West Ham United vs Manchester United 
Whenever I come across West Ham United, I think of 3 things.
- 14 May 1995.
The day we lost the Premier League title to Blackburn Rover despite them losing their game on the final day. We were trailing Blackburn by 2 points coming into the final day and them losing means that we would have won the title had we been able to pull off a victory against a mid-table West Ham who had nothing to play for on the final day.
Alas, a defensive mistake by Steve Bruce costs us the vital victory and the title.
- Joe Cole.
Many years ago, in one of my archives, I earmarked 3 youngsters destined for greatness. Michael Owen, Robbie Keane and Joe Cole.
Joe Cole debuted against us and his "No Big No Small" fearlessness caught my eye. I remember screaming (in my head), "Hey Fergie! We need to get that kid!!"
Alas we tried but failed as Cole decided that the smell of Chelski money was more important than taking to road to become a great player. Karma paid him back by granting a permanent space on the Stamford Bridge bench for most of his stint. Sure, he is starting to make inroads at Liverpool now but he, as far as I am concerned, has passed his prime already. We won't want him even if he is offered to us on a free transfer.
- Harry Redknapp.
Similar to my blog about the 3 youngsters, I have also earmarked 3 managers many years back that I earmarked for greatness. Alan Curbishley, Sam Allardyce and Harry Redknapp.
These are the 3 managers who can operate on a small budget and take on the big clubs.
There is something about Redknapp that turns everything to gold with his magic touch. He brought West Ham to the UEFA Cup via the Inter Toto Cup route but unfortunately, that was as far as they could go as they exited pretty early.
Second time round, he did much better with Portsmouth, bringing them all the way to the group stages of the UEFA Cup.
Next, he brought Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League and as of last week, they are through to the group stages too.
Anyone still remember the famous shock 2-0 defeat of ManUtd by Bournemouth back in the 80s? Yes, it's Harry Redknapp at the helm!
The West Ham United today is a different story. They are stuck at the bottom of the league table and I don't foresee them staying in the Premiership next season, if Avram Grant has no new ideas in his hat.
(In case anyone hadn't notice, all three teams in the relegation zone all start with the letter "W". )
The last time we lost to West Ham was way back in Dec 2007 and since then, we beat them in the subsequent 6 games, keeping 5 clean sheets en route.
For this particular match, there isn't a need to find out who is playing and who won't be featuring. It is inconsequential on 2 counts.
- West Ham is at the bottom of the table right now and as far as I am concerned, survival is more important. Domestic Cup are not only a waste of resources but also a suspension and injury risk.
If I were the gaffer, I throw the game, rest my key players and preparing to meet Sunderland the following weekend.
They won last weekend and that's 2 wins in a row but were so far back that they still find themselves at the bottom of the table. A third win against Sunderland would definitely lift them out of the woods and the good news is that the Black Cats aren't that difficult to beat. What better time now than when the momentum is going in their favour?
So tell me, what good is it to be the League Cup holder but playing in the League Championship? I'd rather let the cup go and ensure survival in the Premier League. From a financial point of view, premiership status is worth more than the cup prize money and a spot in the Europa League which they won't survive anyway.
- Usually, Fergie won't pay attention to the League Cup but that is usually during the early stages. Now that we are within smelling distance of silverware, you can be sure Fergie will add some fire power to today's squad, albeit not full power as we have a tricky away trip to Blackpool the following Saturday.
I don't see how ManUtd can lose this game. I am not even entertaining the thought of a draw. ManUtd to win outright.
JayWalk's 2010/2011 Track Record to-date (24 Nov 2010) : P73-W37-L36
- Voxeros
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