Monday night will see Manchester United return to the ground where they secured the Premier League crown last year, as they take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park looking to extend their lead at the top of the table this season (Blackburn 15/2, draw 7/2, United 2/5).
With rivals Manchester City dropping points in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, United have the chance to go five points clear if they can overcome a resurgent Rovers side.
The mind games between United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson and City’s Roberto Mancini have been rife over the past few weeks, with the Italian tactician predicting their rivals will only draw their game on Monday night.
United are in fine form, though, and will be fully expected to get three points against Blackburn, as they have notched up nine wins in their last 10 games.
The defending Premier League champions did come unstuck against Rovers at Old Trafford, when these two teams met earlier in the season in what was one of the shock results of the season.
United could welcome back Rio Ferdinand, as the veteran defender has recovered from a back injury and will be able to add his vast experience to the back-four.
Ferguson has challenged Wayne Rooney (5/2 First Goalscorer) to continue his fine form by scoring a goal in every game for the rest of the campaign.
The former Everton star scored a crucial penalty to help United secure their 19th league title last year and will be looking to get his name on the scoresheet again at Ewood Park, to help the club make a big step towards taking number 20.
By no means will the league’s frontrunners have it all their own way, as Rovers manager Steve Kean has got his side battling hard in games as they fight for their lives near the bottom of the table.
With just goal difference separating Blackburn from a place in the relegation zone, every game in crucial for the men from Ewood Park they will not writing this game off as unwinnable.
Results over the weekend have not helped their cause and their defeat to local rivals Bolton in their last outing will not have done their confidence any good.
However, Blackburn do have some quality players dotted around their squad and none more so than their striker Yakubu (8/1 First Goalscorer) and the young an exciting talent David Hoilett.
This duo are likely to cause the likes of Ferdinand problems at the back so don’t be surprised to see either name on the scoresheet on Monday night.
Both teams have so much to play for at either end of the table, so these games can go either way at this the business end of the Premier League season.
However, on their current form, Mancini’s prediction of a draw looks unlikely and United should extend their lead at the top of the table with another win, with games running out for City.
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