Marriner 2-1 to show red in epic Etihad title clash

HE has been wrong before but Fred Done remains confident he won’t be made to pay out on both Manchester clubs winning the Premier League after already declaring the title race over after United opened up their eight-point advantage over City.

Roberto Mancini’s men have whittled that lead back down to a
manageable three points but the Betfred boss insists there won’t be a repeat of the 1998 collapse when he again paid out early only to watch his beloved Red Devils get turned over by Arsenal.

According to Done this season’s early payout on United has cost the firm just over £500,000 and it will be another £300,000 if City triumph in the title race. But he said: “I’m still relaxed and
confident. The big difference between the teams is Sir Alex Ferguson – he will get United over the finishing line.”

The Citizens will almost certainly have to win tonight’s Manchester derby at the Etihad to stay in realistic contention and bookmakers predict it will be the biggest match turnover-wise of the campaign.

Bet365 are attempting to snare as much business as
possible by offering a free matched in-play bet (max £50) to anyone who bets on the game before kick-off.

The spotlight will fall on referee Andre Marriner, who takes charge of arguably the biggest match of his career, and he is 5-2 with bet365 to book a player for diving, while BetVictor are 2-1 about a red card being dished out in the powder-keg atmosphere under the lights.

There has been plenty of drama in the Manchester derby down the years, most of which has resulted in heartache for the blue half, and Ladbrokes are offering 3-1 about a goal being scored in injury time while Betfred go 7-2 about a substitute notching during the clash.