 term, United winning 14 of 15 at home in the league.

 

Fulham

League Position: 10th
League Form: DDWLW

The fact former United player Mark Hughes has a disappointing record as manager against his former mentor, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, will not deter the Welshman in the slightest from canvassing his side’s credentials ahead of this weekend’s daunting trip to Old Trafford.

Who can blame Mark Hughes for oozing confidence ahead of Saturday’s trip to his former stamping ground, as his team are currently enjoying their best spell of form at the minute – losing just two of their last eleven league matches (W5 D4 L2). Furthermore, Hughes, who is still in his first season as manager of the west London club, is yet to taste defeat as Fulham manager after his side claimed a hard-fought 2-2 draw when the two sides clashed at Craven Cottage way back in August.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Fulham as a club, who post an horrific record at Old Trafford in the league. In nine Premier League visits to the so-called Theater of Dreams, Fulham have mustered just the one win – a 3-1 success during the 2003/2004 season – with the outstanding eight all ending in defeat.  A goal would be ideal from their latest forage to Old Trafford, as they Cottagers have failed to score any on their previous three visits, but knowing Hughes he’ll be targeting more than just a consolation goal.

Fulham have stood out amongst the crowd in recent weeks with their exemplary form, but not just that their performances have also caught the eye. They have improved immensely at the back, although mainly at home it has to be said, while the return of Bobby Zamora has also brought about a sudden influx in goals, with the England international on target twice as Fulham record a thoroughly deserved 3-0 win over Blackpool last Sunday. No doubt the Fulham forward will be targeting more spoils this weekend, with Fulham also aiming to continue their hot streak of having scored at least once in each of their last three league games against a United side who have kept just two clean sheets in nine in the Premier League.

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Betting

Match Prediction: Draw – 4.40 VictorChandler

On current form, Fulham shouldn’t be discounted – especially as Saturday’s fixture sees Wayne Rooney serve the first of two domestic suspensions. United’s record is imperious at home however and should be strong enough to see them through this weekend’s tricky clash with Mark Hughes’ improving Fulham, though there is an element of exposure with the odds-on favourites.

The United forwards – Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov – both have their fair share of flaws, this despite one managing 11 league goals with just 16 shots and the other leading the way in the scoring charts with 20 league goals for the season. However, neither have performed to their full potential this season when not paired alongside the hard-working and now bang-in-form Wayne Rooney, and so Fulham have every right to believe this weekend’s clash is a golden opportunity for them to register valuable spoils from a usually formidable fixture.

As jaw-dropping as their recent form is, Fulham’s best stuff invariably comes back at Craven Cottage. Hughes’ men have conjured just one solitary away win all season (Stoke 0-2 Fulham) and so the likelihood of Fulham producing one of the shock victories of the season this weekend, ending United’s unbeaten fifteen game run at home in the process, would seem highly unlikely. A draw isn’t beyond the realms of possibility, and Mark Hughes would certainly leave his former stamping ground delighted with an honours-even contest.

Value Bet: 1-1 Draw (Correct Score) – 10.00 StanJames

Evens on both teams scoring would appear a snip considering how few clean sheets United have kept in the league of late, and especially with the rich vein of form Fulham are in at the minute, having scored in each of their last three away encounters. The problem I have is that I do not see Fulham scoring more than once, as not many teams do at Old Trafford, and with my original prediction the draw, 1-1 would seem like the most logical value punt.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.45 bWin
Draw – 4.40 VictorChandler
Fulham – 8.50 WilliamHill

Chelsea V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 6 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV Coverage: ITV1

We have a repeat billing of the 2008/2009 final as Chelsea and Manchester United, whom have dominated English football for the best part of the last decade, go hammer-and-toe for only the second ever time in Champions League history.

Inter Milan or Schalke will be waiting in the wings for the winner, so a favourable semi-final draw is the ultimate reward for the aggregate victor of this scrumptuous contest between two teams who when placed on a football pitch, simply do not like one another.

The last time these two came to blows was in the 2008/2009 final, in a match where unsurprisingly the pair couldn’t be separated – after strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard ensured the score finished 1-1 at full-time – and an unforgettable penalty shoot-out would then ensue. United edged that one 6-5 to lift the coveted trophy aloft for the third time, but will Chelsea exact their revenge over two legs? Their record at Stamford Bridge against The Red Devils is imperious, which is where the opening leg will be played and where Chelsea are hoping to steal a march on their fierce rivals as the two begin their battle for a Last-4 berth.

Match odds:

Chelsea – 2.20 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.30 bWin
Manchester United – 3.90 Unibet

To Qualify odds:

Chelsea – 1.85 SportingBet
Manchester United – 2.00 Bet365

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Chelsea

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League - 7.50 Boylesports

If there was ever one defeat, one match which still hurts to this very day, the 6-5 loss to United on penalties in the 2008/2009 Champions League final is Chelsea’s. This, of course, is a club who have made no secret of their desire to win Europe’s most sought-after prize; just about the only major trophy club owner Roman Abramovich hasn’t managed to get his hands on, so that bitter night in Moscow still scars the West London club, even to this very day.

Following their 1-1 draw with Stoke City at the weekend, these next two clashes with United in Europe have basically become two individual cup finals for Chelsea. The FA Cup is definitely out of the question while the same can almost be said for the Premier League, with the Blues now eleven-points adrift of Sir Alex’s men after dropping two crucial points on Saturday.

Fortunately for the supporters, whom have had to endure one of the most frustrating of seasons for quite some time, Chelsea’s record at home to United is impeccable. The previous ten meetings at Stamford Bridge have produced six wins and four draws for the Blues, who also won the most recent encounter at the Bridge 2-1, when goals from David Luiz, who is ineligable for Wednesday having played for Benfica earlier in the campaign, and a Frank Lampard spot-kick helped them come from behind in last month’s gripping contest.

Chelsea may be in red-hot form against The Red Devils but one player who has barely even broken a sweat in recent weeks has been Fernando Torres. The Spaniard is STILL to score his first goal for the club since completing his £50M move from Liverpool in January, and the pressure is well and truly on him after Didier Drogba’s improved displays of late; the Ivorian scoring the equalising goal on Saturday which helped to spare Chelsea’s blushes at The Brittania, but the strike was seemingly not enough to keep alive what were already slim hopes of retaining their league title.

So it’s now or never for Carlo Ancelotti and his beleaguered charges, with the crazy prospect of ending the season without silverware – this the team which completed a league and cup double last term – very much a reality should they not make a winning start on Wednesday.

 

Manchester United

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League - 9.00 Totesport

Well-placed to become the first club in history to complete the treble for a second occasion, Manchester United will arrive at Stamford Bridge, what is normally a troublesome venue for them, in buoyant mood and probably even feeling a little relaxed after enjoying one of their finest weekend’s of the season thus far.

Not only did they come from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at Upton Park on Saturday to stun a battling West Ham, their main rivals for the title all slipped up allowing them to further stretch their lead at the summit and increase the likelihood of them ending the term with something worth celebrating. Sir Alex’s men are now seven-points clear of Arsenal and a further eleven in front of a now distant Chelsea, with the Blues facing up to the prospect of a barren season without a trophy and will definitely be the team more under the cosh on Wednesday.

There are, though two significant negatives for United in that their record in the West of London is extremely poor while some of the momentum which has been gained from their stunning comeback victory over West Ham on Saturday was lost courtesy of the FA’s decision to dish out a two-match ban to Wayne Rooney. The fired-up United striker is readily available for Wednesday’s match but will miss important forthcoming domestic games with Fulham in the league as well as the all-Manchester semi-final in the FA Cup.

Furthermore, not since April of 2002 have United come away from Stamford Bridge with a priceless away victory over the Blues. So The Red Devils will need to go some if they’re to end their fast-approaching ten-year hoodoo at The Bridge. On the plus side, Edwin Van der Saar, Rafael, Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher are all closing in on a return to first-team football and could feature in Wednesday’s crunch clash.

Oh, and we almost forgot to add that this United team boast one of the strongest away records in the competition, having yet to taste defeat in any of their four away contests thus far (W2 D2 L0), nor concede a goal for that matter.

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Betting

Match Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 2.20 WilliamHill

Rarely do contests between Chelsea and Man Utd live up to all the hype, and this one is unlikely to be the exception to the rule.

United will be more than happy to take a point away from their visit to the West of London, where they haven’t won since April 2002, and will probably adopt their usual 4-5-1 formation with Wayne Rooney roaming about up top, making a nuisance of himself as per usual. The onus will be on Chelsea to set the tempo, basically take this opening leg to the visitors, whom caused them plenty of problems in the first-half of last month’s meeting at The Bridge.

There is never a lot to choose between the two when they clash at Stamford Bridge; in fact, United have failed to even score on seven of their last ten visits.

Chelsea’s confidence and momentum took a battering at the weekend with their 1-1 draw with Stoke, whereas United will be buoyed by the fact they stormed back from 2-0 down away to West Ham to win 4-2 but also that others in close proximity slipped up. Even so, this precise competition is the one Chelsea are desperate to get their hands on, while it’s seemingly the only trophy they can get their hands on now that they’ve fallen by the wayside in the league, so I’m backing the hosts to sneak ahead in the tie with a narrow home victory.

Value Bet: Chelsea 2-1 (Correct Score) – 9.00 PaddyPower

This was the precise score when the two went toe-for-toe in West London last month, and the final score on Wednesday shouldn’t be too dissimilar. With Rooney back to something like his best at the weekend, United should be good for a goal, but Chelsea should ultimately win this first leg outright. Heck, they have to, in my opinion, if they’re to stand any chance of progressing.

More information:
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West Ham V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 2 April – 12:45 (GMT)
Venue: Upton Park
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

 

West Ham

League Position: 17th
League Form: LDWWD

A resurgent Hammers will be hoping it’s eighth-time lucky when they entertain league leaders Manchester United at Upton Park this Saturday. West Ham were resounding 4-0 winners when the two clashed in East London during a Carling Cup affair back in November, but United have won the last seven league meetings – the previous five without even conceding – so you could say a Hammers triumph is well overdue.

West Ham are a club right at the heart of this enthralling fight for survival and are refusing to call time on their Premier League reign. The Hammers have spent the last five terms in the top-flight of English football but have spent much of this season with their backs firmly against the wall, at times seemingly dead and buried as far as avoiding the drop. But ever since Christmas they’ve come out fighting under Avram Grant, a manager who is rarely too far away from the guillotine, and those green shoots of recovery have been evident for all to see for some time now.

A four-match unbeaten run in the league has enabled Grant’s men to leap out of the bottom-three, although their situation is still precarious. Just one point is currently separating them from Wolves in 18th, and from spending another unsavoury spell in the drop zone. So defeat on Saturday, in a fixture they have fared miserably in during recent times, is unthinkable especially as it would stop all their positive momentum firmly in its tracks.

Their form in front of goal has been just as impressive as their form on the whole, having netted on no less than sixteen occasions during their last six league and cup games. Furthermore, key players were also on form for their countries during the international break, with Scott Parker and Robbie Keane both starring for England and Ireland respectively. The former, who did pick up a couple of knocks during England’s EURO 2012 qualifier with Wales in Cardiff, should recover in time to face United.

 

Manchester United

League Position: 1st
League Form: WWLLW

A United team still shorn of their manager will at least welcome back a couple of influential figures for this weekend’s trip to the East of London. The United manager is serving a five-match touchline ban and will be confined to the stands for Saturday’s big game, but the temperamental 69-year-old can at least call on the services of midfielder Darren Fletcher, as well as his captain, with Nemanja Vidic having successfully recovered from the calf problem which kept him out of the side’s 1-0 victory over Bolton just before the international break a fortnight previous.

Even though Vidic’s return to the fray is a massive boost for Sir Alex, the manager is still without a whole host of key players and will once again need to select a starting XI from scraps. And to complicate matters further, he may also have one eye on the midweek Champions League encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, so those who are nearing a return to first-team action may not necessarily be risked at Upton Park.

Among those ruled out are suspended duo Jonny Evans and Paul Scholes, while Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Rafael, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves are all out injured. The only positive to be had from a pretty dire situation for Sir Alex is that he’s without a number of high-profile names in a fixture he has reigned supreme in – winning his last seven duels with West Ham, and 20 of 31 overall in the Premier League. You could say he has the beating of those Hammers.

As imperious as they’ve been against West Ham in the league of late; winning the previous five contests without shipping a single goal, nobody in the United dressing room will need reminding of what happened the last time they paid a visit to Upton Park. A seemingly straightforward Carling Cup affair soon turned into a horror show for Sir Alex, who could only watch on with grimace as his side recorded their heaviest defeat of the season back in November, when going down 4-0.

Surely lightening cannot strike twice, although, a depleted United who have only won four of their fifteen away matches in the league all season are definitely exposed heading down to the English capital to tackle a rejuvenated West Ham.

 

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Manchester United 3-0 West Ham
2009/2010: Manchester United 3-0 West Ham
2009/2010: West Ham 0-4 Manchester United
2008/2009: West Ham 0-1 Manchester United
2008/2009: Manchester United 2-0 West Ham
2007/2008: Manchester United 4-1 West Ham
2007/2008: West Ham 2-1 Manchester United
2006/2007: Manchester United 0-1 West Ham
2006/2007: West Ham 1-0 Manchester United

Premier League

West Ham wins: 4
Manchester United wins: 20
Draws: 7

 

Betting

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.75 BetFred

You won’t see United at such alluring odds for quite some time, but there is a dark reason behind their attractive exterior. Not only are they depleted in size but they’ve been dismal on their travels this season. On their most recent venture away from Manchester, the Reds were hammered 3-1 by Liverpool in what was their third away reverse in four. And speaking of four, that is the exact amount of matches Fergie’s men have won in the league all season away from home.

West Ham will arguably never have a more golden opportunity to do the deed over United, and they are the ones who boast all the form to boot. Avram Grant’s side have lost only one of their last seven in the Premier League and haven’t been shy in front of goal either. They have also tightened their belts at the back, with Robert Green and his defence having recently returned to form, and if Upson and Co can produce the type of resilient displays which has seen them concede just one goal in their last three league games, they are definitely worth a few bob.

Instead, however, I’m playing a little safe. United haven’t been crowned Premier League champions eleven times for nothing. Their experience and know-how, as well as the bits of flair which Rooney and Berbatov bring to the table, should ensure Sir Alex does at least take some form of a result to Stamford Bridge.

Value Bet: Dimitar Berbatov First Goalscorer – 6.50 VictorChandler

The Bulgarian had fallen down the pecking order in recent weeks, but his last-gasp winner at home to Bolton last time out should have earned him a few brownie points, enough to see him leapfrog Hernandez into the starting XI. There’s also the small matter of finishing top of the scoring charts, with the 20-goal striker only two ahead of City’s Carlos Tevez.

Match Odds:

West Ham – 4.75 VictorChandler
Draw – 3.75 BetFred
Man Utd – 1.83 WilliamHill

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