SPUG EPL Prediction League - Match Weekend 28 - 29 Apr 2007

This is bad. From a 5-point cushion to 2 and now suriving at the top by a mere solitary point. Am I not destined to win this season?

It was an interesting weekend with ianrush, Cha_Dum_Yen and myself all predicting different outcome for the Wigan-West Ham game. If Cha_Dum_Yen or I have gotten the outcome correct, the season would have been over. Instead we have dark horse ianrush pulling the carpet from under us this week.

With the top 2 stumbling over the weekend, we have a even darker horse, TheSaint888, within striking range. The season is still very much wide open.

With 2 more match-weekends to go, can I hold on to the lead?



SPUG EPL Prediction League "Perfect Score" Hall Of Fame
Perfect Score = 2 correct-score predictions in a single weekend and hence the award of the full 10 points.

1) Cha_Dum_Yen (24 Sep 2006), (25 Nov 2006)
2) Bedokian (24 Sep 2006)
3) TheSaint888 (24 Sep 2006)
4) Voxeros (24 Sep 2006)
5) David.hvp (25 Nov 2006)

Scoring System
3-Points for a correct outcome (Win, Lose or Draw)
1-point each for correct score on each side.

Double Entry
Later submission shall override earlier submission.

Penalty
No points for submission after kick-off. (Disqualification)

SPUG Blackout
Also, this is a mirror for the SPUG Server where the actual prediction game is being carried out at http://www.spug.net/showthread.php?t=85183. In the event SPUG server goes down, we will automatically carry on the prediction game at this blog site.

As usual:

1) If you have spotted a mistake, please let me know where and what so that I can amend them accordingly.
2) Please check your scores for accuracy as soon as possible before I update the table during the next round of scores. Once the table has been updated, the old table will be overwritten.
3) In case you are still seeing the old table even if I have announced a new update, please refresh your browser to reload the table.

Weekend Outlook (28 Apr 2007)

Everton vs Manchester United

"...the next goal shall make him (Scholes) the outright highest scoring player in ManUtd's EPL history...."

- JayWalk, 28 Apr 2007

Just when we thought we all hong kan-ed with that 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough, Chelsea throw the lifeline back to us with a draw on their own. LadyLuck was definitely wearing the ManUtd jersey.

We were lucky back then and for once we became passive and allowed our fate to be decided by the outcome of something beyond our control.

This is not good.

Anyway, our midweek game was also a lucky win as Rooney sneaked the winning goal in injury time, much to the surprise of everyone, including his own team mates. Like the first goal against Roma by Carrick in the 7-1 win, it was a 50-50 chance and somehow, perhaps due to the correct alignment of the planets, thus creating the exact required gravitational pull to bring the ball home past a crest-fallen Dida. (Last count, Dida is being sold on Ebay and the bidding price right now is $79.00)

Now before anyone starts celebrating and singing songs about heading to Athens, there are 2 facts staring stark in our faces. We leaked 2 away goals and the next game is in San Siro. If history were to repeat itself, then I really hate to see us at the second leg like when AS Roma and our youth team, squandering the chance to go for the kill when they should. Look where they are now.

Like a wounded lion, the fightback is going to be more intense. We know coz we were the wounded lion in the previous round of the ECL.

Reviewing the game. Kaka was definitely a big threat and Brown was definitely unable to keep up with the striker's pace. If we want to keep a clean sheet, we need a better defender than Brown. Heinze was absolutely stellar in performance but using him to mark Kaka would mean to play him out of position, a solution that may end up yielding disastrous result.

At the other end, we are creating the same problems with AC Milan as Ronaldo and Rooney are definitely much faster and more agile. The problem with AC Milan's defense is age. Below are the numbers:

• Dida -34 yrs old
• Kalac - 35 yrs old
• Simic - 31 yrs old
• Nesta - 31 yrs old
  
• Maldini - 38 yrs old
  
• Cafú - 37 yrs old
• Favalli - 35 yrs old
  

Nesta was Ronaldo's marker in the last game and was barely able to keep up. The weakness is especially more obvious towards the end of the 90 minutes when fatigue started to set in and AC Milan seemed to be the more seriously affected of the 2 sides.

Here's how I see we can win this next round and head to the Finals in Athens.

• We need to keep a clean sheet and/or score 2 goals. Quite difficult to do the prior considering we also lost Evra to suspension for picking yet another yellow card.
• Lock down Kaka.
• Contain the attack for the first half of the game, then step up the pace in the second half, given that the AC Milan defense will not be able to keep up as freshness of legs will start to wane by then.
• If need be, drag the game to extra time and go for the kill but at all cost, avoid penalty shootout. The relative old age of AC Milan players can also be a weapon. Penalty shootouts are more of a psychological game than actual technical capability. Experience will be a vital tool to gain that psychological edge over the goalkeeper facing you. Besides, history has shown that Englishmen are not particularly good with penalty shootouts.

JayWalk The Talk: The injuries list of both sides are massive and so we can all take comfort that for once, this is not going to count against us too badly. Everton is facing a shortage of strikers which is perfect for us, given that we are short of defenders.

On the ManUtd side, we will be missing the services of Ferdinand, Neville, Vidic, Silvestre, Park and Saha. On the Everton side, we will be missing Valente, Vaughan, Boyle, Cahill and Anichebe while Johnson and Beattie are doubtful. No. 1 goalkeeper Tim Howard will not feature today as he is ineligible, being an on-loan player from ManUtd.

I think Fergie will not be making big changes from the squad that played AC Milan earlier. Not that he has much option to begin with but he may restore the Rooney-Smith partnership up front while Evra is certain to start since he doesn't have a game in San Siro.

Player to watch today is Arteta from the home side and Rooney from the ManUtd side. Expect Rooney to have a tough day given that he was booed at every touch of the ball during his last visit. Moyes has been playing psychological games with Rooney all week and I hope that would make him stronger and shove all the jibes back into his previous boss' face.

In this game, I am hoping to see Scholes hit the back of the net as the next goal shall make him the outright highest scoring player in ManUtd's EPL history. His current tally of 95 league goals is on par with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Also, a early happy birthday to John O'Shea (30 Apr 1981). Perhaps a goal or two as a birthday present?

JayWalk The Walk: Things don't look good at the bookmaker's board as ManUtd are to give a 0.75-ball handicap but a daunting 2.00 to clear. Bookies odds are pointing to a draw which can be detrimental to ManUtd title chances.

We saw what happened to the game against Portsmouth prior to the Roma game. Everybody was so distracted that Portsmouth took advantage and snatched the 3 points. Speaking of Portsmouth, they most certainly look like they will be doing the same against Liverpool as the Reds are a goal behind coming into the second leg of the ECL semi-finals. Worth a punt on Pompey today.

Coming back, there is also the Curse of The Final 4 as history has shown that come the last 4 matches of the season, we would self-destruct and shoot ourselves in the foot. Sometimes we survived, sometimes we don't. The only way to get around this problem is to seal the title before coming into the last 4 games and in my recollection, I remember this happening only once before. EPL is not an easy place, mind you.

So what would it be in this Neville brothers reunion? ManUtd has won 11 out of 12 visits to Goodison Park and we are expecting a tougher opposition, given that Everton are chasing a UEFA Cup spot next season. Do ignore the talk about Everton players playing harder in remembrance of the late Alan Ball. That's utter bullshit. I doubt if any of the players even remotely know in-depth, who Alan Ball was.

Anyway, I think it will be a very narrow win with an eye on a draw. So at 0.75-ball handicap, it may not be worth the risk for the narrow win yield only a half-kitty.

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.

FA Youth Cup Final (2nd Leg)

We had the advantage during the first leg. But it was not to be as we lost on penalty flicks. We were down 0-1 at 90 minutes to force the who game into extra time which still yielded not break through. In the end, it was the penalty shootout that proved our undoing as we were the team with the more tired legs.

Still, a great effort from the youth team. Judging from where they are in the Youth league table, it would be unfair to expect them to be doing as well as their senior counterparts in their respective levels. More grooming in certainly on the cards for this lads.

Don't forget, these boys still have a long way ahead of them and so all I can say is that things can only get better from there.

I am not really superstitious but these freak nagging thoughts do flashed by from time to time.

The youth team were up 2-1 in the first leg. We were up 3-2 in the first leg of the ECL. They got caught up in the second leg and surpassed narrowly.

Would we, the senior team, suffer the same fate?

We shall see.

SPUG EPL Prediction League - Match Weekend 28 - 29 Apr 07

With one of the relegation places and three clubs are in for next season Champions League confirmed, now all is left for those mid-tables to make a rush for next season UEFA cup.


Here are the weekend prediction match up!!


EPL59: SAT 28/04 Wigan vs West Ham on ESPN at 10:00pm SIN/HKT

EPL58: SUN 29/04 Arsenal vs Fulham on ESPN at 11:00pm SIN/HKT


Good luck and good game!!

Midweek Review (24 April 2007)

Manchester United vs AC Milan
Champions League Semi Final -1st Leg

"The matches that Man United are playing right now is like playing an adventure game where the difficulties getting harder whenever you complete the game."

-Gary, 24/04/2007

Just a start off with a side track. Congrats to Christiano Ronaldo for been the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the first time since 1967. And also congrats to the 8 first team players in the PFA Team of the Season. They are Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Ryan Giggs, Ronaldo, Scholes and Evra.

Last match, when I saw the scoreline. I thought siao liao. Chelsea will catch up for sure. But it never materalise. Boro was on a revenge mission, determining to get a result at Old Trafford. Though the fact that Man United were having most of the possession, they didnt convert to goals. Chances are few as the shots on goal was a single digit. Man United defenders seem to have a knack of picking up injuries at the wrong time. Now no defenders though Gary Neville and Patrice Evra will be back. Guess centre backs will be Wes Brown and Gabriel Heinze. Even Craig Cathcart also injured.

Whenever Champion Leagues matches are concerned, people like to see facts from the past. Man United 1999 Treble opponents were from Italy in quarter-final and semi final. And now, the facts are again showing.

The matches that Man United are playing right now is like playing an adventure game where the difficulties getting harder whenever you complete the game. AS Roma was never considered a strong European team but whereas AC Milan are. They are playing in it every season. Last time they face Man United, they won 2-0 on agg. That time got Hernan Crespo. Now Ronaldo. Too bad he is cup-tied for this match as he had played for Real Madrid in the first half of the season. But I believe that AC Milan attack can be contained with the attacks from Kaka and their midfield general, Pirlo. Another Roy Keane kind of player.

For this match, despite Man United short of defenders, they are masking the handicap by scoring goals. Fergie could go with the same strike force that sink Roma. Young attackers against the old school of Italian defenders. Classic match.

AC Milan will be without their top goalkeeper, Dida for this match.

Odds and Analysis: Man United are giving 0.25 at 1.85. Hmm.. for some reason, I not going to play this match as there is "DRAW" all over the place or even a slim Man United win. Home ground, haven't lose yet!! Another side note, Jay is going for an AC win. Hehe, talking about some side bet wager!!

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.

SPUG EPL Prediction League - Match Weekend 21 - 22 Apr 2007

Good thing I have a 5-point cushion last week which came in handy over the weekend. Yup, I am still at the top with a mere 2-point lead. I think my fate is tied to ManUtd. They dropped points, I also dropped points. Too bad, Cha Dum Yen is not Chelsea leh... damn...

Anyway, good to see JiaHao making steady progress. While he may not make any significant impact in the overall league table, it is still interesting to see how many points he can amass with 3 more weekends to go.

Also, a big welcome to Cool402 and Alexsim for making the 100-point mark. Apollo and should be next but we haven't see this guy for a couple of weeks liao.

Apollo, where are you???

Afternote: Ok, I made a major boo boo here by scoring the wrong game. It was supposed to be Charlton Athletic vs Sheffield United. Instead I scored Liverpool vs Wigan Athletic instead. Anyway, the scores have been recalculated and table redone. Do check it again.

iPaiseh.


SPUG EPL Prediction League "Perfect Score" Hall Of Fame
Perfect Score = 2 correct-score predictions in a single weekend and hence the award of the full 10 points.

1) Cha_Dum_Yen (24 Sep 2006), (25 Nov 2006)
2) Bedokian (24 Sep 2006)
3) TheSaint888 (24 Sep 2006)
4) Voxeros (24 Sep 2006)
5) David.hvp (25 Nov 2006)

Scoring System
3-Points for a correct outcome (Win, Lose or Draw)
1-point each for correct score on each side.

Double Entry
Later submission shall override earlier submission.

Penalty
No points for submission after kick-off. (Disqualification)

SPUG Blackout
Also, this is a mirror for the SPUG Server where the actual prediction game is being carried out at http://www.spug.net/showthread.php?t=85183. In the event SPUG server goes down, we will automatically carry on the prediction game at this blog site.

As usual:

1) If you have spotted a mistake, please let me know where and what so that I can amend them accordingly.
2) Please check your scores for accuracy as soon as possible before I update the table during the next round of scores. Once the table has been updated, the old table will be overwritten.
3) In case you are still seeing the old table even if I have announced a new update, please refresh your browser to reload the table.

Weekend Outlook (21 Apr 2007)

Manchester United vs Middlesbrough

"...With the ECL semi-final game coming up at Old Trafford against AC Milan, we need to bang in the goals early today and get our key players off the pitch as soon as we can, to give them maximum rest...."

- JayWalk, 21 Apr 2007

I didn't stay up to watch the ManUtd vs Sheffield Utd match since it was a weekday and really late at night. So when I checked the scores on the web the next morning, I was delighted to see that we are on track with 3 more points but had a heart attack when I saw both Rooney and Smith kena 2 yellow cards each.

It was really strange that by right 2 yellow equals 1 red but there was no mention of any red cards anywhere. Soccernet main website, Soccernet Gamecast as well as Premierleague.com all reflected the yellow cards (Smith 29 & 59th min; Rooney 29th & 42nd min). I continue to read the match reports but there was no mention of any double yellows. Surely something as serious as this would get a mention in the post-match article? In my heart, I thought hong kan liao given that we are already short handed due to injuries and now we get 2 more players on 1-match suspension each?

Die lar!

I just rechecked the 3 websites today to verify as well as hoping to do a screen capture to show everyone. Too bad, they corrected the mistake already. Damn.

Oh well, it is better news to me knowing that we still have these 2 strikers at our disposal.

Midweek's match was a clinical straight-forward business as we dispatched them efficiently with a 10 vs 3 shots on goal and a 64% vs 36% possession. Just another day at the office. Kudos to our rivals as Chelsea had to undergo the psychological pitfall of falling 6 points behind albeit only for 24 hours. Today, we are going to play the same hand again, as Chelsea will be playing away again on Sunday.

JayWalk The Talk: ManUtd has had a good healthy squad at the turn of the year, just at a time where other teams were plagued with injuries. Looks like the tides of fortune as has changed as we find ourselves with a long list of injured players, bad timing for us when other clubs' injured players are slowly returning to the squad.

Evra is the latest casualty, joining the long injury list that include Silvestre, Neville, Saha, Park, Vidic. Ferdinand is doubtful initially but I think he is good enough for selection today. Like I said, I am most relief that the double-yellow suspensions of Smith and Rooney was merely a typo error on the websites. But to have 2 different websites showing the same mistake? What are the chances? Unless, one mirrors the content from the other?

Anyway, rumour has been going on that Ronaldo will be marked by Boro today. Given that the past few games ended with a bad after taste, emotions from the visitors may be unstable and on a high. With alleged diving and subsequent penalty conversion, I am afraid that the Boro players may end up going for his legs rather than for the ball. We can't afford any further injuries, we lagi cannot afford to lose Ronaldo at a time when he is carrying the team through.

I am thinking that this will be a very physical match and hopefully the Old Trafford crowd could be called in to subdue the visitors. Otherwise, I foresee quite a lot of yellows and a red or even two.

I have no idea what Rooney was trying to do in the last match against Sheffield United. He was running all over the place and tackling recklessly like he was on a mission to collect as many cards as possible. Hopefully today, we have a smarter Rooney out there on the pitch.

With the ECL semi-final game at Old Trafford coming up against AC Milan, we need to bang in the goals early today and get our key players off the pitch as soon as we can, to give them maximum rest. Even if we leak 3 goals after scoring 4 as a result of replacing all the key people with fringe players. I'll take it. Today is not about the score. Today is about the 3 points with minimum exertion and minimum injury risk.

JayWalk The Walk: Bookies are fluctuating between ManUtd giving 1.5 ball (1.875) and 1.75 (2.05). So how? Give -1.625 ball?

With the AC Milan match coming up, it is hard to focus today and really scared to incur more injuries. By right, we should roll over Middlesbrough easily given that they have nothing to play for as they are destined to languish in mid-table. They have only 1 victory in their last 6 EPL games and not scored a single goal in their last 5 away games. Still, I fear the bad blood between them and Ronaldo fueling the aggression and making this game difficult for us.

While I do believe that we will take the 3-points, I am afraid that the price we have to pay to get them may be too high.

Verdict: No point betting if your bookie insist on 1.75 ball handicap against ManUtd. Try negotiating a better deal.

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.

Champions!

FC United of Manchester were crowned Champions of the North West Counties Division 1 on Monday after beating Atherton Laburnum Rovers 7-1 at Gigg Lane (home).

The win put them at the top with 105 points and only 3 games left to go. 105 points is enough as the next closest challenger is Curzon Ashton, currently at 89 points with 5 games to go. Therefore, even if they win all remaining 5 matches, it would bring their tally up to 104 points.

Anyway, congratulations to FCUM for yet another successful season as they looked on track to be climbing steadily to EPL.

Anyway, if the English Premier League is Level 1 of the English Football League System, then the current North West Counties Division 1 is Level 9. Next season will be Level 8 Northern Premier League First Division.

Anyway congratulations to them again and if they can keep up the rate of advancement, we should be able to start seeing them in the papers when they reach Level 4, Nationwide Football League 2 in about 5 years' time.

Also, mark 2 May 2007 on your calendar as the date marks the Final of the NWCFL Challenge Cup. A more modest version of the FA Cup at their level. We will be up against Curzon Ashton.

Hope that they will be able to close the season with a double. Good luck!!

SPUG EPL Prediction League - Match Weekend 21 - 22 Apr 07

With the season ending in a month's time, results could go either way. one point loss or gain could have a major financial impact in running the club. This weekend fixtures look tough with relegation on the horizon and European dreams to be unleashed.

EPL57: SAT 21/04 Charlton vs Sheffield Utd on ESPN at 21:55pm SIN/HKT

EPL58: SUN 22/04 Aston Villa vs Portsmouth on ESPN at 22:55pm SIN/HKT

Good luck and good game!!

FA Youth Cup Final (1st Leg)

Good news at Old Trafford arrived a tad earlier than expected as our youth team has taken a 2-1 advantage over Liverpool at the FA Youth Cup final (first leg).

While our goals were courtesy of an own-goal followed by a penalty conversion, I have no doubt that we will clinch our first trophy of the season on Thursday night (Singapore time).

Team captain Craig Cathcart was missing from the game as Fergie has taken him out of the squad to hand him his Senior debut today against Sheffield United. Let's hope the yound lad has a good outing today!

Speaking of youth team, while we may be a step away from silverware, we are unfortunatley languishing in 4th place with a goal difference of -4.

The current league leader is a suprise ManCity outfit although it is a totally different story with their senior team. However, at this rate their youth development program is going, I am sure, we will start to see gems emerging from the Blue Half of Manchester in years to come. Hopefully, but the time these young lads are ready for the big time, ManCity are still in the Premier League. Good luck!

Midweek Outlook (17 April 2007)

Manchester United vs Sheffield United

"If Roma match is under EPL, the goal difference is so huge that i think Jose Mourinho will concede the title to Man United."

-Gary, 16/04/2007

Im not going to disrespect Watford. But with relegation fight going on, Man United could have send on 2nd team while resting the important players for EPL and Champions League titles.

Guess Ferguson want to instil the winning mentality in Rooney and Ronaldo. Score goals and feel good about it. But this match came at a price with Rio Ferdinand going off with a groin injury. Luckily, the injury was not as serious as it thought. With the whole backline in the treatment room, it's time for the makeshift defence to hold forte. Darren Fletcher, Wes Brown, Gabriel Heinze and Patrice Evra will be featured against Sheffield United for the back four.

Chelsea's next 3 fixtures will be, West Ham (away), Newscastle (away) and Bolton (home), tested. As long as any one resulted in a draw, the title will make it way to Old Trafford since 2003. Considered Chelsea's away form (reads 11 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses) is not considered the worst, opponents are no longer afraid of Chelsea. Maybe Arsenal can win for us before the "meaningless clash".

As for Man United, the scenerio is very different despite the loss to Portsmouth. They are hitting all cylinders. Every player is contributing to get a goal except Gary Neville. No matter where their shots goes, the opposing goal net will enlarged and catch the ball. If Roma match is under EPL, the goal difference is so huge that i think Jose Mourinho will concede the title to Man United.

With Alan Smith getting match fitness under a regular basis, it was a heartening sight to see English strikers (Smith and Rooney) who are so bullish to win the game since Shearer and Sheringham partnership in the 90s.

Sheffield United will be without the services of Rob Hulse. Big miss from him.

Gary Neville and John O'Shea is back sooner than expected but i dont see them feature in this match. Im waiting to see how good is this Craig Cathcart. I dont think Fergie will feature this promising defender till the title is wrapped up.

Odds and Analysis: Man United is giving 2 balls at 1.975. Wah so high!! I think bookie scared liao. Want to win back some coffee money as they lose big on Roma and Watford. Put handicap too low, Man United win big. Put handicap too high, i dont think Man United will clear the handicap though they are firing all cylinders right now. If you put Roma, Watford and Sheffield on the level of difficulty, Sheffield will be the hardest. No? Time to eat Man United.

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.

SPUG EPL Prediction League - Match Weekend 14 - 15 Apr 2007

It seems like the points dropped from my challengers are slightly more important than the points that I am earning.

With Liverpool's bore draw that floored everybody (sans ihawk98), the soliatary point from my goal bonus appear to make quite a big impact. Coupled with my correct prediction in the Everton-Charlton game, I find myself 5 points clear.

Kudos to ihawk98 for his 6-point haul predicting a Liverpool draw.

Also, a big welcome to JiaHao to the league. Granted that it is almost end of the season, but nevertheless a good practice ahead of next season's league.


SPUG EPL Prediction League "Perfect Score" Hall Of Fame
Perfect Score = 2 correct-score predictions in a single weekend and hence the award of the full 10 points.

1) Cha_Dum_Yen (24 Sep 2006), (25 Nov 2006)
2) Bedokian (24 Sep 2006)
3) TheSaint888 (24 Sep 2006)
4) Voxeros (24 Sep 2006)
5) David.hvp (25 Nov 2006)

Scoring System
3-Points for a correct outcome (Win, Lose or Draw)
1-point each for correct score on each side.

Double Entry
Later submission shall override earlier submission.

Penalty
No points for submission after kick-off. (Disqualification)

SPUG Blackout
Also, this is a mirror for the SPUG Server where the actual prediction game is being carried out at http://www.spug.net/showthread.php?t=85183. In the event SPUG server goes down, we will automatically carry on the prediction game at this blog site.

As usual:

1) If you have spotted a mistake, please let me know where and what so that I can amend them accordingly.
2) Please check your scores for accuracy as soon as possible before I update the table during the next round of scores. Once the table has been updated, the old table will be overwritten.
3) In case you are still seeing the old table even if I have announced a new update, please refresh your browser to reload the table.

Weekend Preview: 14th April 2007

Manchester United vs Watford - FA Cup Semi-Final

"Don't get carried away by the Roma thrashing, breathtaking as it was. That is an aberration rather than a normality..." - Sheena


First of all, a huge thank-you goes out to Jay and Gary who have been valiantly keeping this blog going in my (ahem) absence.

Now that thanks have been distributed, back to my quote of the day. Now don't get me wrong, I love Manchester United to bits, but truthfully - did anyone expect Man Utd to beat Roma, second in the Serie A, by such a scoreline? Didn't Man Utd fans around the world watch with disbelief as the goals just kept coming? And - be honest now - didn't the words "Roma kelong" ever cross your mind? It sure crossed mine.

It was a great performance from the team no doubt, and one that will be cherished in my memory for years to come, but let's keep this in perspective. It won't happen often, maybe never again. So we can forget about hammering Watford tonight. Another AOS (ah, see, I also know some betting lingo ok) is NOT gonna happen.

Watford may be bottom of the Premiership and definitely dropping down, and they may have lost 4 of their last 5 fixtures, and they may have beaten Portsmouth when Man Utd couldn't last week, but still, that doesn't mean this is going to be an easy task. This is the time of the season when the squad is thinning out, everyone's getting tired, and the psychological stress of being in 2 cup semi-finals while maintaining their position as Premiership leaders is getting to the players.

However, the squad is still high on morale and adrenaline, and everyone will have been given a welcome boost by the nice news that Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new five-year contract extension, so I don't foresee anything other than a Man Utd win for this match. Just remember: NO AOS.


Man to watch (Manchester United): Michael Carrick. Ronaldo may be most people's first choice and while his contribution is rightly applauded, Carrick's tireless string-pulling and engine-greasing in the middle of the park is what makes the team's attacks flow so smooth and allow players like Ronaldo to work magic. I said before that he is the team's unsung hero this season and in the Roma match, he truly proved it.

Man to watch (Watford): I would have said Ben Foster, but he can't play against Man Utd because of his loan terms, and I don't really know enough about the other Watford players to make a judgement.

Jaywalk's Encyclopaedia of Bookies' Odds says: Apparently Man Utd are giving a 1.75 handicap to Watford and 1.975 decimal odds to beat it. I believe Man Utd should be able to win by 2 goals quite comfortably, possibly 3, so these odds look good. But NO AOS!

(Jeez, if Man Utd decide to be perverse and administer an AOS thrashing to Watford I think I might just dig a hole in the ground and die of embarrassment.)


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.

Weekend Outlook (14 Apr 2007)

Watford vs Manchester United

"....Hor hor kuar kew. Mai tak leet buar keow, can?..."

- JayWalk, 14 Apr 2007

Like I said, AS Roma should have finished us off when they had the chance. I think our pay back with interest has been more than generous, putting 7 balls passed the bamboozled keeper.

I hate to be the keeper that night. It wasn't really his fault for all 7 goals. Somehow, the shots just found their way into the back of the net. Wherever the ball went, the goal posts shifted themselves to catch the ball. Most strange indeed. I see already, I also blur.

Carrick's account opener was just a try-my-luck attempt and it just so happened that Doni was out of position. As a result, the ball sailed into the goal without much fanfare. People were going "Hey, wait a minute. Did the ball just go in?"

We really hit them so hard that they have no idea what happened. Like the old Hokkien saying "Die already also don't know what happened." Imagine a demolition derby where we have a baby tricycle and a monster truck. Yeah, we were the monster truck that night. Stats showed that shots-on-goal were about the same for both sides but it must be noted that most of AS Roma's shots were from outside the box. Our defense were top notch, given them no room inside the 12-yard box. All that was left were just futile long shots from a distance away, on the brink of overly optimistic.

It was obvious that Totti couldn't give 100% to his team and the entire side was thoroughly punished. Such is the danger of a team relying too much on a single person. On the flip-side, ManUtd boast of having the most number of players making the score sheet in EPL this year.

Oh yes and another thing, I was very happy to see and that is the partnership of Smith-Rooney up front. Finally, we have an all English attack. Too many clubs have relied on foreigners so heavily to the extend that the football standard on a national scale suffered. We haven't a good strike force since Sheringham, Shearer or Lineker. Glad to see Smith blossoming together with Rooney. Hopefully Owen can recover well too. Otherwise Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 will be another disappointing outing for the English.

If only we have a decent candidate for the position of goalkeeper. We have yet to see a decent keeper since Seaman.

After today's FA Cup semi-finals, we have 2 EPL games before our next European encounter. Both games are at home and on Tuesday and Saturday. That gives us a slight psychological edge against Chelsea as their corresponding fixtures are will be on Wednesday and Sunday i.e. for the next 2 EPL games, the moment we collect 3 points, they will be under pressure to follow suit. The next 2 EPL games for Chelsea also happened to be away games. What better timing for us!

As I have said earlier, I personally think 3 more victories would seal the title for us. If we can take 2 of these during the next 2 games, Chelsea may just implode from the pressure, once they realised we only need 1 last victory in remaining 4 games i.e. we may even already be champions before we reach Stamford Bridge on May 9.

JayWalk The Talk: OK, optimism aside, let's get down to the nitty gritty ahead of us. We have a FA semi-final to clear today. A very mismatched game today as we pip ManUtd, currently at the top of the table, against Watford, currently at the bottom of the table. We have more than 3 times the number of points, won 5 times as many games, scored 3 times as many and leaked twice as little goals.

A madhouse slaughter is on the cards.

Injuries list almost don't matter anymore as Saha, Vidic, Neville, Park and Silvestre are unavailable for today. Somehow, it doesn't seem as serious since we rolled over AS Roma with the same absentees. If we can maul the Italians so easily, I can't figure how we are going to have difficulty dealing with the Hornets.

On the Watford side, the only noted absentee is Marlon King. No.1 goalie Ben Foster won't be playing as he is on loan from none other than ManUtd themselves. So the loan-clause forbid Foster from playing against his parent club.

Nah beh lah.. One side ManUtd, one side Watford. How to analyse? You know, I know Watford comfirm Hong Kan today. Still need to talk so much theory meh?

Fark lah... let's move on to the next section lah.

JayWalk The Walk: Fergie has never lost an FA Cup semi-final and it is unlikely going to happen today. We are confirm heading to Wembley liao. Win is definitely on the cards today. Even bookies put ManUtd give 1.75-ball handicap and 1.972 to clear. Sibeh giam siap.

Some people may argue, ManUtd may be tired after playing the midweek match against AS Roma. True if the score was 1-1 or 2-1 or one of those hard fought scores. But 7-1??!! You seriously think we worked very very very hard to get that scoreline? Please lah. We went strolling in the park. OK?

My only concern is if Fergie going to play second team today. Quite unlikely for a tournament into the semi-final stage but our opponent is Watford leh.

So hor, in case suay suay, second team play hor, then 1.75-ball handicap very hard to clear leh. Even if play first team, win 2-0 only get you half your punt. Bor hua leh.

Arn Juar Kong?: Hor hor kuar kew. Mai tak leet buar keow, can?
(Verdict?: Good good see ball. Dounch everyday gambling, can?)

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.

SPUG EPL Prediction League - Match Weekend 14 - 15 Apr 2007

It's the FA Cup semi-final weekend but the rest of EPL fixtures are no less important. We have fights against relegation as well as fights for a spot in next season's European campaign.

So expect those teams involve not letting up their motivation just yet.

Let's go!

EPL55: SAT 14/04 Manchester City vs Liverpool on ESPN at 21:55pm SIN/HKT

EPL56: SUN 15/04 Everton vs Charlton Athletic on ESPN at 21:55pm SIN/HKT

Good luck and good game!

SPUG EPL Prediction League - Match Weekend 07 - 09 Apr 2007

Happy Easter to one and all!

It's another beautiful week for me to be perched at the top and not budging. While the gap remained the same, the challenger has been replaced. A quiet sneak from ianrush has dropped cha_dum_yen down to 3rd spot, with TheSaint888 closing in with just a mere 6 points behind.

Congrats this week to ihawk98, limyengchuan and Necroastr to Club-100. Watch out for cool402 and everton next week as they too are closing in on the milestone.


SPUG EPL Prediction League "Perfect Score" Hall Of Fame
Perfect Score = 2 correct-score predictions in a single weekend and hence the award of the full 10 points.

1) Cha_Dum_Yen (24 Sep 2006), (25 Nov 2006)
2) Bedokian (24 Sep 2006)
3) TheSaint888 (24 Sep 2006)
4) Voxeros (24 Sep 2006)
5) David.hvp (25 Nov 2006)

Scoring System
3-Points for a correct outcome (Win, Lose or Draw)
1-point each for correct score on each side.

Double Entry
Later submission shall override earlier submission.

Penalty
No points for submission after kick-off. (Disqualification)

SPUG Blackout
Also, this is a mirror for the SPUG Server where the actual prediction game is being carried out at http://www.spug.net/showthread.php?t=85183. In the event SPUG server goes down, we will automatically carry on the prediction game at this blog site.

As usual:

1) If you have spotted a mistake, please let me know where and what so that I can amend them accordingly.
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