Sunday, March 23, 2008

Super Sunday

Manchester United V Liverpool

I was reading somewhere yesterday where Liverpool have not score against Man United in 3 years. If ever there was a time for them to break this trend then it could be today. A fascinating clash is in store and im really looking forward to the two games today.
From a betting perspective its very hard to see any real value in either game but I feel that both teams to score in the first game may be worth a wager.
It’s the head to head meeting of the two hot shots, Ronaldo and Torres that captures the imagination. Both are in serious form and are scoring for fun. Ronaldo has had to deal with a fair bit of criticism from his doubters who say he doesn’t do it in the big games. He has a point to prove today. Torres and Gerrard have developed a serious partnership and Liverpool fans must be already looking forward to next season where I see them as genuine title contenders for the first time in a long time.
Back to the game at hand though and it’s a hard one to call. Despite many saying this will be a low scoring affair I think the opposite. With 61 goals Man U lead the pack in the goalscoring charts. With 55 goals the Pool are not that far behind.
Manchester’s home form has been pretty impressive with 13 wins from 15attempts. However this is their first real challenge from one of the big 4 since they beat Chelsea 2 – 0 way back in September. A win today will stretch the lead out at the top and with things as tight as they are they need to take the three points on offer.
Liverpool are finally delivering some consistent displays. A win today will make it 6 in a row and make for a very interesting finish to the season. As mentioned above Torres is looking like a bargain buy and today will be a good gauge of his talent up against Ferdinand and a suspect looking Pique. At the back they are a little suspect with Hypia who can be really caught for pace at times. Javier Mascherano has being immense lately but will have his hands full if he is to stop the delivery to and from Ronaldo.

Verdict
Games have been very tight between these two in the past but finally I see there may be some value in siding with Liverpool. Over/under backers will all tell you to go with unders and its hard to argue with them as the last 5 meetings have gone under.
Overs is priced up at a high of 2.40 but for me im going with both sides to score. The reason I prefer this bet to overs is that I can see both sides scoring but as the game pushes on then both may be happy to settle for the 1 – 1 draw.
1 – 1 is my preferred scoreline for this game and il be having a wee punt on that also. Medium sized stakes for me. Good luck folks!


PICK
Manchester United/Liverpool - Both sides to score - yes (1.95 @ bet365) 3 points
1 - 1 scoreline - (7 @ unibet) 1 point



Chelsea V Arsenal


I have no bets for this game. Im going to sit down and root for the Gunners but its just too hard to call. Id love to see us winning and putting pressure on United but its a big ask. Im going to sit in peace and watch this one.
Good Luck!