Wayne Rooney

Manchester United v Aston Villa Betting Tip & Odds: Well, Villa are finally showing some signs of improvement, but it is unlikely to be enough to go to Old Trafford and cause an upset. Manchester United are rolling along and dealing with everything which is getting thrown at them. United at home should be a banker for three points, and you have to look in that direction. They should have too much to offer up front against a Villa back line which isn’t renowned for keeping themselves out of trouble. Villa rattled United when they met earlier in the season, and still the Red Devils wouldn’t break. Not going to be great value in backing a United win, so it’ll be worth looking at Berbatov in the goalscorer markets. For the match outcome though, head to an Asian Handicap of Manchester United -1.75 for 6/5 at Bet365, paying out a half win for a two goal victory, full win on a 3 goal margin.

Manchester United to win: 1/3 at Paddy Power
Draw: 9/2 at Bet365
Aston Villa to win: 10/1 at SkyBet

EPL Match Preview: Manchester United will just not lie down. They were down at out at half time in last week’s away match against Blackpool, but then that old United resilience shone through in the last twenty minutes of the match, and their goals (including a brace from Dimitar Berbatov) saw the Blackpool hearts broken. All of Manchester United’s troubles have come on the road this season, and time and time again they have been backed into a corner, only for them to manage to find a way out. It is almost something which you come to expect from them on their travels this year, and they were at it again when they fell behind at Southampton in the FA Cup. It took a second half turn around to get them out of that mire as well. But, for all their ups and downs on the road this season, they still remain unbeaten at the top of the Barclays Premier League. It is quite remarkable, as prior to the season kick off, they did not look as sure fire a bet, with the level of quality throughout the squad, much poorer than it has been for years. They are still, despite their unbeaten record, far from being a great team, but the other teams challenging for the title race haven’t lived up to that mantle either. United don’t have the flair or passing quality of Arsenal, and they don’t have the quality in midfield that Chelsea can line up with, but despite all that they still get the job done. Does a home match against Aston Villa have the potential of being the one which ends their unbeaten run? No, even though Villa played a really great match earlier in the season when United went to Villa Park. Villa pulled out a two goal lead, but yes, inevitably, Manchester United managed to claw their way back to earn a point. Back in United’s back yard, you have to expect a home win.

Whatever Dimitar Berbatov (7/2 at SkyBet as First Goal Scorer) has been having for breakfast, Chelsea fans will want some for Drogba and Anelka. The Bulgarian is simply on fire, and unstoppable this season, and this was after much criticism last season, that he was lazy, unreliable and wasn’t fit to replace Rooney. How tables turn. Wayne Rooney is having a tough season, and seems to be a shadow of his former self. There is no indication of where the next goal is going to come from him, and with Berbatov carrying the can, Mexican striker Javier Hernandez (9/2 at SkyBet as First Goal Scorer) is really pushing hard with his goal scoring feats, to replace Rooney in the line up. Hernandez always seems to be right there when United need something special to salvage the game. He has done it time and time again, and he was a great capture by United in the summer. You have to think that United will find a way through the Aston Villa back line, although it was a back line which managed to keep out Manchester City in a recent match. However, this is at Old Trafford, where Manchester United  have won 65% of all matches at home between the two sides. They didn’t win in the corresponding fixture last year though, when Villa stole all three points, but that result really went against the trend of how this fixture has generally gone. United have had a lot of success against Aston Villa in recent times, and that, backed up with their record this season, it all points to a convincing home win. There is also a vast gulf in the goal tally’s when the teams play at Old Trafford, with United having scored over 100 more goals in the fixture than the visitors. Sounds as if more of the same is on the cards.

Aston Villa, despite being stuck in a relegation dog fight for a fair share of the season, really are not that bad a side, and finally are showing their true colours and are improving. Gerard Houllier is the man charged with taking them forward, and they went in with a big splash to get Darren Bent from Sunderland during the January transfer window, and that was a vital coup. Villa have been one of the lowest scoring teams in the Premier League all season, and one of the major reasons why they were in trouble. They have not been helped along this season with their terrible defence either, which are having a hard time not shipping and giving away goals. Aston Villa have climbed up to thirteenth in the league, and are giving their fans a lot more optimism than a few weeks ago. They are now unbeaten in their last three matches to their credit, and finally Houllier looks as if he is getting things together at the club. Villa have a lot of good young players at the club, and because of a tough break with injuries, they have suffered this season. However, maybe the youthfulness is beginning to pay off now, as more experienced is gained. Villa actually play some good football, and like to use width. They have a bit of quality in Ashley Young, Mark Albrighton and now with Darren Bent up front along with Gabriel Agbonlahor, they should have more firepower to ensure their safety. Villa really do have enough to play their way out of trouble, however, they aren’t going to do it at Old Trafford.

Villa did great last season, taking points of United in both games, including a victory at Old Trafford. They are not going to do it this season, as they are far less organized than they were last year. Still, this is good testing ground for them, to see just how much they have improved. They don’t have a particularly great record against United, and back to back wins there in the league? Unlikely. Villa won’t be helped by the fact that their away form has been pretty miserable, winning just two matches on their travels this season in the league. They have been beaten seven times in their twelve away matches, but as mentioned, they have shown better signs, going unbeaten in their last three road trips, including a 3-3 tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. There is still the feeling that Villa are a work in progress, and heading north to Old Trafford is just going to be too much for them. When you have conceded an average of 2.25 goals per match on the road this season, Old Trafford is pretty much the last place you want to go.

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Manchester United v Aston Villa Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
Aston Villa 2, Manchester United 2
Aston Villa 1, Manchester United 1
Manchester United 0, Aston Villa 1
Manchester United 3, Aston Villa 2
Aston Villa 0, Manchester United 0

Manchester United have an 92% win percentage at home in the league this season
Aston Villa have a 17% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Manchester United are on a streak of 12 home games with no defeat
Aston Villa are on a streak of 3 away matches with no defeat

Manchester United have scored 34 goals, and conceded 7 at home
Aston Villa have scored 11 and conceded 27 goals in their away matches

Manchester United average 2.8 goals per match at home this season
Aston Villa average 0.9 goals per match away from home this season

Manchester United have scored the bulk of their goals in the 31-45 and 76-90 minute brackets
Aston Villa have scored the majority of their goals in the 76-90 minute bracket

Manchester United have opened the scoring in 69% of their matches
Aston Villa have scored first in 50% of their matches

Manchester United 2010/11 top scorer: Berbatov, 19 (14 of them at home)
Aston Villa 2010/11 top scorer: Downing, 5

Manchester United 2010/11 Season Form: P23 W14 D9 L0 GF51 GA21 Pts 51 (1st)
Aston Villa 2010/11 Season Form: P24 W7 D7 L10 GF27 GA40 Pts 28 (13th)

Manchester United’s win over Arsenal on Monday night was the first by a 1-0 scoreline and the Red Devils are now top of the Premier League with a game in hand.

It’s quite remarkable that Sir Alex Ferguson’s team are top of the tree considering that they have won just one away game all season, although on the flip side they are unbeaten in the Premier League all term and were good value for their victory over the Gunners.

The bookmakers have United as the new favourites to win the title, with Boylesports offering 7/4 and bet365 going 11/8, while Sporting Bet are as short as 5/4 about the Premier League trophy returning to Old Trafford. The defence is looking pretty strong now that Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are fit.

Chelsea are the second favourites despite the fact that they are now three points behind the Red Devils having played a game more. Carlo Ancelotti’s team are currently struggling for points, although they were unlucky not to win their recent match at White Hart Lane and perhaps they have turned a corner. The Blues are currently available at 2/1 with William Hill.

Arsenal are the drifters on the outright market after that 1-0 defeat against Manchester United, with Coral prepared to offer 5/1 that the Gunners are victorious. Arsene Wenger’s team just couldn’t seem to find a breakthrough against a Red Devils team playing a 4-5-1 formation, although they have now played the other title contenders away from home.

Manchester City are the 7/1 (bet365) fourth favourites to win the Premier League title and many would regard them as the only other viable team that can finish top this season. That’s if the side haven’t combusted come May, with Carlos Tevez doing his best to derail his team’s challenge after slapping in a transfer request at Eastlands.

Roberto Mancini would be badly lacking in firepower if Tevez were to leave the club in January, especially as Mario Balotelli has a clear attitude problem and Emmanuel Adebayor has suggested he will go to Juventus on loan next month.

Tottenham Hotspur are now seven points off the pace after their 1-1 draw with Chelsea and the form of Harry Redknapp’s team does not suggest that they can sustain a title challenge, even if none of the top teams are setting the Premier League alight this term.

Ultimately, Spurs have managed just four wins from their nine matches at White Hart Lane and this sort of home form is not good enough when you consider that Manchester United have a near invincible record at Old Trafford. Even so, Harry Redknapp’s team are 40/1 (William Hill) to provide an upset.

Blackpool v Manchester United Betting Tip & Odds: If this one doesn’t freeze over, then you can expect plenty of hot action in front of goal to warm you up. This looks as if it will be a bit of mismatch, and even taking a moment to hesitate over Manchester United’s relatively poor away form this year, doesn’t really stop you wanting to have a strong bet on a United win. That is because they are getting better in the league, and have a lot to prove after losing to West Ham in the Carling Cup during the week. There’s just too much up front that United have to offer for Blackpool to shut them out really, so look for a Manchester United -2 Asian Handicap for 8/5 at Bet365.

Blackpool to win: 8/1 at SkyBet
Draw: 17/4 at Victor Chandler
Manchester United to win: 4/11 at Bet365

EPL Match Preview: Manchester United head to the seaside on Saturday, with the hopes of extending their lead at the top of the Premier League. The Red Devils hold a two point advantage over Chelsea at the top of the tree, largely thanks to the mini slump which the Londoners have found themselves in. United, with a 7-1 thumping of Blackburn last weekend, look to be ramping up their title charge. There will be a strong United side on show for Saturday’s trip to Blackpool, in what will likely be some freezing weather. How hot will the action be, and will the Red Devils be on fire again as they start of a very interesting December? What this match should provide is goals, and that has to seriously be looked at for your football betting in this one. Here is why. 6-% of matches involving Blackpool at home this season have ended Over 2.5 goals, and 53% of them have ended up Over 3.5 goals. Blackpool home matches average 3.67 goals per match in them, and Manchester United’s away matches average 3.0 goals per match. That is some huge potential for a hatful of goals for this clash on the seaside on Saturday. Over 3.5 goals in this match will fetch a best price of 11/10 at Boylesports for your football betting. Total goals Over 3 is Evens at Bet365, while Exactly 2-3 goals is 5/4 at Paddy Power. This opportunity also lends itself to huge potential in the goalscorer markets. Looking at Anytime goalscorers, Rooney is 10/11 at Stan James, Berbatov is 23/20 at Victor Chandler and Javier Hernandez is 5/4 at SkyBet. You have to go all the way out to 4/1 at SkyBet for Blackpool’s DJ Campbell and Marlon Harewood.

Manchester United did crash heavily at Upton Park in midweek’s Carling Cup quarter finals, allowing the Hammers to romp to a big win. Although it was a much changed Manchester United side from which is seen in the Premier League, there should have been enough quality there to see off the Premier League’s bottom side club. That wasn’t what Alex Ferguson will have wanted to see really, as he needs his depth players to be there for him when he needs them. They weren’t, but switching back their attention to the Premier League shouldn’t pose too many issues. You can expect to see the likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and the centre half pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic all back in the line up. That was United’s first defeat of the season in all competitions, but they do remain unbeaten in the Premier League. That is why they have to be backed strongly here. They have gotten their noses in front in the Premier League and you don’t expect Alex Ferguson to relinquish that very easily.

Blackpool scrapped for a good 2-2 away draw at Bolton last weekend, and although they have fallen down the league standings a bit, with just two wins in their last eight matches, they are doing ok. Mid table security come the end of the season, really is not out of the question. Trying to stop Manchester United in their tracks is going to be no easy task of course. It never is, but Blackpool will probably take a lot of optimism from the fact that United have drawn six of their seven away matches in the league this season. Blackpool have had their moments this season, beating Liverpool away and holding Everton to a draw for example. Their recent victory over Wolves was a nice fillip, but they are still finding things tough in England’s top flight. They have only been beaten twice at home this season (by Blackburn and Manchester City) and if they can keep on picking up points at home then they probably will be ok. But can Ian Holloway guide his side to their best moment of the season on Saturday, in beating Manchester United. It does look unlikely, but in this topsy-turvy Premier League season, anything is possible of course.

You have to go back to the 1974/75 season for the last meeting between these two sides, back in the old Second Division in fact. Manchester United won that day by a 4-0 score line at Old Trafford, while United also won the reverse fixture in Blackpool by a 3-0 score line. With no recent history, that’s really not much to go on. Blackpool have a 36% win percentage at home against United throughout history, while United themselves have succeeded in picking up all three points from 41% of their trips to Blackpool. Again, these stats start so far back they aren’t really relevant. You have to look at the current form, the current standings in the league to see where your football betting should go. It is not that difficult a call really, as the best that Blackpool can realistically hope for, is a draw. They have crashed badly this season to both Arsenal and Chelsea, the top level opposition which is just too hard to live with. This is the big gulf in class in which you can struggle to see Blackpool grinding out points. Therefore a good win for United really is on the cards. Ignore the Carling Cup mishap against West Ham, Manchester United are better than that, and will be stronger on Saturday. 

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Blackpool v Manchester United Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
Manchester United 4, Blackpool 0
Blackpool 0, Manchester United 3
Blackpool 1, Manhcester United 1
Manchester United 1, Blackpool 1
Manchester United 4, Blackpool 0

Blackpool have an 33% win percentage at home in the league this season
Manchester United have a 14% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Blackpool are on a streak of three home matches with no defeat
Manchester United are on a streak of seven away matches with no defeat

Blackpool have scored 11 goals, and conceded 11 at home
Manchester United have scored 11 and conceded 10 goals in their away matches

Blackpool average 1.83 goals per match at home this season
Manchester United average 1.57 goal per match away from home this season

Blackpool have scored the bulk of their goals in the 31-45 and 76-90 minute bracket
Manchester United have scored the majority of their goals in the 76-90 minute bracket

Blackpool have opened the scoring in 46% of their matches
Manchester United have scored first in 66% of their matches

Blackpool 2010/11 top scorer: Varney, 5
Manchester United 2010/11 top scorer: Berbatov, 11

Blackpool 2010/11 Season Form: P15 W5 D4 L6 GF23 GA29 Pts 19 (11th)
Manchester United 2010/11 Season Form: P15 W8 D7 L0 GF35 GA16 Pts 31 (1st)

At the start of the season, I stated that the Golden Boot winner was likely to come from a select group of three players – Didier Drogba, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.

There seems no reason to revise that opinion at the moment, although Rooney would need something pretty special between now and May to haul himself back into contention after making headlines for matters off the field this season rather than in a Manchester United shirt.

The Red Devils striker has just one goal to his name in the Premier League and is 25/1 with Sporting Bet to finish top of the pile and we all know that the England striker has the ability to score bucket loads of goals.

However, it’s his former United team-mate Carlos Tevez who is blazing a trail at the top of the charts and the Argentinean’s brace against Fulham last Sunday means he has nine Premier League goals to his name this term.

Tevez is favourite with most firms and bet365 offer 10/3 that he remains ahead of his rivals when the season finishes. It could be a great price if Manchester City continue to create chances like they did at Craven Cottage, although Roberto Mancini does seem to employ defensive tactics quite a lot of the time.

There are some surprise names breathing down the neck of the City striker at the moment, with Andy Carroll and Johan Elmander both on eight goals at this stage of the season. Carroll was a bit of an unknown package before this season, especially with Newcastle playing in the Championship last term. However, the Geordie was recently called up by England and he’s 16/1 (Paddy Power) to be top scorer.

Elmander is even bigger at 25/1 (Skybet) although the Swede has been excellent in recent weeks and he tore apart the Magpies defence last weekend. Whether he can continue his scoring rate is another matter, especially as Bolton are arguably over-achieving at the moment.

Didier Drogba was the Golden Boot winner last season, although the striker is currently having a lean patch in front of goal for Chelsea that is lasting a few games. Some might argue that he’s therefore due to get back on the scoresheet pretty soon and three goals is not a big gap between the Blues front man and Tevez. Skybet have 7/2 that the Ivorian retains his crown as goal king.

Fernando Torres is another player available at single figure odds (7/1 Blue Square) which is worthy of consideration considering that he has five Premier League goals to his name at the moment. However, with Steven Gerrard missing for a few matches, Liverpool might create fewer chances as a result.

Darren Bent (14/1 bet365) is back for Sunderland and is pretty reliable in front of goal, while Marouane Chamakh (16/1 bet365) is part of an Arsenal team that create and score plenty of goals. It’s hard to see outside of these players, although that 25/1 about Rooney does attract.

Manchester United v Wolves Betting Tip & Odds: United have won 66% of matches between the two clubs played at Old Trafford, and you really can’t argue with this stat. Forget about the heroics Wolves pulled off in beating Manchester City, for they still aren’t a great side, and you don’t walk into Old Trafford and come away with three points very easily. Home win without much hesitation. Manchester United to win by 2 goals for 3/1 at Bet365

Manchester United to win: 1/4 at William Hill
Draw: 11/2 at Victor Chandler
Wolves to win: 16/1 at Totesport

EPL Match Preview: United have shipped off Wayne Rooney to the US in order to get some rehab on his troublesome ankle, and they will have to continue their Premier League campaign without him for now. They do have the chance to close the gap on Chelsea at the top of the league, with the Blues not playing until Sunday, and that is the kind of pressure that Alex Ferguson will be looking for. Although it doesn’t seem like United have been going too well this season, over the course of their first ten games this season, it has actually been their best start in the Premier League. This is regards to them not having lost a match in those opening ten games, although they have been pushed hard in a lot of them. An uncharacteristic amount of drawn matches (five out of the ten) seems to have made them look worse off than they are. They remain the only unbeaten team in the league though, but are five points behind leaders Chelsea. Looking at the Manchester United v Wolves fixture for the weekend, there really shouldn’t be any hint of anything but a strong home win. The two sides met in the Carling Cup recently, and it took a 3-2 United victory to prevail in the end, after Mick McCarthy’s Wolves showed quite a lot of spirit and played a big part in an entertaining match. Although a Carling Cup side is generally a lot different from that of a Premier League one, it may just suggest the position Man Utd are in at the moment. There have been speculation over the quality in depth at the club, but they really aren’t doing too badly. They are pretty much level with Arsenal in the goal scoring stats and way ahead of the teams beneath them. It is United’s ability to prevail through troubled times that has made them great in the past, and why they remain a force to be reckoned with. Alex Ferguson sent out the fringe players for the midweek trip to Turkey in the Champions League, and they impressed well enough to come back with a 3-0 victory. There are signs that United are starting to grow into the season a little more, especially after picking up their first away victory of the season against Stoke at the end of October. That was quite a big breakthrough for them, after being held 2-2 at Old Trafford by West Brom. A controversial goal by Nani then capped things in their last home match, seeing off Tottenham by a 2-0 score line.

The midweek trip to Turkey did have its price though, as Nani will miss the match against Wolves, and Ferguson is awaiting news about Darren Fletcher, as the pair picked up injuries in midweek. There has also been a virus sweeping through the club, including affecting the boss himself, but it shouldn’t make much difference to the starting line up. Other absentees along with Rooney and Nani, are Michael Owen, Owen Hargreaves and Valencia. While United should put the three points in the bank here, they will of course have to display an air of caution after seeing Wolves take out Manchester City last weekend. But United are gaining momentum, having kept five clean sheets in eight matches, and are going on a six match winning streak (in all competitions). A lot has been made of the return of Rio Ferdinand to the back line, and now he’s back in his stride, it has helped the shaky defence hold a little steadier. It will probably be Berbatov and Hernandez up front for United in the absence of Rooney, and that looks like a pairing which should trouble the back line of a bottom three club. United have to be looked at as being at least a good couple of goals better than the visiting Wolves.

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Wolves have had their critics over the past couple of seasons, and now again they are under fire for being too aggressive and for being a dirty team. That’s what you get with Mick McCarthy at the helm, battlers. Those great battling qualities served Wolves well last weekend, when they faced the expensive Eastlands side and came away with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. No-one saw that coming really, so can they emulate the trip up north again? It is very unlikely, as there are some mitigating circumstances, and big differences between the two Manchester clubs. Firstly Alex Ferguson is a lot more canny and tactically sound that Roberto Mancini. United are the more established side at the top of the league, while City are trying to emulate their success. Even though the quality levels may not be at the highest at Old Trafford, you can always bank on any United to play as a team, City are still looking like a hastily assembled bunch of individuals. So the victory by Wolves over Man City can be put into perspective. City are beatable, Manchester United are not so easily turned over, even though they have had trouble closing out matches against weaker opposition this year. It is unlikely that Wolves will score a massive double by beating United this weekend. Keep your football betting head calm and level, and look at Wolves for what they are. A team which has only won two matches all year, and are only averaging one goal per game. Wolves are on a 5 match skid without a win away from home, picking up just one point on the road against Everton. This has been a bit of an exhausting portion of the season’s fixture list for Wolves, having Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd in consecutive matches. They are unlikely to get anything out of a visit to Old Trafford. There is just not the quality at the back, and certainly not enough punch up front to out score United on their home turf.

Manchester United v Wolves Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
Wolves 0, Man Utd 1
Man Utd 3, Wolves 0
Wolves 1, Man Utd 0
Man Utd 1, Wolves 0
Wolves 1, Man Utd 1 (First Division)

Manchester United have an 80% win percentage at home in the league this season
Wolves have a 0% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Manchester United have scored 13 goals, and conceded 4 at home
Wolves have scored 3 and conceded 10 goals in their away matches

Manchester United have scored the bulk of their goals in the 31-45 minute bracket
Wolves have scored the majority of their goals in the 31-45 minute bracket

Manchester United have opened the scoring in 70% of their matches
Wolves have scored first in 50% of their matches

Manchester United average 2.6 goals per match at home this season
Wolves average 0.6 goals per match away from home this season

Manchester United 2010/11 top scorer: Berbatov, 6 (5 of them at home)
Wolves 2010/11 top scorer: Jarvis, Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher, 2

Manchester United 2010/11 Season Form: P10 W5 D5 L0 GF22 GA12 Pts 22 (3rd)
Wolves 2010/11 Season Form: P10 W2 D3 L5 GF10 GA16 Pts 9 (19th)

Bursaspor v Manchester United Betting Odds | United to win to Nil as Rooney sidelined for longer

Manchester United to win: 8/11 at Bet365
Draw: 11/4 at SkyBet
Bursaspor: 9/2 at SkyBet

This is a top versus bottom in Group C of the Champions League. Manchester United haven’t played well yet in the tournament, but are still in a commanding position. Meanwhile, Turkish side Bursaspor, who are making their first appearance in the Champions league are looking for their first points after losing all three of their opening matches. United go as strong favourites for this match, even though the Old Trafford crew aren’t looking anywhere near as strong as they have been in recent years. United though have a good away record in the Champions League, and have won seven of their last eight away matches in the competition, and have only suffered one away defeat in 18 away matches (and that was against Bayern Munich last year). This fixture doesn’t exactly have any indications that their strong away record will get dented again though, and to further strengthen the case of another United away win, the Red Devils beat Besiktas on their last trip to Turkey in 2009, and they have kept four clean sheets in five matches played in Turkey. United have a two point lead at the top of the group, and a win would put them in a very comfortable position. They still have to go to Glasgow to play Rangers, and host Valencia at Old Trafford, and there doesn’t look to be any major upsets in the path to the knockout stage. This is something of a dull group in the competition, with only nine goals being scored in all the matches played so far. It probably will pan out to be another less than inspiring tight game, but you have to back United to get the job done in the end. Manchester United to win by 1 Goal is 5/2 at 888 Sport, while Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez in the First Goal scorer market are both 9/2 at Paddy Power. Knowing United though a Draw/Manchester United Halftime/Fulltime bet looks worth a punt priced 4/1 at Unibet.

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Manchester United Betting

Manchester United are really making heavy and laborious work of their Champions League group matches this year. With two goals in their first three matches, they certainly are not setting the competition alight by any way shape of form. After being held to a 0-0 draw against Rangers at Old Trafford, United only managed a 1-0 win over competition debutants Bursaspor at the Theatre of Dreams. Quite what is going on with United is something of a mystery. Yes, they are missing Wayne Rooney, and look to have to do without him for another five weeks or so, but that shouldn’t be any excuse for a lack of passion and quality in the competition. Make no mistakes, they will still get through to the knock-out stage, but they seem a little disinterested at the moment. Maybe it is all down to complacency, because United were expected to stroll to the position of being group winner. Their biggest result was a 1-0 win in Valencia, who were seen as their biggest threat, and that even took a late winner from Hernandez to seal it from the Red Devils. Before the start of the competition this year, you would have looked at this group and would have predicted a lot of goals from Alex Ferguson’s men. That just hasn’t happened, as they haven’t raised their game at all and have looked very flat in midfield. They are missing on form Rooney, and now the goals from Dimitar Berbatov, who started the season with a bang, is also drying up in front of goal. It has been summer signing Javier Hernandez who has been rescuing with late goals this season, and while United are in no danger of not getting through this group, they have done enough to put them in a position of booking a place in the knockout stage with a win over Bursaspor. Everyone was expecting a goal fest at Old Trafford, but that didn’t happen, and now United need to get through another ninety minutes against the Turkish side to relax a little bit going into the final two matches. Looking at the level of opposition, you would still expect a few goals from United, but this isn’t a United of a few years ago who would demolish all in its path. It is a United which is having to work hard, and huff and puff for results, simply because the overall level of quality isn’t there. Still worth backing as a winner though, as anything less would still be a surprise. United went with a lone striker in Valencia, and if they stick with that again then Under 2.5 goals is 4/6 at SkyBet. While the Javier Hernandez Anytime Goal Scorer 7/5 at Paddy Power is tempting, there is great coverage in the market below which makes our prime betting tip.

Bursaspor v Manchester United Betting Tip: Man Utd to win to Nil 7/5 at Bwin

Bursaspor Betting

The Turks haven’t gotten off the ground in their first Champions League campaign yet. They go into their fourth match without a win, and without a goal to their name. Ertugrul Saglam probably doesn’t have all that much positive aspects to take from their first three matches. They were demolished at home by Valencia in their opening match, lost away to Rangers and then were defeated 1-0 at Old Trafford. Perhaps that last result is the sign of improvement though, and this big night at home may just help them get something on the board. If they do, it will likely be a very hard fought draw, as a victory for them seems more than a little unlikely. The Turkish side may just be able to break their goal scoring duck in the competition this year, and they need to at least try and get some pride out of this encounter. Oddly enough, Asian Handicap betting isn’t really expecting the Turkish side to get a real hammering, and you can pick up odds of around 9/10 at Victor Chandler for a Bursaspor +1 Asian Handicap. That’s not a bad punt really, considering the way United are playing (ie not particularly great) and the Turks may just raise their game enough on home turf to battle for that first point. Although a United win is favourite, this represents the best value for betting on the home side.

Bursaspor v Manchester United Prediction: Away win

Even though United are not the force they were, you can’t ignore the experience and quality they have in this competition. They’ll be happy with a 1-0 away win and that’s more than plausible.

Wayne Rooney is a best 4/9 with Skybet and Victor Chandler to leave Manchester United after a clearly emotional Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that the England striker was refusing to sign a new contract with the Old Trafford club. Rooney’s exit already looks to be imminent after it emerged that he told club officials in August that he wanted to leave, refueling the theory that he is no longer on speaking terms with his manager. There are a few precedents to Rooney’s predicament as both Jaap Stam and David Beckham have had similar differences of opinion with Ferguson in the past – and swiftly been shown the door. Bet 365 are offering 6/4 that the controversial forward is still at United after the January transfer window and there will be, of course, several clubs interested in obtaining his signature on the dotted line. Favourites, according to totesport (7/4), are United’s ridiculously rich next-door neighbours Manchester City. After the outcry over Carlos Tevez‘s big-money switch to Eastlands, it doesn’t bear thinking about the reaction among United supporters should their current idol follow the same path across the city though Sky Blues’ manager Roberto Mancini has been quick to distance himself from claims that City have already agreed a financial package with Rooney’s advisors. Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid (7/2 with Coral, Stan James and William Hill to sign the 24-year-old) has also played down links to the Spanish giants, while Betfred seem convinced Barcelona won’t be coming calling. They are offering 8/1 Rooney doesn’t end up with the Catalan club. Chelsea are the same price to be his next club with Victor Chandler but Nicolas Anelka has fanned the flames of speculation by saying he would get a warm welcome at Stamford Bridge should he decide to base himself in London. In the meantime, Rooney’s much talked about ankle problem has conveniently resurfaced and Paddy Power is offering punters 7/2 that he never dons the United shirt again.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has reported that Wayne Rooney wants to leave Old Trafford, so that groundbreaking news has opened plenty of online betting doors of opportunity. The rumours have been flooding the back pages, largely because of Rooney’s apparent admission that he wasn’t going to sign a new contract with Man Utd, which expires at the end of next season. What this will do for Rooney’s immediate future at the club is anyone’s guess, as Ferguson has admitted being surprised, shocked and disappointed by the news. Rooney is missing the midweek Champions League match against Bursaspor, after picking up an injury in training. The Old Trafford fans probably aren’t going to take too kindly to the news, and Rooney, who has had his private life dragged through the press, may suffer further back lashes. It has been a disappointing year for Rooney, who missed much of United’s run in at the end of last season because of injury, and fell flat in England’s pathetic World Cup campaign. So is Rooney off to pastures new, despite saying that he was at the best club in the world no so long ago. The only reasoning is that he wants to either escape the harsh British media, or that he isn’t happy with the falling standards at Old Trafford, or that it is an issue of money. It is true that the United house really isn’t up to its usual impeccable order this season, but that would be unlikely to drive Rooney away. There have been rumours that he has been unhappy at proposed salary deals though.

Apparently, this is something of old news, as Ferguson knew back in August that Rooney wasn’t going to sign a new contract. Perhaps that is why his chances have been limited this year, with the players saying that he hadn’t had an ankle injury, while Ferguson said he did, and was leaving him out of the line up. Fergie will of course keep the door open, but the rumours will now keep on flooding in, with Real Madrid standing first in line as possible suitors for the England striker. Jose Mourinho wants Rooney at Real Madrid, where he would team up again with Cristiano Ronaldo. That looks the most plausible destination for Rooney if he does depart Old Trafford in the January transfer window. Mourinho wants Rooney and is prepared to go in hard for him, but it’s unlikely that Spanish rivals Barcelona would let the opportunity slide by too easily. Naturally Manchester City are in the rumour mill, reportedly plotting a £100 million offer for him, and they would have the money to throw at Rooney’s wage demands. However, seeing him move across the city does seem a bit out of the question. Apparently Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti would be interested in making a move for Rooney, but realistically the most likely destination for him would be Spain. Where will the Wayne Rooney circus head next?

Wayne Rooney Betting Specials

To Leave during the January Transfer window
To Leave: 4/7 at Paddy Power
To Stay: 5/2 at BetFred

Transfer Fee:
Under 30.5 million 5/6 at SkyBet
Over 30.5 million 5/6 at SkyBet

Next Club:
Man City: 2/1 at Victor Chandler
Real Madrid: 9/2 at William Hill
Barcelona: 7/1 at Coral
Chelsea: 10/1 at Victor Chandler
Inter Milan: 20/1 at Totesport
AC Milan: 25/1 at Victor Chandler
Bayern Munich: 66/1 at Coral

Club at Start of Next Season
Man City: 5/2 at Blue Square
Man Utd: 7/2 at William Hill
Real Madrid: 9/4 at 888Sport

Man Utd v Bursaspor Champions League Betting Odds

Man Utd to win: 2/9 at 888Sport
Draw: 6/1 at Bet365
Bursaspor to win: 14/1 at Bodog

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Man Utd v Bursaspor Betting and Match Preview:

Well, this is one of those somewhat uninspiring nights in the Champions League group stage. This should be a simple walkover for United, who will have seen Valencia stuff their opponents 4-0, and watched Rangers get the better of them. However, while United will be strong favourites, Besiktas visited Old Trafford in the group stages last year and became the first team in 24 Champions League matches at Old Trafford to win there. That was largely down to Alex Ferguson fielding a weakened side because qualification for the knockout stage by that point had looked something of a certainly. When it comes to Turkish sides at Old Trafford, the visitors have done OK really, as Man Utd hold a W2 D1 L2 record against Turkish sides at home. Not great, but the frustration which was ringing around the ground after being shut out by Rangers in the opening match should serve as inspiration to run up a few goals. There’s only one way to go in football betting on this one, even with United’s less than impressive record in the Premier League this season. They are missing the goals of Wayne Rooney without a doubt, and the midfield is not as strong as it has been, been whoever Ferguson decides to play should have plenty in the tank to win this one comfortably.

Man Utd v Bursaspor Betting Tip: Dimitar Berbatov First Goalscorer 7/2 at Stan James

Man Utd Betting:

With just a draw against Rangers and then a last minute victory over Valencia, Man Utd haven’t looked all that impressive in the Champions League this year. The main thing about this, is that Alex Ferguson can put out a changed side, and there is enough chances for them still to get through even if they suffer an early slip up. The draw against Rangers for example isn’t exactly going to come back and haunt them. This is the sort of match which United, with all of their vast European experience should win at a canter. However, again they threw away Premier League points away on the weekend, when they blew a 2-0 lead against West Brom, watching with horror as the Midlands side battled their way back into the match after the break, aided by an Edwin van der Saar howler in the United goal. United have hit just one goal in their two Champions League matches so far, and that is something of a surprise. Of course there has been no rampaging Rooney leading the line this year, as he looks more and more troubled and struggling to find his top form. It won’t be helped with all the rumours of a transfer to Madrid filling the back pages as well. As for your football betting on this one, naturally you have to back the Red Devils to win this one. Even with their defence as shaky as it is at the moment, there should be enough quality and class in the side to win this one. If not, then alarm bells may just start ringing, as there are already suggestions that the new era of players at Man Utd really aren’t living up to past expectations at the club. There is certainly no stand out figures at the club at the moment, apart from Dimitar Berbatov (Evens at Stan James Anytime Goalscorer) and the evergreen Paul Scholes. The old power house consistency from the likes of Nani, Carrick and the back up strikers really looks a long way short. This is a home match in the Champions League for United though and that’s where you money has to go. It’s probably not going to be a thrilling night, with Bursaspor doing all they can to shut up shop for as long as they can, but a winning margin of a couple of goals for United (3/1 at Bet365) is a reasonable expectation. If you think they are going to romp it against Bursaspor, then Man Utd -2 Asian Handicap for 5/4 at Bet365 is a decent price.

Bursaspor Betting:

The Turks have looked a little bit out of their depth in the Champions League, losing heavily to Valencia and then being edged out 1-0 at Rangers. Bursaspor and Rangers were always expected to the be the outsiders in this group, and another defeat for the Turks would really put them out of any contention. They head to England having conceded five goals in their opening two matches, and the manager of the club is the guy who was in charge of Besiktas when they got whopped 8-0 by Liverpool three years ago. Bursaspor themselves have only met English opposition once, and that was against Wimbledon in the Intertoto cup back in 1995 (which the Turks won 4-0). Quite what their expectations will be for a visit to Old Trafford will be is anyone’s guess. Probably getting out without being embarrassed for one, but they will have had a good look at the United frailties this season and will possibly be sniffing an upset. For that to happen though, they will have to keep United out, as you really don’t fancy the Turks scoring more than one, if that at Old Trafford. There really is nothing much to look at in the football betting for Bursaspor in this one, so focus all of your attention on goal scoring markets and the such in favour of Man United.

Man Utd v Bursaspor Football Betting Prediction: Home win

Man Utd v West Brom Betting Odds

Saturday, October 16th, Old Trafford, Kick Off 3pm

Man Utd to win: 2/7 at Boylesports
Draw: 5/1 at SkyBet
West Brom to win: 12/1 at BetFred

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Man Utd v West Brom Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
West Brom 0, Man Utd 5
Man Utd 4, West Brom 0
West Brom 1, Man Utd 2
Man Utd 3, West Brom 0
Man Utd 3, West Brom 0

Man Utd have a 100% win percentage at home in the league this season
West Brom have a 33% win percentage away from home in the league this season

Man Utd have scored 9 goals, and conceded just 2 at home
West Brom have scored 3 and conceded 9 goals in their away matches

Man Utd have scored the bulk of their goals in the 31-45 minute bracket
West Brom have scored the majority of their goals in the 46-60 minute bracket

Man Utd have opened the scoring in 57% of their matches
West Brom have scored first in 28% of their matches

Man Utd 2010/11 top scorer: Berbatov 6
West Brom 2010/11 top scorer: Odemwingie, 3

Man Utd injuries/suspensions: Rooney, Giggs, Valencia, Hargreaves
West Brom injuries/suspensions: Mattock, Miller, Cech

Man Utd 2010/11 Season Form: P7 W3 D4 L0 GF16 GA9 Pts 13 (3rd)
West Brom 2010/11 Season Form: P7 W3 D2 L2 GF9 GA12 Pts 11 (6th)

Man Utd v West Brom Betting and Match Preview:

This is Barclays Premier League match between two teams which are closer together in the league than anyone would have first thought possible. That is down to the somewhat positive start to the season that West Brom have made, and coupled with the points which Man Utd have thrown away this season. But while United are expected to be near the top, not many people, probably not even West Brom fans would have expected to see their side sitting in seventh place. With Everton and Liverpool languishing near the bottom, there’s almost a topsy-turvy feeling to the league at the moment. It is to West Brom’s credit though that they are sticking to the task well, and have gotten over some difficult moments in the league this year without too much fuss. Still, you would immediately lean towards a United win here, and so it will be time to either use them as a cornerstone in building an accumulator bet, or time to delve in to submarket betting on the match. You can get a decent 1/2 at Unibet for the match bet on Over 2.5 goals. For Asian Handicap betting on the Man Utd v West Brom match, you really need to be looking around the 1.5 goal mark and beyond (in either direction) to find decent value. Best value there is West Brom +1.5 goals for Evens at Bodog. If you are expecting a comfortable win for United, then Man Utd -1.75 goals is 21/20 at Bet365, which means you’ll get a half win for a two goal win margin for United. More than that, you win outright. If you are looking for stats to back up your betting strategy, then United have won 53% of all encounters between the two sides at Old Trafford, and average over 2 goals per game there against the Baggies, double what the visitors have managed in return. United also put nine unanswered goals past West Brom over the two meetings in the league in the 2008/09 season. United have also won by a 3-0 scoreline twice at Old Trafford this season, and have scored three goals in all three league matches there. Dominance will be the word of the day.

Man Utd v West Brom Betting Tip: Man Utd to win by 3 or more goals 7/4 at SkyBet

Man Utd Betting:

United should be able to keep up their challenge at the top of the league with a comfortable home three points. United have not been their usual ruthless self this season, especially not on the road, and with all of the troubles surrounding Wayne Rooney, their star player isn’t living up to expectations. Quite what truthfully the Rooney situation is at Old Trafford at the moment is anyone’s guess, as he has now contradicted his boss in saying that he hasn’t had an ankle injury. He’s not a happy camper at the moment, and certainly not in form. Fortunately, their record signing striker Dimitar Berbatov has stepped into the limelight and is looking their most likely source of goals at the moment. Berbatov is Evens at Stan James as an Anytime Goalscorer, and Rooney is at the same price. That is because this is against supposed weaker opposition, and he’ll likely get chances. With the international break having ensued, there is a feeling that United will probably come out a bit fresher, and Ferguson will be expecting a little extra from his band of international stars on the domestic front. Man Utd have a 100% record at home this season, and when you look down the list of teams they will encounter this season at Old Trafford, West Brom hardly scream out as the team to beat the first to inflict a defeat on United at Old Trafford. Your football betting really should be only in one place here, and that is backing a Man Utd win. If you like your football betting on outrights, then naturally, the gulf in quality between the two sides, isn’t going to favour a lot of profit. Therefore, it will be well worth dipping into goalscorer markets, over/under bets and more. United will be happy to be back at home, and you have to get behind them to secure a good win. They looked lacklustre in their last away match at Sunderland, a lot of huff and puff with no end result at all. You don’t expect that trend to continue for long. There are suggestions that Owen Hargreaves may be close to a full comeback, not that United have really missed him or anything, or that he would influence a result greatly. They are the strong force in this match. At home, United are pretty much a banker in the betting.

West Brom Betting:

There has been a bigger rise in expectations around the Hawthorns after West Brom responded well to their opening day hammering at the hands of Premier League Champions Chelsea. Since then, Roberto Di Matteo’s side has been a difficult one to beat and are suddenly looking as if they have enough to survive in the top flight. West Brom were one of the relegation favourites with the bookmakers at the start of the year. There is a long way to go of course, and the Baggies may well end in a relegation battle yet. But while West Brom haven’t fared well against the top sides of Chelsea or Arsenal, they have not shown any signs of rolling over when it comes to scrapping and working hard for results. This is another one of the big tests for the them though, and if they were to get one point out of this match, then it would probably feel like a huge point gained for them. There is not many established Premier League sides who expect to get much change out of a visit to Old Trafford, but that really should mean that the Baggies can go there with a positive attitude and adopt a nothing to lose approach to the game. That rarely happens though, as it will probably be a defensive side which sets out to try and stifle Man Utd, and then catch a lucky break on the, well, break. Even though football betting odds will have West Brom as a real long shot in winning this game, it could be a closer match than expected if they keep tight, but they are having trouble keeping a clean sheet at the moment, so will probably be over run. For betting tips on this match though, you really have to look at the strength of Man Utd at home, and the quality in their side. They can turn over the best teams in Europe, so you would expect a West Brom loss in this match. One of the best tips would be looking at West Brom in a positive handicap, and hope that they can hang on to not too heavy a defeat. Tough to see West Brom breaking down the United defence really, but Peter Odemwingie is best priced at 4/1 at Bwin to be an Anytime Goalscorer for the Baggies.

Man Utd v West Brom Football Betting Prediction: Home win