Lee Dixon: United's unstoppable attack cannot be opposed

Hernandez is on a hot run of form

The Betfair markets say United will win at Norwich on Saturday and Lee Dixon isn't in the mood to disagree with them, but could it be another come-from-behind job from the Red Devils?

I talked last week about Manchester United's unbelievable firepower and, lo and behold, the Reds produce a Javier Hernandez-inspired comeback from 2-0 down to brush Aston Villa aside.
 
Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, 'Chicarito' Hernandez, Danny Welbeck - any combination of that lot is frightening and I just can't see Norwich stopping them on Sunday evening. 

Of course, United are letting plenty in at the other end of the pitch and that may be the kernel of hope for Norwich, who are admittedly in the middle of a fine patch of form under Chris Hughton. 

United have conceded first in seven league games this season and the Canaries could draw first blood at Carrow Road. The bad news is that the visitors have won five of those games in which they have gone behind. Even against a home defence that has kept four clean sheets in their last six games, you have to fancy another win for the league leaders. 

But am I particularly interested in the 1.4840/85 on United? Not really. Their habit of conceding first suggests we may be able to get bets matched at bigger odds than their starting price in-play, or we can take a chance in the halftime/fulltime market. It rewarded us last week so let's go in again with bets on draw/Utd @ 5.04/1, Norwich/Utd @ 25.024/1. 

That suggests the home side will keep this competitive and I certainly think they'll do that. Don't get me wrong - I'm not overlooking their challenge, but when United are in an irresistible run like this they are impossible to oppose. Arsenal, Stoke and Spurs (in the league cup) have all been beaten at Carrow Road recently but I can't see United being added to the list. Ultimately, I think they'll run away with it with a pair of correct scores, 3-1 and 4-1 in favour of the Reds, my other selections. 

Recommended Bets 
Back Draw/Utd @ 5.04/1, Back Norwich/Utd @ 25.024/1 in HT/FT market
Back United to win 3-1 @ 12.011/1, 4-1 @ 25.024/1

The Tactical View: Michael Cox

I fancy a Manchester United win, but I’m not sure by what scoreline. Norwich have conceded four or more goals three times this season already, yet have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches – so predicting United’s margin of victory is very tricky.

Instead, I’ll look to the corners market. Against the three big sides they’ve played this season, Norwich have never won more than two corners, and I don’t think that will change this weekend. They’ll play very narrow and force United wide, so I expect United to win the Corners Match Bet with relative ease. Around [1.5] would be great.

The Betfair Trader's View: Alan Thompson

Norwich, unbeaten in their past four matches, will head into this clash full of confidence, with home wins over Arsenal and Stoke City (both 1-0) along with draws at Villa and Reading. However, the problem is that United are also on a good run with five consecutive wins, scoring 15 goals in the process. The good news for Norwich though is that United have only kept one clean sheet on their travels so far. The Canaries might get one, but I can’t see how they can get more than that. The only time Norwich have got more than one goal in a game was the 5-2 defeat against Liverpool. Man Utd have scored on at least two occasions in every game this season after their opening day defeat at Goodison Park.

If you are happy backing at odds-on Man Utd are around 1.5 to win this game. I had them at 1.4 so for me the 1.5 available represents value. However, not everyone likes to back at such short prices, therefore look at backing Man Utd -1 & -1.5 in the Asian Handicap market at around evens.