English Premier
2010-01-31 - Arsenal vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Match of the week no doubt as Arsenal host Manchester United in a clash that could decide who goes on to challenge Chelsea for the Premiership title. A win for either side could see them close the gap to Chelsea after Carlo Ancelotti's side narrowly won at Burnley yesterday by a 2-1 scoreline.
United despite without Ronaldo is still hanging on to defending their title while Arsene Wenger has been accused of grooming potential but never good enough to win titles.
For United, Rooney has done well to fill in the gap left by Ronaldo with his four-goal haul against Hull City followed by a last-gasp winner in Wednesday's clash with Manchester City. No doubt United hopes rest on his shoulders once again in this match despite his insistence that United is not a one man team. Likewise, Cesc Fabregas' importance to Arsenal cannot be denied.
Thus it seems likely Rooney will be a lone striker in this match with Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen to be on the substitutes bench. After being rested in midweek Antonio Valencia will likely be called upon here. with Nani to drop down to the bench - unless Ferguson switches the Portuguese to the left in place of Ryan Giggs, who while excellent against City, is unlikely able to last 90 minutes again.
More likely to start is Park Ji Sung, as opposed to Nani. However, Ferguson's main concern is in defence rather than attack though, with Rio Ferdinand's absence through suspension, just a week after making his belated return to United's first team. Nemanja Vidic also has endured a campaign interrupted by injury, was on the bench against City and should step in to partner Johnny Evans. . The only other change could be at right-back, should Ferguson opt for Wes Brown's experience over Rafael.
Arsenal will likely have to turn to 35-year-old Sol Campbell if as expected Thomas Vermaelen is ruled out. Sunday's game maycome too early for him despite fears that he had broken his leg against Aston Villa in midweek, leaving Campbell as the likeliest candidate to come in alongside William Gallas.
Wenger will also miss the services of Eduardo and Abou Diaby who picked up injuries and will not feature here. The good news is Nicklas Bendtner's return from injury gives Arsenal some aerial space they lacked in his absence. He is expected to replace Eduardo in support of Andrey Arshavin.
Fit-again Samir Nasri could start after coming off the bench at Villa Park with Aaron Ramsey likely to make way as he was less impressive against Aston Villa. Nasri's good performances against United in the past could be enough to earn the Frenchman a place in the starting lineup.
Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song are also both available, with the latter a candidate to step in for Vermaelen should Campbell's fitness still questionable.
To Sir Alex Ferguson, this is the most important game this season to them. Whether it will decide the outcome of the title remains to be seen.
I will go for Manchester United on level ball not to get beaten here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Draw Match 1-1 or 2-2
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for this match to end in a draw.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester United on level ball.
