Champions League betting – Man Utd vs Valencia

Man Utd vs Valencia betting preview, odds and tips

Champions League Group Position: 1st, Champions League Form: DWWWW

Imperious Manchester United lost their shine last week after an awful performance in the Carling Cup against West Ham. A weakened side it may have been, but in a team that prides itself on its strength in depth this was an embarrassing result and performance.

However, many a team will have faced an angry Manchester United side, and even if the players may not be the same as in that defeat, the manager still is. Alex Ferguson doesn’t take defeat lightly, and he won’t want any sort of negative run have its chance to fester ahead of crucial games against Arsenal and Chelsea.

With the return of form for five goal Dimitar Berbatov against Blackburn and Wayne Rooney returning to full fitness, along with supporting cast Nani and Park Ji-Sung, Manchester United at full flight still scare anyone. A point takes them through top of the group, which can be vital come the knockout draw. They’d expect at least that.

Valencia: Champions League Group Position: 2nd, Champions League Form: WLDWW

Valencia were unlucky to lose at home to United in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, making the better chances and having more control of the match. However, they were taught a lesson by an incisive and experienced European side, who drew them on before counter punching fantastically.

The threat they carry in La Liga has waned slightly of late, where early form suggested they could maintain an outside title push, they now trail league leaders Barcelona by 13 points, and Espanyol in the Champions League spot by four points.

The most impressive part of their continued attacking threat is how they’ve coped with the loss of world class talents David Villa and David Silva. Juan Manuel Mata and Roberto Soldado have filled the shoes of these stars impressively. These two, along with the likes of Joaquin and Vicente, carry enough threat to cause damage in any game, and they’ll travel to England knowing they’re capable of getting points.

Match Prediction: Manchester United Win – 1.73 Victor Chandler  

Both teams are safe as far as qualification goes, and as such this game could fade into a bit of a damp squib. If United can score early, there’s a chance Valencia will drift through the rest of the game and let this game finish without event.

It could be a game neither side wants to lose without forcing themselves forward in search for a win. United will be content to control the game without too much hassle, and a clean sheet after letting in four the week before would be ideal.

Of course, with little to lose, there’s also a chance that both sides will approach this game with no fear and trust their attacks to damage the others. A watching neutral can only hope.

If any player needs a goal rush to start then it’s Wayne Rooney. Berbatov isn’t a prolific scorer and certainly isn’t value at the same price as the England striker. It’s only a matter of time until the goals start to flow, the old adage applies here; Form is temporary, class is permanent.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 2.5 goals – 1.9 Bet 365

First Goalscorer: Wayne Rooney – 5.5 Stan James

Correct Score: 1-0 – 7.0 victor Chandler

Match Odds:-

Manchester United – 1.73 Paddy Power

Draw – 3.6 PaddyPower, William Hill

Valencia – 5.25 Victor Chandler

By Chris Wilkerson

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