Betdistrict.com
First European encounter for Manchester United in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era, it should be a thrilling game between two fine football teams.
United is still looking to find its rhythm under David Moyes, but you can’t say they have been playing poorly. The Devils won the community shield and have 7 points in 4 rounds, beating lesser opposition, drawing with Chelsea and loosing to Liverpool. At home they have 1 draw and 1 win. The defense is working nicely for United, offense could be a little better but with Van Persie in top form you can always count on them to be dangerous in front of goal.
Leverkusen had a great domestic campaign in 2012-2013, finishing 3rd in Bundesliga, but lost some of their best players in the transfer window (Kadlec, Carvajal and Schurrle). Even in these circumstances, Samy Hyypia`s men started the season on a strong note, gaining 4 wins and 1 loss in the first five rounds, looking very dangerous up-front. You can`t underestimate this Bayer side even if they are not yet at top-class level in Europe.
Team news & lineups
Wellbeck is the only fresh concern for Moyes, he will probably be out for this game. Kagawa and Jones are questionable but it`s very likely that they will be fit to play. Fellaini is set to make his debut for the Devils. United is pretty much at full strength for this one. Leverkusen could miss key midfielder Bender, he has a hip problem and the chances are he won`t feature. Both teams rested some of their starters in the domestic leagues over the weekend.
Man Utd: De Gea – Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Fabio – Cleverley, Carrick, Fellaini – Young, Rooney, Van Persie
Leverkusen Leno – Hilbert, Wollscheid, Spahic, Boenisch – Sam, Castro, Reinartz, Rolfes, Son – Kiessling
United are not at their absolute best at the moment but nobody can say they are in a slump either. They are playing solid football and on Old Trafford they should do the job against this Leverkusen team. Overall quality and home court advantage are set to be the different makers for this game. The visitors are good, but they don`t have the skills to take points from a team like United away from home, not when United is motivated and at full strength – it`s no wonder that Bayer has 2 draws and 6 losses in eight games in England. Look for a great encounter here and a 1 or 2 goal victory for the Devils, my call for this one is 2-1 or 3-1. Over 2,5 could also be a good choice, but my prediction is United to win.
Pick: Manchester United
Odds: 1.80 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.40
Event date: 17 September
Editor Facts
- Rostick is on a 4 tips winning run
