Liverpool vs. Manchester United Pick to Win
Date:Sunday, January 15th 2017
Where: English Premier League Old Trafford, Manchester, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Liverpool 45/17, Manchester United 6/5, Draw 13/5
Moneyline: Liverpool +255, Manchester United +120, Draw +260
Over/Under Best Market: NO PLAY
As we have stated previously there is no bigger rivalry perhaps in all of world soccer than Liverpool and Manchester United. These two teams have accumulated more English Premier League championships and European championships than any other two franchises in all of the United Kingdom. Liverpool and Manchester is also a battle of cities to determine which Northern English city is the true soccer capital across the land. The long and storied rivalry has been evenly balanced and the two clubs have been well-contested on several occasions. The next edition will take place on a Sunday prime fixture where the Reds and Red Devils will square off at Old Trafford in Manchester on January 15th. Both Liverpool and Manchester United are jostling for position within the top-five of the English Premier League table.
Liverpool continues to play in excellent form as of late. The Reds have won their last four and are 4-0-1 in their last five. The team continues to vie for the top of the table keeping pace with the top-tabler Chelsea. However, after defeating Manchester City in Liverpool, the Reds suffered a slight hiccup as they drew against Sunderland, a team meandering towards the bottom of the English Premier League table positioned to be relegated. Manchester United could be the most dangerous team in the Premier League at the moment. Finally, the Red Devils and their supporters can justify the hiring of manager Jose Mourinho beyond the accolades of winning the Champion Cup. Mourinho has this team playing at an elite level and he is doing so with a nicked up team. Mourniho has brought a different style and attitude to a team with extraordinary expectations. The Red Devils released former manager Louis Van Gaal after Manchester United finished in fourth in the 2015/16 season displaying the ambitious expectations the Red Devils have for performance. Mourinho has experience in the English Premier League, he has won several championships with Chelsea and he is dedicated and determined to winning and now it is beginning to translate to the pitch as this football club has won five games in a row and appears to be getting better with each victory they pick up. The Mancs have meteorically ascended the English Premier League table and they are within striking distance of the top with their recent surge.
After reviewing the markets and reactions from the consensus, the Red Devils have excellent value. Very rarely do we get an opportunity to get United at home with an above even wager as they are renowned for their home pitch advantage in Old Trafford. However, rivalries can often neutralize that narrative. Liverpool and Manchester United is a fierce rivalry and we are by no means going to suggest that a draw is not possible it is likely less plausible as the books will be extra sharp in this affair and the proposition that indicates a draw and Liverpool are winning are one in the same signals a red flag. Also when we see the fact the Man United is the least popular choice here that gives an opportunity to take a contrarian angle in a situation we would normally expect a heavy public lean. Bottom line, both these teams will make this one a physical and gritty contest and as a result contrary to popular belief, this contest may result in another scoreless draw. We will stay off the total line market as this contest can go in a variety of directions. It can be a defensive oriented affair like the last one between these two or it can be a full-fledged shootout adhering to expectations. With our play on United we stand to risking a unit to net 1.2 units if both our bid is successful.
Liverpool Recent Form
D Sunderland 1-1
W Manchester City 1-0
W Stoke City 4-1
W Everton 1-0
W – Middlesborough 3-0
Manchester United Recent Form
W West Ham United
W Middlesborough 2-1
W Sunderland 3-1
W West Bromwich Albion 2-0
W Crystal Palace 2-1
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: MANCHESTER UNITED 6/5 (+120)