Midweek Outlook (26 Sep 2006)

Benfica vs Manchester United

"...My gut feel is that Benfica will adopt the frustrate-for-a-draw tactic...."

- JayWalk, 26 Sep 2006

In a way, it looked as if we failed to score 3 points against Reading last weekend. However, it could also be part and parcel of Fergie's strategy to save up for tonight's match against Benfica. Benfica holds a special place in ManUtd's heart and unfortunately, it wasn't in a good way. It was Benfica that got ManUtd eliminated from the ECL last year. Not even a consolation UEFA Cup space for ManUtd as they were hammered right to the bottom of the group.

Tonight shall be the night to avenge that humiliating defeat.

Problem is that ManUtd's form of late has not giving people much confidence. As fans, it would have been more comforting to come to this game with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal, followed by a 5-0 thumping of Reading. No? Alas, to dream of something like that is simply not giving our opponents the proper respect. And that, ladies and gentlemen was how we were so ungraciously eliminated. We were sloppy, sluggish, unimaginative but most fatal of all, we were over confident as evident in the player's lack of urgency and hunger when on the pitch.

JayWalk The Talk: While we have no info from the Benfica dressing room, we do know that we are without Silvestre, Giggs and Park. While we have a relatively full strength in the defence department, our defenders have been bumbling much of late which is a worrying sign. Up front, we have all the strikers ready to pounce but without Park and Giggs, we are a little weak around the flanks. Again, we may have to rely on C.Ronaldo to bail us out of this tricky away fixture.

JayWalk The Walk: A year ago, we have ManUtd having to give up 0.75 ball, despite being the away team. A year later, having lost that fateful match 1-2, the handicap has been revised to ManUtd giving 0.25 ball. Still, I think given the fact that we dropped points in our last 2 games, I would have prefer the odds to be even ball or a slight +0.25 advantage. Apparently not unfortunately. Damn.

My gut feel is that Benfica will adopt the frustrate-for-a-draw tactic tonight to hold ManUtd at bay.

Hence my verdict is to stay away. In fact, stay away from all 8 matches tonight. I have never seen so many red flags in my research in a single matchday before. Certainly a very very bad omen.

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.