I had wanted to post a preview of the Manchester derby, but work prevented me from doing so yesterday. After what happened last night, I simply had to write something.
I had wanted to write that I thought it would be a narrow one-goal win for Man United, simply because my gut was telling me that. And I had wanted to say it would come with or without Rooney. As it turned out I was right, and it happened with AND without Rooney. It doesn't make sense, I know, but look at it this way, Rooney played from the start but was substituted before Scholes' header found its mark.
The game itself was frustrating. I think both sides played OK, but lacked the sting to finish off their moves. Although Man City, I think, enjoyed the majority of possession, it was United, I think who had the better chances.
I'm not too sure on both counts, however, as I could only catch bits and pieces of the game while working. Needless to say, when that goal went in, I was shouting my lungs out. Don't think my colleagues (at least the non-United fans) appreciated that!
Having seen Spurs win their last match, another derby game, against Arsenal, I knew they could make it tough for Chelsea and grab at least a point, but after the Manchester derby, I knew the London derby would be even more significant.
Right after the United win, I told a colleague, one of the few Spurs fans I know, that his side would have added impetus to win. Winning a derby is always about pride, but with United having beaten City, Spurs would leapfrog the blue side of Manchester into fourth spot. That final qualifying spot for the Champions League next season is now Spurs' to lose, although I know they do have at least one more daunting match to play -- a trip to Old Trafford.
I managed to catch the second half of the Spurs-Chelsea game and, truth be told, the team in white could have slotted at least three more goals past Cech, if not for bad finishing. The biggest culprit had to be Pavlyuchenko, who missed at least two gilt-edged chances. The last minute counterattack which saw three Spurs players against one Chelsea defender and Cech should have, at the very least, tested the Chelsea goalie, but the final shot wasn't even on target!
Thankfully for the Spurs team and fans (and United and fans), they managed to still win. So all in all, it was a good weekend for United. Only one point separates the teams now, and this, hopefully, can be overhauled soon.
Let's hope it's a record fourth league title in a row and record 19th title overall.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Go on and prove them wrong, lads
Still no Wayne Rooney and 1-2 down from the first leg, but van Gaal insists United are still the favourites to progress to the next round at the expense of his Bayern team.
Was it just mind tricks when he said that? Or does he truly believe it to be so? Who knows, but in my mind, he's right.
That all-important away goal could be the one thing which separates the two sides at the end of today's (tomorrow's, for us) match. Then it will be MU as the only EPL team left in the Champions League.
Fergie has ruled Rooney out of the first 11, although the gaffer admitted his talismanic striker may just convince him of a place on the bench. So that leaves Berbatov to lead the attack again.
I wonder, however, what sort of formation Ferguson will use. The 4-5-1 (or 4-4-1-1) which he opted for against Chelsea, or a more conventional 4-4-2? If he goes 4-4-2, he'll bring in Macheda, but I doubt if he'll do that. My gut tells me he will go 4-4-1-1.
The only thing is, will he put Nani or Giggs in the hole behind Berba? I have to say he needs the big guns today, so put Nani and Valencia on the wings and Giggs behind Berba. The middle of the park should see Scholes and Fletcher reprise their roles, although Carrick may just be in for one of the two.
There's no real point in discussing the back line, although news from Old Trafford is that O'Shea is available again.
As for Bayern, Robben could be back but the main threat as I see it is Ribery. He's got some killer skills, the Frenchman. In the first leg, he was a constant threat. But I did notice that his crosses were just not working too well.
Taking everything into account, I think it will be United progressing to the semi finals. But then again, you guys may think I'm biased!
The old animal bones say: MU 1 Bayern 0
Was it just mind tricks when he said that? Or does he truly believe it to be so? Who knows, but in my mind, he's right.
That all-important away goal could be the one thing which separates the two sides at the end of today's (tomorrow's, for us) match. Then it will be MU as the only EPL team left in the Champions League.
Fergie has ruled Rooney out of the first 11, although the gaffer admitted his talismanic striker may just convince him of a place on the bench. So that leaves Berbatov to lead the attack again.
I wonder, however, what sort of formation Ferguson will use. The 4-5-1 (or 4-4-1-1) which he opted for against Chelsea, or a more conventional 4-4-2? If he goes 4-4-2, he'll bring in Macheda, but I doubt if he'll do that. My gut tells me he will go 4-4-1-1.
The only thing is, will he put Nani or Giggs in the hole behind Berba? I have to say he needs the big guns today, so put Nani and Valencia on the wings and Giggs behind Berba. The middle of the park should see Scholes and Fletcher reprise their roles, although Carrick may just be in for one of the two.
There's no real point in discussing the back line, although news from Old Trafford is that O'Shea is available again.
As for Bayern, Robben could be back but the main threat as I see it is Ribery. He's got some killer skills, the Frenchman. In the first leg, he was a constant threat. But I did notice that his crosses were just not working too well.
Taking everything into account, I think it will be United progressing to the semi finals. But then again, you guys may think I'm biased!
The old animal bones say: MU 1 Bayern 0
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Disappointing, to say the least
To be frank, both sides played half-baked football. A draw probably would have been a fair result, but if either team was to win, you would have to say Chelsea probably deserved it a little more.
It was a tale, I would say, of people going to sleep. First, the entire United defence were guilty of narcolepsy, it would seem, when they allowed Malouda to skip through and lay that pass on for Joe Cole's cheeky finish. Then, the referee's assistant went to sleep when he allowed Drogba to continue when he was quite clearly offside.
It can be argued that the referee and the assistant on the other side were also asleep when Macheda's goal was allowed to stand, as it was handball, but that was a situation which happened in a blink of an eye and I don't think either could have seen much. Then also there were the various appeals for penalties which they missed, at least two of which were legitimate claims.
What has me worried is that United players seem to have lost that ability to pass the ball smoothly, and this has left their game disjointed, so to speak. It seemed like in the last two games, at least, there was no flowing football, something that MU fans have come to expect. That Rooney is missing is not my major worry now, but the lack of a good passing game. Rooney not being there would not be such a problem if the passing game is there.
With the return leg against Bayern coming up, MU and Fergie better find some answers quick, or it will be the end of the road as far as the Champions League is concerned.
Come on you Red Devils! Show them what for!
It was a tale, I would say, of people going to sleep. First, the entire United defence were guilty of narcolepsy, it would seem, when they allowed Malouda to skip through and lay that pass on for Joe Cole's cheeky finish. Then, the referee's assistant went to sleep when he allowed Drogba to continue when he was quite clearly offside.
It can be argued that the referee and the assistant on the other side were also asleep when Macheda's goal was allowed to stand, as it was handball, but that was a situation which happened in a blink of an eye and I don't think either could have seen much. Then also there were the various appeals for penalties which they missed, at least two of which were legitimate claims.
What has me worried is that United players seem to have lost that ability to pass the ball smoothly, and this has left their game disjointed, so to speak. It seemed like in the last two games, at least, there was no flowing football, something that MU fans have come to expect. That Rooney is missing is not my major worry now, but the lack of a good passing game. Rooney not being there would not be such a problem if the passing game is there.
With the return leg against Bayern coming up, MU and Fergie better find some answers quick, or it will be the end of the road as far as the Champions League is concerned.
Come on you Red Devils! Show them what for!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Moment of truth
For the longest time now, I have been looking forward to this game knowing that this would be the clincher. I still believe it will be, but now my worst fear has been coupled with it.
I'm talking, of course, about the missing Mr Rooney. The man who seems to give his all, running from end to end, sliding in for every tackle, trying to stop goals as well as make them and score them.
England fans may be thankful that his injury is not as bad as first feared and that he will be available for the World Cup in June and July, barring any other injuries, but United fans will be cursing the loss of their talismanic striker at a time when the season is about to end. What more when the title is hanging in the balance, with just a point separating MU from Chelsea and Arsenal only a few more points behind.
Now Chelsea come to Old Trafford more rested than their opponents are, having been kicked out of the Champions League earlier, and on a high having scored 12 goals in their last two league games.
There is no doubt Rooney is an influential and inspirational player on the pitch. Whether his absence is felt will, however, rest on whether the rest of the team can step up and do the job without him.
Berbatov should step into the role Rooney currently occupies as lone striker up front. Fergie tends to use the formation I prefer seeing United play (4-4-2) when playing at home, but in this instance, with a Chelsea team seemingly rampant in front of goal, I think Sir Alex will opt for a 4-5-1 formation, or a derivative there of.
The fact that the only other first team strikers available to him are Diouf, who has yet to impress, and Macheda, who has only just returned from a long-term injury, will also play a part in the decision to go 4-5-1. I'm thinking he will play Giggs in the hole just behind Berbatov.
(You can argue that in this case, the formation will be 4-4-1-1, but I prefer calling it 4-5-1 since it's not a striker playing behind Berba.)
On the wings will likely be Nani and Valencia or Park, while the centre of the park will be marshalled, I believe, by Carrick and Fletcher.
If Fergie opts to play Nani behind Berba, then Valencia and Park will be flying down the wings, with Giggs waiting to come on if needed.
Of course, you never know until you see the starting line-up as you still have players like Scholes and Gibson knocking on the door and champing at the bits. Who knows? Maybe Sir Alex will decide to go ahead and play a 4-4-2 formation. I doubt it as Chelsea are a class team and even though they are away, Sir Alex will definitely show them a little respect and try to control the midfield instead. After all, we just need a draw to keep ahead of them.
Actually, that's where I'm heading with this. I think it will be a draw, although I'm hoping, of course, there will be three points for United at the end of the day.
So, the ol' crystal ball is a little cloudy on this one. It's either a draw, or a slim, extremely hard-fought one-goal win for MU.
I'm talking, of course, about the missing Mr Rooney. The man who seems to give his all, running from end to end, sliding in for every tackle, trying to stop goals as well as make them and score them.
England fans may be thankful that his injury is not as bad as first feared and that he will be available for the World Cup in June and July, barring any other injuries, but United fans will be cursing the loss of their talismanic striker at a time when the season is about to end. What more when the title is hanging in the balance, with just a point separating MU from Chelsea and Arsenal only a few more points behind.
Now Chelsea come to Old Trafford more rested than their opponents are, having been kicked out of the Champions League earlier, and on a high having scored 12 goals in their last two league games.
There is no doubt Rooney is an influential and inspirational player on the pitch. Whether his absence is felt will, however, rest on whether the rest of the team can step up and do the job without him.
Berbatov should step into the role Rooney currently occupies as lone striker up front. Fergie tends to use the formation I prefer seeing United play (4-4-2) when playing at home, but in this instance, with a Chelsea team seemingly rampant in front of goal, I think Sir Alex will opt for a 4-5-1 formation, or a derivative there of.
The fact that the only other first team strikers available to him are Diouf, who has yet to impress, and Macheda, who has only just returned from a long-term injury, will also play a part in the decision to go 4-5-1. I'm thinking he will play Giggs in the hole just behind Berbatov.
(You can argue that in this case, the formation will be 4-4-1-1, but I prefer calling it 4-5-1 since it's not a striker playing behind Berba.)
On the wings will likely be Nani and Valencia or Park, while the centre of the park will be marshalled, I believe, by Carrick and Fletcher.
If Fergie opts to play Nani behind Berba, then Valencia and Park will be flying down the wings, with Giggs waiting to come on if needed.
Of course, you never know until you see the starting line-up as you still have players like Scholes and Gibson knocking on the door and champing at the bits. Who knows? Maybe Sir Alex will decide to go ahead and play a 4-4-2 formation. I doubt it as Chelsea are a class team and even though they are away, Sir Alex will definitely show them a little respect and try to control the midfield instead. After all, we just need a draw to keep ahead of them.
Actually, that's where I'm heading with this. I think it will be a draw, although I'm hoping, of course, there will be three points for United at the end of the day.
So, the ol' crystal ball is a little cloudy on this one. It's either a draw, or a slim, extremely hard-fought one-goal win for MU.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Clash of the Red Titans
So much has happened since I last blogged. I've really been super busy so I didn't get the time to write or even visit my own blog.
But all that's in the past. Let's look forward instead.
Bring on the Germans
The CL draw seems to have put MU in the easier half of the table, but all is not as rosy as it seems. First of all, we have Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. Not the easiest of opponents for sure. Still, with the form Rooney is in, I think we can squeeze past them.
The reason why some people may think this is the easier half is because of the opponents MU will face in the semifinals. An all-French quarterfinals between Bordeaux and Lyon will see the victor earn the right to fight for a place in the finals with either MU or Munich. These two French teams are not chicken feed. Lyon knocked out Spanish giants Real Madrid and both are enjoying good form in their domestic league, especially at home.
Back to the Q-finals though. I think the match which will be most enticing will be the Arsenal-Barcelona bout. This is one game I don't want to miss.
So, will it be an all English final? We'll just have to wait and see.
And now, the main feature
MU entertain Liverpool on Sunday in what is an important game for both clubs. I'm sure I don't have to go into the why of it all.
The good news is that Giggs is back. I want him in the starting lineup. Of course, the other one I want to see and barring any mishaps, should see, is Rooney.
Other than that, I think we'll see VDS in goal, Rio and Vidic partnering each other again in what is a rare occurrence this season, Evra at leftback and possibly Neville at rightback.
I think Fergie will go for a five man midfield with Park and Nani on the wings and Giggs, Fletcher and either Scholes or Carrick in the middle.
Hargreaves may have made his comeback in a reserve game against Burnley recently, but don't bet on him being part of the squad this Sunday.
One of the big questions of the night will be whether Vidic can end the game on the pitch. Having been sent off in the last three encounters with Liverpool, all of which were won by the Merseysiders, let's hope Vidic can do better this time around.
Whatever the outcome, expect a fiery game with lots of tackles flying in and emotions running high, as all past games have proven to be just this. I always look forward to MU-Liverpool matches and this one is no exception.
My crystal ball says: MU by a one-goal margin and Vidic to finally stay the course
But all that's in the past. Let's look forward instead.
Bring on the Germans
The CL draw seems to have put MU in the easier half of the table, but all is not as rosy as it seems. First of all, we have Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. Not the easiest of opponents for sure. Still, with the form Rooney is in, I think we can squeeze past them.
The reason why some people may think this is the easier half is because of the opponents MU will face in the semifinals. An all-French quarterfinals between Bordeaux and Lyon will see the victor earn the right to fight for a place in the finals with either MU or Munich. These two French teams are not chicken feed. Lyon knocked out Spanish giants Real Madrid and both are enjoying good form in their domestic league, especially at home.
Back to the Q-finals though. I think the match which will be most enticing will be the Arsenal-Barcelona bout. This is one game I don't want to miss.
So, will it be an all English final? We'll just have to wait and see.
And now, the main feature
MU entertain Liverpool on Sunday in what is an important game for both clubs. I'm sure I don't have to go into the why of it all.
The good news is that Giggs is back. I want him in the starting lineup. Of course, the other one I want to see and barring any mishaps, should see, is Rooney.
Other than that, I think we'll see VDS in goal, Rio and Vidic partnering each other again in what is a rare occurrence this season, Evra at leftback and possibly Neville at rightback.
I think Fergie will go for a five man midfield with Park and Nani on the wings and Giggs, Fletcher and either Scholes or Carrick in the middle.
Hargreaves may have made his comeback in a reserve game against Burnley recently, but don't bet on him being part of the squad this Sunday.
One of the big questions of the night will be whether Vidic can end the game on the pitch. Having been sent off in the last three encounters with Liverpool, all of which were won by the Merseysiders, let's hope Vidic can do better this time around.
Whatever the outcome, expect a fiery game with lots of tackles flying in and emotions running high, as all past games have proven to be just this. I always look forward to MU-Liverpool matches and this one is no exception.
My crystal ball says: MU by a one-goal margin and Vidic to finally stay the course
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Goodbye Owen, Hello Owen
Michael Owen will be out for the rest of the season, but Owen Hargreaves is now well on the comeback trail. The midfielder will be playing a reserves team match.
While Owen will definitely have no part to play in United's trip to meet Wolves, it remains to be seen whether Hargreaves will be included in the squad. I highly doubt it, but even if he is, I don't expect him to play.
Sir Alex and MU will be looking to take advantage of the fact that Chelsea does not feature in a EPL match this weekend (they play in the FA Cup) to go two points clear at the top of the table. While Chelsea will have a game in hand after the weekend, MU being ahead would be seen as a psychological advantage at the very least.
It was indeed a relief when Man City beat Chelsea last week, allowing United to stay a point behind following that horrible loss to Everton. No matter who plays this weekend, I expect a United win. Anything else would be disastrous.
Crystal Ball says: Wolves 0 MU 3
While Owen will definitely have no part to play in United's trip to meet Wolves, it remains to be seen whether Hargreaves will be included in the squad. I highly doubt it, but even if he is, I don't expect him to play.
Sir Alex and MU will be looking to take advantage of the fact that Chelsea does not feature in a EPL match this weekend (they play in the FA Cup) to go two points clear at the top of the table. While Chelsea will have a game in hand after the weekend, MU being ahead would be seen as a psychological advantage at the very least.
It was indeed a relief when Man City beat Chelsea last week, allowing United to stay a point behind following that horrible loss to Everton. No matter who plays this weekend, I expect a United win. Anything else would be disastrous.
Crystal Ball says: Wolves 0 MU 3
Saturday, February 27, 2010
An interesting weekend
This will surely be that!
Man United fans may be looking forward to the Carling Cup final tomorrow, but their eyes, no doubt, will be glued to the idiot box for today's early game. Man City travel to London for a showdown with Chelsea and MU fans will definitely be cheering their City rivals on.
Having won their midweek game against West Ham, United will be hoping City can at least take a point off Chelsea so the Londoners remain within sight. Better yet if City can beat Chelsea. It will be no easy task, as Chelsea have won all their games, bar one, at Stamford Bridge this year. The one game in which they did slip up was a draw so they have yet to lose at home.
With Adebayor suspended, MU fans will be hoping old boy Tevez will do them a favour and smash a few goals past Hilario, who will deputise for Cech, who is out injured for about a month, in the Chelsea goal.
New money Man City visiting Stamford Bridge would be enough to grab headlines in itself, but the focus of the newspaper articles so far has been on a different issue altogether: the match-up between Terry and old-pal-turned-enemy Bridge.
Though both are defenders, they will occasionally meet up during Bridge's forays down the flank or Terry's jaunts into the City penalty area during freekicks and corners. It will be interesting to see how the two react to each other on the pitch. Or will their managers tell them to stay as far away from each other as possible, unless absolutely necessary? Will things come to blows?
Whose silverware will it be?
Come Sunday, Wembley will see two good teams with two good managers going head-to-head. The might of the league's top scoring team taking on the league's meanest defence.
This is Villa's first title match in over a decade and their fans will be hoping for some glory at last. Actually, history is on Villa's side as United have never won back-to-back league cups (whatever they are called at the time).
They are coming up against a team, however, that has a certain man in a rich vein of form at present. A certain Mr Wayne Rooney. There's a report out that Ferguson is considering leaving Rooney out of the match to give him a rest and leave him for the important Champions League and EPL matches which are coming up, but somehow I don't think that is going to happen.
Players definitely out of the final, however, are Ferdinand, Giggs, Anderson and O'Shea, all through injury. Van der Sar should be back between the sticks after Fergie decided to give Foster a run-out against the Hammers in mid-week. Vidic is back, which is great. I think he'd probably have Evans as his sidekick, although I think the young lad has not been playing to par over the last few games. Having said that, however, I have to say I don't know how he performed against West Ham. Leftback should be Evra, of course. As for the opposite side of the field, I hope it's either Wes Brown or, preferably, Rafael.
I don't know what sort of midfield formation Ferguson's going to adopt, but I think Fletcher deserves a place in the squad. If Fergie opts for a five-man midfield, then the centre should also include Carrick and Scholes or Gibson. On the flanks, Nani and Park are the most likely contenders, although Fergie may opt for Valencia in place of either one of them.
Lone man upfront, of course, should be Rooney, and if he gets a partner, it will obviously be Berbatov.
Whatever it is, I'm looking forward to a good game and a good weekend. Here's hoping MU can break that jinx and win a Carling Cup for the second year on the trot. Make that trophy case groan even more boys!
My prediction: a hard-fought 2-1 win for the Devils!
Man United fans may be looking forward to the Carling Cup final tomorrow, but their eyes, no doubt, will be glued to the idiot box for today's early game. Man City travel to London for a showdown with Chelsea and MU fans will definitely be cheering their City rivals on.
Having won their midweek game against West Ham, United will be hoping City can at least take a point off Chelsea so the Londoners remain within sight. Better yet if City can beat Chelsea. It will be no easy task, as Chelsea have won all their games, bar one, at Stamford Bridge this year. The one game in which they did slip up was a draw so they have yet to lose at home.
With Adebayor suspended, MU fans will be hoping old boy Tevez will do them a favour and smash a few goals past Hilario, who will deputise for Cech, who is out injured for about a month, in the Chelsea goal.
New money Man City visiting Stamford Bridge would be enough to grab headlines in itself, but the focus of the newspaper articles so far has been on a different issue altogether: the match-up between Terry and old-pal-turned-enemy Bridge.
Though both are defenders, they will occasionally meet up during Bridge's forays down the flank or Terry's jaunts into the City penalty area during freekicks and corners. It will be interesting to see how the two react to each other on the pitch. Or will their managers tell them to stay as far away from each other as possible, unless absolutely necessary? Will things come to blows?
Whose silverware will it be?
Come Sunday, Wembley will see two good teams with two good managers going head-to-head. The might of the league's top scoring team taking on the league's meanest defence.
This is Villa's first title match in over a decade and their fans will be hoping for some glory at last. Actually, history is on Villa's side as United have never won back-to-back league cups (whatever they are called at the time).
They are coming up against a team, however, that has a certain man in a rich vein of form at present. A certain Mr Wayne Rooney. There's a report out that Ferguson is considering leaving Rooney out of the match to give him a rest and leave him for the important Champions League and EPL matches which are coming up, but somehow I don't think that is going to happen.
Players definitely out of the final, however, are Ferdinand, Giggs, Anderson and O'Shea, all through injury. Van der Sar should be back between the sticks after Fergie decided to give Foster a run-out against the Hammers in mid-week. Vidic is back, which is great. I think he'd probably have Evans as his sidekick, although I think the young lad has not been playing to par over the last few games. Having said that, however, I have to say I don't know how he performed against West Ham. Leftback should be Evra, of course. As for the opposite side of the field, I hope it's either Wes Brown or, preferably, Rafael.
I don't know what sort of midfield formation Ferguson's going to adopt, but I think Fletcher deserves a place in the squad. If Fergie opts for a five-man midfield, then the centre should also include Carrick and Scholes or Gibson. On the flanks, Nani and Park are the most likely contenders, although Fergie may opt for Valencia in place of either one of them.
Lone man upfront, of course, should be Rooney, and if he gets a partner, it will obviously be Berbatov.
Whatever it is, I'm looking forward to a good game and a good weekend. Here's hoping MU can break that jinx and win a Carling Cup for the second year on the trot. Make that trophy case groan even more boys!
My prediction: a hard-fought 2-1 win for the Devils!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Clearly second best
Pathetic! Absolutely pathetic!
That was indeed a horrendous display by United. Kudos to Moyes and the Toffees for making MU look like a bunch of schoolboys on the pitch.
To be fair, the side looked like they were in control at the start of the game. In fact, there should have been a few goals before Berbatov scored, such was the way they were attacking. But once Everton scored the equaliser (and what a goal that was), United looked out of sorts.
They came out looking and playing better at the start of the second half, but then lapsed into a horrible game again, with Berba and Rooney ineffective up front. Rooney, in fact, really looked like he left his shooting (and passing) boots at home.
Can't bring myself to say anything more except: Good job Everton.
That was indeed a horrendous display by United. Kudos to Moyes and the Toffees for making MU look like a bunch of schoolboys on the pitch.
To be fair, the side looked like they were in control at the start of the game. In fact, there should have been a few goals before Berbatov scored, such was the way they were attacking. But once Everton scored the equaliser (and what a goal that was), United looked out of sorts.
They came out looking and playing better at the start of the second half, but then lapsed into a horrible game again, with Berba and Rooney ineffective up front. Rooney, in fact, really looked like he left his shooting (and passing) boots at home.
Can't bring myself to say anything more except: Good job Everton.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Keeping up the pressure
Man United travel to Goodison Park this weekend for what promises to be a hot reception for Everton old boy Wayne Rooney.
Rooney may be England's darling at the moment, but Evertonians are not likely to greet him with much enthusiasm, to put it mildly. He may have left them years ago, but the Everton fans are still not liking it one bit.
Rooney may have been a top player even as a young lad with Everton, but there is no denying he has improved tremendously as a Red Devil. Look to him again to be among the scorers. After all, he tends to cherish a fight when the chips are down, and the ribbing he is sure to get from Everton fans is sure to fire him up.
Nani and Ferdinand are both suspended, while Giggs is still out with a broken arm, but the good news is that Vidic is available to play his first game of 2010. Nani's replacement is likely to be Valencia, who proved just what a good wide man he can be against AC Milan, setting up the second goal for, who else, Rooney.
Anderson is also in the running for a shot at the first team. After spending some time on the sidelines for going AWOL a short while back, Ando is expected to be in the squad for the trip to the blue half of Liverpool, or so the news coming out of Old Trafford seem to indicate. Not sure I want him in the team, though, since I think Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Gibson and Park have been doing a fine job.
I expect Fergie to employ a five-man midfield again, with Park and Valencia playing wide and Rooney, of course, being the lone striker. The middle of the field, however, is anyone's guess although I would probably go for Scholes, Fletcher and Carrick, with young Gibson on the bench.
The backline seems to change in every game so it's anyone's guess who will be on the pitch at the start of festivities, although one player who will feature for sure would be Evra.
Everton will definitely pose a problem. They are strong at home and David Moyes is a shrewd manager. After all, he is one of Fergie's favourites, and that says a lot.
MU old hand Saha is always a handful. I always did like him, but couldn't stand the fact that he was injured so often. Arteta, if he plays, will be another one to watch, as will Pienaar, who has been playing really well of late.
Missing from the lineup will be two of the more dangerous players, he of the wild hair, Fellaini, and more importantly, Cahill. The latter came away injured from the Toffees' Europa League match against Sporting Lisbon and is expected to be out for three weeks.
I still fancy another win for United, which will see them leapfrog over Chelsea, even if only for two hours or so. Chelsea are away to Wolves and I don't see them dropping points there, although you never can quite tell these days.
Whatever it is, United need to keep up the pressure on Chelsea so they will definitely be going for a win here. What am I saying? Does MU ever not go for a win?
The tarot cards say: Everton 1 MU 3
Rooney may be England's darling at the moment, but Evertonians are not likely to greet him with much enthusiasm, to put it mildly. He may have left them years ago, but the Everton fans are still not liking it one bit.
Rooney may have been a top player even as a young lad with Everton, but there is no denying he has improved tremendously as a Red Devil. Look to him again to be among the scorers. After all, he tends to cherish a fight when the chips are down, and the ribbing he is sure to get from Everton fans is sure to fire him up.
Nani and Ferdinand are both suspended, while Giggs is still out with a broken arm, but the good news is that Vidic is available to play his first game of 2010. Nani's replacement is likely to be Valencia, who proved just what a good wide man he can be against AC Milan, setting up the second goal for, who else, Rooney.
Anderson is also in the running for a shot at the first team. After spending some time on the sidelines for going AWOL a short while back, Ando is expected to be in the squad for the trip to the blue half of Liverpool, or so the news coming out of Old Trafford seem to indicate. Not sure I want him in the team, though, since I think Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Gibson and Park have been doing a fine job.
I expect Fergie to employ a five-man midfield again, with Park and Valencia playing wide and Rooney, of course, being the lone striker. The middle of the field, however, is anyone's guess although I would probably go for Scholes, Fletcher and Carrick, with young Gibson on the bench.
The backline seems to change in every game so it's anyone's guess who will be on the pitch at the start of festivities, although one player who will feature for sure would be Evra.
Everton will definitely pose a problem. They are strong at home and David Moyes is a shrewd manager. After all, he is one of Fergie's favourites, and that says a lot.
MU old hand Saha is always a handful. I always did like him, but couldn't stand the fact that he was injured so often. Arteta, if he plays, will be another one to watch, as will Pienaar, who has been playing really well of late.
Missing from the lineup will be two of the more dangerous players, he of the wild hair, Fellaini, and more importantly, Cahill. The latter came away injured from the Toffees' Europa League match against Sporting Lisbon and is expected to be out for three weeks.
I still fancy another win for United, which will see them leapfrog over Chelsea, even if only for two hours or so. Chelsea are away to Wolves and I don't see them dropping points there, although you never can quite tell these days.
Whatever it is, United need to keep up the pressure on Chelsea so they will definitely be going for a win here. What am I saying? Does MU ever not go for a win?
The tarot cards say: Everton 1 MU 3
Monday, February 15, 2010
Back to Europe
It's been a while since I last blogged. Been super busy, so have not been able to get things done here.
But since the San Siro beckons, and not much is happening in the office, I simply have to blog today, or kill myself!
A mouth-watering European tie is at hand, and with United having a pretty good run of late, it should live up to billing. MU's last five games have seen them win four times and draw once, while Milan are not exactly on a purple patch, winning only once, drawing twice and losing twice.
But Milan is a formidable side at home. At the San Siro, their last five games have seen three wins, a draw and a loss. MU's away record in the last five have seen them win only twice and lost once. That loss came in the first leg of the Carling Cup at the City of Manchester Stadium.
History in the Champions League, however, shows that Milan will have the advantage. In the two games the two giants have played there, the Italian side has come out tops both times, winning 3-0 in 2007 and 1-0 two years earlier.
Based on current form, you would think MU have a slight advantage, but I don't think this will count for much. San Siro is a place no one travels to thinking they'll come away with a sure win. No doubt Rooney and Co will try their very best to scalp Milan on their own ground, but I sense this will be a very tight game.
The bones say: Milan 1 MU 1
UPDATE FEB 16, 9.25PM
Giggs has been left out of the squad to Milan due to the broken arm he sustained in the game against Aston Villa, as has Vidic who is still suffering from that nerve problem in his leg.
Anderson has also been left out of the squad, albeit for a different reason. Reports from England say "he has yet to prove his worth since going AWOL last month". Anderson went AWOL? When? Why? How come I didn't know this? Oh well!!
Anyway, we have lots of cover for both Vidic, Giggs and Ando. Ferdinand and Nani may be suspended in the EPL, but they are available for the CL match!
Meanwhile, former France captain Marcel Desailly has tipped MU to beat Milan. His reasoning: United want revenge after the disappointment of last season's loss to Barcelona, and that the MU players have more experience playing in the top echelon of Europe than the Milan players!
But since the San Siro beckons, and not much is happening in the office, I simply have to blog today, or kill myself!
A mouth-watering European tie is at hand, and with United having a pretty good run of late, it should live up to billing. MU's last five games have seen them win four times and draw once, while Milan are not exactly on a purple patch, winning only once, drawing twice and losing twice.
But Milan is a formidable side at home. At the San Siro, their last five games have seen three wins, a draw and a loss. MU's away record in the last five have seen them win only twice and lost once. That loss came in the first leg of the Carling Cup at the City of Manchester Stadium.
History in the Champions League, however, shows that Milan will have the advantage. In the two games the two giants have played there, the Italian side has come out tops both times, winning 3-0 in 2007 and 1-0 two years earlier.
Based on current form, you would think MU have a slight advantage, but I don't think this will count for much. San Siro is a place no one travels to thinking they'll come away with a sure win. No doubt Rooney and Co will try their very best to scalp Milan on their own ground, but I sense this will be a very tight game.
The bones say: Milan 1 MU 1
UPDATE FEB 16, 9.25PM
Giggs has been left out of the squad to Milan due to the broken arm he sustained in the game against Aston Villa, as has Vidic who is still suffering from that nerve problem in his leg.
Anderson has also been left out of the squad, albeit for a different reason. Reports from England say "he has yet to prove his worth since going AWOL last month". Anderson went AWOL? When? Why? How come I didn't know this? Oh well!!
Anyway, we have lots of cover for both Vidic, Giggs and Ando. Ferdinand and Nani may be suspended in the EPL, but they are available for the CL match!
Meanwhile, former France captain Marcel Desailly has tipped MU to beat Milan. His reasoning: United want revenge after the disappointment of last season's loss to Barcelona, and that the MU players have more experience playing in the top echelon of Europe than the Milan players!
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