Midweek Outlook (28 Dec 2005)

Birmingham City vs Manchester United

"...Chelsea is a freak of nature. Play well, they win. Play lousy, they still win. Nah beh.... zhor lim peh si beh du lan..."

- Jaywalk, 28 Dec 2005

When you have a defender, a midfielder and a striker all on the same scoresheet, you know something is definitely going right. Finally. The cherry to top that off, a nice clean sheet to boot.

Ah yes, things are finally turning a corner for ManUtd and Fergie can have a more cheery mood during this festive season. For after all, a win here would be the perfect build up toward meeting Arsenal at Highbury next. ManUtd has gotten themselves into a very weird situation. A situation where every game IS THE LAST GAME for any chance towards a title shot. With Chelsea showing no signs of letting up, ManUtd has to win just to keep pace. We are not even talking about any attempts to catch up or *gasp!* overtake. Just keeping up niah. Chelsea is a freak of nature. Play well, they win. Play lousy, they still win. Nah beh.... zhor lim peh si beh du lan. Here's the thing, if you keep playing with fire, one day you are going to get burnt and that is exactly what I am hoping to see from Chelsea. They are playing badly not because they are off form but more rather, they are starting to get cocky and complacent. Perhaps our Blue neighbours can do us a favour and scalp them jialat jialat?

That is the situation from above and ManUtd also need to tahan the challenge from below with Liverpool, who are coming up fast and furious with 9 wins in their last 10 games. Arsenal just recovered from a string of 3 losses in the row and are also looking good coming to next week's clash. I foresee a big win for the Gunners tonight which would be a great confidence booster for the team ahead of the next game. Finally, the Gunners are coming to terms and adjusting to the absence of Viera.

JayWalk The Talk: Good thing Birmingham met ManUtd in the Carling Cup last week as it would be an excellent indication of what to expect today. The recent Brummies form is really pathetic and it is a surprise to still see Steve Bruce having an office to go to in the morning. Anyway, C.Ronaldo is back and ready for call up and I think the fire power of ManUtd will be overwhelming for the Brummies. Expect a shock-and-awe performance tonight. A season ago, I would have been worried for Birmingham has had one of the most stubborn defence in the league. A big drop in standard this year and I think it would be less painful for Birmingham to just roll over and play dead before the kick-off whistle is blown.

JayWalk The Walk: Last week, odds was ManUtd give 3/4 ball. Today give 1-1/4 ball. Nah beh.... bookie su liao, then become so chao kuan. Still, I think 2-goal victory is easily achieveable lah. Then hor, I am going to stick to my strategy and sit out all ManUtd games until after outcome at Highbury.

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.