Weekend Outlook (09 Apr 2006)

Manchester United vs Arsenal

"...Another 11 points from our last 6 games would be enough to secure the 2nd placing."

- JayWalk, 09 Apr 2006

We were as far behind as 13 point away from leader Chelsea and now all of a sudden, after an 8-game winning streak, we are down to 7. Suddenly everybody is speculating that the title race is now opened again.

Frankly, I feel that the grip on the title as far as Chelsea is concerned hasn't loosen a single bit. ManUtd may have hit form of late but it is a case of too little too late.

If I were Fergie, I would rather focus on consolidating our runner-up spot and forget about the title race. We will make a strong challenge for it next season. For now, just make sure that we finish ahead of Liverpool. That in my opinion would be Task One.

Spurs won yesterday. Liverpool is expected to beat Bolton at Anfield today. Chelsea will win West Ham at Stamford Bridge. Hence ManUtd has all the more reason not to slip up.

Good thing we have a game in hand as a slip up today would still ensure that we would be comfortably ahead of Liverpool. Another 11 points from our last 6 games would be enough to secure the 2nd placing.

JayWalk The Talk: We have the Italians in Turin to thank for today's game. With Arsenal being pushed all the way through the 90 minutes by Juventus, ManUtd would have the advantage of fresh leges.

Arsenal's away form has been terrible this season and lucky for us, this game is being played at Old Trafford.

Squad-wise, Arsenal is in more of a trouble than us in the sense that heavier casulty list in the defence department. Cygan, Clichy, Cole and Lauren are all on the casualty list. Even though Campbell is back to full fitness, I don't think he would be able to attain the current level of match fitness in time. This weakness in defence cannot come at a better time for the forwards in ManUtd are trying to out-do each other as there are only 2 space for 3 strikers.

JayWalk The Walk: I think it will be a victory for ManUtd bringing their winning streak to 9 consecutive games. At -1/4 ball, ManUtd has a 1.85 decimal odds to overcome it. I would expect somewhere nearer to 2.0 or more than 1.9, the decimal indication points towards a home victory. With ManUtd unbeated in their last four head-to-heads, I don't see how the visitors can even get a draw.

ManUtd to beat the 1/4-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.