Berbatov to shine in audition for Man Utd final place
Campeones! And for those who followed our advice and backed the Reds at around [9.0] when Chelsea looked invincible early on, it's been a rewarding season in the Betfair markets as well as on the pitch.
It could be about to get even better for those of you who, like us, backed Dimitar Berbatov in the Premier League top goalscorer market at around [40.0]. Back in August, when the Bulgarian was impressing in pre-season, we recommended that you back him at those huge odds. Nine months on and Berba goes into the final day of the campaign as joint-top goalscorer.
Our man is [1.91] favourite to finish the season in pole position while joint-top scorer Carlos Tevez is [2.0]. Manchester City have an away trip to Bolton on Sunday while United entertain Blackpool in a match that doubles as a title celebration. We can almost hear strains of Simply The Best as we think about it.
Bolton have lost only three at home all season and Tevez faces a tougher task than Berba to find the net on Sunday. Of course, there's a lot at stake for Blackpool - stay tuned for a full match betting preview later in the week - but Sir Alex's weakened team hammered Schalke at Old Trafford and we might see a similar display on Sunday.
With a place in the Champions League Final starting 11 at stake, Berba will be raring to go and that might just motivate him to score the goals that will bring in our bet.
About that relegation fight: they're calling it Survival Sunday and two from five will be vanquished by 6pm. We like a trip to the seaside and have fond memories of the Reds' pivotal win at Bloomfield Road but, with Betfair customers making them [1.43] to be relegated ahead of their toughest fixture of the season, things look grim for Blackpool.
Wigan ([1.83]) face the unenviable prospect of Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, but the Potters looked like broken men in their post-FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City. And while they can be woeful one week, Wigan are capable of sparkling displays, such as their second-half comeback against West Ham last week. Are they worth a relegation lay at [1.85]?
Birmingham ([1.77]) have struggled since winning the Carling Cup in February and they play away to Tottenham. The Blues have won away from home only twice all season but Spurs are almost as unpredictable as Wigan.
We're backing Blackpool and Birmingham to join West Ham in the Championship. However, the match at Molineux could be a belter of a dogfight and we're intrigued by odds of [8.4] on Wolves to go down and [12.0] on Blackburn. Both teams may well survive but, with only a point in it, both sides might be worth a small-stakes wager at those prices.
Published: 19 May 2011
Leave a comment