Manchester United will prevail in Valencia
With key players missing through injury, Manchester United face a tough test as they embark on their first Champions League away trip of the season.
Since it was announced that Wayne Rooney will not make the trip to Spain for Wednesday's match against Valencia, United's match odds have drifted from around [2.5] to [3.0]. The home side are favourites to win at [2.72] with the draw available at [3.3].
Los Che have shown little sign of being affected by the summer exodus which saw Davids Villa and Silva exit the club, and they lead La Liga, having picked up 13 points from their opening five matches. This is clearly a team that knows how to win and Unai Emery has instilled a cohesion which makes his side United's toughest group stage opponents.
The Spaniards thumped Bursaspor 4-0 in their opening fixture, with goals from four different scorers. It's a feature of their play that they've shared the glory this season and it's notable that this team without stars has so far eclipsed the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Despite the home side's fine form, the draw against Rangers a fortnight ago means that Sir Alex will want three points at the Mestalla. He will have been further alarmed by United's defensive lapses against Bolton at the weekend but there are reasons to be cheerful going into this tie.
Rio Ferdinand could return in defence to partner Nemanja Vidic and his experience would be invaluable. Another man who has a proven record in the big games could also make an impact is Michael Owen, who is pushing for inclusion after three goals in his last two appearances.
Only half of Valencia's matches this season have broken the over 2.5 goals line, while only one of United's nine has failed to. With attacking midfielder Pablo Hernandez and striker Tino Costa both capable of finding the net, as well as United boasting two in-form strikers, you might expect goals on Wednesday night.
However, the market favours under 2.5 at [1.79]. Perhaps this is because on both the previous occasions that the teams met here the score was 0-0, or perhaps it's down to Wayne's injury or the fact that United have failed to score on their three previous visits to Spain, but at [2.26], we're going against the market, with a wager on overs.
For that to happen, United will probably have to concede so we're backing 1-2 in the correct score market at [12.5], and avoiding the United clean sheet at [3.45].
Published: 29 Sep 2010
Leave a comment