English Premier
2008-04-26 - Chelsea vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
England, Premier League
Saturday 26th April 2008 - KO 12:45 GMT
Chelsea
It was all going a bit pear shaped for Chelsea in midweek, as the Blues fielded an adventourous side against Liverpool but looked to be sliding to defeat.
A last-second own-goal from Riise completely changed the complexion of the Champions League tie, and now a home win over United could also really re-ignite the league race bringing both sides level on points.
To me it's all set-up for Chelsea to have two attempts at glory now - with a win in either of the next two games giving Chelsea fans plenty to shout about.
But will Avram Grant see it that way? Will he risk playing his strongest team in this match or will he concentrate on Europe?
Manchester United
It's business time for Manchester United now - as the run-in to two major trophies really cuts in - and a victory here at Stamford Bridge would all but confirm the title.
But winning here is tough - even for a club of United's stature as it's been six years since a win at the Bridge for United as Chelsea have scored three wins and two draws in the last five encounters.
United have not scored here in their last four league games, and the way Wayne Rooney was moving against Barcelona last Wednesday I do wonder whether he will even start in this match (check the news section) which will affect United's strike rate.
Head to Head
Not surprisingly each club dominates this fixture when playing at home with Chelsea 3-2-1 in the last six occasions at the Bridge while Manchester United are 3-2-1 when playing Chelsea at Old Trafford.
THe VERDICT
United's defensive tactics at Barcelona surprised me, but they worked, and I do wonder whether Alex Ferguson may decide to play a similar game here - especially if there are a couple of key absentees in the ManYoo.
Chelsea are extremely hard to beat here, not for four seasons domestically, but do draw a significant number of games, and are 11-6-0 here this season.
For all the talk, all the hype, and all the build-up, these games often disappoint, and would yet another 0-0 or 1-1 draw really be a major surprise?
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester Utd (or 1-1)
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take the DRAW as a likely result.Correct score punters can get a price of 9.50 @ VCBet for a 0-0 scoreline, and 6.50 @ Ladbrokes for a 1-1 draw if you want bigger prices.
