IT used to be refs who were kindly invited by concerned fans on the wrong end of a contestable decision to get their eyes tested.
I’m beginning to think it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Michael Carrick.
After losing at promoted Hull, beating promoted Ipswich at Old Trafford, then shipping out two points at the death on Sunday at Everton, the United gaffer reckoned it “wasn’t a bad start.”
As someone who tipped them to give Arsenal a run for their money in the title race, I couldn’t really agree less.
Worse than that, with a first-choice back four on the pitch, United have let in two goals every game.
So Carrick must be hoping the old “form book goes out the window in a derby” chestnut holds firm, what with the noisy neighbours coming round tomorrow.
Noisy neighbours who, by the way, will have had two days’ extra rest, given United’s re-entry into the Champions League came on Thursday night.
City themselves have very much not had a bad start, winning every game since being walked all over by Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Probably the best of those performances came at Porto on Tuesday night, when Enzo Maresca’s newly-upholstered side dismantled the Portuguese champions 2-0.
Erling Haaland scored his fifth goal in three games, Enzo Fernandez showed signs he will fit in very nicely by setting up the opener and Moroccan rising superstar Ayyoub Bouaddi bedded in with his full-debut.
Swift progress then on all fronts for Maresca, whose side are joint top with Arsenal.
While City have won just one of their last four Premier League games against United, this feels like the record might be about to be put straight.
Bet Balls
- Spurs and Everton to draw 2-2 tonight is 12-1 with BetGoodwin
- Arsenal to win 2-1 at Sunderland tonight is 7-1 with BetGoodwin
- Brighton to win 3-1 at Coventry tomorrow is 12-1 with BetGoodwin
- Man City to beat United 3-0 tomorrow is 16-1 with BetGoodwin
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And Coral’s John Hill definitely thinks so.
He said: “I think United are going to struggle to replicate what they achieved last season. With the greatest respect to Michael Carrick, I am not sure he is the right man to lead them back to challenging for the Premier League title.
“They are 5-4 to finish in the top four. I feel the likes of Brentford and Brighton (both 11-2 for top four) are strong enough to finish above them.
“I like what I have seen from City under Maresca. The football is different to under Pep. In some ways, more direct – and that is going to benefit Haaland.
“City are 5-2 second favourites to win the league. I still favour Arsenal (8-11) but I expect Maresca’s boys to run them close.
“So odds-against City tomorrow, 21-20, is very generous. I also like the look of Haaland at 6-1 to score two or more goals.”
There’s already a smooth-running look to City, who know what they’re about.
United’s defence looks stressed, they haven’t got the midfield they want on the pitch yet and are leaning a little too heavily on Bruno Fernandes.
City to win and BTTS looks the obvious play at a best-priced 5-2 with Hills, Betway and Sky Bet.
But after a polished defensive display in midweek, I fancy City to win to nil. which is 4-1 also with Sky Bet.
And bet365’s 14-1 it’s 2-0 City looks worth considering..
Dark horse
14-1: New-look City under Enzo Maresca aren’t as free-scoring as they were, but Rayan Cherki has provided a real spark behind Erling Haaland. United’s Bruno Fernandes is the Prem’s top scorer. So, perm over 2.5 goals, Cherki and Fernandes to score anytime and nab 14-1 off William Hill.
Goodwinners’ Enclosure
IT has to be said, it was a pretty drawful turn of events for the punters last weekend, as the Premier League coughed up what must be a record six draws.
Draws are always a nice outcome for the book, and not many of our clients here at BetGoodwin Towers sided with the stalemates.
Anyone who did have a go, would have found themselves on the right side of a 1,950-1 return!
Our customers balanced the books with a heavily-favoured Arsenal victory over Chelsea on Sunday but, with Man City showing a bit of sympathy for newly-promoted Coventry with just a 1-0 win, many punters who were expecting a thrashing got caught out.
City, matching champions Arsenal stride for stride with their own 100 per cent league record, are now into 5-2 for the title, with the Gunners a well-supported 8-11. Chelsea, edged out at the Emirates on Sunday, have been eased to 8-1.
The top-six market looks pretty settled with Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United all trading at comfortably odds-on.
That sixth spot,though, is looking like the real battleground with plenty of clubs who will fancy their chances of gatecrashing Europe’s elite.
We think Newcastle at 3-1 could be a value play in this market.
The Manchester derby takes centre stage tomorrow, with six months’ bragging rights up for grabs.
City have started the season well despite the questions surrounding Enzo Maresca and United have been frustrating their supporters to say the least!
Despite these frustrations and their return to the Champions League, United have shown their class at times and, with the league not looking as deep as it has done, 10-11 they finish in the top five could be a solid investment.
City head into the Old Trafford clash as our favourites at 21-20 and with Erling Haaland in scoring form, it’s easy to see why.
But United will not be getting brushed aside and we’re expecting goals at both ends. Our best bet for the game of the week is BTTS and Haaland to score anytime at 5-4.
Looking through the card, Everton catch the eye and could pull off a shock win at Tottenham tonight.
Although, given Spurs’ dreadful start to the season, calling it a shock might be stretching the definition.
If the straight win at 5-2 isn’t enough, with Tottenham failing to score so far this season; Everton to win to nil at 9-2 could turnout to be a massive price.
Finally, our BetGoodwin Banker Acca for this weekend is Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Stockport and York all to win at a boosted 11-1!
Top Tips
Pro bet
Villa to beat Forest, Sheff Wed to beat Wigan, Blackpool to beat Bromley, Barnet to beat Accrington, Walsall to beat Rochdale. Acca pays 16-1 with Unibet.
Retirement bet
Ipswich to win at Palace, Lincoln to win at Preston, Bristol City at Southampton, Norwich at Middlesbrough, Leicester to win at Stockport, Crewe to win at Colchester, Swindon to win at York, Exeter to win at Port Vale. Perm 1 x Acca, 8 x 7-folds, 28 x 6-folds. Acca pays 58,859/1-1 with 10bet.
Top draw
Bournemouth v Brentford, West Brom v QPR, Notts Co v Bradford, Grimsby v Bristol Rovers. Acca pays 150-1 with Betway.
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