Match Preview : Hull City v Manchester United

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Hull City and Manchester United put their 100 per cent records on the line when the meet in Saturday’s late Premier League clash.

United have got off to a flying start under the charismatic Portuguese, storming to victories against Bournemouth and Southampton from their first two top-flight fixtures.

Many expected United to improve this season following the arrival of Mourinho and a number of high-profile summer signings – chiefly Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba – and, even at this early stage of the season, that appears to be the case.

If United’s start under Mourinho has been impressive, Hull’s adaptation to life in the top-flight has been nothing short of remarkable.

The newly-promoted Tigers have won their opening two Premier League fixtures despite having only 13 first team players available, including a 2-1 victory against champions Leicester.  Naijabet.com

Understandably, Hull interim manager Mike Phelan – who was Manchester United’s assistant manager between September 2008 and May 2013 – isn’t aiming to change his side too much against his former club.

Team news

Harry Maguire returned to action for Hull in the midweek EFL Cup win over Exeter, and Phelan will have to decide whether to start him this weekend.

He made seven changes in midweek and the likes of Abel Hernandez, Adama Diomande, Robert Snodgrass, Tom Huddlesstone and Andy Robertson will all return, but Greg Luer is sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury.

However, the Tigers remain without the likes of Michael Dawson, Moses Odubajo, Alex Bruce and Allan McGregor for the foreseeable future.

Mourinho looks set to have a full squad to choose from for Saturday’s trip to Humberside.

Midfielder Jesse Lingard has missed the last two games, but confirmed via Twitter on Tuesday that he was back in training after his injury.

Defender Chris Smalling made his first appearance of the season by coming off the bench in the 2-0 win over Southampton last Friday and will be hoping for a return to the starting line-up.

Opta stats

Hull City have lost 10 and won none of their last 11 contests with Manchester United in all competitions. The Tigers’ last victory over United came back in November 1974 (2-0).

Man Utd have won three of their four previous Premier League visits to the KC Stadium (D1) but have had a player sent off in the last two.

Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last five Premier League games against Hull City. Overall, Rooney has been involved in 10 goals in six league appearances against the Tigers (seven goals, three assists).

Hull City have won their opening two Premier League games of 2016-17 – the only newly-promoted side to have won each of their first three games in a Premier League season are Bolton Wanderers in 2001-02.

Ibrahimovic has scored three goals in his first two Premier League appearances. The record for goals scored in a player’s first three Premier League appearances is five – Pavel Pogrebnyak – while eight players have scored four goals in their first three PL games.

Only eight players have scored in each of their first three Premier League appearances: Michael Ricketts, Brian Deane, Adrian Mutu, Dalian Atkinson, Mick Quinn, Diego Costa, Pavel Pogrebnyak & Michu.

Forty-nine of Jose Mourinho’s 58 league defeats as a manager have come away from home (84%).

Mike Phelan was Manchester United assistant manager between September 2008 and May 2013 – during this time, United won three Premier League titles.

Ahmed Elmohamady has appeared in every one of Hull City’s 78 Premier League matches since the start of 2013-14.

NaijaBet Odds

As at this post Hull City has 7.96 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Manchester United  has 1.40 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 4.39

Manchester United vs Southampton Preview

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Manchester United turned in a thoroughly professional performance on Jose Mourinho’s Premier League bow as United manager to beat Bournemouth 3-1.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney both got on the scoresheet, which was an added bonus, although there is still work to be done.

Southampton’s new regime under Claude Puel started with a 1-1 draw against Watford. They also have a lot of work to do if they are to match the expectations of the manager.

Southampton have beaten United in both of their last two visits to Old Trafford, which should give the away side some confidence ahead of the first Friday night fixture of the season. Naijabet

Those two wins are the only times they have actually beaten United in their last 14 encounters in all competitions, however. It would take some doing for Southampton to make it three wins in a row at Old Trafford, particuarly with Mourinho keen to secure a first win at the Theatre of Dreams.

The last time United lost at Old Trafford in a competitive fixture was coincidentally against Southampton back in January. They are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions since then.

Man Utd v Crystal Palace

Man Utd v Crystal Palace

Manchester United need to start turning good performances into points

Manchester United go into the game with Crystal Palace on the back of a spirited performance against Manchester City but yet again we are talking about the problems in defence. Manchester United will be without Chris Smalling who is suspended following his idiotic sending off at the Ethiad and also Marcos Rojo who dislocated his shoulder in the City game and its unclear how long the Argentine defender will be out for with conflicting reports saying only 3 games while others are saying three months. Johnny Evans has not ben called up by Northern Ireland so one would think he is also unavailable to Louis van Gaal. Phil Jones is definitely ruled out of the game with the continuing shin problem he picked up. There are also doubts over the fitness of Rafael and striker Radamel Falcao who has missed the last two games with a thigh injury.

Michael Carrick looks set to fill at centre back alongside Paddy McNair although Tyler Blackett is available again. Rumours have been circulating in the media that Louis van Gaal has lost patience with Robin van Persie and is set to start 18 year old striker James Wilson. The media reports have stated that Falcao is out of the Palace game although that has not been confirmed or denied by the club. Paddy McNair and Antonio Valencia look set to start at centre back and right back respectively.

Crystal Palace haven’t been the same until they were last season following the departure of Tony Pullis as manager and the return of Neil Warnock as manager. Of course despite their struggles so far this season Palace are a dangerous side especially in wide areas where they possess the pace of Jason Puncheon and Yanick Bolasie. Palace will be unavailable to call on the services of Wilfred Zaha who is on loan from United and therefore ineligible to play against his parent club. Fraizer Campbell has also proved to be a useful addition to the Palace frontline adding more pace in the central attacking area and importantly goals. The Palace captain Milae Jedinak will be absent for Palace after he was sent off in their game against Sunderland. United beat this Palace side twice last season and will be expecting to do the same this time round.

United are currently on a run of no win in 3 games and will want to get back to winning ways. There has been no doubt about the spirit and fight shown by the United players in recent games but the performances need to be turned into points on the board. At the present time the gab between United and the top 4 four isn’t much and is easily cement able with a few wins but now its time to kick on with these good performances actually getting points and moving United up the table back to where they belong.

Predicted United Line up: 4-3-3

Score Prediction: Man United 3-0 Crystal Palace

I fancy James Wilson to score in this game he has looked very good when he has come on off the bench in previous games and really does deserve a start ahead of the frankly abysmal van Persie. For some reason Angel Di Maria has been getting some criticism for his recent performances but he shine against Palace and will be too much for them to handle.

NaijaBet Odds

At the time of this post, NaijaBet odd or Man United to win is 1.25, Crystal Palace to win is  9.50 to end in draw is 5.18

Manchester United vs Queens Park Rangers

Manchester United v Queens Park Rangers - Premier LeagueAn electrifying and a vastly revamped Manchester United squad is set to unfurl at Old Trafford on Sunday, when the Hoops visit Manchester following a fortnight long hiatus from the Premier League. Following what has been seen upon as the greatest ever transfer saga for the Red Devils, all eyes set upon Louis Van Gaal, who’s been bestowed with the responsibility of rebuilding the biggest club in the world.

Match facts

Manchester United

Having failed to secure a win in his first 4 competitive matches as the Man United boss, Louis Van Gaal’s reputation remains extensively doubted and in incertitude, at the Stretford end. Having brought in the likes of Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind on the deadline day of the summer transfer window, Manchester United are expected to have an improved game-play on Sunday.

Furthermore, Manchester United summer signings Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera are both fit for the match on Sunday. Marcos Rojo has also finished off all the legal works and successfully obtained a work permit, therefore, giving Louis Van Gaal an opportunity to play all six of his summer signings on Sunday, at Old Trafford.

Queens Park Rangers

Queens Park Rangers stay a point and two positions above the 20 times champions after securing their first win of the campaign against Sunderland, with Charlie Austin scoring the only goal of the game just before the end of the first half.

Following 4 straight defeats in all competition, the Super Hoops fans finally had something to cheer about when Redknapp’s side secured their first 3 points in the Premier League season 2014/15.

Prediction

For the home side, the injury list has shortened a bit but the 63-year old Dutch manager will still be without the likes of Chris Smalling(Groin/Pelvis injury), Jesse Lingard (Knee injury), Rafael( Groin/Pelvis injury) and Micheal Carrick(Ankle Ligament injury). On the other hand, QPR have an almost fit squad with only Alejandro Faurlin missing out in the team ascribed to a Knee Ligament injury.

NaijaBet Odds

At the time of this post, NaijaBet odd or Man United to win is 1.23, QPR to win is  5.30 to end in draw is 10.31

Sunderland vs Manchester United

Sunderland vs Manchester United

Match facts

  • No new injuries could mean an unchanged lineup for Sunderland as they welcome Manchester United to the Stadium of Light.
  • Jordi Gómez could be hoping for a starting berth after coming off the bench last time out.
  • Robin van Persie is expected to play a part for Manchester United here as they have no time to waste in waiting for him to regain match fitness and sharpness.
  • Marouane Fellaini is the latest casualty to be added to United’s lengthy injury list, ruled out for an undetermined amount of time while the club await results of a scan on his foot.

Predictions

Whether Van Gaal can mastermind a win for his out-of-sorts Manchester United side remains to be seen, and Gus Poyet could well see an opportunity to heap further misery on United. This one could end in another stalemate as Van Gaal continues to mould his squad and waits for his many injured players to return.

I predict that at the end of the match, the score line could be 2:2 draw.

NaijaBet Odds

At the time of this post, NaijaBet is tipping Man United to win at almost 200% and  Sunderland to win at over 400%. Check the odd below go to their website:

4.61    3.40    1.70

Manchester United vs Swansea City

MU_SWans

Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie will again be missing when Manchester United entertain Swansea at Old Trafford.

Rooney has been sent for some warm weather training as he tries to overcome a groin problem that has kept him out of United’s last two games, whilst Van Persie has not recovered from a thigh strain which has sidelined him for a month.

In addition, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, Nani and Ashley Young are injured, whilst Fabio is suspended.

Meanwhile, Swansea’s injury woes have deepened ahead of their return to Old Trafford.

Jonathan de Guzman, Roland Lamah and Dwight Tiendalli have joined Nathan Dyer, Pablo Hernández, Garry Monk, Michel Vorm and Michu on the sidelines, leaving manager Michael Laudrup with limited options against the reigning champions.

Match facts

  • Louis van Gaal’s first competitive match in charge of United has been hotly anticipated and kicks off the Premier League campaign on Saturday.
  • The Dutchman has kept the faith with the 3-4-1-2 formation he utilised at the World Cup with Netherlands throughout pre-season, and with new signing Luke Shaw sidelined Ashley Young could get a chance to prove his worth at left wing-back.
  • Robin van Persie hasn’t featured at all in pre-season and is a doubt so Javier Hernandez could partner new captain Wayne Rooney up front, with Danny Welbeck carrying a knock.
  • It’s been a busy summer at Swansea, with many of the outgoings at the club going somewhat under the radar.
  • Ben Davies and Michel Vorm left for Tottenham, while former first teamers Chico, Jonathan De Guzman and Pablo Hernandez are also no longer at the club.
  • Bafetimbi Gomis has signed from Lyon but will likely to start on the bench as Wilfried Bony’s deputy. There could, however, be debuts for Lukasz Fabianski and Jefferson Montero, along with a welcome return from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Predictions

Van Gaal’s side should continue on from an impressive pre-season campaign and register a first win of the season to get the ball rolling under the Dutchman. I am predicting a 2 : 1 at the end of the match.

NaijaBet Odds

At the time of this post, NaijaBet is tipping Manchester United to win at slightly over 100% and Swansea to win at over 700%.

1.31 4.80 7.85

Real Madrid Vs Manchester United Preview

Real-Madrid-v-Manchester-United-1708500One of the biggest match of International Champions Cup match will be played on 2nd of August 2014 between Real Madrid & Manchester United. The tour of USA 2014 comes to a new turn of excitement with clash of top giants. This will be the real test of Spanish & British giants to prepare themselves for the new season. Michigan stadium will organize this match which is located in Ann Arbor.

Last head to head between these two teams was record on 5th of March 2013. That was a champions league match which turned a 2-1 victory for the vikings. The Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal against his former club in 69th minute after Luka Modric strike in 66th minute.

In head to head comparison of both teams, Los Blancos have better record against their rivals. So far, 10 head to head games have been played between these 2 teams out of which Madrid won 4 games & Man United won 2 games. Remaining 4 matches were draws.

After FIFA World Cup, the excitement of football in North America is not going to calm down. Out of 13 games, 2 matches have recorded an average ticket price of $100 with the most expensive in Ann Arbor.

Michigan stadium is known for seating capacity of 109,901 spectators. The average ticket price of this game is $386.32 which is 160% more than most expensive game in this competition. Also, the cheapest ticket price of Real Madrid vs Manchester United match is over 100 US dollars i.e. $107.

Manchester United unveiled its new third blue jersey at Tuesday’s match against Inter Milan in D.C., completing the star-spangled colored hat trick on its tour. The team has also worn its home red-and-white road shirts.

With a victory Saturday, Manchester United can advance to the International Champions Cup final (8 p.m. Monday, Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FS1) .

 

Latest Tip: Football Betting Tips

Tottenham (2.4) Draw (3.4) Manchester City (3.1)
Its the new big 4 team vs the wannabe big for team. Harry Redknapp has more or less kept the same side whereas Manchester City have pulled out the chequebook again. This is a tricky fixture to call. Man City will have problems getting the new signings all working together. Their pre-season was pretty poor. Its going to be hard for Mancini to get them all working together on day one. After Christmas maybe when the team has gelled I could make a good case for City. This fixture has been kind for Spurs over the years. Its been 2-1 5 times in a row only to have been broken last year 3-0. I’ll go for Spurs here. If they are going to build on last years achievement then this is the type of game they have to win. Its 2.4 at William Hill.

Aston Villa (2) Draw (3.4) West Ham (4.3)
Last week this game had a totally different dimension. With O’Neil leaving, it leaves Villa with no manager. This has pushed the odds out for Villa. They were as low as 1.62 before O’Neil’s departure. Villa have made new signings to its going to be the same team that finished 6th. West Ham are in the rebuilding stage. With Avram Grant at the helm this year they probably won’t be staring relegation in the face like last season. I can see why the odds have gone up on Villa but I am not sure I agree with that. Its the same team but with O’Neil. I think that Villa at even money at naijabet is a pretty good price considering.

Blackburn (3) Draw (3.3) Everton (2.5)
I think that Blackburn will struggle this season. They were fortunate to finish 10th last season and with no new significant signings it will be hard not to get pulled in to the relegation battle. Everton finished strongly last season and are expected to do better than the 8th they finished last season. If they hadn’t has the slow start last season they could well have been in the Champions League. As no team has significantly changed I’ll make my prediction on what would have happened if this game was played at the end of last season. I think a draw. Its also nice its the biggest price on the coupon too. 3.3 at William Hill.

Bolton (2.3) Draw (3.3) Fulham (3.5)
Bolton look like they are going to have a better season this year. Owen Coyle steered them away from relegation last year and has built significantly on his squad. Fulham have a new manager in Mark Hughes who must be kicking himself for taking that job now the Villa job is available. Saying that, Fulham are a decent side and have progressed much over the last 2 years. In terms of betting, this is one of the trickier fixtures to call. I am not too keen on Bolton at 2.3 at home to a decent Fulham side but then again I am not too keen on 3.5 on a Fulham side that won once away from home all season. I’ll plump for the draw again at 3.3 at William Hill

Sunderland (2.25) Draw (3.4) Birmingham (3.6)
What happened to Sunderland last season was a mystery. They started strong but a bad run at the end meant they finished nearer the bottom that the top. They have sold one part of their striking partnership in Kenwyne Jones but still have Darren Bent. He was injured for the England game midweek but looks like he’s going to start. Birmingham over achieved last season I think. I can’t see them doing what they did last season again. Betting wise its a tricky one and any result wouldn’t be too much of a surprise. You can sign up to NaijaBet to place your bet.

Wigan (1.83) Draw (3.6) Blackpool (5)
The first odds on game of the weekend. Who would have thought that Wigan would ever be odds on to anyone in the Premiership? Their opponents are Blackpool though that are 1.29 to get relegated. If Wigan fail to win this they will struggle this year. Blackpool have a few things on their side. They more or less have the same side which came up. Hull came up a couple of seasons ago and started off flying. If they are going to win any games away from home this season this could well be it. I still expect Wigan to win this though but not willing to back it. It’ll be a cold day in hell before I back Wigan at odds on in the Premiership.

Wolverhampton (2.4) Draw (3.3) Stoke (3.3)
Wolves have strengthened their side with new signings Jelle van Damme, Steven Fletcher and Steven Mouyokolo who are all expected to start. Unknown players to me but Jelle van Damme has got to have the coolest name in the Premiership. Kenwyne Jones is Stoke’s big summer signing which could be good for them. They’ve never had an out and out striker relying more on set pieces to get their goals. Betting wise this is another tricky call. I think under 2.5 goals is nailed on but at 1.63 best price at Bet365 it doesn’t seem worth it. I think the draw at 3.3 looks the best bet. I am weary of picking too many draws though after last seasons total lack of draws early on. Its 3.3 at Totesport anyway.

Chelsea (1.18) Draw (7.5) West Brom (21)
Banker of the weekend possibly. I am not too sure myself. Chelsea will more than likely win this but at 1.18 its not a price that I’ll be backing as a single. Last season they had an easy game against Hull and it took a late goal from Drogba to win it. Their pre-season hasn’t been good, most noticeably losing to Manchester United in the Community Shield. If you lose at a short price its much more painful that losing at a big price. I think the Chelsea to win to nil at 1.8 at bluesquare
is a much better bet. The bookie is saying that its 4 times less likely that Chelsea win than it is for them to win to nil. That can’t be right.