Football Can Be A Funny Game Sometimes
Let’s talk about football this time. There’s hardly any topic that interest me at the moment except for this weekend’s English Premier League match up between my beloved Manchester United and our most fierce rival, Liverpool. What a match that would be plus some add intensity with the fact that Liverpool did a double on United last season and United, if we go on to win the Premier League again this season will replace Liverpool as the most succesful club in England with 19 league titles. There is also a small matter of former Liverpool’s star Michael Owen return to Anfield as a Mancester United’s player and Liverpool if they lose this game will equal their 1953-54 season of 5 games losing streak. Liverpool was rock bottom that season and was relagated to the old English Division Two. Surely it can’t happen again. Can it happen?
On current form and on paper United looks the better side. Then again, you’ll never really know what will happen on the field. United fans will surely remember what had happpened last season when on both games, United were on the cruise control until blunders by Wes Brown and then Vidic turn the tie around in Liverpool’s favour. More refreshing is on last week when United again was in control in their game against Bolton until goal by Taylor in the 75th minutes provides moment of tenses for United fans, although this time we actually did managed to hang on and win by 2 – 1.
Both teams have injury problems with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney are doubtful for Sunday’s game. Nevertheless, United had shown that they are coping well without the England’s striker compare to Liverpool without Gerrard. Fernando Torres is another player who can make a different is expected to start for Liverpool while Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick should start for United after being rested from CSKA’s game on Wednesday. United will also be looking to capatalise on the shaky Liverpool’s defence with Valencia and Giggs could provide the spark on both flanks.
My heart says United will win by two goals margin with Michael Owen coming in as late substitution and settle the game in United’s favour. While he no longer have the pace, Owen had shown in United’s previous games that he is still good when comes to positioning himself and score crucial goals. Don’t forget that he is a big game player and games like this will bring out the best of him – remember the City’s game?
However, I won’t be quick to rule out Liverpool’s chances, mind you what happening at Anfield last season. Like I said “Football is a funny game – you’ll never know what happens till it ends”. Again the City’s game comes to my mind. What a game that was!
In Fernando Torres, Liverpool have probably the best out and out striker in the Premier League and I always worry when Stevie G swung 25 – 30 m thunderbolts from outside the penalty box. Thank god they sold Alonso. Otherwise, we have to look after the Spaniard as well.
If United win, we will go 10 points clear of Liverpool and probably send The Reds to the bottom 10. That will put plenty of pressure to Liverpool’s board as they were unlikely to sack Banitez given that the Spanish coach had just signed a new contract last season, therefore he is entitle for huge compensation (around £ 20 million) if they terminate his contract. If United lose, it will bring Liverpool back to title’s contention and probably also give them a new lease of life plus boost their confidence that was seen lacking in the last few games. Unlike Gary Neville , I won’t be happy if we win the title but lose to our fierce rival. With so many of my friends here in Malaysia are Liverpool fans, losing can be a bitter pill to swallow. But in the spirit of good sportmanship, let us hope that the best team win.
- Passionate About Blogging
nice view I think the same
[Reply]