Cross-Sport Multiple: Back Rafa to make a point

5May 2013

Betfair

Andrew Hughes thinks Chelsea can earn a draw at Old Trafford on Sunday and help land a cross-sport multiple in the process.

Bet 1: Back Man Utd to draw with Chelsea at 3.4

The last six games between these teams have produced 29 goals, but I don't think Sunday's encounter will fit the recent pattern of high-scoring thrillers. Instead, we are likely to see a niggly, scrappy game, with a mutually acceptable draw the end result.

Two draws and a defeat in their last five Premier League games is a poor run of form by Manchester United standards, but with the title race over some weeks ago, it is hardly surprising. Alex Ferguson won't allow them to coast, but a slight drop in their habitual intensity is to be expected as they fulfil their remaining fixtures.

Chelsea still have everything to play for, but are in pole position in the Champions League race and will regard the fixtures against Tottenham and Everton still to come as more significant. Avoiding defeat, injuries and red cards will be Chelsea's priorities at Old Trafford and a point would be perfectly acceptable.

Bet 2: Back Chennai Super Kings to beat Mumbai Indians at 1.8

So far in IPL6 it's been business as usual for Chennai. The four-times finalists top the table after eleven games, having lost just twice so far.

One of those two defeats came against Mumbai, in the first week of the tournament. The perennial under-achievers surprised a few by beating the Super Kings in Chennai that day, but I think MS Dhoni's men can return the favour this weekend.

The Indians have improved since the Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar partnership was broken up, and under Ponting's captaincy replacement, Rohit Sharma, they've won three of the last four. But the Super Kings are a resilient side who have won all four of their away games this season. They are scoring more and conceding fewer than Mumbai and can cement their place at the top of the table on Sunday.

Bet 3: Back Huddersfield Giants to beat Warrington Wolves at 2.5

Huddersfield made a storming start to last year's Super League before falling away with the play-offs in sight. But they look an even more determined team this time round under Paul Anderson, as exemplified by their gritty win against the Catalan Dragons, a side that had only lost one home game previously this campaign.

The Giants have won their last four Super League matches, and have shown considerable resilience along the way, a run of form that has kept them at the top end of the table throughout, and leaves them currently three points behind Wigan in second place.

Warrington have won the last five meetings with Huddersfield, including a 28-2 victory at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in March. But Huddersfield matched the Wolves in that game, and only a supreme defensive effort in atrocious conditions kept the visitors at bay. With home advantage, the Giants can get their revenge on Sunday.

Total Odds for this multiple: 15.3 Remember, multiple prices are based on our Sportsbook product, so any winnings are exempt from commission.