Champions to continue their perfect start
IT’S been an excellent start to the season for Manchester United and it could be about to get even better as I just can’t see them failing to beat Arsenal on Sunday at Old Trafford. The champions have an unbelievable record on home soil, winning 19 of their last 20 with 15 coming by the HT/FT double result. They were very professional against Tottenham on Monday night and it’s already looking like a straight battle between them and Manchester City for the title.
Arsene Wenger will be delighted that his side have made it through to the Champions League, but he hasn’t had much else to smile about in recent weeks. Injury problems and suspensions are mounting up and their squad is looking decidedly thin. They have lost three of the last four meetings with United, are winless in five on the road and have suffered five HT/FT defeats in their last seven visits to top-six opponents.
The Red Devils never feel sorry for their opponents and you can be certain that Sir Alex Ferguson will be treating this game very seriously. They have recorded HT/FT victories in their last six home games against top-six sides, so that outcome should be backed at around 2.5 on Betdaq.
Roberto Mancini will be pleased with his team’s perfect start to the Premier League season, but he was disappointed with their defending against Bolton last weekend. In fairness, City looked very good and they really should have won by a greater margin, but a trip to White Hart Lane on Sunday will not be easy for them.
Spurs did really well to contain United for an hour, but they got tired in the closing stages and the 3-0 scoreline probably flattered the champions slightly. Harry Redknapp’s side are unbeaten in 17 home games with nine victories and they have also lost just one of 15 contests hosting top-six finishers under Redknapp.
City haven’t won at White Hart Lane since 2003 and have lost six of their last seven visits here. Obviously they are a much better side now, though, and I think the draw is worth backing in this game at 23/10 with William Hill. It was goalless in this fixture last season and there have only been two goals in the last three meetings between the sides, so spread bettors should sell goals at 2.7 with Sporting Index.
Mick McCarthy’s Wolves survived by the skin of their teeth last season, but they have made a fine start to the current campaign and are one of only three sides to have a 100 per cent record after two games. However, they have picked up just one point from their last nine trips to top-half teams and I expect Aston Villa to beat them tomorrow. Alex McLeish will also be pleased with his team’s start and Villa are now unbeaten in five home games. They are 2.11 on Betdaq and that is just too big – they should be odds-on in my book.