Prediction: Manchester United vs Blackpool

21st May 2011

Having already secured the Premiership title, Sir Alex Ferguson could be forgiven for fielding the under strength side against Blackpool, but there is no way that United will led the Seasiders win this game. The Tangerines do need a win in order to escape the drop, but that looks like too much to ask for at the moment.

Before the season started not too many football pundits believed that Manchester United could enter the Premiership title race, let alone win the title, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s side not only won the coveted trophy but also managed to qualify for the Champions League final, where they will meet mighty Barca. Having secured the league title with a 1:1 draw at Ewood Park, Sir Alex Ferguson might be tempted into fielding a weakened side against Blackpool, especially as he wants to name a strong side for Gary Neville’s testimonial, which is due on Tuesday, but he already announced that his side would be looking to play it fair and square, with Berbatov, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Evra and Van der Sar all expected to start. The Red Devils will be looking to celebrate the title with a win in front of the home fans, no doubt about it, and Blackpool don’t look to have big chances of getting something from this game.

Blackpool have only themselves to blame for the fact that they need a win at Old Trafford in order to avoid the drop, as last week’s win over Bolton was only their third in last 20 league games. The Seasiders did impress everyone with their performances in the first part of the season but it now seems as though they started celebrating a bit too soon. Ian Holloway’s side currently sit in the relegation zone, tied on points with 17-th placed Birmingham, but everything suggests the Tangerines will need a victory from the last game of the season. Taking into account the standard of their recent performances, that doesn’t look likely, even if Manchester United will not be at full strength. Ian Holloway currently has a clean bill of health, but I really cannot see full strength Blackpool outplaying under strength Manchester United at Old Trafford. It’s simple as that.

Conclusion

There is not a chance that Manchester United will hand this tie to Blackpool, and everything suggests that the Seasiders are set for a swift return to Championship. The Red Devils will be looking to end the Premiership campaign on a high and keep the rich vein of form before the Champions League final, so home win looks like one of the best soccer predictions this weekend.

Verdict: Home win Manchester United (1)

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888Sport