Midweek Preview: 27th February 2007

Manchester United vs Reading - FA Cup 5th round replay

"Manchester United never make it easy for themselves... we always do things the hard way." - Sir Alex Ferguson


Sir Alex has repeated the above quote so often, it's practically a cliche by now. But most definitely, this is an apt way of summing up the upcoming FA Cup match against Reading. It evokes memories of the earlier Champions League group stages, when Man Utd had won their first three games and needed a single point to confirm advancement into the knockout rounds, but still decided they'd rather make life more difficult for themselves and their supporters and promptly lost the next two matches.

Similarly, instead of killing off this match the previous Saturday, Man Utd allowed Reading to sneak an equaliser then then, for 20 whole minutes after that, could not get that elusive second goal.

Now, I have the utmost respect for Reading. I really do. It's not easy for a newly-promoted team to impose themselves on the Premiership the way they have done, and they are now in a very respectable 6th position. But like I said before, a team of Man Utd's calibre should really be able to sweep Reading aside with nary an increase in heart rate. Instead, they huffed and they puffed but they couldn't blow Reading down.

Apparently, Man Utd are fielding a second-string team with a wary eye to the upcoming encounter against Lille in the Champions League (and boy, do I hope those sore losers get thrashed big-time). But didn't we do that last time and end up with a 1 - 1 draw? And didn't we have some big guns like Ronaldo, Carrick, Saha and Solskjaer and yet we still could not get the win?

To be very honest, our second-string team is probably not even on the same level as Arsenal's, as much as it pains me to say this. Arsenal's second-string went all the way to the Carling Cup finals. Man Utd's youngsters got dumped out in the second round (or was it third? I can't really remember). Our second-string, which consists of internationals who have already had several seasons' experience with us like John O' Shea, Darren Fletcher and Mikael Silvestre, are having problems just getting through the 5th round of the FA Cup.

Of course, it's no secret that Sir Alex's priority this season is the Premiership, and it is well-known that he wants another taste of European glory. But still, winning the oldest domestic cup competition in the world isn't exactly something embarrassing, plus it gives us a shot at another Treble or Double, at the very least.


Man to watch (Manchester United): I have no idea because goodness only knows who will be fielded tonight.

Man to watch (Reading): Leroy Lita. The kid is scoring goals like there's no tomorrow and undoubtedly is a major reason for their form this season.

Jaywalk's Encyclopaedia of Bookies' Odds says: Man Utd are giving 3/4 ball and 2.025 decimal odds to beat it. For the first time, I have no comment. Somehow, for this match, my mind seems to have hit a brick wall. Just play safe, and have fun.


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.