United went to Hull and back last weekend…
What an opening weekend to Premier League that was! There were shocks, surprises, and Spurs getting pumped – it’s everything you want to see from the biggest league in the world
And there’s a sweet, sweet 37 more of those Barclays-infused bad boys to come in the next nine months.
I feel a bit dizzy just thinking about it.
Though one man who has his feet planted firmly on the ground – and is ready to take a forward ball to feet or chest – is Peter Crouch, and he’s all set to give his take on the Super Sunday pairing of Man United v Ipswich.
Here’s his Bet Builder for the game – why not use your COMPLETELY FREE one this weekend on it?
Man United to win
Bruno Fernandes to have 1+ shots on target including woodwork
Julio Enciso to have 1+ shots on target including woodwork
Leif Davis to commit 1+ fouls
A Bet Builder on these selections pays at approximately 5/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
WHEN: Sunday, August 30, 4.30pm
WHERE: Old Trafford, Manchester
WATCH: Sky Sports Main Event
In a strange way, I can understand how Man United go to Hull on the opening day of the season and lose as they did. Set-pieces led to both goals and it was Hull’s first game back in the Premier League, that’s a huge occasion for the club and fans.
When the fixtures came out every year, I always hated getting a promoted team in the first game because they’re hungry, they’re on a high from last season and it’s going to be a cup final atmosphere for that game.
It’s always a difficult one to navigate and I wouldn’t be too concerned if I was a United fan.
There are other factors too at the moment. Some of the players have been away at the World Cup, they’ve had limited games in preseason to get some rest, and there’s obviously a lot of change with players coming and going, so I wouldn’t read a lot into the first game of the season.
There are always going to be shocks.
They have signed well this summer. I like what they’ve done to address the midfield, it’s probably the most important area of the team for United as they have been a bit weak there in recent seasons.
I love Carlos Baleba as a signing, he’ll bring a lot. He won’t play on Sunday, but Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans are good players too. They look a bit stronger centrally now.
Last season, they signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo, who were two game changers. They have Benjamin Sesko as well and Marcus Rashford is returning from his Barcelona loan. I think he’ll end up playing and being an important player for them.
He played in La Liga last season and I think that helped his game, he scored and made goals, and I can see him back in the United side this season.
Ipswich fans must be buzzing going to Old Trafford this week after winning against Sunderland on the opening day. Just getting back in the league is a great feeling, but what a result as well to start. It’s amazing for them and huge to get that first three points.
I’ve worked with Gary O’Neil before. Someone of his calibre going in after Kieran McKenna left is a really good appointment as he has shown before what he can do in the Premier League.
And they’ve shown their ambitions with their spending this summer. It reminds me of Sunderland last year – everyone said you couldn’t sign that many players and it all gel together, but it worked for them and it could work for Ipswich.
Man United to win
I have to look at Man United to win on Sunday though. Last week was a shock result for them and I don’t expect that to repeat this week. They’ll be in the reckoning for the the top four this year come the end of the season and winning a game like this really is what they expect. I’d predict 2-1 to United.
Bruno Fernandes to have 1+ shots on target including woodwork
I’m looking at Bryan Mbuemo and Bruno Fernandes for their goals. Mbuemo made a big impact in his first season and Bruno’s picked up the player of the year award. I’m such a big fan of his and when United play well he’s usually central to it.
He’s also going to be on set-pieces, so a shot on target at minimum is worth a punt.
One of Ipswich’s new signings is Julio Enciso, who was previously at Brighton and is an exciting player. They paid big money to Strasbourg for him, he has an assist already and I’ll take him for at least a shot on target against United.
Julio Enciso to have 1+ shots on target including woodwork
Leif Davis to commit 1+ fouls
The Ipswich left-back didn’t have a foul last week but had five yellow cards in the Championship last season and will be under pressure in this game, so a foul is a reasonable ask.
Man United to win
Bruno Fernandes to have 1+ shots on target including woodwork
Julio Enciso to have 1+ shots on target including woodwork
Leif Davis to commit 1+ fouls
A Bet Builder on these selections pays at approximately 5/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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