Both Chelsea and Manchester United have struggled to shake off the soccer jerseys chasing pack over the festive period but the Red Devils get the chance to make it back-to-back wins on Wednesday against Wigan at Old Trafford and they should have no trouble in doing so.
A 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa and then a 3-0 thrashing at in-form Fulham could have spelt the end for the defending champions in their pursuit of a fourth straight Premier League title but the failings of those around them means Fergie and his men are still bang in the hunt and a win over the Latics will see them close the gap to two points on their London rivals.
Those aforementioned reversals came during a pre-Christmas spell when Sir Alex faced a crippling defensive injury crisis but the Scottish boss was able to field a recognised back four in the 3-1 victory at Hull three days ago and the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown should feature once again.
Emergency defenders Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher performed well in difficult circumstances, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and John O’Shea all still remain on the sidelines, but United will be delighted to see the majority of their first teamers returning as the season starts to enter an important period and they must pick maximum points at Old Trafford.
Just 1.20 in the match odds market, I saw enough at the KC Stadium last time out from United, particularly in the first half, to suggest that they are set to put a very decent run together and I am taking them to defy a 1.50 goal Asian Handicap. Wigan grabbed a share of the spoils on Boxing Day on home soil against Blackburn but this is a very different test altogether and the Red Devils are tipped to lay down a marker.
It was easy to read plenty into Wigan’s defensive deficiencies following their recent 9-1 thumping at Tottenham but Roberto Martinez’s side were also thrashed 4-0 at The Emirates earlier in the season and, more worryingly for the Spaniard, also went down by the same score line at Portsmouth last month.
It’s just one win in eight matches for Wigan and, while the likes of Hugo Rodallega and Charles N’Zogbia still carry a threat going forward, you always fear for them up against the better sides. A recent 2-1 defeat at Anfield was flattering and their overall record against the ‘Big Four’ since promotion to the top flight is awful.
United won the corresponding fixture 5-0 back in August with Wayne Rooney grabbing a brace and I expect the England man to once again cause the visitors problems.
Rooney was instrumental in everything good about the champions at Hull and can prove the difference again as the hosts seek an eleventh successive victory over Thursday’s opponents.
没有评论:
发表评论