Man U must get back on Premiership track against Stoke City

Manchester United suffered a setback to their Premier League title bid when they lost to Arsenal FC in Emirates Stadium last weekend. Prior to that disappointment, they avoided another defeat with a passable draw against the Celtics on the away in Champions League action.

Currently eight points separate Man U from top of the table Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC and if they want to close the margin, improve their Premiership standing and strengthen their position in the sports betting market, they must take the three points on Saturday.

Manchester United hosts Stoke City on Saturday at the Old Trafford – a right intimidating stadium for any club, not to mention a side like Stoke City that hovers in a dangerous zone of the table. They will be motivated on the heels of two disappointments to get back on track before their loyal fans. Nothing short of a big win would restore their confidence and considering the calibre of their upcoming challengers everything points to a veritable drumming by Man U.

Soccer Betting Line:

Manchester United -2 -140 -750 3½ O +120 U -140 Draw +650

Stoke City +2 +120 +1800 3½ O +120 U -140 Draw +650

Match Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time, Saturday November 15, 2008

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Manchester United (-750) The odds makers tip Manchester United so far on the favourite plane their price tag is hardly worth mentioning. I mean betting on the home win will hardly be worth it for sports bettors when considering how much they have to risk for the return. That being said Manchester United should win. Their last two matches were on the away and they will be happy to come back to the Old Trafford and embark on a winning streak. Although it is hard to explain why a quality club like Man U lost to Arsenal and narrowly avoided defeat in Glasgow by a late saving grace goal, mistakes do sometimes happen even to the best of the best. There is no doubt Fergusson was not happy with his team’s performance and he will have made sure they got an earful of his displeasure. They will not be satisfied with just a lone goal or even two for that matter. Look for them to deliver a beating.

Stoke City (+1800) – Stoke City is the symbolic sacrificial lamb and one peek at the soccer betting line and the odds makers’ would seem to agree. The whopping price tag on the money line says it all. At 1800, Stoke City doesn’t have a prayer. Need we say more?

Soccer Betting Verdict: In Cup action on Tuesday, Man U took the 1:0 win but Fergusson rested most of his best players so they will be ready for their weekend commitment. Stoke City will try to defend and keep the home side at bay – but Man U knows how to attack and they will look to punish them. At best, Stoke City can hope to walk away with a respectable result; not if Rooney, Ronaldo and Berbatov have something to do with it though. The money line odds are a bit whacky. Man U holds no real value for the win and Stoke City is a long shot – albeit with attractive odds. The best value are the Over/Under odds. Take the Over 3.5 goals at +120.

Soccer Free Picks: Man U -750| Over 3.5 goals +120

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room