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.