Weekend Outlook (01 Mar 2009)

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

"...It's really hard to guess the lineup when you know for sure that the manager doesn't take the League Cup seriously..."

- JayWalk, 01 Mar 2009

Despite finishing with a goal-less draw at mid-week, I think it was nevertheless a good result. Only pity was that we didn't score any away-goals which essentially passed that particular advantage over to the Nerazzurri.

The game was pretty even for both sides and our defence deserves special mention for the Italians couldn't find a way even remotely near the goal.

0-0 is a dangerous result to bring home coz it may all be over as long as the opposition scores a goal on our own turf. However, given how well we managed to lock down the defence, I don't see how Inter-Milan is going to beat us on our own soil. They had the chance to put us away at San Siro but they didn't. Time to make them pay for it.

JayWalk The Talk: It's really hard to guess the lineup when you know for sure that the manager doesn't take the League Cup seriously.

On one hand, we are on course for the domestic Grand Slam of Charity Shield, League Cup, FA Cup and of course the all important EPL title.

On the other hand, it is hard to justify committing the A-Team and risk them running out of steam when we take on Newcastle the following mid-week.

But one thing is for sure. Brown, Rafael and Evans are out. Van der Sar is not featured in this tournament which means our No.2 or No.3 keeper will be playing this final. Most likely Fosters since Kuszczak's form has been terrible of late.

I think the team line-up will be a half-and-half configuration with the senior players flanked by the juniors. So I think we should see Vidic, Ferdinand, Giggs, Rooney and Neville leading their juniors unto the Wembley pitch.

The rest of the A-Team should fill the substitutes' bench as a precaution.

Knowing that Fergie is not going to put 100% into the game, Redknapp would be most unfortunate not to capitalise on that. Keane, Cudicini, Chimbonda and Palacios are all cup-tied while Defoe and O'Hara are both injured.

Bummer for Harry.

JayWalk The Walk: ManUtd has to give a 0.75-ball handicap but a slightly daunting 2.00 decimal odds to beat it. In English, it means that the bookies are deciding if ManUtd will win by 1 goal or 2.

In other words, ManUtd to win.

It is kinda ironic for Spurs to throw the UEFA Cup tournament just so that they can concentrate on this cup final which will book them a place in next year's UEFA Cup tournament.

The way I see it, Spurs is going to Europe regardless of today's result. ManUtd is a definite shoo-in for the ECL next year which leave the UEFA Cup spot by virtue of winning the League Cup to the runner-up. Only question is if Spurs will be playing the UEFA Cup as a Premiership team or a Championship team?

Verdict? I agree with the bookies' number where the result will be a win in favour of ManUtd. Just a question of 1-goal or 2-goal margin. I say 1-goal margin as ManUtd will want to wrap this up quick and go back to rest ahead of the Newcastle game.

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.