Man Utd meet Chelsea, Cherries seek Arsenal shock on Super Sunday
Published:
Holly Thackeray | February 5, 2016
Super Sunday supplies televised treats
It’s time for the one wrangle you’ve been waiting all week for, as Premier League champions Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in a Super Sunday scuffle that should live up to its name.
Title chances may have slipped away for both the Blues and Red Devils, but there is so much more context to this clash, as Dutch coach Guss Hiddink faces compatriot Louis van Gaal, just months after failing to guide the latter’s ex-Netherlands team to Euro 2016.
While, in the other earlier televised tussle of the day, Arsenal travel to battle Bournemouth on the south coast, where several big scalps have already been stolen this season…
Bournemouth v Arsenal
- Premier League
- Saturday, February 7th
- Kick-off: 13:30 GMT
- Dean Court, Bournemouth
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Gunners need to make up ground
Premier League trophy chasers Arsenal have slipped down the pecking order to fourth, and are even trailing behind bitter north London foes Tottenham on goal difference, as they schlep to the south coast for their early Sunday kick-off.
Arsene Wenger’s guys are 21/20 favourites that may be worth pouncing on, though there is a reason the Gunners are not odds-on. Juggernauts such as Chelsea and Manchester United (also aptly in action against each other on the same day) have already fallen at Dean Court, where the plucky Cherries are 23/10 to pinch a point.
Capital club Arsenal have suffered from travel sickness of late, and are without a win on the road since December. While, the Londoners have beaten only Championship side Burnley (narrowly) from their past five fixtures across all competitions. So, a 27/10 chance of defeat may not be so outlandish.
Can Arsenal attack squeeze Cherries?
Yet, a loss would be catastrophic, so Bournemouth must be wary of a big reaction from their guests, as Wenger has several attacking aces up his sleeve.
Electric Alexis Sanchez still needs to shake off the rust from his injury lay-off, but has proven he is still a goal threat while getting back into the swing. Having sunk the Clarets himself, the Chilean is an excellent 5/1 to have the final say again, alongside alert Olivier Giroud (4/1 for the opener).
While, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been benched recently and is 7/2 to strike anytime to prove his worth ahead of Euro 2016.
As for the Cherries, Eddie Howe has long-serving in-form midfielder Marc Pugh (7/1 to net anytime) pushing for a place with two goals in as many games and, of course, rampant winter striker signing Benik Afobe (15/8) to trouble Arsenal in front of home fans.
Chelsea v Manchester United
- Premier League
- Saturday, February 7th
- Kick-off: 16:00 GMT
- Stamford Bridge, west London
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Man Utd travel to Chelsea amid Mourinho rumours
With so many subplots alongside this match, the anticipation for the encounter between two struggling big-guns is sky-high, with hosts Chelsea 21/20 to triumph.
Interim Blues boss Hiddink certainly has something to prove to Van Gaal, whose swashbuckling World Cup Clockwork Orange side he failed to guide to the France finals.
While, the Red Devils’ own Dutchman is still under pressure, with reports suggesting deposed king of Stamford Bridge Jose Mourinho is set to steal his job in summer.
These two titans of English football could only draw 0-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the term and, as Chelsea could not find a way past Watford last time out, another stalemate is 13/2 to unfold, while the match is 9/4 to end evenly.
Martial magic to make difference
Much has been said about Man Utd’s lacklustre performances in the attacking third, but six goals from three games across all competitions suggests there is still some spark in the Red Devils strike force.
So, the red half of Manchester look great value at 3/1 to win their third on the spin, thanks to the team chemistry displayed last time out against Stoke City as Jesse Lingard (10/3 in the anytime market), Wayne Rooney (2/1) and Anthony Martial (7/1 to fire in first) were all on target.
In particular, menacing Martial’s effort was one to behold, as he simply latched on to Rooney’s curve ball, picked out a spot and coolly sent his rocket hurtling into the top right corner. See his super strike below:
It is the Frenchman’s finesse that could well make the difference in this duel, though the Blues have also shown signs of life recently under Hiddink.
Dangerman Diego Costa has been striving to get back to his best for his new boss, and is evens to draw blood anytime, with new boy Alexandre Pato 6/5 in the same market to poach a goal, while recent hat-trick hero Oscar is even more appealing at 6/1 to score last.
Related
Enjoy more Premier League content on our English top-flight page, with previews and features galore.
Don’t forget to check out our six most memorable Chelsea v Man Utd moments!
Coral’s top tip: With Martial in magnificent form, back Man Utd at a generous 3/1 to beat the Blues.
