ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - MANCHESTER UNITED V CHELSEA

English Premier

2011-05-08 - Manchester United vs Chelsea

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

This is not only the match of the week, but perhaps Match of the Season as Manchester United aims to defend their lead at the top of the Premiership from Chelsea.

Months ago it would be unthinkable for Chelsea to retain their title with Carlo Ancelotti's men having slumped to their worst run in the league for almost 15 years to leave them a distant fifth in the standings.

But now the Blues are an in-form side and could even overtake United to the top spot for the first time since November if they beat United at the Theatre of Dreams tonight.

And this clash is the mother of all clashes as the encounter likely to play a key role is determining whether the silverware ends up in the hands of United or goes back to Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United suffered a hiccup to their title challenge after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at the Emirates. However they did bounced back in style to beat Schalke 4-1, which sealed their progression to the UEFA Champions League final, where Spanish giants Barcelona await them.

Sir Alex Ferguson has thrown the challenge to his player to beat Chelsea and then go on to win their last two games and reclaim the Premiership title from Chelsea. And Ferguson had this game at the back of his mind when he made eight changes to his starting line-up to take on their Bundesliga visitors at Old Trafford, with several fringe players involved in the tie.

United could find it difficult against a Chelsea side that has a formidable 25 points from their last 27 encounters, claiming successive wins in their last five games. The Red Devils' own performances of late have lacked the determination displayed earlier in the campaign, with last weekend's defeat and a goalless draw against Newcastle just over two weeks ago highlighting some weaknesses in United side.

The last time they met at Stamford Bridge it was Chelsea who won 2-1 and now United will be eager to turn the tables over them. However, if Ancelotti's side manage another victory over their title rivals then it could swing the title to Chelsea's favour.

Manchester United Team News :
As for the team news, United will have the services of striker Wayne Rooney after winning his fitness race. Rooney has shrugged off a minor hamstring strain in time to feature and will be looking to revive his goalscoring form against the Blues.

And the good news is that Ferguson is expected to field a full strength side following his numerous changes against Schalke, with central defensive duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand set to start this match after being rested in midweek.

Darren Fletcher will not play any role as he continue his recovery from a virus.

Chelsea Team News :
Meanwhile for the visitors, Ancelotti has no injury concerns ahead of this trip to Old Trafford. Jose Bosingwa is unavailable, while Yury Zhirkov is a doubt but will undergo a late fitness test.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti, still has a selection headache on his hands as he decides between strikers Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka as to whim will start this clash, while fellow forward Salomon Kalou is in good form after scoring three goals in the Blues' last four games.

The Betting Verdict :

Take Manchester United to win this clash.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Manchester United to win.