Manchester United vs Aston Villa 
Watching ManUtd having to win after trailing from behind, game after game reminds me of Fabien Barthez. It was an era where we win by simply scoring more goals than the opponent, regardless of how many we leak.
Not exactly a wise strategy but at least it's still a win and damn entertaining at that.
Oh and by the way, it is not recommended for those with weak hearts.
I saw the Blackpool game and both of their goals were identical. Both were aerial crosses where I thought only the likes of David "Calamity" James, during his stint with Liverpool, would have trouble keeping the ball out of trouble.
I was wrong. Twice.
While on the topic of goalies, Edwin van der Sar is calling it a day at the end of this season and I thank him for being a wonderful and faithful servant all these years.
So who are we giving the No.1 shirt to next? Kuszczak? Lindegaard? New summer signing?
Kuszczak looks to be the next in line. Just a few months earlier, he was hinting of leaving the club, like Ben Foster, for more first-team opportunities elsewhere. Perhaps with van der Sar's retirement announcement, he may change his mind.
My problem is that none of the backup goalies impress me, with the notable exception of Raimond van der Gouw. So do I think Kuszczak can fill the No.1 shirt? I have my reservations but I am not ready to write him off just yet.
Lindegaard? The young goalie was touted to be the "new Schmeichel" whose is a big chap at 1.90m, like his big Danish predecessor. Had he been the goalie at the Blackpool game, we would have kept a clean sheet as he is very good at countering aerial crosses. Alas, his lack of prime time experience would possibly point to the No.2 goalie spot for the time being.
Coming back to the game ahead. The back-4 of Evra, Rafa, Ferdinand and Vidic should return after being rested at the Southampton game. Edwin van der Sar will be between the sticks and the combo of Rooney-Berbatov will start up front again after making way to Owen and Hernandez at the weekend.
Carrick will not be featuring and I doubt if Park has recovered from his Asian Cup stint. So as far as midfield line up is concerned, I honestly hadn't a clue. Nani, Giggs and Fletcher but who will be the 4th guy to be the command centre?
Asian handicap points to ManUtd giving a 1-1/2 ball handicap to Aston Villa but a doubtful 2.025 decimal odds to overcome it. On the 1X2 front, ManUtd are favourites to win with only a measly 1.32 pay-out.
Ferguson and Houllier has met head-to-head on 13 occasions with both managers sharing the spoils of 5 wins apiece and 3 draws in between. However, most of that honour were with Liverpool and Houllier will have his work cut out for him tonight with his Aston Villa outfit.
ManUtd is 6-for-6 at home as far as victories are concerned while Aston Villa is unfortunately, also 6-for-6, but it's 6 consecutive away games winless.
I say, it'll will be a win for ManUtd to further consolidate their position at the top but I have my doubts of them clearing the handicap. 2-1 would be a fair result tonight. Hopefully, we do not have come back from a goal down again.
JayWalk's 2010/2011 Track Record to-date (01 Feb 2011) : P93-W50-L43
- Voxeros
No comments:
Post a Comment