Weekend Outlook (31 Dec 2005)

Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers

"...Everybody repeat after me. Bookie Trap..." - JayWalk, 31 Dec 2005

Guessed I was right to stay from the last game as we got ourselves stuck with an unwanted draw. The draw probably ended any real chance of a title shot for ManUtd. Even the papers has shifted their weight towards Liverpool as the team to take the No.2 spot as Chelsea would probably have the title sewn up today if they win Birmingham at Stamford Bridge.

Let me teach you a new phrase today but before that, let's go through some facts for a while.

1. Chelsea may have won the last 2 games but both games were looked upon as scrappy wins as Chelsea appeared to be struggling. This trend leads us to believe that Chelsea may be undergoing some kind of rough patch although they have 3 points from each game to cover it up.
2. Birmingham managed a fiesty and commendable draw against ManUtd in the previous gmae and suddenly people start getting the impression that the Brummies are all fired up and inspired to stand up to Chelsea.
   

Everybody repeat after me. Bookie Trap.

Chelsea will win today. Period.

I sensed the bookie trap during the last ManUtd game which is why I stayed away. The reason is that I am not totally convinced that ManUtd have fully turned the corner. Yes, they are turning the corner but not fully yet i.e. there will still be lapses along the way. So the question is when would we complete the turn around? Frankly, I am just as clueless as you are, which is why I am hoping that the outcome from the Arsenal vs ManUtd will provide some answers. If Arsenal wins the game, then maybe, just maybe, ManUtd will have trouble securing even the 4th spot. Fortunately, I don't see any other team good enough to be in the Top 4 and so we shouldn't have to worry about ManUtd settling for a UEFA Cup spot. Fingers crossed.

JayWalk The Talk: It has been a roller coaster ride for ManUtd and punters, who keep getting caught in the wrong part of the wave, would have lost their pants by now. C.Ronaldo is back and ManUtd dropped points straight away. Makes me wonder if the return of C.Ronald has upset the rhythmn of the team? An imbalance to the team's Qi? Fengshui anyone? Brown and Silvestre are back from injury while Alan Smith is half-fucked with a cold. Saha is out but we welcome Solksajaer to the bench. Perhaps today would be the day to finally see the Norwegian back on the pitch. Hopefully, he gets that and a goal to celebrate his return.

On the Trotter's front. Diouf is out which would be good news for ManUtd. Campo is also out although whether he plays or not, is inconsequential.

JayWalk The Walk: Bookies are continuing to laying it thick with setting the Bookie Trap as they are offering again a 1-1/4 ball handicap against the home side. Difference is that they will let ManUtd beat this in order to set you up for the next game (or more probably game after Arsenal since the clash would be too high profile to manipulate) to really hantam you jialat jialat one time.

As usual, I am staying away even though I think the bookies will let ManUtd pass this one easily.

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.