Champions League 
/ James Eastham / 22 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Wayne Rooney can cause Marseille's defenders all manner of problems
"Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, schooled in Serie A, will do everything in his power to stretch his side’s slim chances of going through. A 0-0 ([9.0]) would be a fabulous result for the wily Frenchman, who will prioritise keeping a clean sheet over scoring."
This is a Marseille side who isn't exactly at the top of their game right now. As for Manchester United, they have bundles of experience of just this sort of match. James eastham tells us where our money should be.
Introduction
In-form Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac is out. Mathieu Valbuena is expected to make his comeback after a month on the sidelines through injury.
Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Michael Owen and Johnny Evans are missing. Chris Smalling is tipped to start at the back.
Match Odds
Marseille were brushed aside 2-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the group stages and will have to raise their game considerably if they're to avoid a similar outcome here. Before a slight improvement over the past couple of weeks, l'OM's Ligue 1 title defence had been decidedly unimpressive, with mediocre performances the norm.
Manchester United have been in this sort of situation so many times over the years the prospect of facing nearly 60,000 Marseille fans at Stade Velodrome will thrill the visiting players. The gulf in quality between the starting sides (few Marseille players would be contenders for a place in United's line-up) and United's extra experience make a draw or away win the most likely outcomes. But the prices of [3.2] (draw) and [2.2] (Utd) look about right so it's no bet for me. Marseille are [3.75] to spring a surprise.
Under / Over
Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, schooled in Serie A, will do everything in his power to stretch his side's slim chances of going through. A 0-0 ([9.0]) would be a fabulous result for the wily Frenchman, who will prioritise keeping a clean sheet over scoring.
Whether Marseille have the players to keep a clean sheet is another matter, but I would be surprised if Deschamps allows this to become an open game. Under 1.5 goals at [2.7] and under 2.5 goals at [1.6] are both worth considering.
To score
The primary reason why Marseille's Ligue 1 title defence has faltered is Lucho Gonzalez's lack of accuracy at set-pieces. During the second-half of last season the Argentina international found his range beautifully and l'OM pulled away at the top of the table. This time, his balls into the box have been either too flat or overhit.
It's asking a lot of the former FC Porto schemer to regain his touch in the biggest match of all, but if he does, Marseille's centre-halves will give you a run for your money in the scorers market. Souleymane Diawara ([22.0]) and Stephane Mbia ([20.0]) are excellent in the air. I'd consider splitting my stakes across the pair.
For United, it very difficult to look beyond the in-form Wayne Rooney ([2.9]). His movement will trouble Diawara and Mbia, who occasionally struggle against this type of striker.
Best Bet: Marseille v Man Utd under 2.5 goals @ [1.6].
Other Recommended Bets: Stephane Mbia [20.0] and Souleymane Diawara [22.0] to score (split your stakes)
Nicolas Anelka scored twice as Chelsea won 2-0 whilst Real secured a good draw away at Lyon....
This is a Marseille side who isn't exactly at the top of their game right now. As for Manchester United, they have bundles of experience of just this sort of match. James eastham tells us where our money should be....
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