Man Utd are in good shape despite cup loss
That didn't turn out to be such a bad weekend after all. With Arsenal held by Liverpool at the Emirates, United are six points clear at the top of the Premier League and their title odds have come in to [1.16] with six to play.
Tuesday night's trip to Newcastle gives the Reds the chance to extend their lead to nine ahead of Sunday's showdown against Arsenal, who visit Tottenham on Wednesday.
Betfair punters certainly think that will be the case - you can get [1.68] on the away win, [6.2] for the Magpies and the draw is [4.0] - and, with six victories in their last seven trips to St James' Park, those prices are about right.
The last one of those matches ended in a 2-1 Reds win - although they did go a goal down that night - but that was two seasons ago and there are compelling recent stats that make the case for an away victory. Newcastle are on a run of three defeats in their last four, although they did put four past Wolves last time out in the north east.
Of course, one of the key factors in an away victory should be the return of Wayne Rooney. He looked frustrated at Wembley on Saturday, kicking and heading every ball from the bench and will be desperate to make sure the Reds bounce back. We're backing him in the first goalscorer market.
With only five away victories this season a Reds victory can't be taken for granted. It won't be and, still smarting from the FA Cup exit, we believe Newcastle will experience the full brunt of a wounded Manchester United tonight.
The Reds beat the Magpies comfortably at Old Trafford back in August but, with a big game on Sunday in mind, we expect a comprehensive, rather than emphatic, win at St James'. Edwin van der Sar has stated his intention to return to winning ways so we'll take him at his word and back 2-0 at [8.8] along with the away clean sheet at [2.52].
And by the way: anyone see the second FA Cup semi-final? We did and we were mightily impressed by Stoke City. Our noisy neighbours may expect to reach new decibel levels at Wembley on May 14 but, if Tony Pulis' men play as well as they did on Sunday, we reckon they're worth a bet at [3.35] to lift the cup.
Published: 18 Apr 2011
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