Weekend Outlook (26 Apr 2009)

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

"...Arsenal, a club which Giggs is particularly apt at taking them apart...."

- JayWalk, 26 Apr 2009

They have 5 while we have 6 games to go and 3 points ahead. Looks like we are heading for the record tying of 18 league titles.

Still, we are always known to be shooting ourselves in the foot just before crossing the finishing line. There has been several scares in the past but so far other then the Leeds and Blackburn fumbles there isn't many.

Last game against Portsmouth was good. Looking at the statistics, they never had a chance against us. Pompey without Redknapp just isn't the same anymore.

Portsmouth are dumb to let Redknapp slipped away after the manager has done so much for them.

Looking ahead, we will be facing two consecutive London clubs at home. Spurs today and then Arsenal for the 1st leg of the ECL semi-finals. It's not going to be easy although mathematically speaking, we only need 13 points from the last 6 games to clinch the title, a rate that hardly poses any problems for us given our past records.

JayWalk The Talk: Everybody is talking about it. The problem we are having with our right back. Neville is out of actions again and so we probably have Rafael, Brown and possibly O'Shea covering that area.

Everybody is anticipating a standing ovation for Giggs as he makes his 800th appearance for ManUtd. I doubt Fergie will let him run unto the pitch today for I think the Gaffer will rest him against Arsenal, a club which Giggs is particularly apt at taking them apart.

Anyone remember the 1999 FA Cup Semi-Final where Giggs ran past 5 Gunners to score? See it here!

JayWalk The Walk: On paper, we are going take 3 points from this game, given that Spurs really suck monkey balls whenever they are at Old Trafford. Bookies says ManUtd has 1.875 decimal odds to beat the 1-ball handicap and punters' wagers are 62% on ManUtd to win by more than 1 goal.

The theory is that ManUtd will win coz if:

1. Liverpool wins today, we will be fired up to restore our lead by winning hours after.
   
   or
   
   
2. Liverpool screws up today, we will be fired up to take advantage of this opportunity to pull further away and sew up the title earlier than expected. If Liverpool draws and we win, then we only need 7 points from our last 5 games to lift the trophy. Sound too easy isn't it?
   

Personally, I don't have a good feeling about this game as I think the game thereafter against Arsenal is going to distract us lots, given Fergie's obsession with the ECL.

Do not underestimate the genius of Redknapp, one of the managers that Fergie has come to respect as a formidable opponent.

I think this game will end up in a draw and the title race heats up to attract more TV ratings which essentially translates to more money.

Them greedy corporate bastards.

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.