English Premier
2011-04-23 - Manchester United vs Everton
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Premiership
Saturday 23rd April 2011 - Kickoff 12:45pm
Manchester United
Last 5 United games at home : W5-D0-L0 F13-A2
Alex Ferguson's United are a few wins away from winning their record 19th league title. The Reds sit at the top of the table with 70 points and have a very healthy 6 point lead over Chelsea and Arsenal. With Saturday's game being played before both their rivals it's a perfect opportunity to extend their lead at the top and one I don't see them letting slip.
Everton are the visitors on Saturday and whilst they are in decent form it's nothing compared to United's home form this year. Currently leading the last 5 recent form table with 5 from 5 and a goal difference of +11 we can soon see why they are favourites on Saturday!
The overall home table reads even better for the Reds with 15 wins from 16 played, that's 46 points from a possible 48!! Their nearest challengers are Chelsea who trail United by 8 points which is nearly 3 extra wins. However good the Everton form may be coming to the Theatre of Dreams right now is possible the worst place to visit if you're looking for a result.
The only downer for United is their overall recent form isn't amazing with 3 wins in the last 6 but all the negative results as you’ve guess are on the road where this side has been vulnerable. Now that Ferguson's side have returned home normal business should resume with another 3 points added to the United points total.
Team news is that Fletcher, Hargreaves, Lindegaard and Rafael are all out injured whilst Scholes is suspended for the leaders whilst a doubt remains over Brown. Berbatov was left out of the squad midweek and should be recalled to the bench this time round but is unlikely to dislodge the pairing of Hernandez and Rooney. At back I think it will be the same back 4 last time out with midfield looking something like Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Valencia as United look to attack from the off looking for the vital 3 points.
Predicted United Lineup:
Van der Sar; O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Anderson, Valencia, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez.
Everton
Last 5 Everton games away : W2-D1-L2 F8-A7
After flirting with the bottom half of the table for the first half of the season this Everton side has finally woke up and turned things around in 2011. The Toffees sit in 7th place and trail 5th place Spurs by 7 points, a Europa League seems unlikely but given that this side has won 6 of it’s last 9 overall they certainly have form and momentum behind them. Unfortunately for Moye’s side is that up next is a trip to Man United and not many take points from Old Trafford.
Recent away form for the Toffees is decent 7 points from a possible 15 means they currently are the 5th most inform side on their travels. The two wins came against Wolves (3-0) and Newcastle (2-1) whilst the two defeats were suffered against Arsenal (2-1) and Bolton (2-0). It's not a coincidence to see that the two defeats have come to the two harder sides and despite battling at the Emirates Arsenal were far too strong for them and I see a similar fate come this Saturday.
This side used to rely on Arteta and Cahill so heavily but with both being injured or absent for such long spells in the season, Moyes squad has had to step it up and to be fair to them they have done so. The last time either scored for Everton was back on 20th December when Cahill found the net in a 2-1 win at Man City, since then as mentioned above both have been absent or under performing but without them the side has still found a way to pick up points.
One of the players to really step up has been Leon Osman the midfielder has scored 3 times in the last 6 and has been a key player in this sides run of 5 wins in the last 7. The midfielder has played behind the striker, off the wing and in the middle of the park and as a result of his tenacious play has found time and space to get into scoring opportunities. I don’t like scorer bets but as a decent outside punt Osman could be worth a bet for anytime scorer at 10/1 currently at William Hill.
Team news for Everton is that Baxter, Cahill, Fellaini and Saha are out whilst Arteta and Heitinga are doubts. Moye’s injury crisis has been eased with Rodwell and Coleman returning in the recent win over Blackburn. Cahill as mentioned above is definitely out whilst Arteta looks certain to join him as a result Everton will go with a midfield of Neville, Rodwell, Coleman and Bilyaleetdinov with Osman supporting Beckford up top.
Predicted Everton Lineup:
Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Neville, Rodwell, Coleman, Bilyaletdinov, Osman; Beckford.
The Betting Verdict
Both sides are in good shape right now but United’s need is more than Everton’s whilst they will be buoyed by Arsenal's draw midweek.
This is perfect opportunity to extend the lead to 9 points and whilst Everton may frustrate for spells once United go ahead they won’t look back.
Good Luck.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Manchester United 3-1 Everton
BEST BETTING TIP :
Taking 1.50 for the United home win is just short of value for me - so instead I'll try :Manchester United AH -1 @ 1.83 PinnacleSports
