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.