MANCHESTER UNITED VS VALENCIA BETTING TIPS

We're less than a week away from the 2009 Community Shield and Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United side are facing off against La Liga's Valencia in an effort to get a bit more practice against top level competition before the widely-anticipated fixture. In all honesty, United's pre-season has gone quite smooth so far. The announcement that Edwin Van Der Sar is out for a few weeks with an injury could be a bit of a blessing in disguise as we'll be able to see Ben Foster get in there and really stake his claim for a place at the World Cup this year. A lot of players are gunning for a World Cup slot and none wants it more than Michael Owen- who will need a high-scoring, injury-free season to really play himself into serious contention. I think he's on the plane at this point, but he wants to strike up a proper partnership with Rooney and install himself as first-choice striker for his next World Cup.United are 4/7 to take the outright victory while Valencia are listed at 4/1. The draw pays an enticing 11/4, but I think United should be able to get the job done here. They are 11/8 to win both halves, Draw/Man United is 10/3 while Man United/Draw pays out at 14/1. In terms of the correct score betting, Stanjames has listed the most likely outcomes as 1-0, 2-0 and 1-1 at 6/1. 2-1 to Man U is 7/1 while 3-0 pays out at 10/1. Valencia pulling off a 1-0 win pays 8/1 while a 2-0 margin in their favour pays 20/1. The bookies expect goals in this match, so it should be a great one for the neutral. Under 2 goals is 11/4, exactly 2 goals is 11/4 while over 2 goals pays out at 8/11. United are favourites to score first at 4/9 while Valencia carry a 2/1 price.I think United will field a strong team, but not an entirely full-strength side. The two keepers are playing for first position right now and whoever is in net will have plenty of eyes on them. I think the offense should get it done tonight and I like Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney to both get on the scoresheet.