Liverpool vs. Manchester United Pick to Win
Date:Monday, October 17th 2016
Where: English Premier League Liverpool, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Liverpool 11/10, Manchester United 37/13, Draw 13/5
Moneyline: Liverpool +110, Manchester United +285, Draw +260
Over/Under Best Market: UNDER 2.5 22/19 (+115)
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 powerhouse of all the land. Dating back to the Industrial Revolution, Liverpool and Manchester have been fierce rivals in commerce, industry and prominence. This ferocious feud has transcended to the pitch and since been a venue to settle an ancient rivalry between the Scouse and the Mancs. The long and storied rivalry has been evenly balanced and the two outfits have been well matched. The next edition will take place on a primetime Monday night contest where the Reds and Red Devils will square off at Anfield in Liverpool on October 12th. Both Liverpool and Manchester United have since had regime changes on the managerial end and the effects of these changes have translated to the pitch marvelously as both teams are jostling for position within the top-five of the English Premier League table.
Liverpool has been in exquisite form as of late. The Reds have won their last four and are 4-0-1 in their last five. The team has certainly made strides compared to being a mingling and middling franchise a couple years ago. The resurrection of Liverpool Football Club is probably rooted in their run in the Europa tournament capped off by a heart-breaking defeat against Seville. Liverpool has since been on the come up since they have achieved such success and they own some rather impressive wins this season, not listed in the most recent form. Their best credential? A road drubbing of Arsenal at the Emirates to kick off the 2016/17 campaign.
Manchester United has long since cooled off after getting off to a fiery start. The Red Devils picked up Zlatan Ibrahamovic and Paul Pogba to cap off a transfer season filled with marquee acquisitions and maneuvers. The biggest signing for Man U is likely the hiring of manager Jose Mourinho who has brought a different feel and flavor to a team with extraordinary expectations. The Red Devils sacked defunct manager Louis Van Gaal after Manchester United finished in fourth position in the 2015/16 season showcasing the lofty expectations the Red Devils have for performance. Mourinho has experience in this league, he has won several championships with Chelsea and he has a true passion and grit for winning. Mourinho was expected to be a catalyst to get Manchester United to the next level but since they fell to cross-town rival Manchester City in the Manchester Derby, the assembled super team looks all the more human and mortal.
After gazing at the markets and reactions from the general public, the draw has the most equity. Liverpool and Manchester United is a fierce rivalry and we are by no means going to suggest getting on board the heavy lean on an above-evens host. These books are sharp and this kind of action should signify a red flag be that there is no juice involved. You will also likely see many prop bets and offers with either side be that this is a game of high scrutiny and notoriety. Inflated odds on either side is a trap situation and should be avoided at all costs. 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 a scoreless draw. With two goals allowance at a price above evens as well, we will go ahead and play on the UNDER 2.5, risking two units overall to net 3.7 units if both results materialize.
Liverpool Recent Form
W Swansea City 2-1
W Hull City 5-1
W Chelsea 1-0
W Leicester City 4-1
D Tottenham Hotspur 1-1
Manchester United Recent Form
D Stoke City 1-1
W Leicester City 4-1
L Watford 1-3
L – Manchester City 0-1
W Hull City 1-0
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: Draw 13/5 (+260) and UNDER 2.5 22/19 (+110)