Betting Picks

Chelsea at Manchester United

Saturday, April 3^rd, 2010; 07:45 EST

April has officially arrived, bringing in one of the most exciting months in sports. Just a glance at thesportsbook lists NBA and NHL action, along with the college tourney and Final Four odds. Baseball is just around the corner, as is
one of golf’s most exciting events, and thusly there are Masters odds to
check out too.

Aside from those exciting event, across the ocean in England soccer action is heating up in both the UEFA Cup and the Premiership. In one of the most
anticipated matches of the season, the two top teams in the English league take the field with first place at stake. Manchester United hosts Chelsea in
the second game of the season between these two Premiership powerhouses.

Manchester United sits in first position with 72 points, with Chelsea close behind at 71. Along with Arsenal, the three clubs have been at the top all
year long, fighting for the top spot. And with the match on Saturday, both teams have their best chance to take first spot as the season enters the
final couple months.

Important injuries underscore the match up between these two bitter rivals. Earlier in the week, Didier Drogba sat out of practice and missed a match
against Aston Villa while nursing a knee injury. Since then, Drogba has been passed fit to play this Saturday, and will take the field against
Manchester United. In 26 league matches, the striker has netted 24 goals, leading the Blues.

While that injury is not enough to keep Chelsea’s top scorer out of the big match, the news is not as optimistic coming out of Manchester United’s
locker room. Wayne Rooney left Tuesday’s match in a protective boot; the team has said he is suffering from “minor ligament damage,” and his outlook is
uncertain. Early estimations put Rooney out for two to six weeks; regardless, the influential player will sit out the match against Chelsea.

Literally adding insult to injury, Manchester United lost their Champions leg quarterfinal first leg against Bayern Munich 2-1. Chelsea was eliminated
from competition in the previous round but has played very well of late in League action. In their previous four matches, they have netted 17 goals,
including a recent 7-1 pounding of Aston Villa.

In their first meeting this season, Chelsea edged Manchester United on home turf 1-0.

Betting lines: With Rooney ruled out, the lines are much closer, with Manchester United getting a slight advantage due to playing at home. Chelsea has
been playing excellent of late, and should ride their momentum against a Reds team that is without their best athlete. Look for the Blues to take
advantage of the injured team, and steal a rare victory at Old Trafford.

This is one of the most exciting games of the weekend, in a month full of great matches and a variety of sporting events- sports betting offers everything a fan needs to enjoy the games and have fun.

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