Weekend Outlook (19 May 2013)

West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United

"...Even the almighty Sir Alex Ferguson needed 7 years to finally capture the League title..."

- JayWalk, 19 May 2013

I wanted to open this article with a "We Are The Champions!" shout but realised that was already old news.

Dang.

It seems only just last weekend when Ron Atkinson made way for a young Alex Ferguson as ManUtd's gaffer. It was an era when we were bullied left right and centre by the then mighty Liverpool. Atkinson couldn't bring home the league trophy though he lifted the FA Cup twice in 5 years. (Against Brighton & Hove Albion in 1983 and again against Everton in 1985).

Sir Alex didn't fare any better in the beginning. In fact, we ended the league title drought only in 1992-1993 season. 7 years later. Even the almighty Sir Alex Ferguson needed 7 years to finally capture the League title. It was a time of superstars in the making. It was a time when we had Schmeichel and Giggs before they went on to greatness. It was a time when Keane was still at Nottingham Forest and Eric Cantona was still at Leeds before they set foot on Old Trafford soil and blossomed to god status.

So today marks the day the curtain fall on Sir Alex Ferguson's 27 illustrious years with us as he leads ManUtd out onto the pitch for the very last time.

I know of people who expressed their disappointment that we weren't able to land Jose Mourinho as Sir Alex's successor. The way I see it, instant success more often than not, leads to nowhere. Look at ManCity. Look at Chelsea. Look at Queen's Park Rangers. The foundation just isn't firm enough to stand on.

I support Sir Alex's faith in David Moyes. We may or may not sustain the level of dominance that Sir Alex has spoiled us over the years, but I am sure we will get there when we lay our foundation brick by brick.


JayWalk The Talk: This is an inconsequential game between two teams who have nothing left to play with. ManUtd has already captured the league title while West Brom will still be stuck in mid-table regardless of outcome today.

Still, everybody would want to end the season on a happy note and by happy note, I mean not to lose. So as far as these two teams, who are already browsing vacation brochures, are concerned, a draw qualifies as a happy note.

Both sides have relatively healthy squad but Fergie is likely to bench Ferdinand and Vidic so as to make way for the youngsters to have a run on the pitch. De Gea will also be missing as Lindegaard will be between the sticks today.

I don't expect Wayne "Not Alex's Problem Anymore" Rooney to feature as the boy needs to reaffirm his committment before he is allowed to wear the ManUtd jersey. Or not.

If I were Sir Alex, I would field all the youngsters like Rafael in the starting line-up but fill up the subs with the old timers. Perhaps, with 10 or 15 minutes on the clock to go, I will bring out all the old timers like Giggs and Scholes for one last hurrah.


JayWalk The Walk: Well, the bookmakers are giving the home side a 0.5-ball advantage but a less-than-impressive 2.05 to beat it. On the 1X2, the spotlight is on ManUtd to win today. Punters are favouring the ManUtd to win with 77% betting on the visitor's pot.

Personally, I disagree with the bookmakers' view on this game. I am gunning for a draw for a few reasons.

Firstly, there is really nothing to play for. League position for ManUtd is already cast in stone. West Brom risk dropping one notch to what? 9th? Yawn.

Secondly, Lindegaard is manning the goal. I don't think we'd be able to keep a clean sheet today. I expect Lukaku to get his name on the goal sheet.

Lastly, It's summer vacation time. Not good if you are injured right? It would really suck to be out there on the beautiful white sandy beach, basking in the sun...

...with a plaster cast on.

Go with West Bromwich Albion and take the 0.5-ball advantage.


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.