Posted on 30 Apr 2011 at 11:24 AM by
Formex
With a two goal lead and the second-leg to come at Old Trafford next Wednesday Man United look assured of a place in the Champions League Final at Wembley next month. If they get anything from Sundays feature against Arsenal at the Emirates the Premier League will also look to be in the bag.
The Red Devils have won the last four meetings with the Gunners and with the home side once again squandering their chance of taking the title by regularly pressing the self- destruct button a victory here would only assist Chelsea in their quest to retain their crown.
The defeat at Bolton last Sunday hammered the final nail into Wenger’s title hopes following the late goal conceded against Liverpool and failing to hold a two goal lead at White Hart Lane. We have come to rely on Arsenal to waste opportunities and once again they have not disappointed as they settle for another season without silverware.
United can lose this and still take the title with nearest pursuers Chelsea due to visit Old Trafford next week, but having put Schalke to the sword on Tuesday night Ferguson will not need to rest key players ahead of Wednesday’s second-leg.
A draw would suit United and thwart any lingering hopes that Chelsea harbour and that bet simply has to be the recommendation.
The holders themselves entertain Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night and although the Blues have regained winning ways in recent weeks and the visitors have yet to win at Chelsea in the Premier League the hosts know they will get no easy ride as Spurs chase a top four place.
There is little betting value in backing a home win but that has to be the call and with Fernando Torres at last finding the net it would be no surprise if he was to follow up here.
We’ve been against both Blackpool and Blackburn in recent games and this weekend is no time to change the habit. Blackpool have a must win game at home to FA Cup finalists Stoke on Saturday and the hope for the home side is that Tony Pulis’ men have their mind focussed on Wembley. In a game in which the best bet looks to be both sides to score, the most Ian Holloway’s Tangerines can expect is a point.
Also on Saturday Blackburn host Bolton who humbled Arsenal last weekend. The home side are without a win in ten games and its back in January they last tasted victory – the only one under Steve Kean. Bolton hardly boast impressive away form (2-5-9) but they are flying high in eighth place in the league and in Daniel Sturridge, on loan from Chelsea, they have a striker in great form. Bolton look a cracking bet at some very attractive prices.