We’re in a strange but very advantageous position following
on from the first legs of our Champions League quarter finals. Three teams,
those being Schalke, Real Madrid and Tottenham, are now all but through to the
semis, offering the winner of this game a golden chance to face Schalke.
The teams in question are Manchester United and Chelsea, who
fought out a close but eventually decisive 1-0 win for Manchester United, continuing
a good run of form (their sixth win in their last six games).
Stats will say that the game was very tight and in truth we
should be level – Ramires’s penalty claim was a stone – waller, and Lampard
will be very annoyed at himself for not putting Chelsea level close to half
time – But as with a lot of their defeats this year, there was a lot to like
about United’s performance.
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| Rooney seals the touch on the away goal at Stamford Bridge |
Michel Carrick’s stupendous pass released a brilliant run
and touch by Giggs before Rooney rounded off the move in style and even though
United got fairly battered in the second half (and a fair bit of the first) they
were generally value for the win, a result that arguably the should have achieved
when playing them in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s form isn’t exactly terrible – A 1-0 win against
Wigan was a badly needed result, while they created more than enough chances at
Stoke to win – although once again there are question marks and their away form
is a huge worry.
United are unbeaten at home this season in all competition,
a run which has never once looked under threat. With United never having lost a European tie
after winning the first leg away from home, the task is only heightened.
It should prove of some comfort to many Chelsea fans that
they won at Old Trafford last season and despite the 1-0 away goal advantage being
in their favour, they’re one of few teams who have the talent to score anytime
against United and that may well make both teams to score a big runner at evens
with Paddy Power.
And there is also a decent case for arguing that as Chelsea
go for it, over 2.5 at around 5/4 may be a big runner – Although this is
reliant on early goals to an extent even with Chelsea trying to push on.
The half time draw is a runner at evens too, given that the
teams are evenly matched but I see one team leading here with Chelsea pushing
hard and United probably looking to seal the tie early if they can.
There’s not a lot in this game, but United’s home record
stands out against a team that haven’t travelled too well this year and their
strength in depth (despite eight changes from the team that defeated Chelsea
they were barely called out of a canter to beat Fulham with ease) can see them
through to the semi – finals. Admittedly it’s not hard to see a reverse but
United will be suited by Chelsea taking the game to them and can make opportunities
of their own.
Advice
1 pt Manchester United to beat Chelsea (5/4 Stan James)
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