Midweek Outlook (19 March 2007)

Manchester United vs Middlesbrough

"...if Man U win this replay, Apr 15 against Chelsea is inconsequential...."

-Gary, 19 March 2007

Man U have all sorts of problems now. But the match against Bolton doesnt seem to reflect on it. Bolton didnt get a decent shot on goal. Man U needlessly give away a penalty which Fergie was outraged about. He wanted a clean sheet to have a healthy goal difference. The only difference in this match was none other than Ronaldo. He seem to have a knack to perform against Bolton. He was the chief tormentor in the very first match he played when he first arrived in 2003. And again in this fixture, he set up 3 goals to Wayne Rooney and Park Ji Sung, with the last assist goes to Alan Smith!

To me, i find this replay as an extra fixture to fulfill. If given a choice, i will give up the FA cup and the Champions League for the Premiership title. But on the other hand, if Man U win this replay, Apr 15 against Chelsea is inconsequential as it will be used to play FA Cup semi final ties.

If by watching the last match against Bolton having any hints going into this replay, i believe Fergie will go for the kill. He took out Ronaldo and Giggs when the scoreline was 3-0. And i also going to put my last dollar for Alan Smith to be selected for this tie. Paul Scholes will be serving the last of his 3 match suspension. Gary Neville, Saha, Edwin Van Der Sar, Solskjaer, Evra and Silvestre are out with injuries. Fergie have called up a youth team defender, Craig Cathcart and Dong Fang Zhuo for the match.

As for Boro, Julio Arca and Emanuel Pogatetz will be out for this tie.

Odds and Analysis: When i first saw Man U's handicap of 1.25 at 1.975, who will in the right frame of mind to take Man U handicap?? This match will end in draw and settled the tie in extra time or penalty kicks.

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.