Bodog Beat

Rio Ferdinand and Manchester United have the lead heading into the next match against Arsenal. (AP Images)

Sir Alex Ferguson called it a perfect result. Close enough: Manchester United beat Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of last week’s Champions League semifinal at Old Trafford. Now Ferguson’s Red Devils can advance to the final in Rome with either a draw or a win this Tuesday afternoon (2:45 p.m. Eastern) at Emirates Stadium.

At press time, the same +155 price tag was applied to away United and home Arsenal, with the draw pegged at +230. The draw (after 90 minutes plus injury time) would be the classic value play in this situation. The two teams are equally valued, and Ferguson is motivated by the score from the first leg to go into something of a defensive shell – the word “counterattack” is being thrown about in the press. Center back Rio Ferdinand’s return to the lineup gives United (and the draw) that much more power at the pay window.

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