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HARD TO IGNORE TOTAL GOALS
James Millman, readaBet.com
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At high noon on Saturday, Manchester United take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in an absolutely vital encounter at the top of the division. For both teams the importance of victory cannot be understated; Chelsea must win to maintain their push for that all important final Champions League place, while Manchester United cannot afford any mistakes if they are to retain their Premiership crown. With both sides set to go all out for victory, there is every chance of a highly dramatic match.
Even without the added incentive for both teams to win, there are enough pointers to suggest the game may be exciting. Chelsea for instance have won their last seven home League games, scoring 23 goals in the process, and in 17 Premiership games at Stamford Bridge the Blues have won 11, drawn four and scored 42. United meanwhile have scored 43 away goals, nine more than any other Premiership team on their travels.
It is clear to see from these stats neither side is shy when it comes to sticking the ball into the net. An average of 2.3 goals scored at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea coupled with an average of 2.1 goals scored by Manchester United on their travels means serious consideration has to be given to the various total goal markets in the betting verdict.
When Manchester United were soundly beaten by Chelsea earlier in the season; even the most diehard reds fan would have been struggling to make a case for his team to win the title. Nevertheless, a superb run of results has given the Reds an outside chance to win the Premiership. Their chances though haven’t been helped with long term injuries to club captain Roy Keane and England skipper David Beckham. Further injuries to Ronny Johnsen and Wes Brown at the heart of the defence are a further headache for the manager.
Claudio Ranieri is also not without his problems with both his left full backs, Graham Le Saux and Celestine Babayaro, unavailable for team selection due to injury. The manager does at least have a vastly talented squad, which always seems to raise their game for the big matches. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is certainly one player who does relish playing against Manchester United having scored in each of the last four occasions Chelsea and United have met.
Considering “Jimmy’s” excellent record against the Reds, there is sure to be plenty of interest for the 5/4 (Eurobet) on offer for him to score at any time during the game. Anyone looking to take the added risk of relying on the Chelsea striker scoring first can take advantage of a best price 11/2. If you fancy Hasselbaink to score two goals in the match, Bet365 offer odds of 8/1.
As always for important games, the online odds layers have taken the opportunity to chalk up a few specials: SportingOdds quote 8/1 that Van Nistelrooy will score from a Giggs assist. Scholes is 25/1 with the same firm to score the winner, although interestingly Bet365 are prepared to offer only 15/1 for the same market. A whole host of other special markets can be found with the different bookmakers. A mention should though goto Paddypower who will refund all losing bets if a number 11 (Ryan Giggs or Boudewign Zenden) score during the match.
What do you think about Chelsea v Man Utd?
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| Betting Verdict |
8pts Buy Total Goals at 3.1 (SportingIndex)
Non-Spread Betters should consider backing 4 or more goals at Bluesq (13/8)
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It’s very difficult for a game such as this not to get excited about the various total goals markets. The scoring records of both teams is exceptional and as has been mentioned above, neither side can afford to be anything but positive.
A look at the recent scores between the teams is a mixed bag ranging from low scoring affairs to games with goals galore. However, as both teams are in need of victory, a high scoring game is more of a possibility. There is also the potential bonus of a midday kick-off, which has for whatever reason produced some exhilarating matches. The most recent example being of course Manchester United’s 4-3 victory at Leeds.
It’s no surprises then I am recommending a buy of total goals at 3.1 with SportingIndex. If you aren’t a spread betting fan, backing 4 or more goals with Bluesq is available at 13/8. |
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