Midweek Outlook (06 Apr 2011)

   Chelsea vs Manchester United  

And so we are in the hunt for the Treble, albeit reluctantly on my end. Yes. We put in a majestic display at Upton Park that brings back memories of the 1999 squad but the cynic in me questioned if that level of form is actually sustainable?

Did we turn the tide and peaking right at the time that we should be? Or was that just a one-time fluke?

I hope that it is the former but after 31 games in the EPL, I can't say that with much confidence.

Coming back from 0-2 and to storm to a 4-2 victory is the type of mental strength and determination that I hope to see in a team of Championship calibre. Had we have this type of hunger earlier in the season, we probably would have wrapped up the EPL title by now. Better yet, with that in the bag, we could then focus our resources on chasing the ECL and the FA Cup. Then and only then, would I be hopeful that a second Treble is a possible reality.

On the squad front, Rooney, despite rumours of a two-match ban as a result of abusive language at Upton Park, should be playing today as the ban is only applicable to domestic matches. (Can someone verify this?)

Ferdinand and Anderson have both been spotted on the training pitch but I think Fergie should still deploy Smalling to partner Vidic as match fitness is lacking for the veteran defender.

Speaking of Vidic, this will be the man to watch as Chelsea may bait him into receiving a card or two and then have to play 10-men against the home side. With a red card, it may also mean suspension from the return leg.

Bookies are giving ManUtd a 0.5-ball handicap with a 1.80 decimal odds to beat it. On the 1X2 front, the tip has moved from a draw to a ManUtd win. Wager is 62% in favour of ManUtd to win the handicap but not necessarily win the game.

Numbers aside, I have a few concerns coming into this game. Chelsea beat us 2-1 just recently and the shadow of the defeat should still linger in everybody mind. I am afraid that this may affect the team psychologically. Then again, we lost because were caught off-guard by a recently resurging Chelsea and perhaps we won't be fooled again a second time? Besides, if we do well, we should be able to handle them better come return leg as well as the EPL game on 08 May 2011.

This should be an exciting match with both teams in terribly good form of late. It is a pity however, that at the end of this round, there will only be one English representative left in the European arena.

My take on today's game is a draw at best as I do not think that we have shaken off the away-game jinx. Perhaps, we will return to the age-old strategy of forcing a draw and hopefully steal an away goal or two, then bring them back to Old Trafford for the kill.

JayWalk's 2010/2011 Track Record to-date (06 Apr 2011) : P110-W56-L54

- Voxeros