Man Utd vs Stoke Odds - United will put feisty Stoke away
The soccer odds in your offshore sportsbook are pointing towards an easy win for Manchester United when they head to Stoke City on Saturday, but Britannia Stadium is one of the rowdiest places in England and their fans have been known to spark the team to new heights, especially against “big teams”. However, United’s quality will stand out for a tough away win.
Man Utd vs Stoke Odds: Man Utd -249; Stoke +900; Draw +370 (Total: 2.5)
- WHAT: Soccer betting action
- WHEN: Saturday, September 26, 10:00 AM ET
- WHERE: Britannia Stadium, Stoke-On-Trent
- KEY STAT: United won both meetings with Stoke last year, outscoring them 6-0
- PICK: Manchester United; UNDER 2.5
Man Utd vs Stoke odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
United are coming off an enthralling 4-3 win over rival Manchester City in the Manchester Derby, and with their win over Wolves in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, they’ve now won six straight in all competitions. Stoke are out to prove that last year’s 12th-place finish was no fluke, and they’ve gotten off to a good start as they sit 10th in the table.
Man Utd vs Stoke odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Red Devils’ attack was on fire against City as Wayne Rooney added to his league-leading total, and Michael Owen netted the late winner, but it was a surprise pair of goals from Darren Fletcher that put United over the top. This is one of the reasons that United are always one of the online sports betting favorites: the ability to get timely goals from unlikely sources. Stoke have scored only five goals this year, with two scored by Dave Kitson. Ricardo Fuller has yet to score in the league this season as he’s battled a groin problem, but he scored in Stoke’s 4-3 Carling Cup win over Blackpool in midweek after coming on as a sub. And as always, Rory Delap’s massive throw-ins can cause problems for the opposition. It’s really the equivalent of a corner kick. Betting Edge: Man Utd
Man Utd vs Stoke odds maker breakdown: Defense
United’s defense was decimated last week against City, and Rio Ferdinand showed some rust by giving the ball away for Craig Bellamy’s late equalizer. Keeper Edwin Van Der Sar is scheduled to be out at least another week, as well as oft-injured defensive midfielder Owen Hargreaves, although Fletcher has done a fine job in his place. First-choice keeper Thomas Sorensen is back from injury, but Stoke could have to make up for the loss of defender Abdoulaye Faye, who has a back problem and there’s no return date for the versatile Sengalese player. Against a team like United, Stoke will probably just put 10 men behind the ball. Betting Edge: Man Utd
Man Utd vs Stoke odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Van Der Sar (thumb/wrist) is now apparently thinking about retirement as he recovers from his injuries, and Hargreaves (knee) is scheduled to come back next week, but you never know with the England international. Faye (back) would be a huge loss for Stoke, but Fuller (groin) looked fine in midweek. Betting Edge: Stoke City
Man Utd vs Stoke odds maker breakdown: Totals
In their two meetings last year, they went under the posted total once, and that was when United won 1-0 at Stoke after a 5-0 demolition at home. Britannia Stadium is one of the loudest stadiums in England, and you can never underestimate a team’s effort when their fans are behind them, and the fans will be in full voice for this game. Betting Edge: UNDER
Man Utd vs Stoke betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Anyone who thinks this will be a cupcake game for United is crazy. Stoke nearly beat Chelsea at home at the beginning of the month, and the two goals conceded against the Blues are the only two they’ve allowed in four home games this season. But United will be up for this after their upset at Burnley earlier this year, outscoring their opposition 8-1 in three road games since. They also had the luxury of resting a lot of first-choice players this week, so look for them to be fresh enough to squeak out a victory. TODD’S PICK: Man Utd -249; UNDER 2.5
For more sports betting analysis and picks throughout the Premiership, follow Todd in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. Todd Shale contributes soccer analysis to betonline.com.
