ALMOST every week Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal has been on the brink but tonight he really is in the firing line.
The Dutch boss denied he'd offered to go after last weekend's howling defeat at home to Southampton but admits he may have no choice if his side lose at Derby in tonight's FA Cup clash.
For most top bossed the league is all that matters but for van Gaal the FA Cup maybe his redemption.
With his Man United side slipping steadily down the table a run to Wembley may be all that saves him from the sack and I expect his side to be at full strength.
A few weeks ago when they had suffered one defeat in 19 I'd have fancied Derby to win but they've suffered a blip and their 4-1 thrashing by Burnley on Monday was preceded by a 3-0 loss at home to Birmingham. In fact their only win in six was at Hartlepool in the last round of the Cup.
United were woeful against Southampton but have been performing better away from the cauldron of Old Trafford, winning at Anfield, and I'm quietly confident they'll win at evens with Betfred and Paddy Power.
If I was to pick a scorer it could be Wayne Rooney who is 13-8 at McBookie to net at any time. Rooney had netted in four matches running before failing to beat Fraser Forster.
Derby boss Paul Clement signed Nick Blackman for £2.5million from Reading and while he hasn't been able to arrest the slump he is available tonight and is 10-3 with bet365 to net.
For those who can't put their faith in United the Rams are a best 16-5 at BetVictor and 10-11 with bet365 not to lose.
Recommended Bets
Man Utd (7.55pm)
(1-1, Betfred)
Rooney to score
(13-8, BetVictor)
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The picture just makes me urge haha
After Burnleys mauling of Derby you’d expect United to win, but not this United. Literally have no idea how this one will go but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Derby force a replay or win.