Premier League Preview: Blackpool v Manchester United

Manchester United will stay at least two points clear at the top of the Premier League table with victory in a potential banana skin game against Blackpool.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have been able to edge clear at the top due to Chelsea’s recent poor form. United will fancy their chances despite having won only one game out of seven on the road this season. Blackpool have been neither spectacular or appalling at home this season winning two, drawing two and losing two as well as scoring and conceding eleven goals.

Ferguson is likely to make a number of changes to the team that lost during mid-week in the Carling Cup quarter-final against West Ham United. Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov should link back up at the top of a 4-4-2 formation. Nani should also come back into the team and Park Ji-Sung is likely to replace Bebe.

It’s very unlikely that United will go for a 4-5-1 formation for this game because there is very little need to pack the midfield. Bloomfield Road is not the biggest ground in the Premier League and Rooney can drop off from the front if necessary.

Berbatov will be high on confidence after managing to score five goals during the game against Blackburn Rovers, narrowly missing out on a double hat-trick. Rooney is still searching for a goal to add to the small tally of two that he’s scored in all competitions so far this season. Berbatov is 9/2 to score first while Rooney is 7/2.

United should also be able to welcome back the central defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Paul Scholes missed the match against West Ham due to a slight groin strain but should return to the middle of the team. Michael Owen, Owen Hargreaves and Antonio Valencia are all still out with long-term injuries.

Ferguson must pick a strong team for this game because Blackpool are very difficult to predict. They could try and soak up the pressure and hit United on the counter attack. However, Blackpool manager Ian Holloway likes his teams to get at the opposition, which could work in United’s favour. This will leave gaps all over the pitch for United to exploit. This was evident during Blackpool’s home game against Manchester City.

Most importantly Ferguson and every Manchester United fan will be looking for a response during the game after being humbled against West Ham. United are a solid odds on price of 4/11 for a win, which will only shorten if things go United’s way at the start of the game.