Manchester United v Schalke Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg Preview
Manchester United take on Schalke in a Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday night at Old Trafford. United won the first leg 2-0 in Germany and are the easy favourites for the match at home.
While United opened the door somewhat in the Premier League over the weekend, their grip on the Champions League looks tight and Schalke’s best bet may be a draw. United lost 1-0 to Arsenal, putting them only three points ahead of Chelsea atop the Premiership. That makes their Sunday afternoon fixture against the Blues that much more important so Sir Alex Ferguson may be resting some key players against Schalke.
United have score the last of the four semi-finalist sides with 14 in Champions League play, but they have also conceded just three. Dimitar Berbatov has been trying to find form at Old Trafford but has six goals in 11 fixtures against Schalke. He has 9/2 odds at Bet365 to score first on Wednesday. United have a 29-game unbeaten streak going at home, with the last defeat coming more than a year ago. Michael Owen could get a rare start and could score first with 11/2 odds at Bet365.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer kept Schalke’s first leg from getting embarrassing. They are 14th in the Bundesliga and are coming off a 4-1 loss to Bayern Munich over the weekend. And, Benedikt Howedes could be sideline with injury again. Raul has scored five Champions League goals this term and has 10/1 odds to score first. A safer bet is to score anytime in the match with 3/1 odds at Bet365.
When you look at the numbers, Schalke have lost their last three fixtures and United have won their last 14 at Old Trafford, and have scored in their last 23 at home. The Red Devils should be able to take care of the underperforming and outmatched German side in this one.
Manchester United v Schalke Match Odds (supplied by Bet365)
Manchester United: 4/9
Draw: 10/3
Schalke: 13/2