Manchester United vs Benfica 
Memories are the ManCity mauling is still fresh in my mind but it seems that the ManUtd team has long dusted themselves off and carried on with business.
ManUtd then came through with 5 clean-sheet victories as if nothing happened but it must be noted that all the wins were of tiny margins, with the exception of Aldershot. Then again, it's Aldershot. A 3-0 win is considered a small win for us.
This is a very important match for either side as a victory here awards the winning team the luxury of easing off the pedal on final match day of the first round. A victory today not only guarantees qualification to the knock-out stages but very much also assures the top spot of the table. The extra rest will be a much sought-after gift in the midst of the hectic domestic schedule.
Looking ahead, ManUtd has a relatively easy though still hectic Christmas/New Year fixture. Every extra ounce of rest gives us an advantage over ManCity and this would be the best time to make up the 5-point deficit or more.
Vidic will not be featuring today which means Ferdinand needs a partner at the back. Also looking for a partner up from is Rooney, whom despite being missing from training is expected to get on the pitch. Fergie just announced that he still has plans for Berbatov, despite the Bulgarian falling down the pecking order, which may be a hint to start him today.
Now, on to the betting portion of the game. ManUtd is giving a 1-ball handicap and a 2.05 decimal odds to beat it. 1X2 says a less enthusiastic story with a 1.52 payout for a home victory.
In English, it means that while it is impossible (figuratively speaking) for Benfica to bag the 3 points today, there is a chance they may just nick one instead.
The punters so far are more optimistic in favour of the home side with the pot skewing 83% to beat the 1-ball handicap.
My take on the situation is that ManUtd should win this game but again like the previous few results, it would be a small victory. Give the 1-ball handicap which the worst case scenario is that you get your money back since a Benfica draw or win is unlikely.
JayWalk's 2011/2012 Track Record to-date (22 Nov 2011) : P79-W49-L30
- Voxeros
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