Fergie’s knowhow to swing it

SPORTS BETTING:

THE match to end all domestic matches may still be five days away but, with excitement already at fever pitch, Off Course makes no apologies for an early look at betting for the title showdown between Manchester’s football giants.

United’s shock surrender of two vital points against Everton on Sunday threw the title door wide open - and City walked straight through it with a 2-0 win against Wolves.

A fortnight ago, City were 16-1 to win the title. Now they are a best priced 7-4, with United 1-2. And should City win the most significant Manchester derby in living memory, they will go odds-on to land the ultimate prize in English football.

The bookmakers make them 5-4 to beat United, with the Reds 5-2 and the draw 13-5.

That is understandable following City’s 6-1 demolition of United at Old Trafford, but it should not be forgotten the Reds won 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup.

For the sake of the Premier League I would like to see City win the title. Yes, you can argue their money has got them where they are, but have United not spent plenty on Rooney, Valencia, Jones, Young, de Gea et al?

I believe domination in sport is a bad thing and I suspect neutrals on Monday will be rooting for a City triumph. But I expect them to be disappointed.

City have looked nervous when faced with the prospect of winning the title and it has taken an uncharacteristic end-of-season blip from United to let them back in. City looked edgy and unconvincing against Wolves.

United, for all their defensive frailties, are playing without the shackles of title pressure.

And that is why I fancy them to earn the draw they need on Monday.

The first goalscorer market sees Bet Victor offer 7-1 the field, which includes Carlos Tevez. Looking further ahead, City face a huge task at Newcastle, while United’s run-in against Swansea and Sunderland is less daunting.

I still fancy United for the title strongly.

Fergie will have them organised and motivated and his experience at this stage of the season is likely to tip the scales in their favour.



OLDHAM have been written off in their bid to cause a Challenge Cup shock at St Helens on Friday.

Tony Benson’s men are trading at 20-1 on betting exchange site Betfair, with the Saints at 33-1 ON.



RECOMMENDATION: Manchester derby to end in draw, 13-5 (Bet Victor).