Blackpool suffered yet another Premier League defeat as they were beaten at home by Sunderland, meaning the Tangerines will have to try and get something from this match or risk slipping into the danger zone. United hammered Birmingham at the weekend thanks to Dimitar Berbatov hat-trick and they now have the chance to pull five points clear at the top.

The Tangerines looking pale

Blackpool have taken Premier League by storm immediately upon their promotion from the Championship with Ian Holloway’s side showing everyone they won’t be pushovers in their maiden Premiership campaign. Their attack-minded style of play helped them bring plenty of points from the travels, with Blackpool’s away record second only to Arsenal and Manchester City. On the other hand, team’s home record is far from impressive, but that doesn’t mean United will have an easy job at Bloomfield Road. The Tangerines seem to be going through a rough patch, having lost five out of last six games in all competitions, but having scored at least one goal in every one of their last 34 home games, I honestly believe they can score at least once against United.

Top scorer DJ Campbell is back to the side after missing the Sunderland defeat through illness, while Marlon Harewood could be in line for a start after the good cameo role against Sunderland.

United back to their best

Despite still being the only unbeaten side in the Premiership, Manchester United haven’t really played to their potential this term, but they merely profited from the poor displays of their title contenders to create a big advantage at the top. However, it seems Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are slowly raising their form, as witnessed by their 5:0 drubbing of Birmingham on Saturday. Dimitar Berbatov scored his third hat-trick of the season, proving everyone this is definitely his year, while Wayne Rooney also showed signs of promise despite failing to get on the scoresheet. With Red Devils full of confidence at the moment, they are expected to score at least a couple against out-of-form Blackpool, especially as the Tangerines concede quite a few goals at home.

Sir Alex Ferguson could make some changes to the starting line-up, with Paul Scholes and Darron Gibson likely to play some part.

Verdict

Despite being out of form at the moment, Blackpool are expected to extend their remarkable scoring record at home, having scored at least once in every one of their last 34 home games. With United likely to do the same, both teams to score looks like a safe bet here.

Our prediction: Both teams to score

Odds: 1.82 (41/50)

Bookmaker: Betfair