There’s Value in Manchester United Beating Bolton

Written by Premiership Tips.

The bookmakers have given given us better odds than usual this weekend for Manchester United to beat Bolton Wanderers in Sunday’s first Premier League kickoff.

Whether the bookmakers are being generous to us because it is an early kickoff (midday), or that Manchester United haven’t looked as good as they have in previous seasons, these odds are not to be ignored.

Despite being beat just once this season, a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, Bolton haven’t looked any more spectacular than in previous seasons. Johan Elmander has shown signs of finally living up to his expectations; two years after his big money move from Toulouse. The Swede has scored 3 goals in 5 appearances so far this season, keeping the talented Ivan Klasnic out of the side. But defensively they still remain weak; with their goalless draw at home to Fulham on the opening day being the only clean sheet they have kept so far.

This is a game that gives Wayne Rooney a great opportunity to find the form he had prior to the summer’s World Cup. A penalty against West Ham is the only goal he has so far this season, while team mate Dimitar Berbatov is the Premier League top goalscorer with 6. With Nani likely to be matched up against Paul Robinson, United fans have every reason to think they could combine to cause similar results as to what they saw last Sunday in their 3-2 victory over rivals Liverpool.

Nani has the pace and skill to leave Paul Robinson on his backside, with the Bolton left back being one of the poorer full backs in the Premier League. He lacks pace too and likes to dive in, which could see him conceding several free kicks against the quick-footed Portuguese winger. This match up certainly favours the Manchester United winner, should Robinson not make a successful strong challenge or two early in the game that might keep Nani quiet. Manchester United can also look to Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs for goals and opportunities.

Defensively, Manchester United must be weary of the aerial threat that Bolton pose in both Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander. With no Rio Ferdinand in their defence, United have been caught out from crosses on a couple of occasions this season, and set pieces will be where Bolton look to capitalise.

Overall, with the form of Dimitar Berbatov, Nani and Paul Scholes, Manchester United are capable of overwhelming Bolton Wanderers in terms of talent. Patrice Evra and Ryan Giggs down the left flank combine to make a commanding duo, while Wayne Rooney will be working hard to get back into form and start hitting the back of the net again.

The bookmakers have kindly given us odds just above halves on Manchester United winning at the Reebok Stadium and I fully expect them to do just that. Being live on our TV makes this a great candidate for in-play betting.