Midweek Outlook (02 Nov 2010)

   Bursaspor vs Manchester United  


It was one heck of a freak goal last weekend as Nani scored one of the most tai ko goals ever. In my opinion, the goal should not be allowed. Nani tripped and fell onto the ball, handling it in the process. Gomes was right to call it a free kick. However, the Spurs goalie should be more alert to ensure the referee thinks the same before being so careless and free-gifted the ball.

It was a damn unglam goal for Nani He had the ball at his feet towards and open goal. Referee says play on and so what was he to do? Of course, poke in the goal lor. Free one!

Even Redknapp concedes that the freak goal has no bearing on the final result despite initial protests, it was still 3 points in favour of ManUtd regardless of the last goal.

ManUtd are starting to stabilise, stringing four consecutive wins and certainly a refreshing welcome indeed. More importantly? All without the services of Wayne Rooney which reiterates Fergie's point time and again. No man is above Club. Period.

Time to sell Rooney! What better time at the end of the season when he just signed a brand new contract. Fergie is a sly one, I tell you.

Coming back to this game, we just need another 3 points and we are through to the second round with 2 games to go which means we get to rest the players in those games which would be a huge advantage allowing us to remain focused on the domestic league.

We will be without the services of Giggs, Valencia, Owen and Rooney. Ferdinand, Anderson and Macheda are the latest to be added into the doubtful list which means we should expect Hernandez and Bubba up front with Carrick behind. Hargreaves?

Knowing Fergie will be going all out for a win today and an easy home fixture hosting Wolves thereafter on Saturday, bookies expect a win from ManUtd at 0.75-ball handicap and a 2.00 decimal odds to clear that. A sentiment widely echoed by the punters whose wagers are skewed at a whopping 91% in favour of ManUtd.

At half-way point of the first round ECL, zero point means advancing to the second round is dead in the water. Even the consolatory Europa League spot is bleak. The Turks will playing for pride or perhaps give up totally and concentrate their resources on the domestic Turkish League where they remain at the top, unbeaten but just a point ahead of the next challenger.

I say go for a ManUtd win but it will be a tiny goal-margin.

JayWalk's 2010/2011 Track Record to-date (02 Nov 2010) :  P50-W26-L24

- Voxeros