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With United going all out for victory on the final day of the season, Phil Kitromilides is backing them to be ahead at the end of both halves of the crucial clash

Things on the final day of the season are just how Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would not have wanted them to be; namely out of his side's hands.

Should Manchester City, the team with the best home record in the division, defeat QPR, the side with the worst away record in the division at the Etihad Stadium, then United's result against Sunderland will prove immaterial and the Reds will have surrendered their title to their "noisy" neighbours.

There is of course the small matter of goal difference and should both Manchester clubs win, they the will be level on points. But with City eight goals clear of United, only a cricket score for the Reds would see them once again crowned as champions.

Yet football as we all know is funny old game, and United will be focused on recording a win at the Stadium of Light, with William Hill pricing them at 4/9 (1.44) to claim all three points.

Sunderland meantime are offered at 13/2 (7.50) while the draw is priced at 16/5 (4.20).

With victory the only thing on Sir Alex Ferguson's mind, he is likely to field an attacking line-up as he did for last weekend's 2-0 victory over Swansea at Old Trafford. Backing over 2.5 goals could be tempting, but the price of 4/7 (1.57) is a little unappealing, and would require significant investment. Instead the price of evens (2.00) for United half time/full time looks infinitely more attractive.

The Reds will be intent on making a high-tempo start and getting an early goal to possibly put pressure on City at the Etihad, who no doubt will be receiving regular updates on United's progress.

This bet has paid out in five of United's last nine matches and against an out-of-form Sunderland side without a win in their last eight games, it looks a decent selection.

For some higher odds take United at -2 in the Asian handicap priced at 3/1 (4.00).

As previously mentioned Sunderland are badly out of form, recently shipping four goals to Everton, and even conceding twice against goal-shy Aston Villa. If United hit their stride they are well capable of winning by three clear goals.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Man United half time/full time at evens (2.00) with William Hill

Man United -2 at 3/1 (4.00) with William Hill

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Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid, you can also follow Phil on Twitter