Rivals likely to share spoils in title decider
MANCHESTER UNITED vs CHELSEA
Sunday – 4.10pm Sky Sports 1
A FEW weeks ago it would have been hard to imagine that this contest could have been a title decider, but Chelsea’s rich vein of form has propelled them back into the race. They have won eight of their last nine league games and beat Manchester United at Stamford Bridge just a couple of months ago. Since then they have lost both Champions League quarter-final legs against United, but their league form has been excellent and a win on Sunday would put them in the driving seat with just two games to go.
But it’s not going to be easy for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. They can take encouragement from the fact they were the last team to win in the league at Old Trafford in April 2010, but United have won 16 and drawn one of their 17 home league games this season. Sir Alex Ferguson was disappointed with his team’s display at the Emirates last weekend, but he knows that a point against Chelsea should be enough for yet another championship.
United’s home record is so strong that there is an argument they should be backed at 7/5 with Paddy Power. The Blues are a best-priced 9/4 on Betdaq, but the draw looks the most likely outcome to me and that is appealing at 12/5 with Victor Chandler.
It could make for a very exciting game and Bettorlogic.com analysis backs up that theory. There have been two or more goals in 10 of United’s 17 home games so far this campaign and the same is true in six of their last eight matches hosting Big Four opponents since 2008/09.
In the last six league meetings between these sides there has been a minimum of three goals in four of them, while Chelsea have also been involved in high scoring contests of late. They have netted in all of their last nine league matches, with six of those producing two or more goals; while seven of their 17 away trips this term have seen at least four.
Some might think that this could become tactical and defensive due to what’s at stake, but Chelsea have to go for it and I can see both goalkeepers being kept very busy. The 2-2 scoreline is never an easy result to predict correctly but William Hill offer an attractive 16/1 and that is worth a small interest. I also wouldn’t put anyone off having a small bet on the United HT / draw FT double-result at 14/1 on Betdaq.
For the reasons already given, spread bettors should buy Sporting Index’s total goals prediction at 2.6.
POINTERS…
Draw at 12/5 with Victor Chandler
2-2 correct scoreline at 16/1 with William Hill
Buy total match goals at 2.6 with Sporting Index