ENGLISH OTHER BETTING PICK - MANCHESTER UNITED V MIDDLESBROUGH

English Other

2008-09-23 - Manchester United vs Middlesbrough

A Sports Betting Pick by Auls

Manchester United

United come into this game after securing a decent point from their game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but they will make their usual changes for this Carling Cup game. United have only won 1 of their 7 competitive games so far this season in all competitions.

The Red Devils come into this game with a 0-2-0 record at Old Trafford this season with 1 goal scored and 1 goal conceded. United have failed to win any of their last 4 games and have only managed to score 5 goals in their 7 games so far this season.

United will make a number of changes for this game with a mix of youth and experience in the squad. The likes of Owen Hargreaves, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Anderson and Gary Neville are expected to play a certain part in this game as they look to develop sharpness after injury. They will be blended in alongside young players like Jonny Evans, Danny Wellbeck and Rafael da Silva. Manucho is not fit to play any part of the match.

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough destroyed Yeovil 5-1 at home in the last round to progress to this, but will be concerned that they have lost every away match they played this season.

Boro have lost their last 2 games, both away from home. They have failed to keep a clean sheet this season and have also conceded 2 goals in each of the last 2 matches.

Gareth Southgate has also indicated that he will make a number of changes to his side for this game with a big couple of games coming up for him in the next 2 weeks against West Brom and Wigan. Mido and Tuncay are both out and there will be late fitness tests for Adam Johnson and Jeremie Aliadiere.

Head to Head

Manchester United have lost just 1 of their last 10 games against Middlesbrough. However, there have also been 4 draws in that time.

There have now been 5 matches at Old Trafford since Middlesbrough last won there. While United usually win games at Old Trafford against most teams, Middlesbrough have one of the stronger records there in recent times with 3 draws from their last 5 visits.

In fact, over the last 8 games at Old Trafford, United have won 3, Middlesbrough have won 2 and there have been 3 draws.

Prediction

A normal league game at the prices provided would make United worth sticking in a double but they do not have a good record in the Carling Cup when they make changes.

Middlesbrough will also be making changes which makes them less appealing than it might have if they were to play a full strength side.

I think this could be a close game and the value has to be picking Middlesbrough not to lose. A draw is the most likely outcome but I will take Boro on the Asian Handicap.

The Pick :

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