• Premier League, 2010-11

Liverpool to dent United's title bid

Simon Cambers March 4, 2011

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Chelsea dented Manchester United's title challenge in midweek and Liverpool will be out to do the same this weekend when they take on United at Anfield in a match that could go a long way to deciding the outcome of the title race.

By the time the match kicks off on Sunday afternoon, United's lead over Arsenal could well be one point - United have played a game more than Arsenal - and if they slip up at Anfield then the title race will be wide open for the first time in several weeks.

Liverpool retain outside hopes of a Champions League spot but they probably need to win all their remaining games to get it, but regardless of where they end up the club is in a more positive mood after the switch in managers from Roy Hodgson to Kenny Dalglish, with their results telling a story in themselves.

United are tied with Liverpool on 18 league titles and Dalglish and the Anfield side would like nothing more than to help stop United from breaking the record they share. Dalglish may unleash new signing Andy Carroll for his first start after his arrival in January, a debut delayed by injury, while United have a number of concerns.

Cambers' Calls

  • Bet of the weekend: Liverpool to beat Manchester United - 9/5 bet365
  • Weekend punt: Blackpool and Chelsea to draw - 9/2 bet365
  • Weekend treble: West Ham, Birmingham and Bolton to win - 11/1 bet365

Rio Ferdinand remains on the sidelines and Nemanja Vidic is suspended after his sending off against Chelsea, so Sir Alex Ferguson's defence will be weaker than usual, presenting Liverpool with a golden chance to cause an upset.

Steven Gerrard should be all the fitter after returning from injury last weekend and Liverpool will be going all out for the win, so let's make them the bet of the weekend at 9/5 to upset United and give Arsenal a real chance.

Blackpool have already caused a number of massive upsets this season and though they have been sliding down the table towards the wrong end, they remain capable of playing some great football and fighting it out with the best.

Chelsea should be buoyed by their win over United in midweek but they remain frustratingly inconsistent this season and with the title surely beyond them - they are 12 points behind United - the Champions League could be the most important target for them.

I am tempted to suggest that Blackpool can win this one, even more tempted by bet365's offer of 9/1, but Chelsea are pretty battle-hardened and are unlikely to fold, while Fernando Torres will be sniffing his first goal since moving from Liverpool in January for £50 million.

Instead, let's go for a draw that would give Blackpool a vital point as they try to stay above the bottom three, on offer at 9/2 with bet365, and make that the weekend punt

After last week's successful treble, let's see if we can find another one this weekend. West Ham, having beaten Liverpool last time out, will fancy their chances of another win when they take on Stoke City at Upton Park, so let's make them the first pick at 5/4.

Carling Cup winners Birmingham City should be too strong for West Bromwich Albion at 11/8 and Bolton can use home advantage to beat Aston Villa at 5/4. A successful treble on West Ham, Birmingham City and Bolton would work out at around 11/1, which would be rather nice. Good luck!

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondent

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Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant