English Premier League Betting: Liverpool vs. Manchester United

Utter gloom has descended on Anfield Stadium as Liverpool are after their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions – something that has not happened to the celebrated outfit since 1987 when Kenny Dalgish was in charge of Liverpool.

Rafa Benitez is now the proud owner of this ignominious honour and with reigning Premier League champions and current table leaders Manchester United stopping by at Anfield on Sunday, he is in very real danger of leading his men to an unthinkable fifth loss in a row. Indeed, this is not the ideal time for Rafa Benitez and supporting cast – that is not up to the mark – to butt heads with Sir Alex Fergusson and his mighty Red Devils.

Soccer Betting Line:

Liverpool pk +115 +190 2½ O +115 U -135 Draw +220
Manchester United pk -135 +145 2½ O +115 U -135 Draw +220

Venue: Anfield Stadium

Match Time: 08:00 a.m. Eastern Time Sunday October 25, 2009

Soccer Betting Analysis: It is down to the wire for Rafa Benitez after leading his men to a fourth consecutive loss. Another loss would surely be the boot for the Spaniard.

Liverpool have been utterly disappointing this season. The red beach ball incident against Sunderland at the weekend, disheartening as it was, should not blind everyone to the facts – simply, Liverpool are not good enough and fall short of the mark. A great Champions League run is still within their capabilities but over a 38 game Premiership season, Liverpool lacks depth beyond Torres and Gerrard to sustain a successful title challenge.

Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League table on 15 points after nine cycles. They are 3-0-1 at home – their only loss at Anfield was a 3:1 loss to Aston Villa. On the road, they are 2-0-3. They have already lost more domestic matches than in the whole of their 2008 campaign.

Manchester United are back at the top of the table after beating Bolton 2:1 at the weekend. They are a point clear of second placed Chelsea FC and Sir Alex Fergusson will be mindful of their proximity. Man U will be looking to take all three points at Anfield and reap even more misery on Liverpool.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Manchester United are favoured to win this match outright, tipped at -130 at BetUS Sportsbook. And it’s not just the bookies thinking Man U will win but everyone connected with Liverpool are dreading it, believing it almost inevitable in the face of the teams struggles. That Gerrard, Riera, Johnson and Kelly, and several others, are injured and doubtful for the clash won’t help Rafa’s cause. Nevertheless, Liverpool have to go for the win and Rafa will hope Kuyt and Benayoun will rise to the occasion. He has nobody else really to count on at this point. Liverpool have managed to pull rabbits out of the hat before but it is almost too much to hope for. Or is it?

Soccer Free Picks: Liverpool +190 | Over 2.5 goals +115