IN this year of Cup shocks, will we see another one at Deepdale on Monday night as Manchester United turn up in Preston? Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) takes a look at the odds.
Preston v Manchester United | Monday 19:45 | BBC1
So here we are again then. Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United side taking on lower league opposition in a Cup match. So far, so not very good for LVG.
The aura that Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United sides used to transmit to lower league sides has certainly been damaged in recent months. Back in August, League One side Milton Keynes Dons demolished the 20 time champions 4-0 in the League Cup before League Two Cambridge held them in the FA Cup five months later.
Monday's opponents are classy League One side Preston. North End were many pundits pick to win the division and they're still in the running despite an awful January that produced just two points from a possible 12.
Thankfully for Preston fans, their February has started very well with three wins out of three, and a win in their game in hand in the league would see them go level with third place MK Dons.
Simon Grayson's side have lost just one home league game this season and when you consider Manchester United have struggled on their travels in 2014/15 then this could be tasty.
United have won just two of their last seven away games. Cambridge, Aston Villa and Stoke have managed to thwart Van Gaal's side on their own patch, but can Preston do the same?
Ladbrokes go best price on Man Utd at 8/15 and I've no interest in that, but I can see a narrow win for the Red Devils on Monday night. Under 2.5 Goals at 11/10 with William Hill appeals, but Preston have scored in all their home league games this season and might just contribute to the scoresheet here.
As well as scoring in all their home league games, North End have a tight defence. 28 goals conceded is the second best defensive record in the division. Put that alongside United's inability to smash in away goals (scored more than two away just once in 15 games this season) and this game is taking shape for me.
WeLoveBetting contributor Will Dyer's recent article about the value of the Correct Score market struck a real chord with you and I'm going to follow that mantra tonight as there are two scorelines that are sticking out to me. Backing them both will provide greater rewards as opposed to siding with my original plan of Exactly 2-3 Goals at 21/20 with BetVictor.
Yes, it's 2-0 to Manchester United at 13/2 with William Hill and 2-1 to the Premier League side at 8/1 with Betfred. If you've read my analysis above, those picks will make sense.
Best Bets
Preston v Manchester United – Manchester United to win 2-0 (13/2 William Hill)
Preston v Manchester United – Manchester United to win 2-1 (8/1 Betfred)
Man Utd 7/1 To Beat Preston
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Any questions? Just ask us on Twitter – @WeLoveBettingUK.
New Customer Offer
Man Utd 7/1 To Beat Preston available right here!
2 Comments
Good luck with the scores Chris! I think they both a great chance, I don’t see United running away with it either and I’ll be happy if Preston hold or beat them so looks a great wager. The 2-0/2-1 ‘Correct Score Group’ market with Betvictor is priced at 16/5 for those that don’t want to have double the stake but personally I agree with you. I think backing them as singles pays off in the long run.
Thanks Will. Excellent article two weeks ago, and great to see it get so much coverage beyond this website. I wasn’t aware of that BetVictor market but will keep an eye on that from now on. Glad we’re on the same lines here. Cheers.