Betdistrict.com
What a match we have on our hands today. Two teams with new managers (Moyes and Mourinho) and title aspirations will square off at Old Trafford.
United did not look too good in pre-season friendlies, but the official games found them ready, pumping at full steam. United won the Community Shield 2-0 against Wigan before demolishing strong Swansea, 4-1 in Wales. Moyes did not change too many things, which is not surprising given the lack of new signings in the off season. United look somewhat similar to last year, strong in defense, strong up front, they are a balanced team. Van Persie is still in fantastic form up front.
Chelsea suffered major transformations with Jose Mourinho taking over and some new young players coming in, especially in the offensive line. The first two outings in the new season were both at home, 2-0 against Hull and 2-1 against Aston Villa. Decent games from Chelsea overall, nice movement in offense, acceptable defense.
The hosts will miss Rafael, Fletcher and Powell, with Young, Nani and Chicharito unlikely to play. Rooney could start today, he will almost certainly play. Some problems in attack, but it`s Rafael`s absence that hurts the most, without a proper replacement. Chelsea has almost a full squad available, but important centre-back David Luiz is highly doubtful. Also, new signing Willian will probably be left in the stands for this one.
Manchester United: De Gea – Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Jones – Giggs, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Valencia – Van Persie.
Chelsea: Cech – Cole, Cahill, Terry, Ivanovic – Ramires, Lampard – Hazard, Oscar, Schurrle – Torres.
The Premiership is such a great league, with offensive, fast paced and straight-forward football being played, so it is no wonder that when two quality teams meet, there are usually a lot of goals involved. When you add the style of play to the quality of the players, you are sure to get a great game. It is true that the last two meetings between these teams both finished with under 2,5 goals, but these results came after 7 consecutive over 2,5 matches (including three last season).
Both teams are hot at the moment and will look for a win tonight. I reckon we`ll have a great game with at least three goals to show for. David Luiz will be a big blow to Chelsea, while United will have to improvise on the left defensive flank, so this could help the chances of goal scoring opportunities. Of course United with Van Persie should be able to score at home, while Chelsea with those young, fast and talented players will be a nightmare for Manchester`s defense, which is rather slow with Ferdinand, Vidic and Jones.
My call would be 2-1 for either team or maybe a 2-2 draw. My pick here is over 2,5 goals to be scored, with high stakes.
Pick: over 2,5
Odds: 1.85 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 7.65
Event date: 26 August
