Champions League
2012-09-19 - Manchester United vs Galatasaray SK
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Manchester United will want to avoid a repeat of last season's poor outing after they were knocked out in the Group Stages when they take on Galatasaray at Old Trafford. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already asserted there will be no repeat this year highlighting United's defence as being the key to improving their form at home. Ferguson openly admitted last season he experimented with line-ups and rested key players and misjudged last season's competition.
But this time Ferguson is expected to field his strongest side against the Turkish champions in their Group H opener as he aims to get to the final and get their fourth European title at Wembley. The Red Devils do have a poor record in Europe registering just three wins out of their last 11 matches, and losing four of their last five matches.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray are marking a return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in five years. They made a good start on their opening matches winning three of their last four games. And heading into this match, Head coach Fatih Terim has called on his side to show the kind of spirit which saw the Turks knock United out of the competition nearly 19 years ago to this day. Back then a memorable 3-3 home draw was followed by a goalless stalemate at Old Trafford, which was enough to knock the Red Devils out of the Champions League on away goals.
Team News :
Manchester United Team News :
Robin van Persie has made a superb start to life at Old Trafford and the mere fact he was left out of the United starting line-up for their weekend win over Wigan means he is likely to start this match. Full-back Patrice Evra is in line for a return to the starting line-up after he was forced to miss Saturday's 4-0 win with a minor knock. David De Gea may also be recalled between the posts ahead of Anders Lindegaard in this match.
Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia and summer signing Shinji Kagawa are also expected to start, while Tom Cleverley and Jonny Evans may also return to the action. But the Red Devils will miss the likes of Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones due to injuries.
Galatasaray Team News :
The visitors are planning to field four players who has played in the Premiership before. Spanish winger Albert Riera played for United's rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. Defender Emmanuel Eboue, once of Arsenal, could also feature, along with former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros. And fellow striker Johan Elmander, who spent three seasons at Bolton, was Galatasaray's top scorer when they won the title last season.
However, he visitors will be without injured central defender Tomas Ujfalusi and right back Sabri Sarioglu. Meanwhile, Umut Bulut, who has scored five goals in four league games this season, is set to partner Elmander in attack. The good news is that Brazil international midfielder Felipe Melo - on loan from Juventus - is expected to be fit after a minor injury.
Predictions :
I expect Manchester United to win by a couple of goals, but I will take the OVER 2.5 GOALS bet as a better play.
The Pick :
Total Goals Over 2 /12
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Total Goals OVER 2 1/2 [Main Bet]
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester United and give the -1 1/2 ball.
