ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - MANCHESTER UNITED V STOKE CITY

English Premier

2010-05-09 - Manchester United vs Stoke City

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

Manchester United must beat Stoke and hope Wigan can do them a favour and hold Chelsea for them to win a fourth straight title. Liverpool couldn't even do anything to stop Chelsea last weekend so now it is up to Wigan to come to Manchester United's aid.

This will be the fifth time since the Premiership started that the title race will be decided on the final day. And there is only two clear previous trends here:

One one occasion, United were involved on each of the previous four occasions, handing Blackburn the 1995 title after failing to win at West Ham while pipping Newcastle (1996), Arsenal (1999) and Chelsea (2008). While the other is that the team in pole position heading into the final day has emerged triumphant, and this year Chelsea have that honour.

So it all point to a Chelsea win here, unless Wigan can pull off a surprise at Stamford Bridge?

Chelseaenjoy a one-point lead ahead of their home game against Wigan and their goal difference is better than United so the defending champions must beat Stoke at Old Trafford and hope Wigan can pull off a big upset and hold Chelsea to a draw at least.

Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged this week that United surrendered the initiative to Chelsea in "one bad week", when the Blues' 2-1 win at Old Trafford on 3rd April was followed by their Champions League exit against Bayern Munich and a goalless draw at Blackburn.

Wigan must become only the third side to take any points off Chelsea at home this season for United to regain the initiative but the Latics did just that in April 2008 to snatch a late 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. So, anything is still possible here.

Stoke, meanwhile, have something to play for themselves as they are on course to beat last season's 12th-place finish and a surprise victory at Old Trafford could see them finish as high as ninth in the standings!

The visitors did enjoy a 1-0 win at Fulham on Wednesday but it was a Fulham side now focusing on the Europa League final and Stoke suffered a 7-0 hammering by Chelsea in their previous away game.

As for the team news, Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia remains out for United with the ankle injury he suffered in the 3-1 home win against Tottenham a fortnight ago.

However, United may recall England captain Rio Ferdinand in defence for his first start since aggravating a groin problem against Blackburn last month.

Ferguson has reported no other injury concerns, although he may choose to rotate his side in midfield.

As for the visitors Stoke, Tony Pulis will name the same starting line-up for the third game running. Since that Chelsea drubbing, the Potters have drawn 0-0 with Everton and won 1-0 at Fulham, and Pulis will keep faith with that side despite captain Abdoulaye Faye is now back and ready for selection after a thigh injury. He will have to be on the bench while Asmir Begovic will continue in goal with Thomas Sorensen recovering from a dislocated elbow.

Take Manchester United to get the win here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Manchester United to win here.