Champions League Betting Preview: Manchester United v Villareal

Manchester United v Villareal – Live on Sky Sports 2. Kick off – Wednesday 7.45pm

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side open their defence of the Champions League with a home match against La Liga runners-up Villareal. The pair square up again after two stalemates in 2005 which ultimately resulted in United’s early exit from the competition. It’ll be a real surprise if the same outcome occurs this season in a group that also contains Celtic and AaB Aalborg.

Team news

United will be boosted by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the squad. He’s not made an appearance since their triumphant Champions League final in May. But it looks like they’ll be without Berbatov and Carrick through injury and Scholes through suspension.

For Villareal, old foe Robert Pires made his comeback from injury at the weekend in a 1-0 win over Deportivo but former United player Guiseppe Rossi will miss out through an ankle injury as will Turkish international striker Nihat Kahveci.

Betting news

United have a formidable record at home in the Champions League, winning their last 12 at Old Trafford. They’re also in the midst of a record 15 games unbeaten in the competition and are seeking to become the first team to retain the trophy since AC Milan in 1990. All those stats are reflected in the short price of 8/15 (Paddy Power) on a United win. If you think Villareal can spring a sursprise then they can be backed at 15/2 with Bet Direct, Skybet and Stan James.

Villareal won plaudits for their open style of play last season and coach Pellegrini is determined not to compromise their positive approach. If United also stick to their expansive system then this could have the makings of an entertaining game with a few goals in it. Over 2.5 goals is generously priced at 53/50 (Ladbrokes) and it could pay to invest in that market.

With Berbatov and Ronaldo unlikely to start, Sir Alex may turn to Manucho to partner Tevez and / or Rooney. The Angolan is 13/2 (Boylesports, Paddy Power, Skybet) to open the scoring and 5/2 to score at anytime with William Hill – but check the team news first. With Ronaldo likely to start on the bench the 13/8 (William Hill) on him to score in the 90 minutes is way too short. The other goal threat is likely to come from Rooney (13/8 Boylesports) or Tevez (7/4 William Hill).

Cazorla scored the only goal of the game for Villareal at the weekend and at 6/1 (Blue Sq, Coral, Skybet, William Hill) to net anytime looks real value for an away goal for the Spaniards.

Whatever you’re betting on good luck!

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