English Premier
2011-05-14 - Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Premier League
Saturday 14 May 2011 - Kickoff 12:45pm
This game is live on TV
Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers were very close to picking up the 3 points at Upton Park last week, 3 points that would have assured them of Premier League football for another season. However, they had to settle for a point thanks to Thomas Hitzlsperger's equaliser and are still in some danger.
The point gained at West Ham pushed Blackburn up to 15th in the table, but they remain just 3 points better off than Blackpool and Wigan in 18th and 19th respectively and have just 2 games left to play. Fortunately for Steve Kean, his side have a vastly superior goal difference to those sides in the relegation zone, although they could find themselves in a very tricky position come the end of the weekend.
Blackburn are a solid 7-6-5 at Ewood Park this season, scoring 21 goals and conceding 15. Only the teams in the top 5 have conceded less goals at home this season.
The team have picked up 4 points from their last 2 Premier League games which has really helped their survival cause. They have lost just 2 of their last 7 League games after a period of form where they gained 1 point from a possible 15. Blackburn have lost just 1 of their last 5 League games at Ewood Park, but will be aware that 4 of their 5 League defeats at home have come to sides in the top 6.
Phil Jones, Michel Salgado and David Dunn all look set to return to the squad after various ailments. Mame Biram Diouf is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Manchester United
Manchester United need 1 point to secure the Premier League title in what could be one of the finest moments Sir Alex Ferguson has experienced in his long managerial career. A lot of the Red Army would dearly love to see their side clinch the title on this day, only 15 minutes before rivals Manchester City take to the field in the FA Cup Final.
The 2-1 win over Chelsea last Sunday pushed United 6 points clear of their London rivals with just 2 games left to play. An almost perfect record at Old Trafford has been the key to the sides success, covering up the shortfalls that they have had away from home. United are 5-9-4 on their travels this season, scoring 28 goals and conceding 24, making them the 3rd top scorers away from home. Too many draws looked to be hurting the sides chances to claim the title, but it is not the worry now.
United have won 4 of their last 5 games in all competitions to win the League title and also claim a place in the Final of the Champions League. The Red Devils have won just 1 of their last 5 away games in the League, losing 3 of those games, and have actually failed to score in their last 2 away games.
There is a suggestion that Edwin Van der Sar will be rested for this game and could be replaced by Thomasz Kuszczak. Patrice Evra and John O'Shea are both struggling for fitness which could mean the Da Silva twins play at both full back positions.
Also expect the likes of Darren Fletcher to be given additional minutes to prove his fitness for the Champions League Final in 2 weeks time.
Head to Head
Manchester United have won 8 and drawn 2 of their last 10 meetings with Blackburn in all competitions since they were last defeated by their North West rivals.
United do not have the best recent record at Ewood Park, winning just 2 times in their last 10 visits, although both of those have come in the last 4 seasons.
6 of the last 10 games between the sides here have ended in draws, including the 0-0 last season which effectively ended United's title hopes.
Prediction
The odds being put out by the bookmakers are not very tempting if I am honest, with the 1.66 for the away win looking remarkably short. United have not had the best record away from home and it is interesting to note that Manchester City, who have more away wins than United this season, were given 2.15 to win at the same venue.
With a point being enough to satisfy United's chances of winning the title, the draw does worry me. It is a result that would more than suit Blackburn Rovers and push them to the 40 point mark this season and could be enough to save their status as a Premier League team.
However, Rovers have struggled with the best sides in the League, although pushing all of them. They have lost by 1 goal to Arsenal (1-2), Chelsea (1-2), Tottenham (0-1) and City (0-1) this season.
I expect Blackburn will make it tough for United too, but the freedom the away side can now enjoy, with the title all but wrapped up, could be the difference.
The market that therefore appeals to me the most is United to win by exactly 1 goal (draw on the English Handicap). United have had 1 goal wins in 3 of their 5 away wins in the League this season and I feel that is the best option here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Manchester United
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Draw on the English Handicap (same as United to win by 1 goal) @ 3.6 Bet365/BetFred (2 UNITS)Follow me on Twitter- the direct link is below
