Manchester United vs Arsenal

28/04/2009

Tonight we witness yet another colossal encounter between English giants Manchester United and Arsenal. These games are notoriously close and goal-filled. In fact, I don’t recall the last game between these two sides where either side didn’t score. I predict an absolute peach of a game, however, well-worth watching if you’re free to do so. Both sides play exceptional attacking football. Arsenal have an extremely impressive run of league form to boast of whereas Manchester United have stumbled a little lately, although have certainly emphasised their immense belief and team spirit by fighting back various times in recent games. Although it sounds stupidly obvious, this game just depends on line-up. For instance, if Anderson starts, then Fabregas won’t see the ball. However, if the central pairing is something like Carrick and Fletcher, then Fabregas will see more of the ball and he’s their main playmaker. If Theo Walcott starts on the right, then Patrice Evra has to be on his game to keep him under control. If Nani starts on either flank, Manchester United will struggle doubling-up against Arsenal’s wingers. Arsenal are also missing a host of defenders, most notably William Gallas. Rumour has it that Mickael Silvestre is injured whilst Kieran Gibbs continues to fill in for the injured Gael Clichy. Arsenal are not a good side defensively at the best of times, but missing so many key defensive players away to free-scoring Manchester United is suicide at the best of times. I suspect young Gibbs may be torn apart by Cristiano Ronaldo on more than one occasion. Based on the information above, I’m going to call a 3-1 victory to the hosts with Ronaldo to score at any time.

Wednesday’s Picks

My tips:

My favourite bet of the day has to include Manchester United, FC Lahti, IFK Mariehamn and Girondins de Bordeaux. You have to be looking at something like 9/1 for this bet, so it’s good value.

UEFA Champions League:

Manchester United vs Arsenal (7) 3-1

Bosnia-Herzegovina Premijer Liga:

Laktasi vs Borac Banja Luka (8) 2-1
Modrica vs FK Sarajevo (5) 1-1
Posusje vs Orasje (7) 2-0
Slavija Istocno Sarajevo vs Zrinjski Mostar (6) 2-1, at least one red card in this game
Sloboda Tuzla vs Travnik (7) 2-1
Velez Mostar vs Siroki Brijeg (6) 1-0
Zeljeznicar Sarajevo vs Leotar Trebinje (9) 2-0
Zvijezda Gradacac vs Celik Zenica (7) 2-1

Finnish Veikkausliiga:

Haka Valkeakoski vs HJK Helsinki (6) 2-2
MyPa Anjalankoski vs Tampere United (6) 1-1
FC Lahti vs RoPS Rovaniemi (8) 2-0
IFK Mariehamn vs KuPS Kuopio (9) 2-0
Inter Turku vs Jaro Pietarsaari (7) 1-0

French Ligue 1:

Stade Rennais vs Girondins de Bordeaux (8) 1-2

Hungarian Soproni Liga:

MTK Budapest vs Ujpest (6) 1-1, at least one red card in this game

Latvian Virsliga:

Blazma Rezekne vs FK Jurmala (7) 1-1

Republic of Macedonia Prva Liga:

Vardar Skopje vs Sileks Kratovo (8) 2-0
Rabotnicki Skopje vs Milano Kumanovo (7) 2-1
Turnovo vs Renova Dzepciste (6) 1-1
Pelister Bitola vs Metalurg Skopje (6) 1-0
Napredok Kicevo vs Pobeda Prilep (6) 2-1

Swedish Allsvenskan:

GAIS Goteborg vs Hammarby (6) 2-1
Malmo vs Gefle (8) 2-0
Halmstads vs Djurgardens (7) 2-1
AIK Solna vs Helsingborgs (6) 1-1, at least one red card in this game

Enjoy your free betting tips!