Midweek Outlook (07 Nov 2006)

Southend United vs Manchester United

"... Expect the young lad (Kieran Lee) to be rewarded by the gaffer with a place in the starting lineup...."

- JayWalk, 07 Nov 2006

It was a lucky escape for us in the previous round where we were bailed out, by Kieran Lee, of what could be the lottery of a penalty shootout at Crewe Alexandra by the skin of our teeth. A last minute match winner, in extra time, was the sobering wake up call for us not to take minnows lightly for it is the likes of David that would take down the Goliath.

Still, that doesn't mean the we should switch back to first team with all guns ablazed. Nah. I think this should still be used as a platform to blood youngsters as this, apart from the FA Cup is the only platform where you can have a high level game and yet have the safety of a relatively weaker team. Why not FA Cup as well? You asked. Well, at this point in time, the FA Cup is still highly regarded although the rewards is now somewhat diminished with a merely UEFA Cup spot instead of the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup tournament.

The romance and tradition of the FA Cup is still there, I guess.

JayWalk The Talk: The problem with the youngsters in the previous round was that they were just not ready for the big time. Perhaps Fergie was overly optimistic? However, there was one name that stood out during the last game and that was Kieran Lee who saved Fergie the blushes. Expect the young lad to be rewarded by the gaffer with a place in the starting lineup.

Fergie will be sending a strong team today to be on the safe side. Giggs, Scholes, van der Sar and Neville will be rested while Solksjaer and Park are still stuck in the sickbay. Other than that, looks like it's a full bus load heading to the Roots Stadium.

On the home side, Southend United is in trouble. Currently occupying the cellar of the Nationwide League Championship as a result of only 2 wins in their last 10 games. More woes for manager Tilson as striker Harrold will not feature (cup tied at Yeovil) and central defender Barrett is doubtful. So we are expecting a team that can't score and can't defend at the same time? Can life be really that good?

JayWalk The Walk: The odds was ManUtd to give up 1-ball handicap this morning with a decimal odds of 1.80 to beat it. This was after Fergie's announcement that he is sending in a strong time to sew up the game in 90 minutes flat. Then in the afternoon, the bladdy odds went up to ManUtd giving 1.5-ball handicap and a 2.00 decimal odds to beat. Nah beh.....

Here what I think will happen. We will score 3 goals easily but only after we leak a freak goal as a result of our bumbling defenders. The Southend scorer will definitely get a yellow card right after the goal for an over zealous display of joy, as the lucky bastard takes off his shirt, waving like a mad man and running the entire length of the pitch.

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.