Manchester United v Real Madrid predictions

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Manchester United v Real Madrid predictions Champions League Uefa, International	05/03/2013 20:45	full time result	Man U	3.10	Bet at William Hill
Betting prediction was written by Ronny

Manchester United played a good game in Spain and returned to Manchester being odds on favorite to progress over two legs in the Champions League 8^th finals. 1-1 was the score at the Bernabeu, so an improved Real Madrid side will have to bring magic to Manchester. Or else it is hasta la vista Champions League. The question is; can they upset the Red Devils at the Theatre of Dreams?

The Match Facts

Real Madrid will need to score! A 0-0 result will see Manchester United through, but a 2-2, 3-3, 4-4 draw et cetera would lead to Real Madrid progressing. If any of the teams produce a win that is good enough to get them into the quarter finals. A 1-1 draw would lead to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout.

The Form

Manchester United has racked up three wins on the trot since the away game in Madrid, with a goal difference of 8-1. It must be said that their victims: Reading, QPR and Norwich are bottom half teams.

Real Madrid has if possible been even more impressive since they met last time! Four wins on the trot with a goal difference of 9-3. In the process Real Madrid has beaten mighty Barcelona home and away.

The Team News

Nothing new to report really! Manchester United will still miss ever young Paul Scholes in midfield. Defensive minded Phil Jones could be fit, but it is doubtful Ferguson will play him in this game. Midfielder Darren Fletcher is still out as well. Real Madrid coach Mourinho can pick from a fit squad.

How I read the game

Unless an early Real Madrid goal is scored I believe the Spaniards will have slightly more possession than United. It would suit Man Utd to focus on releasing their quick and skillful attackers on breaks. That said; Real Madrid will definitely not go forward headless chicken style! They are full of confidence after the Barcelona games, so they will welcome extra possession time. Mourinho will be fairly confident his players can create something out of it. Both sides have so much quality, so it does look like they will get their chances.

My betting tips

Many will argue Real Madrid is one of few teams on this planet that can go to Manchester and turn a tie such as this around. Especially after having seen them get two good wins against Barca. I am sure a lot of other tipsters will release betting tips reflecting that. The issue I have though is that we have all seen how effective United can move the ball on the break. Just remember the game in Spain. When you can call on Rooney and van Persie up front to convert you know a United goal or two is never out of reach. The home support will also be fantastic, and this element can’t be underestimated. This definitely gives United an advantage given the 1-1 result in Madrid. Man U goals in this tie will really frustrate the visitors, as their work becomes so much harder. This was key for me when producing this prediction.

The market prices Real Madrid as 6/5 – 13/10 (2.20 - 2.30). I just can’t see that being realistic. It is pretty much the same odds as the Manchester City – Real Madrid clash in late November 2012. That game ended 1-1. Manchester United is a better team than City this season, and they proved at the Bernabeu they could create chances against this Real Madrid side. At home, with their supporters backing them, I think the 21/10 (3.10) offered by William Hill is just amazing. How often can you get such odds for Manchester United at home? Not often.

William Hill also offers a relatively lucrative £25 Free bet if you deposit money with them and have a go at these odds. It is perhaps not the biggest free bet around, but free money is hard to say no to.