Man Utd to nick win in tight Ibrox contest
It's incredible to think that the Reds have won eight of their last nine Champions League away ties - can they make it nine out of ten at Ibrox on Wednesday night?
At [1.85], Betfair punters think so, with Rangers [5.1] to pick up three crucial points and the draw [3.75]. The last of those prices may appeal when you consider that United only need a point to secure qualification for the knockout stages. There's also the fact that these two drew 0-0 at Old Trafford in September.
Rangers' Kenny Miller has urged his team-mates to attack at Ibrox so you might think that, without Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, United's defence will face a torrid night. We're not convinced. The Scottish champions are in an odd position, needing to equal or better Valencia's result against Bursaspor to remain in the hunt for the last 16.
Whether that will compel them to attack or try to play safe remains to be seen. Their goalscoring record in Europe this season has been poor, having only managed two in four matches. United are yet to concede a goal and we don't believe Walter Smith's men will be the ones to change that. We're backing the United clean sheet at [2.36] and Man Utd win to nil at [3.0].
With injuries to key strikers, it could be said that United have failed to hit their usual goalscoring heights so far this season. However, in 15 of the Reds' last 23 group stage matches, there have been under 2.5 goals. That was the case too when the Reds came here in 2003 and we will be backing it again on Wednesday night at [1.79].
Of course, one man who would love to score a hatful on his return to the starting line-up is Wayne Rooney. The Reds' number ten will lead the line at Ibrox so you might consider backing him to be the first goalscorer when the market goes live. Those who fancy a longer odds candidate - a midfielder such as Nani or perhaps Gabriel Obertan - must wait until the teams are announced.
It won't be easy to win this match, especially with Scotland captain Darren Fletcher absent. But the Gers are missing key men too, so we're backing the Reds to win 0-1 at [7.4] and secure their place in the next round. That's where the real action begins and where we will learn if [11.5] on a third Champions League title for Sir Alex Ferguson is good value or not.
Published: 24 Nov 2010
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