Weekend Outlook (27 Nov 2005)

West Ham United vs Manchester United

"What are the chances ManUtd will buang two games in a row?"

Potential foot-in-mouth words.

However, given that both Chelsea and Arsenal scored comfortable victories just 24 hours earlier, I think the Red Devils would be motivated enough kick it into high gear and grab the 3 points in order to stay in the race. Given that Wigan has suffered its third consecutive loss (two consecutiave home loss) and Arsenal only 2 points ahead, ManUtd would certainly see this as the perfect opportunity to:

a) Overtake Wigan,
b) Overtake Arsenal and
c) Take second spot and cut Chelsea's lead to 10 points with a game in hand.

Anyway, ManUtd will be playing this game away at Upton Park and it was the very same fixture when Joe Cole made his Premiership debut. I was impressed right away as this bor-dua-bor-sueh kid took Roy Keane head on with the battle of the midfield. Fearless kid, totally no respect. I like.

I would have loved to have Joe Cole play for ManUtd when he left West Ham but too bad he chose to follow the smell of money and ended up in Stamford Bridge.

Anyway, coming back to the game ahead, West Ham's home form is pretty good considering that fact that they only lost once in the last 5 home games and that was way back in August 2005. However, it must be said that the home victories were against relatively weak teams but the were still considered respectable getting home draws against Arsenal and Spurs.

Well, there is a sentimental element in this game as this will be a match-up between the 2 Ferdinand brothers who would be playing on opposite sides to see who would be making the bigger mistake. As it looks right now, the bigger the brother, the bigger the idiot. Haiz...

Also, Roy Carroll will be taking over Shaka Hislop for the goalie job and will be facing his ex-teamates. I think Van Nistelrooy and company would go gentle on him by keeping it under 5 goals. hahahaha....

But seriously, ManUtd shyness in front of goal is quite worrisome. Even if Louis Saha is back to full fitness, I doubt if it would make any positive impact in the fire-power department.

Speaking of returning to fitness, we also welcome Gary Neville back to the field. The veteran steward should be able to inject some stability in the back line and slap Rio Ferdinand in the back of the head should the latter goof off again.

JayWalk The Talk: I doubt the Hammers would be able to break down the ManUtd defence and so a ManUtd defeat is unlikely. However, given that ManUtd is quite cock up in front of goals lately (remember Andy Cole?), the bookies are pointing to a draw.

West Ham has never won ManUtd at home since EPL started but 7 of their last 10 home encounters ended with a draw.

Bookies are giving 1/2-ball to the home side with a 1.8 odds that ManUtd will beat that handicap.

JayWalk The Walk: I am going for ManUtd to beat the 1/2 ball handicap.

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.