English Premier
2009-09-26 - Stoke City vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Caged
Football: England, Premier League 2009/2010
Britannia Stadium
Saturday 26th September 2009 - Kickoff 3pm
Stoke City (Home 2-0-1 4:2)
Say what you like about Stoke City, and they certainly wont win too many admirers on aesthetic grounds, Stoke do punch above their weight ... particularly at home.
Not too many teams relish a trip to the Britannia. Wins at home to Sunderland and Burnley make the home wins column look good, while Pulis' resilient side gave Chelsea a scare last time out with the Blues requiring a last gasp Malouda winner.
Stoke put a not-too-weak side out in the Carling Cup in midweek but required Fergie-time of their own to see off Blackpool.
Manchester Utd (Away 2-0-1 8-2)
Save for the faux pas at Burnley in their opening away game, and despite some key absentees in defence, United's form is full of wins.
Manager Alex Ferguson's team have been known to start slowly, but they are showing no signs of that this year and there arent many teams who can live with them at the moment.
United may have been lucky with a winner in Fergie time in the derby last week, but the last three games show maximum points from in-form sides Arsenal, Tottenham and Man City.
There were some young faces in the Man United side that struggled to see off an understrength Wolves in the Carling Cup in midweek, and had to play with 10 men for a significant period of the game.
Head to head
Man United won this game 1-0 on Boxing Day last season. They ran up 5-0 winners in the home leg.
The Betting Verdict
Stoke are strong at home and at good odds wouldnt put anyone off a cheeky punt. However, probabilities are that United will repeat their success in this fixture last year. It might not be pretty, or convincing though and may be uncomfortable viewing at such short odds.
There is probably value in laying Manchester United here, but it is a braver man than me who opposes the champions. then.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take MANCHESTER UNITED to win
