Testing trip awaits but league leaders look set to prevail

Sunday’s 3-1 success against Chelsea took them two points clear at the top of the Premiership and saw them go odds-on for the first time at 4/5 via Ladbrokes to defend their title but they face a slightly different challenge this weekend at rugged Stoke. Tony Pulis’ charges will aim to put United under pressure, forcing Paddy Power’s 8/15 favourites out of their comfort zone and the Potters’ more physical approach can reap rewards – but only to the extent that they can stay in touch with the visitors, who are 14/5 with Partybets to shade it by a one-goal margin.

Wayne Rooney will be well backed at 10/3 (Boylesports) to break the deadlock but following his impressive performance in that Chelsea win, Nani is more alluring alternative, especially as bet365 rate him at 8/1.

Looking to bounce back from consecutive league defeats, Liverpool are a home banker at 2/5 with Paddy Power as they entertain Wolves and on Sunday Neil Warnock’s buoyant QPR (11/8, Skybet)can inflict a first defeat of the season on Aston Villa.

In the Championship, Victor Chandler’s 6/4 for a Derby triumph is simply too big as the Rams host Millwall, who arrive at Pride Park without a goal in four outings and Watford tempt at 8/5 (Stan James) as they take on Nottingham Forest.

In League One, leaders Charlton are 8/13 with Sportingbet at home to Chesterfield, Huddersfield are 1/2 (Totesport) to extend their unbeaten run to a remarkable 35 by beating rock-bottom Leyton Orient and Stan James mark 8/13 against Sheffield Wednesday retaining their 100 per cent record at Hillsborough, as they meet Exeter.

Cheltenham are the eye catching bet in League Two; the Robins 1.83 (5/6) via Betdaq to see off hapless Hereford.

Weekend accumulator

Man United, Liverpool, Derby, Charlton, Sheff Wed, Cheltenham (23/1, Betfred)

Top treble

QPR, Watford, Huddersfield (8/1, Victor Chandler)

First goalscorer

Nani (8/1, bet365)

n Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com All odds subject to change