Weekend Outlook (16 May 2009)

Manchester United vs Arsenal

"...Tell me. How not to win the EPL like that?..."

- JayWalk, 16 May 2009

One point is all we need to call curtains on this season's English Premier League.

Wigan never had a chance against us as we dominated their pitch in every department. This is hardly surprising considering that fact that they have already started their summer vacation with nothing more to play for.

Liverpool has the slight advantage of playing a day later which may end up meaningless if we clinch the title today.

Even if we lose today, we may still be able to clinch the title when Liverpool travels to West Bromwich Albion. Despite being in last place in the league table, West Brom are not dead in the water yet as the 17th spot is a mere 3 points away. So expect them to put up a good fight for the points against Liverpool. Bradford has done the great escape against Liverpool in 2000. Perhaps West Brom this time?

Premier league officials are bringing the trophy to Old Trafford on standby with the red, white and black ribbons already tied. Fireworks, presentation stands are all ready to be carted to the middle of pitch at the final whistle.

Tell me. How not to win the EPL like that?

However strangely, we have only won the title once out of 11, on home soil since the inception of the EPL and that was a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in 1999.

JayWalk The Talk: We will be without the services of Brown which means that the right-back position will fall to either Neville or O'Shea to cover. Ferdinand is also not available which means a 21st clean sheet for Van dar Sar is difficult.

Fletcher will surely start alongside Giggs, Scholes and Carrick, while Ronaldo is sure to feature to chase the Golden Boot award leading Anelka by just one goal. Tevez should also feature given that Fergie would want to utilise him as much as possible before the lease expires.

Not so rosy for Arsenal who will be without Gallas, Rosicky, Almunia and Eduardo. Arshavin is back and Adebayou will also feature as Wenger is evaluating the latter further to decide if the 10-goal striker is to be put on the market when the season ends.

JayWalk The Walk: Bookies make ManUtd give a 0.75-ball handicap at 1.80 to beat it. The punters out there however are really that convinced with only 58% of the wagers betting on ManUtd to beat the handicap i.e. win the game.

For Arsenal, I don't think they have anything more to play for as they are to far behind to spring to 3rd position and too far ahead to fall to 5th. Their ticket to next season's ECL and the 4th position is nailed to the wall already.

All the talk about Arsenal out to avenge the ECL double over them by doing a EPL double back at us is all bullshit. The Wenger kids are already on holiday mood with air tickets, luggage all waiting at the door.

Still, I think given that Fergie knows full well we have a cushion game against Hull next week, he may lift the foot off the pedal a little.

1-1 perhaps?

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.