Soccer betting – Liverpool, Manchester United prepare for bitter matchup
Online betting: soccer lines
WHAT: English Premiership soccer betting
WHO: Manchester United (+140) at Liverpool (+180) – Draw (+200)
WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 7:45 AM ET
WHERE: Anfield, Liverpool, England
KEY STATS: United has won seven and drawn one of its last 10 meetings with Liverpool
Saturday brings another on edition in the biggest rivalry in English soccer, and soccer betting fans will have their hands full at Anfield when second-place Liverpool hosts ninth-place Manchester United. These two superclubs have combined to win 35 English first-division titles and eight European Cups, but all of that will go out the window on Saturday for those betting in the internet sportsbook.
After being surprised by being held to a draw at home with Newcastle in their season opener, United needed a 32nd-minute marker from Darren Fletcher to win 1-0 at Portsmouth. United is still missing Cristiano Ronaldo, who is rehabbing his injured ankle, and they would live to have last year’s 42-goal man back in the side.
However, this could be the first game for Dimitar Berbatov, who was brought over from Tottenham in the summer’s most dragged-out transfer saga. Berbatov scored 23 goals in each of his two seasons with Spurs, and he is a massive addition to a forward unit of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez. It’s a boost to Manchester United betting odds to repeat as champions.
Liverpool was held to a goalless draw at Aston Villa in its last match, but most concering is a hamstring injury to star striker Fernando Torres, who set the Premiership ablaze last season with 24 goals. Captain Steven Gerrard is already out with a groin injury and it would be a massive blow to Liverpool odds if its most inspirational players were missing for such an influential match.
Todd’s pick: With English soccer odds of +180, Liverpool at home as an underdog is pretty mind-blowing, but Manchester United was the only team to win at Anfield last season. In fact, Man U has won three and drawn one of its last five meetings at the legendary fortress.
There are lots of stars missing for this game, but I feel the loss of Gerrard and Torres is too much to overcome for Liverpool. Meanwhile, look for Berbatov to make an impact in his debut for United, endearing him to Red Devil fans all over the planet. Bet on Manchester United to snatch three points in one of the most intimidating places in all of Europe.
Are you a fan of “The Beautiful Game”? Then you should try Todd Shale's “Beautiful picks”. Though he enjoys a good rugby match, Todd is happiest when he can handicap a great soccer match - or football match, as he prefers to call it. Thoughts or questions?
