Manchester United vs Basel Betting Preview
- By A.J. Ryder on September 27, 2011 15:31 GMT
Basle have been given a bit more of a chance this evening now that Manchester United have confirmed that they won't be playing either Wayne Rooney or Javier Hernandez in tonight's Champions League fixture. Despite United accumulating more injuries than they would definitely like at this stage in the season, especially to key players, the odds haven't changed for tonight's fixture and United remain firm favourites for the victory.
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The Belgians travel to Old Trafford looking for even just a point and Fergie looks set to deploy Dimitar Berbatov and Danny Welbeck for tonight's fixture as the Bulgarian looks to be handed a rare start.
It had looked as though Berbatov was on his way out of Old Trafford at one point but he is now proving to be a luxury squad player as most sides don't boast last year's golden boot winner as a benchwarmer.
Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to play down any extensive problems in Hernandez and it appeared as though Tuesday's withdrawal was more precautionary than anything else.
Michael Owen could also be called upon for the start.
Basle remain planted at 5/1 for the upset victory – not implausible odds – but it's important to remember that United have a formidable record at home in the Champions League. You will be expecting the visitors to make a strong press during their opportunities from corners and set pieces but you wouldn't expect them to venture forward in numbers.
Berbatov and Welbeck are favoured to open the scoring with both players priced at 7/2 with Michael Owen just behind them at 4/1 for the first goalscorer wager. Nani has been in excellent form and has proven to be able to create goals from nothing with several long-range screamers to his credit already this season. Look for the Portuguese winger to open the scoring at 6/1.
Ashley Young is worth keeping an eye on at a 6/1 price while hard-working Park Ji-Sung is usually called upon for his workrate in fixtures like this. He is 10/1 to sneak the opener. A good performance from him could be a bellwether for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
