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Bayern Munchen is the overwhelming favorite in this high profile clash at Old Trafford, but United will surely come out to play in what is the biggest match of the season for David Moyes and his lads.
Manchester had such a disappointing season so far, they are out of the English Cups and out of the race for a Top 4 finish in the Premier League after suffering two heavy home defeats in March to Liverpool and Man City (both 0-3). However, Champions League has been a blessing for Moyes’ side, with United cruising in the group stages and putting on a show in the Round 16 when they managed to overturn a 2-0 leg deficit and knock out Olympiakos with an emphatic 3-0 home win. The hosts are on the back of a convincing 4-1 win against Villa (though the scoreline was a little harsh) and will hope to gain some form and confidence from that one coming into the Bayern match.
The visitors could hardly play any better right now. Bayern has simply cruised this season in all competitions, losing just twice (Dortmund in the Supercup, City in UCL). The bavarians have been spectacular in 2014, winning 13 out of 15 matches, most of them by large handicaps, and have already grabbed the Bundesliga title. Bayern is on the back of a 3-3 home draw with Hoffenheim, but Guardiola rested most of the starters as there was nothing at stake for the bavarians.
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Team news and lineups
United has three important absentees in van Persie, Mata and Evra. Evans, Smalling and Valencia are questionable. As for Bayern, the team is relatively healthy, but there still are a couple of issues and Guardiola will have to do without Dante, Alcantara and Badstuber.
Manchester United: De Gea – Rafael, Jones, Vidic, Buttner – Carrick, Fellaini – Januzaj, Kagawa, Valencia – Rooney
Bayern Munchen: Neuer – Rafinha, Boateng, Martinez, Alaba – Lahm, Schweinsteiger – Robben, Gotze, Ribery – Mandzukic
The logical option here seems to be Bayern to win, as the visitors are simply brilliant under Guardiola while United is having their worst season in a very long time. However, with everybody jumping on Bayern to win, I feel the value lies with the hosts here, as the odds for Manchester are just going through the roof. United is still a solid side that can match the best teams in the world on their day. We saw that Arsenal, despite losing 6-0 or 5-1 in the Premier League, gave Bayern a run for their money and if not for the missed penalty by Ozil or the bogus red card they got, that tie could have gone either way. I think United can put on a similar performance tonight. Yes, Bayern is on a roll and United has been rubbish at home this season, but the Devils are sure to fight for their lives in this one – as this match is more than season-defining for them. My call is United to keep this close with a spirited performance, good defending and fast counters.
Betting Tip: Manchester United to cover the +1,25 asian handicap, a bet which gives us a lot of space to work with (winner even at a 1 goal defeat) and has excellent odds. Prediction: Manchester United – Bayern Munchen 1-1.
Pick: Manchester United (+1,25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.93 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.44
Event date: 1 April
