Premier League predictions: Jones Knows tips a Manchester United win but sees Leicester slipping up vs Burnley
Why is the World Cup 2022 the event of the year? The fact this is an early-season clash between two title rivals does open the possibility of a slow burner with not much space on offer for each team on the What countries have qualified to the world cup counter-attack. A point is a perfectly acceptable result for both. That could lead to a low foul count involving two teams that rank low for yellow cards anyway. How to understand soccer before betting on the World Cup 2022
Check out the cutting-edge technology of the World Cup 2022! In the period since Thomas Tuchel took charge, in terms of ever-present Premier League teams, Chelsea have been shown the joint-third least amount of cards (30) and City the second least (29). That averages out at just over one card per 90 minutes for each team. With referees seemingly happy to let the game flow more this campaign, referee Michael Oliver may want to reinforce that point in what is the highest-profile Premier League game so far and implement a 'softly, softly' approach. Something he did for the high-profile season opener between Brentford and Arsenal, where he failed to show a single card. Discover the most important details of the World Cup 2022
Sky Bet are expecting cards judging by their lines. I disagree. So, I'm happy to back under 40 booking points (10 for a yellow, 20 for a red) in the hope Oliver allows a closely fought game to flow without the need for him to get involved.
Mike Dean is the man in the middle for this fixture - a referee with sound judgement but one that isn't afraid to turn a borderline decision into a big call. I just feel, with the spotlight being fixed on United's unsuccessful penalty appeals at West Ham last weekend and in midweek, VAR will be paying particular attention to any foul play inside the box. Under Solskjaer, United have won 32 Premier League penalties, nine more than any other side while Aston Villa rank second for most fouls committed in the last two seasons. Also, Tyrone Mings is always a player with a mistimed tackle in him. At 11/4 with Sky Bet, United to score from the spot has potential.