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Manchester United have lost just one Champions League home game in six-and-a-half years, so are understandably strong 1.11 favourites to beat Otelul Galati, who have started life in Europe's premier competition with three successive defeats.

There is consequently a temptation to paint this fixture as a replica of Chelsea's recent clash with Genk at Stamford Bridge, which finished 5-0 in their favour, however Red Devils routs in continental action are surprisingly rare.

Asian Handicap

Otelul Galati +2.5, which guarantees a payout so long as the hosts don't triumph by three or more goals, is likely to be available at around 1.92, and there is a fairly formidable case for taking this option.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have won only three of their last 36 Champions League matches by such a hefty margin, one of those on their travels and the two at Old Trafford in the knockout rounds, while the visitors have twice lost by one goal and once by two so far.

Carling Cup encounters against lower-league teams aside, Manchester United haven't overcome anyone by more than two goals in nine outings since tearing apart Bolton 5-0 in early September, and they haven't been at their best in Europe to date.

The 2-0 victory in Romania last time out was their first in this season's edition after draws with Benfica and Basel and consequently they are currently closer to third-placed Basel than table-topping Benfica.

Both teams to score

Don't be fooled into linking the suspicion that Manchester United won't have it all their own way with a low-scoring game. Instead, on the evidence of their recent European adventures, both clubs stand a good chance of getting on the scoresheet at 2.72.

The Reds haven't kept a continental clean sheet at Old Trafford in over a year and shipped three when welcoming Basel.

Best Bet: Otelul Galati +2.5 (Asian Handicap) @ 1.92
Other Recommended Bet: Both teams to score @ 2.72

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