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PADDY POWER'S FOOTBALL PREVIEW 11-3-06
Manchester United v Newcastle
Paddy Power came face to face with Vatican disapproval last year for standing in St Peter's Square displaying his odds for the papal election. Security staff in dark suits walked over and suggested quietly but firmly that he should move on...
As well as being one of the world's most successful bookmakers, Paddy also has a regular radio slot on Talk Sport which is well worth listening to and now, Paddy is writing exclusively for ComeOnBoro.com and Premium Betting News. Catch his previews every Friday right here...
There is nothing wrong in priests having a bet, and you often see them at the races. Paddy Power, April 2005
Manchester United v Newcastle
Intro:
Well the result is in and yes, if there ever was any doubt, Graeme Souness is a terrible manager. Since his departure the Magpies have turned into the team we never believed they were beating tough sides like Bolton and Everton. Manchester United have some silverware at last and can now focus on the Premiership so there'll be no more resting players. It's all out from here on in.
Manchester United:
It's all about second place for Alex Ferguson from here until the end of the season with no pesky FA cup or Champions League fixtures to distract. Anyway once you win the Carling cup it really is all down hill. What was with those tiny little winners medals by the way?!?
Against Newcastle so much will come down to how well they play going forward and if they can get them on the back foot and keep them there then any defensive and midfield frailties can be forgotten about. Van Nistlerooy wasn't too happy about missing out in the Carling Cup final and will have a point to prove, the Dutchman is always good value in the scoring markets and I fancy him to open the scoring here. Ronaldo can be the most frustrating of players but when he gets the ball down and goes at defenders he can be a match winner. He's in one of those rich veins of form and six goals in five games puts him right up there with Ruud to get on the scoresheet but beware that he may not fancy it as much against a battling Newcastle midfield.
Newcastle:
As big as the improvement has been since the change of management it shouldn't be ignored that five games of their six game unbeaten run have been at home and that sole game away to Aston Villa is one they can consider themselves very fortunate not to have lost. There have been many positives though with players like Babayaro, Solano and even Boumsong making vast improvements in the standard of their play. I for one have never been a fan of the French centre half but he has certainly played his part in Newcastle conceding just twice since Souness' departure, though not as big a part as the ever excellent Shay Given but at last the keeper isn't having to fend off teams on his own.
This game will be the biggest test for the Roeder-Shearer partnership and if they are to get anything against United then they'll do it from midfield. Scott Parker and Emre are genuine quality midfielders and have the ability to out battle and outplay any of the makeshift combinations Ferguson might use. N'Zogbia and Solano look like they are enjoying playing again and will both be goal threats bursting from midfield. They'll also look to put in quality crosses for Shearer and Ameobi. Keep them away from Van Der Sar and United will struggle.
Conclusion:
I fancy Newcastle to do a number on Manchester United in a high scoring game. Both teams are frail at the back but good going forward. Go high in the goals and corners markets and take a gamble on 3-2 and 4-2 markets.
Verdict:
Goals, excitement and a shock Newcastle win.
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