Sunday, August 14, 2011

Happy days are here again, finally!

Finally, the season has kicked off!


So we've had to wait an extra day, but at least we had the benefit of an awesome Community Shield match to warm us up.


So who is going to make the cut for the starting 11 this time around? I don't think there's any doubt about a certain Mr Rooney starting the course. The question is, will he have a strike partner? I think he will this time. Hernandez is still being rested, so Berbatov, last season's top scorer, will surely be on the pitch. I don't think young Wellbeck or Owen will be starting.


Sir Alex will want to start with a win, especially with both Liverpool and Arsenal starting with a whimper and a point each, Man City set to play only on Monday and Spurs' opening match postponed. So, expect the really in-form Nani to start as well. On the opposite wing will likely be Young, who I thought was an excellent buy, if a little overpriced.


In keeping with wanting to collect all three points and beginning the title defence with a bang, Fergie will likely opt for an experienced midfield, so young Cleverley, who has so far impressed in pre-season, and last season playing on loan, will likely be warming the bench. So expect to see in central midfield a pairing comprising two of these three players: Ando, Giggs and Carrick.


Evra is still nursing an injury so either Fabio or Evans will be at leftback while the opposite side should see either Rafael or Smalling, who has proven he can play there as well.

Young Jones, it is most likely, will not be starting the match as the experienced pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand should keep the boss' faith.


As for the goalkeeper, expect to see De Gea keep his spot even though he was not too impressive between the sticks in the Shield match.


Outcome? Two goals for the Red Devils, without reply.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Here we go again!

So the Community Shield is upon us and we take on Man City in what should be a cracker, even for a charity match.

No clash between the Manchester teams has ever been anything but, so expect both sides to come out firing. With City strengthening their side, especially with the purchase of Aguero, it should be a tight match.

United has also strengthened their side, notably the purchases of Young and De Gea. The only thing missing is a midfielder the likes of Sneijder. I think he's the best midfielder of the sort United need, so I hope he does come.

Won't be commenting too much about the match, as I just want to sit back and relax for now. All I want to do today is predict the end result as well as put in my top six placings for the season.

Community Shield result: Man United 2 Man City 1

Top six placings: Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs