Weekend Outlook (19 Apr 2009)

Manchester United vs Everton

"...If there is one word to describe ManUtd now and it probably would be 'grit'...."

- JayWalk, 19 Apr 2009

If there is one word to describe ManUtd now and it probably would be "grit".

We were in trouble a week ago letting two precious away goals into our own net, leaving us with no choice but only a win in the return if we wish to continue this campaign.

Something of a colossal task considering no English club has ever won on Porto's home soil.

Guess what? We did exactly that.

Granted they were the more aggressive side, we had more possession and put that 1 ball into the net where it counts.

1-0.

We made Porto history and we are through to the semi-finals.

Looking ahead, we have two league games following today's FA Cup semi-finals against Everton.

Time to make that ultimate sacrifice perhaps? To me it is pure naive to dream of chasing the Quintuple. It reeks of pure arrogance and especially disrespect for the smaller clubs who are no less formidable.

Had this been Scotland then yes, maybe. But certainly not England where the lowliest club in the league table can wipe you on the floor when you are not careful. Just ask Liverpool about Bradford City.

JayWalk The Talk: So anyway, Fergie has openly declared a second team for today resting Van dar Sar, Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs, Carrick and even Berbatov, although the striker may be slotted in later to get a bit of match fitness.

Still, we are still pretty strong with Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand and Vidic remain in the back room and Tevez up front and possibly with Rooney and Berbatov sharing the other striker spot. I don't think Federico "Of The Month" Macheda will be featuring as much as we would love to. The middle should be the familiar second-team of Park, Nani, and Anderson.

On the Everton end, they are slightly lacking in fire power with Jo cup tied with Yobo and Vaughan just back from injuries.

JayWalk The Walk: Bookies are thinking of a ManUtd win as the Red Devils are traditionally very strong in the semi-finals. Somehow the gods always smile on them at this stage. So for them, it's always exit before the Quarter-Finals or exit at the Finals either as winners or runner-up. Just never at Semi-Finals stage.

The handicap of 0.75-ball at 2.05 to beat it is indicative of a slim Red Devil win but high risk possibility of a draw. However the punter public seem to see otherwise with the wager pot at 80% in favour of ManUtd booking their ticket to Wembley in 90 minutes.

I say give Moyes the due respect as one of the up and coming great managers like Fergie endorsed him.

It will be a hard earned 1-0 victory as we win the half pot at the final whistle.

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.