Community Shield Wagering Tips

The launch of the 2008-2009 FA Barclay's Premier League is tantalizingly close and this weekend plays host to the Community Shield, the league's answer to coming attractions at a movie theatre. Premier League and Champions League winners Manchester United are facing off against 'Arry Redknapp's Pompey team (who conquered the mighty Cardiff and Barnsley on their quest for the cup) and much remains up in the air about how this game will pan out. Click Here For Your Free English Premier League Bet with CanbetConsidering the vast majority of United's pre-season matches have been played overseas, it has been difficult for many to gauge just how well the Red Devils will perform, especially due to the massive glut of injuries and absent players they are dealing with at the moment. This will be a Man United side personifying the term "makeshift". Notable names like Anderson, Hargeaves, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo will not be present and the weight will have to be shouldered by somebody. The stand-out performer for United could very well be Nani- who must stake a claim for himself as he will be suspended for the first two games of the season. He will slot into Ronaldo's role and will be looked at to supply the creativity and pace that United frequently require from CR7. Tevez will be marauding up front and I am confident that he will give Sol Campbell a torrid time, quite possibly creating space for United's central midfield (likely to be Scholesy and Carrick) to step up and have a crack. Due to United's temporary striking crisis look for Sir Alex Ferguson to deploy the 4-5-1 you generally see from his lads on continental football pitches. Redknapp has a different problem, with midfield depth his biggest concern. With newly-signed Peter Crouch and Jermaine Defoe likely to start up front, United will need a top performance from Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The summer departure of Sully Muntari will likely be quite visible for Pompey and injuries to Sean Davis and Lasanna Diarra will further exacerbate the situation. Portsmouth will need a stormer of a match from their two key forwards if they are to stand a chance here. David Nugent will also be sitting this one out. Although we all know he wouldn't score anyway. The United defense will be steadied by the return of Britain's favorite mustache as #4 Gary Neville returns to the lineup after a lengthy spell of injury which basically removed him from the entire 07-08 season. He will be looking to start off with a bang and throwing a quid or two on a goal from the Neviller may not be such a bad idea. He averages a goal every two years or so, so I figure he must be due. Realistically, I would be looking at Tevez, Nani and Evra to slot home for United. There is also a rumor floating about that the world's best left back (yes, I will argue that with anybody) Patrice Evra could be deployed as a left midfielder. Silvestre was seen playing left back in the Juventus friendly earlier this week and that could be a clue about Fergie's selection. He may need Evra's firepower closer to the opponent's goal in order to grab this one. United will want to get off to a flyer this season and put the drama of the off-season to bed officially.Verdict:Back Tevez to Score first at Canbet - 6/12-0 United at Canbet - 9/1Think Tevez is going to open the scoring? Click here to bet live in-play with Canbet