ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - CHELSEA F.C V MANCHESTER UNITED

English Premier

2012-02-05 - Chelsea F.C vs Manchester United

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Match Preview :

Super Sunday sees Chelsea welcoming Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.

No doubt the pre-match has been about John Terry who has been removed of his national team captaincy in the wake of his alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand.

Regardless of the FA decision, the focus will fall on him with the defender having missed the midweek draw at Swansea due to a knee injury.

If Terry plays in this match against United which Andre Villas-Boas on Tuesday said was expected, it will be his first on-field appearance since his court denial of the alleged racism and it remains to be seen if Rio Ferdinand, brother of Anton, refuses a possible handshake.

As it is now, Terry will face his trial on the 9th July, which is after Euro 2012 and is the reason he has been stood down as England captain, and until then he is expected to be in the headlines.

AVB has stated he is prepared to give Terry time off if needed but he is expected to feature against Unitd in this explosive encounter.

Nevertheless, regardless of the off-field allegations, Terry's presence will be a boost for Chelsea in what is a significantly important game for the Blues against United who is looking to retain their Premiership title.

Chelsea have virtually conceded the title race after falling 12 points behind leaders Manchester City and United, who are only separated by goal difference going into this weekend's games.

The London side are in a four way fight for fourth place, and the UEFA Champions League, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle so a win for AVB here is vital.

Sir Alex Ferguson meanwhile will know how important it is this game as if they come through this test against Chelsea then they have games against Liverpool and Tottenham to come by as well to keep pace with Manchester City.

Manchester United enjoy a good overall record against Chelsea having won five of their last six matches in all competitions. However, nearly all that success has been at home. Man United's record at Stamford Bridge is a cause for concern as they have not succeeded in their last nine visits to Stamford Bridge.

Team News :

Chelsea Team News :
Chelsea will be without the suspended Ashley Cole after the England left-back was sent off against Swansea and Didier Drogba is still at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Ramires damaged knee ligaments in the FA Cup win over QPR and is continuing his recovery. He joins Jon Obi Mikel on the sidelines, while Frank Lampard could feature despite missing the draw at Swansea.

Manchester United Team News :
United have a decision to make in goal after Anders Lindegaard was ruled out for at least four weeks with an ankle ligament injury. Ben Amos was in goal in Tuesday's win over Stoke and could keep his place despite David de Gea's expected return to fitness.

Meanwhile Ferguson is hoping for the return of Wayne Rooney, Nani, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young to return to the squad. Long-term absentee Cleverley will travel to London with United's squad, but he is more likely to face Chelsea's reserves on Monday.

Possible lineups

Chelsea : Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Ferreira, Malouda, Romeu, Meireles, Mata, Sturridge, Torres.

Manchester United:

Predictions

Go for Manchester United on level ball NOT to lose this match. Stakes are returned in the event of a draw.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Go for Manchester United to win here.