Chelsea (5/4) are preparing to host Manchester United (9/4) in what the Blues hope will be a repeat of the last league game between the two sides.

United were beaten 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in April, merely a month before triumphing over Chelsea in the Champions League final, with the Premier League crown already successfully defended.

Despite their superiority in silverware, United have only picked up a paltry two points from their last possible 18 at Stamford Bridge, last nicking a draw in May 2007. The two teams are 9/4 to be deadlocked at the final whistle.

Chelsea boss Jose Felipe Scolari looks set to hand Didier Drogba his first league start of the season after an appearance from the bench in the 3-1 win over Manchester City signalled the 30-year-old’s comeback from a knee injury.

The imposing Ivory Coast international, who was the Premier League’s top scorer two seasons ago, is 6/1 favourite to break his early season duck by grabbing the first goal and 2/1 to score at any time.

United could be buoyed by their own return, with Cristiano Ronaldo in line for his season debut after a mid-week outing as substitute in the 0-0 Champions League draw with Villarreal.

In the short time he was on the pitch in the European fixture, Ronaldo seemed to inject some much-needed directness into disappointing United’s play - the Portuguese winger, who netted an amazing 42 goals in all competitions last season, is 6/1 to draw first blood in this battle of the big-guns and 2/1 to strike over the 90 minutes.

Chelsea’s midfield dynamo Deco is sure the Blues will not be intimidated be the presence of his Portugal team-mate: “We are not obsessed by him. He is just one player and we are strong enough to deal with him.”

Deco has made an impressive start to life in the Premier League. The former Barcelona man - whose opening day decider against Wigan confirmed he is a threat from long range - is 12/1 to break the deadlock, 4/1 to score at anytime and an interesting 8/1 to score from outside the box.

In other fixtures this weekend, Liverpool (1/5) attempt to keep up their promising early-season form with a win over Stoke City (14/1) at Anfield. Fresh from a brace in the Champions League victory over Marseilles in mid-week, captain fantastic Steven Gerrard is 9/2 to make his 100th Liverpool goal the opener.

Elsewhere, manager-less Newcastle United (11/4) travel to Upton Park to face West Ham (evens) for new boss Gianfranco Zola’s first match in charge and Arsenal (8/13) face former bogey team Bolton (5/1) in a traditionally testing fixture for the Gunners.

A north-east derby takes place at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland (11/8) - languishing in 17th position - host ninth place Middlesbrough (2/1), while Roy Hodgson’s Fulham (12/5) look to take advantage of their game in hand by turning over Blackburn (11/10) at Ewood Park.

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The UEFA Champions League Final

History is made on Wednesday in Moscow when Manchester Utd take on Chelsea in the first ever all English Champions League Final. Man Utd (11/8) are looking to add the trophy to their recently retained Premier League title. Chelsea (2/1) on the other hand is looking to get revenge on their rivals who pipped them to the domestic title or end the season empty handed.

We have an extensive list of special bets available. You can bet on what you think will happen to Ronaldo first with him 12/5 to score and 28/1 to miss a penalty. All markets are supported by our ongoing free £10 bet offer available to all new customers.

Football League Play-Off Finals

This upcoming bank holiday weekend sees the culmination of a fantastic football season with the incredible for some, heartbreaking for others, play-off finals. The most lucrative game will be on Saturday, with Hull and Bristol City both hoping to make it into the big time of the Premier League next season. These games represent the last opportunity to bet on the outcome of the domestic football season.

Coming Soon…….

This summer’s main sporting event, Euro 2008, is fast approaching and we have some exciting upcoming creative, which will be available in Banner Manager.

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The English Premier League is usually a done deal in terms of the champion by this point, but amazingly Chelsea and Manchester United are still both in with a shot of lifting the trophy.

Manchester United won its second straight Soccer Betting Premier League title on Sunday, defeating Wigan 2-0. United was tied with Chelsea in points but had a big goal difference edge and just needed a win to clinch the title. Chelsea ended up playing to a 1-1 draw with Bolton and finished two points behind.

Both teams are, with only one game left to play, exactly even on points; only Manchester United’s superior goal difference edges them in to the lead. If they draw or lose at Wigan on Sunday and Chelsea can beat Bolton (or draw if Manchester United lose) then the Blues will take the crown again.

Those of you who placed bets on Chelsea or the Red Devils winning nothing at the start of the season will be feeling the tension, but it’s not too late if you’ve not gone to the bookies yet – Pinnacle are offering the best odds if you want to pick a winner at the last minute, with Man U at 3/14 and Chelsea at 70/17 to snatch victory at the last minute.

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