Weekend Outlook (18 Oct 2008)

Manchester United vs West Bromwich Albion

"...Something must have been tweaked in the tactical books as we have seen back-to-back games where ManUtd dominated possession with 60% or more...."

- JayWalk, 18 Oct 2008

A big welcome back from the World Cup Qualifiers as we resume our domestic fixtures proper.

A fortnight ago, we beat Blackburn comfortably to stay 11 points from 6 games. The very same position that we had last season before we went on to win the Premier League.

Something must have been tweaked in the tactical books as we have seen back-to-back games where ManUtd dominated possession with 60% or more. Followers of my stats would have noticed that ManUtd are perennial strugglers as far as possession is concerned, unless of course it is a very one-sided match.

Fortunately, what we lack of in terms of quantity, we always make it up with quality as many a time, despite average numbers in the possession percentages, we ended up doubling or tripling the opposition's Shots Attempted as well as Shots On-Goal.

Our game against Ince's boys was the best of both world as we held 62% possession and doubled their shots, both attempted and on-goal

Looking a little beyond and we see ourselves hosting Glasgow Celtic at Old Trafford this coming Tuesday which is why we ended up playing on Saturdays while the most of the clubs in Serie A and La Liga have Sunday fixtures. Hence clubs like Barcelona, AS Roma and Inter Milan would be able to enjoy an extra day of rest before their respective domestic commitments on Sunday as well as their subsequent ECL games on Wednesday.

JayWalk The Talk: Usually, this section is devoted to who is available for the Starting Lineup and who is not. Availability is usually dictated by injuries or suspensions. This time however, I will start with those whom I think will be affected by traveling fatigue and worse for those who have to travel through multiple timezones.

Here's the list from the ManUtd side. Ronaldo, Nani, Rooney, Brown, Ferdinand, Berbatov, O'Shea, Vidic, van dar Sar, Andersen, Park, Evra and Fletcher.

Here's the list from WBA side. Carson, Koren and Morrison.

See the contrast?

Do not underestimate the seriousness of travel fatigue as it significantly decreases one's sharpness. A goal could easily be a result of a lapse of concentration in the blink of an eye.

On the sick bay side, Hargreaves, Carrick and Scholes are out leaving a big gap in the middle for us. Giggs is sure to start at the midfield and I think Tevez, alongside with Rooney, may start up front for ManUtd given then he didn't play for Argentina despite traveling with them.

As for WBA, Kim, Teixeira, Clement and Meite are not available for selection today.

JayWalk The Walk: Handicap odds for ManUtd is Give 2.00 ball at 2.06 decimal odds. On any other given day, I would have taken it but considering the fact that we are faced with injuries concentrated in the vital midfield position as well as a shit load of players coming back from international duty as compared to WBA who would be much fresher with 2 weeks of rest, it doesn't look like a very attractive bet.

2-ball handicap is too rich for my blood. This is a very good opportunity for the lesser clubs to beat their stronger opponents on the ground that lesser clubs have less international players and hence, more rest.

The Punter's Pot seems to agree with my view as current bets on ManUtd to beat WBA is only at 69%.

Punters be warned. Stronger clubs that are made to give handicap above 1.00 ball reeks of bookie trap to me.

On a side note: Rumour has it that Spurs may yet again fail to take 3 points this weekend and perhaps it's Vamos! Ramos!

Disclaimer: The above views are purely my own two-cents' worth. In other words, I cannot and will not guarantee that my predictions are accurate. If you want to bet on the game, do so at your own risk. Also, please bet responsibly and within your means regardless of how "sure thing" that game may appear to be. As the old saying goes, "The Ball Is Round". Good luck.