Goalscorer Preview - Chelsea v Manchester United: Dimitar Berbatov

Striker Dimitar Berbatov is the perfect player to have in any attack for an important Premier League game.

Berbatov missed out during the 1-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford but he should start in the game against Chelsea if Sir Alex Ferguson goes for a more attacking formation.

The Bulgarian is a player that thrives on confidence and his hat-trick against Liverpool and his five-goal tally against Blackburn Rovers are proof that he is one of the best in the business when things are stacked in his favour and going his way.

The alternative for United to playing a 4-4-2 at Stamford Bridge is to go with a five man midfield and one striker at the top of the team. Wayne Rooney has done this job in recent games but Berbatov has been pushing for a starting place and has more than enough quality to carry the side.

Berbatov is well priced to score the first goal against Chelsea with best odds of 7/1. He is also a good bet to score at any point during the game at odds of 23/10, which will shorten rapidly if it’s confirmed he’ll start the game.

The Bulgarian is never going to beat a talented defender for pace but it’s his movement off the ball and through space that makes him so hard to play against. He very rarely has to break into a sprint because his positioning is so good, he gets into the perfect place for a scoring chance.

Berbatov has often been forced to endure brief spells out of the team during his time at the club. However, when the side has really needed him to step up this season he has done and he looks like he’ll maintain his consistency even though Rooney’s place in the team and future have been sorted out.