Manchester United v Basel Betting Preview

Man Utd: Champions League Group Position: 3rd, Champions League Form: D

There may be no better a fixture to follow a disappointing 1-1 draw at Stoke, especially with both Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez doubtful of playing. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have not lost a home game since 3rd April 2010, and have won 23 consecutive home matches.

The squad is also packed full of talent in all areas, and the tremendous depth is likely to be on show again on Tuesday. Lindegaard, who performed fantastically in Benfica, could start in goal, while the likes of Fabio, Carrick and Welbeck, to name but a few, could all come into contention as Ferguson rotates his side.

Even last season, when looking less than fluent, United were unbeaten in the group stages of the Champions League (and were only beaten once, in the final, by Barcelona) and now they have found their true Manchester United rhythm it is hard to see anything but a swaggering display of attacking football, and many goals.

Manchester United v Basel Betting odds

Basel: Champions League Group Position: 1st, Champions League Form: W

Basel picked up three points at home to the expected group whipping boys Otelul Galati last week, but laboured to a 2-1 home victory when more was expected. It is without doubt that they will travel to Old Trafford hoping to steal a draw, but expecting little. They know any point at Old Trafford is a bonus, and that their Champions League fate is unlikely to be decided by this game.

They picked up only six points in last year’s group stages, one home win and one away win, finishing third and qualifying for the Europa League, which might be their target this year too. Their surprise away victory at Roma secured that spot, but whereas that year Roma, Bayern Munich and Cluj were all better, or at least equal, in terms of quality, this year they have a yardstick in Romanian side Otelul Galati.

The men to watch? Captain Marco Streller is a 6 ft 5” striker who could cause an aerial threat, and will have been encouraged by Peter Crouch’s influence on Saturday night. Alexander Frei is the Swiss National sides all time top scorer (and was once charged after appearing to spit at Steven Gerrard in an international game). Radoslav Kovac will be remembered by any West Ham fans after leaving their club this summer. However, the match winner in the side is young attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri. The two footed 19 year old has all the makings of a top quality player, and will be the man United fear.

Match Prediction: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN – 1.2 William Hill

23 consecutive home victories is a daunting statistic for any side to face, and Basel will need to be at the top of their game, United off theirs and still get a little luck to come away with any form of positive result.

The team selection is probably going to be worth waiting for before confirming your bets. United should roll over Basel if they play like they have been, for the most part, in the Premiership. Considering their outstanding home record, a loss seems completely off the cards. And if they can continue their form, expect goals.

Highlighted bets

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.45 Sporting Bet
First Goalscorer: Ryan Giggs – 13.00 Paddy Power
Correct Score: 4-0 Manchester United Win – 10.00 Sky Bet
Manchester United Clean Sheet – 1.8 Bet 365

For a full list of free bets for this game and all the other sporting action this week, visit our free bets section.

Article by Chris Wilkerson

*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches