Benitez backs Torres to keep scoring

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez believes a confident Fernando Torres will grab more goals after the Spaniard scored a brace in the 3-1 victory at Sunderland. 

Torres helped himself to two goals against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League in midweek, his first goals in two months, before scoring two more at the Stadium of Light - including his first penalty in the Premier League.

He almost grabbed a hat-trick against the struggling Black Cats, hitting the woodwork before Juan Mata fired home the rebound. Benitez now believes that Torres, who now has six Premier League goals to his name this season and 11 in all competitions, has his confidence back and hopes his rich vein of form in front of goal continues.

"It's fair to say that we are watching now a Fernando with more confidence and with more belief, and at the same time, the team is the same way," said the former Liverpool, Valencia and Inter Milan boss. "I was analysing his movement before and we were adjusting little things. It's a question of confidence and just little different movements. I have said before, if the team plays well and creates chances, Fernando will score goals."

The result has left Chelsea at 13.00 to win this season's Premier League title and at 1.20 to finish in the top four while Sunderland are available at 3.00 to be relegated. This weekend sees a top-of-the-table clash between Manchester City and Manchester United and we've got a fantastic free bet offer to add to the excitement. To qualify for your free In-Play bet, simply place a pre-match bet on the match and we will give you a free In-Play bet to the same stake once the match has kicked off.

Source: bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/premier-league/benitez-backs-torres-to-keep-scoring

Hargeaves issues United warning

Sir Alex Ferguson has been warned not to be left with egg on his face for a second successive season.


The Manchester United chief took an unusually cautious approach to last season's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, which saw them lose 1-0 to City, subsequently handing the title initiative back to Roberto Mancini's men.

In fact, the Red Devils failed to muster a single effort on goal during that game back in April, and have been warned they will be punished again for any similar negative approach. City, like before, host their neighbours tomorrow knowing a victory will see them leapfrog United into top spot in the Premier League thanks to a superior goal difference. Mancini's side are 9.00 to win 2-1, and are 3.40 to keep a clean sheet against their city rivals. A goalless draw can be backed at 13.00.

Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who played at City last term, having quit United the previous campaign, told the Manchester Evening News: "United surprisingly took their foot off the gas in that game. "They had an opportunity to go to the Etihad Stadium and win the game. They set up in a way anticipating something from City that didn't happen. "I think you should play to your strengths. City were probably the best playing side last season, United fans will probably hate to admit it, but it's true.

"If City were able to win the title for a second time running, it would be a massive achievement." We've got a fantastic free bet offer to add to the excitement. To qualify for your free In-Play bet, simply place a pre-match bet on the match and we will give you a free In-Play bet to the same stake once the match has kicked off. Follow the link to the Man City v Man Utd Free Bet Offer page for full details.

Source: bet365.com/news/en/betting/football/premier-league/manchester-derby-free-in-play-bet-offer