Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Spurs

Man Utd vs Spurs betting preview

Manchester Utd

League Position: 3rd Form:DWDDDW

Manchester United recovered from a series of three straight draws and the saga surrounding Wayne Rooney last weekend to record their first away win of the season at Stoke and reaffirm their position of title contenders. Mainly thanks to two poachers efforts from summer signing Javier Hernandez, who is joint favorite to open the scoring against Tottenham and best priced at 9/2 on skyBet after netting 4 times in 6 games for United this season. After what has been a stuttering start for United, having already dropped more points from winning positions, than they did in the whole of last season. Despite Wayne Rooney still being sidelined with injury, the Red Devils go into the home tie odds on favorites. Sir Alex Ferguson should also still be without Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Jonny Evans for the visit of Harry Redknapp’s men.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 5th Form:DWLWWD

Tottenham’s stuttering start to the season continued last weekend when they failed to beat Everton at home after two good wins against Fulham and Aston Villa. In what has been a season of transition for Harry Redknapp as he looks to strike a balance between doing well domestically and in Europe. Welsh winger Gareth Bale has been much lauded this season especially after a tremendous hat trick against Inter Milan, and the youngster is nicely priced at 9/2 on skybet to score at any time. Unfortunately for Tottenham they will make the trip without several key players and long-term absentees Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe which will hinder their chances of an upset.

Match Prediction: Manchester United 8/13 Bet365 – New customers get £200 worth of free bets

Manchester United are firm favorites for this tie having won all seven of the previous meetings in the league and cup at Old Trafford and are reflected with best odds of 8/13 at bet365. Especially with the emergence of Javier Hernandez, who scored his 4th goal of the season in the Carling Cup midweek against Wolves. However a price of 5/1 for Spurs to get the win on skybet and BlueSq looks very good considering West Brom earned a 2-2 draw two weeks ago. While Spurs current top league goal scorer Rafael Van Der Vaart is also nicely priced at 10/1 on bet365 to open the scoring.

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Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Spurs odds

Man Utd vs Spurs betting preview

Paul Scholes’ last-gasp winner at Eastlands last Saturday, coupled with Chelsea’s defeat at White Hart Lane, edged United to within a point of the Blues. And with just three left to play, there is no doubting this title race, the closest in Premier League history, will go right down to the wire. Spurs visit Old Trafford on Saturday, and ‘Arry’s men have already had a huge say in where the title will end up, defeating both Arsenal and Chelsea respectively in the last seven days. United can go top with a win against the North Londoners, and are odds on to do so at 4/9, the visitors are a creditable 13/2, while the draw is trading at 7/2 with Bet365.

Manchester United have made a sluggish start to April, Chelsea inflicted only their second home defeat of the season, then they were knocked out of the Champions League on away goals by Bayern Munich, and a disappointing scoreless draw at Blackburn lost them ground in their pursuit of a record 19th Premier League title.  But you won’t see Fergie’s men throwing the towel in anytime soon, and this was evidenced when their never-say-die attitude snatched them victory in the fiercely contested Manchester derby last time out. It could be a season of smiles for both the red and blue halves of Manchester, if United retain their PL crown and the Citizens win the race for fourth. But will both sets of fans be smiling when the campaign ends?

After suffering FA Cup semi-final heartbreak against Portsmouth, Spurs have demonstrated the grit and determination required to finish in the top four. Nobody expected Spurs to take maximum points from Arsenal and Chelsea, and head into Saturday’s clash looking to put a huge dent in United’s title challenge. Defeat in Manchester could derail their own hopes of finishing in fourth position, and Old Trafford hasn’t been kind to them in previous years. They haven’t won there since a Gary Lineker strike earned them a 1-0 success nearly 21 years ago and 2001 was the last time they beat the reigning champions. So the form book doesn’t bode too well, but with all still to play as the season approaches its final furlong, twists and turns could be aplenty.

The pair have met twice already this season in the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane and in the Carling Cup. Sir Alex’s side have brushed aside their North London counterparts on both occasions this season. But they did have to recover from two goals down in the corresponding fixture last season, eventually running out 5-2 winners.

The recent form of Gareth Bale in his new wide attacking role on the left flank has wowed both fans and pundits alike. The Welsh international has netted important goals in the victories against Arsenal and Chelsea and don’t back against scoring for a third successive game at 8/1 anytime with Stan James. Unsurprisingly, Wayne Rooney is favourite to break the deadlock at 11/4, Dimitar Berbatov is next best at 7/2. Jermain Defoe’s penalty last time out was his first goal in seven games and he is the visitors’ favourite to grab the opener at 7/1. United haven’t conceded in their last two Premier League games so the 6/4 Bet365 offer for the home side to win to nil will no doubt be a popular bet.

They were seconds away from waving goodbye to their title hopes, but last Saturday’s smash and grab act at Eastlands has put United right back in the frame after Chelsea slipped up. Expect them to go into this one all guns blazing, it might be a tight affair considering Spurs’ recent form but the Red Devils should run out comfortable winners. Surely Spurs cannot have another say in the title race, can they?

Recommended bets:

ManUtd to win to nil @ 6/4 with Bet 365. Visit Bet 365

Wayne Rooney to score first @ 3/1 with Skybet. Visit Skybet

By Mikey Mumford

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Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Man City

Manchester United: League Position 1st, League Form: DWWWL

Manchester United did something last weekend they had yet to do this season, namely lose a league game. This weekend it is important they do not make this their latest habit, as defeat here will do more than knock their own momentum. The second half of the season holds many big games for Alex Ferguson’s side, with trips to Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as home ties against City and Chelsea. Victory here is one hurdle passed.

Their home record is impressive even for an unbeaten side. 13 games, 12 wins and one draw. 37 goals, 10 more at home than Arsenal (who are second in the goals at home tally), and only eight conceded. They have beaten Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal at Old Trafford this season, their biggest challenges passed.

Before the defeat at Wolves they were said to be finding their form and rhythm. This game will show how badly defeat affects them.

Manchester City: League Position: 3rd, League Form: DWLDW

Manchester City may look at this game as their most important match in the title race. Win and they are only two points behind the league leaders, lose and they are eight points behind whilst giving away a game in hand to rivals and title favourites Manchester United.

As ever, mercurial captain Carlos Tevez will have his point to prove, a motive that does not seem to wane however long he stays at City. The way he plays, easily their best player and top Goalscorer, will be shaped by the lineup of his own side and that of the opposition. With Dzeko forward he has another striker to occupy the defence with him, and also will not lead the line so high up, with more freedom to dovetail with his midfield.

City themselves have scored 42 goals this season, 21 home and 21 away, and have gained 22 points on the road this season, bettered only by Arsenal (25), and five better than this weekend’s opposition.

Match Prediction: DRAW – 3.75 Victor Chandler, BetFred.

When the two teams met earlier in the season United had won their last six games in all competitions whilst City had recently lost to both Arsenal and Wolves. The match ended in a dire 0-0 draw, both teams seemingly happy to take a point.

It’s hard to suggest that either side would say no to the same outcome come the end of this tie. A loss is too detrimental for City for them to desperately seek the win, and United may well feel the need to win more than their rivals.

However, both these sides will be strong in defence and sent out hard to beat. Just like at the City of Manchester Stadium in November and, sadly, just like most teams in the big games. The quality is there for this to be outstanding, the likelihood is the game will be tight.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.88 Bet365
First Goalscorer: No Goalscorer – 10.00 Bet365

Man Utd vs Man City Match Odds:- 

Manchester United – 1.8 Paddy Power
Draw – 3.75 Victor Chandler
Manchester City – 5.00 Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Liverpool betting

Man Utd vs Liverpool betting preview

They stunned them at Old Trafford last season and now Liverpool travel to Manchester aiming to complete a league double over Sir Alex’s men. Rafa’s reds returned to Merseyside 4-1 victors a year ago when they found themselves battling it out with Sunday’s opponents for the Premier League Crown, but they are a distant 9/2 shot to nick all three points this time around. United currently sit at the top of the tree and the bookies list them as odds on favourites to make it six wins on the bounce at 8/11. The draw is trading at 14/5 with Bet365.

A massive fifteen points separates the two sides as they prepare to do battle in front of the Sky cameras. Liverpool’s 4-1 success over cash-strapped Portsmouth on Monday night ended back to back defeats for the Reds at Wigan and Lille respectively. Results which have seen the Anfield club relinquish fourth spot to Spurs in a woeful campaign that Benitez and co will want to forget in a hurry. Perhaps some saving grace was the fact they defeated their arch rivals United when the pair last met in late October. A Fernando Torres strike and a late David N’gog goal sealed all three points for the Reds that day but the game was marred by the sending’s off of Nemanja Vidic and Javier Mascherano. Betfair go 16/5 that referee brandishes a red in Sunday’s fixture.

The Red Devils sit two points clear of second placed Chelsea at the summit after last Sunday’s 3-0 demolition of Fulham as the title race enters its final phase. And Sir Alex admitted this week that he expects the closest finish in Premier League history but with Wayne Rooney in blistering goal scoring form, United could yet be crowned Premier League Champions for the twelfth time. Arguably the best striker in the world at present, Rooney has fired 32 goals in all competitions this season and his manager has challenged him to surpass the feat of former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star netted 42 times two seasons ago which led United to Euro glory in 2007-2008. But hop on Rooney to better this, he is best priced at even money with Hills.

United are looking to keep a fourth successive clean sheet, and their defensive shut outs are largely down to Ferdinand and Vidic rekindling their partnership in a season blighted by injuries for the former. Vidic must be wary of Fernando Torres on Sunday, who outclassed the big Serb in the same fixture a year ago. Torres is a decent 11/2 to breach the United rearguard first on Sunday lunchtime but the Reds have been dismal on the road this season. They have already lost seven times away from Anfield this term which is quite extraordinary considering they lost just twice in the whole of last season. Rooney will not be short of backers so take the 10/3 being offered by Paddy Power that he scores first and adds to his impressive tally. At 4/1 to score with his head he may represent better value as six of his last eight goals have all been headers. United are resilient at Old Trafford of late and the 13/8 at Coral for them to win to nil is not worth passing up.

Personally, I don’t see Liverpool’s away day blues improving at Old Trafford, where the Mancs have lost just once all season. They won here last term but this season has been a complete catastrophe and they will already have one eye on the trip to Hull on May 9 when they can say farewell to a season that has fell short of every expectation. Fourth spot remains a distinct possibility but I think that challenge will have to commence when they entertain Sunderland a week later. Expect Manchester United to run out comfortably winners with Rooney playing an integral role as they continue their march towards the title.

Betting Verdict

Rooney to score anytime against Liverpool is 4/5 with Stan James

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Premier League betting – Man Utd vs Everton

Man Utd vs Everton betting odds, tips & free bets

Two sides in good form go head to head in the lunch time kick off both hoping for a strong finish to their season. Man United will be hoping for a win to continue their title challenge while Everton will want to put further pressure on Tottenham in 5th in hope of taking a Europa League spot. Everton though have lost their last 4 visits to Old Trafford so will be hoping for a bit more luck on Saturday.

Man United

Man United’s hopes of a treble were lost last weekend when they suffered defeat in the Semi Final of the FA Cup. The Red Devils also failed to win on Tuesday against Newcastle but they are however, still in a good position at the top of the league as Arsenal failed to beat Tottenham on Tuesday. Man United haven’t lost at home all season and so are firm favourites and best priced at 1.5 with Betfred to continue that run. A correct score of 2-0 is also looking good with odds of 7.5 available from Coral as United have been efficient all season and should run out comfortable winners against Everton. Javier Hernandez has had a great first season in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals, and is looking good to score first with odds of 5.5 available at Paddy Power.

Everton

Everton are on a great run at the moment, they are unbeaten in their last 7 league games and have scored 9 goals in their last 4. It is quite a turnaround for David Moyes’ side who had a slow start to the season but are now sitting in 7th place and chasing a Europa League spot. The Toffees did beat Man United at home last season but their last win before that against them came in 2005. With several players out injured the focus will be on Jermaine Beckford to get the goals. The striker has 7 in the league so far this season and is looking good at 4.5 with Skybet to score at any time during the match. As they are outsiders there is some good value to be had in an away win, with Everton being priced as long as 8.5 at Victor Chandler to cause an upset.

Highlighted Bets

2-0 Man United WIN – 7.5 Coral
Javier Hernandez First Goalscorer – 5.5 Paddy Power
Half Time/Full Time of Draw/Man United – 4.5 Coral
Jermaine Beckford anytime scorer – 4.5 Skybet
Everton WIN – 8.5 Victor Chandler

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Manchester City v Sunderland

Manchester City v Sunderland betting odds, tips & free bets

Manchester City: League Position: 4th, League Form: WLDWL

Champions League chasing City go into the last eight matches of the season with their fate in their own hands. Outdo Tottenham from here and they guarantee their presence in Europe’s elite club competition.

City have taken 16 out of 18 points from their last six home matches. However, they have won just one of their last four league games. They’ve also kept 13 clean sheets this season, joint most in the league. They’ll need all their defensive stability and strength their own stadium gives them with captain, top scorer and all round best player Carlos Tevez doubtful for the game. Without him they are left with misfiring Edin Dzeko and unpredictable Mario Balotelli vying to play in his absence.

Other injury news sees both Micah Richards and Jerome Boateng ruled out for the immediate future after picking up injuries on international duty. Paolo Zabaleta has returned from compassionate leave and should fill the gap.

Sunderland: League Position: 9th, League Form: LLLDL

In season’s gone by being in 9th place with eight games to go would mean a team was clear of relegation. After beating Blackpool at the back end of January, Steve Bruce was probably sure his side were safe too. But one point in their past six games, away at Arsenal, has left them looking over their shoulders. Luckily for them, being six points clear of the relegation spaces this season is a big total, whereas usually they’d be right in the scrap.

Where have things gone wrong for Sunderland then? They have won once since Darren Bent was sold to Aston Villa, and have failed to score in their past three games. Was Bent that important to Sunderland? Six goals scored in the seven games since his departure suggests so.

Asamoah Gyan, scorer of Ghana’s equaliser against England midweek, easily fooling Manchester City defender Lescott before stroking a finish past City goalkeeper Hart, needs to find form and goals to bring some momentum to his side’s end to the season. Two or three more defeats on the bounce and Bruce’s team is thrown into the relegation dogfight with little going for his side.

Match Prediction: Manchester City Win – 1.53 William Hill

Sunderland’s poor form makes them a difficult prospect to back, and their lack of goals, they have only managed 37 goals in their 33 league and cup games, fewer than any other Premier League club, combined with City’s stubborn defensive style means it’s hard to see the visitors scoring.

One of their better players this season, loan-signing Nedum Onouha, is also ineligible to play against parent club Manchester City, leaving them thin at the back.

Mancini’s side may be lucky to face Sunderland whilst their opponents are on such a bad run, as City are a much blunter weapon without Carlos Tevez up front. However, they should be able to deal with Sunderland, especially at home, and are unlikely to open up their play enough to give the Black Cats too many chances.

If you fancy Sunderland to score then it’s hard to look past Gyan repeating his midweek trick of scoring past Joe Hart. First Goalscorer possibilities are tight with City’s attacking line up and intent an unknown. Value could come in the form of freekick taker and powerful left footer Kolarov.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.95 Stan James
First Goalscorer: Aleksandr Kolarov – 15.00 Sky Bet
Correct Score: 2-0 Manchester City – 7.5 William Hill
To Score: Asamoah Gyan – 4.00 ExtraBet

By Chris Wilkerson

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FA Cup betting – Man City vs Stoke City

Man City vs Stoke betting preview

Stoke City provided the opposition in Roberto Mancini’s first game in charge of Man City, but were unable to prevent the Italian registering his first home win after replacing Mark Hughes at the helm. Saturday tea time sees both teams meet in the 5th round of the FA Cup and three days later City travel to the Britannia to do battle again, this time in the Premier League. Stoke shocked Arsenal in the last round but they must achieve something no other club has this season, and that’s claim victory at Eastlands. The bookmakers make City odds on favourites to progress into the last eight of the competition and they are best priced at 1/2, Stoke are a massive 7/1 to go that one step further and if a replay is forced, the draw pays out at 10/3 with Coral.

After overcoming Championship opposition in the 4th round, City have already bettered last season’s performance in the world’s oldest knockout competition. Billy Davies’ Nottingham Forest embarrassed a Mark Hughes’ City side 3-0 at Eastlands in the third round last year but the Blues’ find themselves second favourites to win the competition this time around. Rivals Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have already bitten the dust and City will feel they are genuine contenders to win the trophy and at 7/2 they represent a sound bet. City haven’t won the FA Cup since 1969 but could this be their year?

The cup winners automatically qualify for the play off rounds of the 2010/2011 UEFA Europa League but Mancini’s side are set on a top four finish in the Premier League which will see them qualify for the Champions League proper. The FA Cup may represent the Citizens’ best chance of silverware this season after falling at the penultimate hurdle to their Manchester rivals in the Carling Cup. Manchester City’s trophy cabinet, it must be said, is achingly, groaningly empty, as a banner updated at Old Trafford every season joyously points out. But things can change and FA Cup success would be a start.

The Potters are unbeaten so far in 2010 and set up this tie thanks to a routine victory at home to Blue Square Premier outfit York City and a 3-1 win against 2005 winners Arsenal. Tuncay Sanli’s at Wigan in midweek meant Tony Pulis’ side had now not tasted defeat since Birmingham inflicted a 1-0 defeat in late December. Stoke themselves were eliminated at the third round stage in last years competition when League One Hartlepool accounted for them at Victoria Park. But Pulis’ Potters have convinced the doubters this season who thought their only form of attack was via a Rory Delap’s long throw and they travel the short distance to Manchester bidding to reach the quarter finals for the first time.

City striker Carlos Tevez is in red hot goalscoring form of late and is worth a small stake at7/2 to open the scoring on Saturday. The Argentine’s strike partner Emmanuel Adebayor has also started to find the back of the net with two in as many games and may represent better value at 4s. Stoke are the lowest away scorers in all four tiers of English football having scored just five on the road and their main attacking threat lies with front two Ricardo Fuller and Tuncay Sanli, the pair at 9s and 10s respectively with Bet 365.

City returned to winning ways in midweek with a 2-0 success over Bolton after a blip at Hull last weekend, and Mancini will be looking for a repeat of the Boxing Day win over the Potters. The two sides have previously met five times in the FA Cup with City winning three of those, but Stoke were victorious the last time out winning 1-0 in 1976.

Manchester City are unbeaten at Eastlands under the stewardship of Roberto Mancini and have amassed three 2-0 victories in the former Inter Milan Boss’ five home games in the hot seat. The Citizens are 5/1 to win by a 2-0 score line and this seems reasonable considering Stoke’s woeful scoring record away from the Britannia. As many as six teams from outside the top flight could still be left in the competition after this weekend’s fixtures, so whoever progresses in this one will be in with a good chance of a favourable draw in the next round. Personally, I think Stoke’s cup run will end here such is the form of Manchester City at Eastlands. Stoke may frustrate City for long periods in this one but City should run out comfortable winners and put the Potters to the sword for the first time in 2010. The best Stoke can hope for is a replay but neither side will want another fixture in their already busy schedules. Lump on City to win this famous competition outright at 4/1 with Betfred.

Reccomended bets: Man City to win at 2-0 at 6/1 with Blue Square – click for free bet

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Premier League betting – Man City v Tottenham

Man City v Spurs betting odds, tips & free bets

The battle for 4th spot and the all important final Champions League place looks like it’s going down to the wire, but if Tottenham are going to have any chance then they have to get a win on Tuesday as City are 6 points ahead with 3 games to go. Both sides didn’t quite pick up the result they were looking for last time out but they now have the perfect opportunity to stake a claim for 4th spot.  Spurs won this fixture last season to seal their entry into the Champions League and so Man City will be looking to avenge that.

Man City

Man City suffered  a 2-1 defeat last time out away at Everton, despite taking a 1-0 lead and so will be looking to put that right and cement  4th spot on Tuesday.  The Citizens will have to improve though and perhaps be a bit more attacking and clinical if they are to get the 3 points. But with Carlos Tevez still out injured for City it is difficult to see where the goals are going to come from. Mario Balotelli looks like he is likely to get the nod ahead of Edin Dzeko and so the Italian is a good bet at 6.0 with Coral to open the scoring. City’s form recently has been a bit up and down after winning 3 and losing 3 of their last 6 games, but their home form this season has been very good, losing just twice all season and winning 11. With this in mind then, The Citizens are favourites to win the game and best priced at 2.0 with Unibet, but a correct score of 1-0 is looking even better at 8.25 also with Unibet.

Tottenham

Tottenham slipped up at home against Blackpool on Saturday as they only managed a 1-1 draw, in a game that they really needed to win. More worrying for Spurs though, will be their poor recent form which has seen them win just 1 game in their last 12. The amount of draws in this run will also be a concern for Harry Redknapp, as they have drawn a blank in 7 of the 12 matches.  Gareth Bale looks like he could be missing for this important clash so Tottenham may look towards Rafael Van Der Vaart for inspiration. The Dutchman has had a great first season in the Premier League after scoring 12 league goals, and so the attacking midfielder is looking good at 4.0 with Stan James to score at any time.  Although clear outsiders, there is some good value to be had in a Tottenham win, with a 1-0 away victory looking especially good at 12 from Bet 365.

Highlighted Bets

Spurs 1-0 Correct score –12.0 Bet 365
Mario Balotelli first goal scorer – 6.0 Coral
Rafael Van Der Vaart anytime scorer – 4.0 Stan James
Score first/win double of Balotelli and Man City – 8.0 William Hill

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Man City vs Spurs odds

Man City vs Spurs betting preview

Roberto Mancini has classed it as Manchester City’s most important game of the decade, Harry Redknapp says it is no more than his side deserve, but something has got to give as the race for fourth spot enters the penultimate game. Spurs travel to Eastlands on Wednesday evening aiming to strengthen their stranglehold on the final Champions League place, but a win for City would see them leapfrog their rivals with one left to play. The bookies list the Citizens as clear favourites for this must-win clash, they can be found at even money, Spurs are best priced 14/5 and the draw pays out at 5/2 with Paddy Power.

Not many would have had ‘Arry’s men down to finish fourth before a ball was kicked this season, but now the North London club are just 180 minutes away from securing a place in next years Champions League. If they were to finish fourth it would mark Tottenham’s best ever finish in the Premier League, and they could yet pip their bitter rivals Arsenal into third. Quite a turnaround considering Redknapp took over the club in the relegation zone only 18 months ago. Spurs are on a decent run of form, they have won eight of their last 10 league games, scoring in each of those 10.

Manchester City are the only team who can prevent Tottenham finishing fourth after eliminating Aston Villa from the race last time out. Mancini’s men ran out comfortable 3-1 winners against the Villains last time out and will be looking for consecutive home wins come Wednesday evening. City have lost just once in the last six and home advantage might just give them the edge in this one. However, City fans look away now because their record against Tottenham is a poor one. Spurs have won 11 out of the last 12 meetings between the pair in all competitions, their last win coming in March 2008 in a 2-1 victory. In the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane in mid December, Spurs comprehensively beat their Manchester counterparts 3-0 but with so much riding on this one, are we in for a much tighter affair?

Carlos Tevez is preparing to bring up a century of appearances in the Premier League against Spurs and the Argentine needs just one more goal to bring up a half century of strikes. He looks a good bet at 4/1 alongside Emmanuel Adebayor to open the scoring and hit his landmark goal, Jermain Defoe is next best at 11/2 to put the visitors ahead.

If City fail to win this one, could it spell the end for Roberto Mancini. Although the Italian is adamant his future is not dependant on tomorrow night’s result, it’s up to his team to claim the prize of Champions League football. Only one point separates City and Spurs at present, but who will buckle under the end of season pressure?

Recommended bets:

Spurs have won 17 games in which they have lead at half time so get on Tottenham to win the first half and draw the second, this half time full bet pays out at a profitable 14/1 with Bet365. Visit Bet 365

By Mikey Mumford

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Premier League betting – Man City vs Man Utd

Man City vs Man Utd betting preview

Man City: League Position: 4th, League Form: WWLLW

City, after a glorious victory over Champions Chelsea, were heralded as title hopefuls. They then lost momentum with a home defeat to Arsenal, before losing away at struggling Wolves. This Sunday’s victory over West Brom was tainted with disappointment after two goal hero Balotelli proceeded to get sent off and most likely miss this vital clash.

With the early sending off against Arsenal, City will feel that their victory over Chelsea is a true barometer or their ability against the big teams. Beating rivals United at home would bring them level on points with their opposition. They’ve lost the last two of these fixtures by a single goal, and a serious title challenge is difficult to mount if they lose another home tie against another of their main competitors.  

Mancini’s naturally defensive tactics will stifle the opposition, and, as per usual, much will depend on Tevez’s ability to find goals.

Man Utd: League Position: 2nd, League Form: DDWWW

Ferguson’s side seem to have recovered their knack of grinding out wins when their performance lets them down. Mick McCarthy can be forgiven for being frustrated after a vital point was stolen late on by Park Ji-Sung’s second goal on Saturday.

United are still unbeaten in the league (and all competitions this season) and seem to have come to life since the Rooney saga. Whilst Berbatov’s early season form has wilted, Hernandez has exploded onto the scene and shown signs of being the next bright star of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

They have, however, drawn four of five away fixtures, letting in two goals at both Bolton and Fulham and three at Everton.

Saturday’s match was blighted by illness to Scholes, Evra and Vidic, and although all three played they can be expected to look sharper midweek. It’s now down to Sir Alex to decide on what system and approach his team takes, with players like Obertan and Bebe maybe too inexperienced for such a game, but possibly necessary if they’re to play a five man midfield.

Match Prediction: Draw – Best odds 3.3 with Bet365.

In what is a really hard match to call, the best value is available on the draw. Although it’s difficult to ignore Manchester at 2.88, both teams are likely to set out to stop the other team scoring.

Tevez and Hernandez are both able to sniff out little chances, but the centres of each midfield are going to be neat and solid, it’s unlikely either manager will throw in a surprise adventurous move. Which is a shame, each bench is likely to have a couple of exciting players just keeping warm. City may have the better options, but each member of United’s defence, especially Vidic and Ferdinand, would replace their opposite number.

An early goal either way will open this game up, and it has the potential to be the best match of the season. If Tevez is fully fit he’ll put even more into this match than a usual fixture, and City will need him if they’re to get anything from this game.

Neither side leaks goals, but United have only kept one away clean sheet this year, whilst City have only one clean sheet in their past five games.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.83 SkyBet
First Goalscorer: Carlos Tevez – 6.00 SkyBet, Coral, WilliamHill
Correct Score: 1-1 Draw – 6.5 – Coral, Ladbrokes, SkyBet, WilliamHill, VictorChandler

Match Odds:-

Manchester City – 2.7 Best odds: Paddy Power
Draw – 3.3 Best odds: Bet365
Manchester United – 2.88 Best odds: Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

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