Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Midweek Review (2 May 2007)

AC Milan vs Manchester United
Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg




Man United have not lost an European tie after winning the first leg since 1985 and have never done so under Fergie.
- Gary, 1/5/07

Last match got all kind of element in it. Shock, despair, relieved and overjoyed at the final whistle. But somehow this match will only remembered two names, Phil Neville for scoring an own goal and Wayne Rooney to score and bring Man United back into the title race. Despite a makeshift defence, i cant blame Man United for the 2 conceded goals. One was a deflection, another was a wonder strike.

Chelsea match against Bolton not only give Man United with 5 points clear with 3 matches remaining, they literally hand Man United the title on a platter.

Despite taking a slim lead to Milan, I am optimistic after the first leg due to some facts.

•Man United have not lost an European tie after winning the first leg since 1985 and have never done so under Fergie.
•Man United are one win away for a century wins in the European Cup including qualifying.
•Milan have only won 3 out of 6 times when faced first leg deficit. The last time was in 1968.

For the game against Milan, latest news is that Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have travelled along with their team mates to Italy. But three men may missed the final with one suspension away – Ronaldo, Heinze and Paul Scholes, who famously missed the final in 1999.

Like what Jay have say, Milan might have a problem towards the end of the match as Man United attackers are young and fast, compare to Milan’s defenders are old, lack of speed but are experienced in reading the game and sniffing out the dangers.

Milan’s danger man will be Kaka. Gabriel Heinze was able to make him quiet in the first leg. But two goals from Kaka was due to lack of communication between the 4 defenders. Evra knock onto Heinze when Kaka scored the second. With 2nd leg in Italy, Man United will not have Gary Neville, Park and Silvestre. Look like Man United will have to do with Darren Fletcher, Wes Brown, Gabriel Heinze and don’t be surprised to see this, Kieran Richardson.

Milan will be without Paolo Maldini. Gattuso is fit again to play in the second leg.

Odds and Analysis: With 0.25 handicap at 1.95, I foresee a high-scoring draw. Man United will go through to the final.

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.

7 Comments:

At 12:44 AM, May 02, 2007, Blogger Mr. White said...

I hope so....but remember that statistics tell of the past; never in the those stats did occured where United has such a makeshift defence as depleted as the one we have.

We need to score 2, or 3 against an Italian defence playing at home.

Fingers crossed for the walking wounded.

 
At 1:08 AM, May 02, 2007, Blogger garylee402 said...

ya.. precisely.. that why i saw there is a high scoring draw..

 
At 8:37 AM, May 02, 2007, Blogger JayWalk said...

Like I said in my weekend preview.

Either we keep clean sheet or we score 2 goals. Still, I think clean sheet is the safer option.

Last night Chelsea's defeat is exactly the point I am trying to put across. Penalty shoot-outs must be avoid at all cost. We must kill them off inside 120 minutes.

Experience is a very big weapon at the 12-yd mark.

 
At 9:42 AM, May 03, 2007, Anonymous Anonymous said...

ianrush
=======
lfc are in. scums are out. : )

 
At 4:15 PM, May 03, 2007, Blogger JayWalk said...

Well, I can dispute that. We played poorly and certainly do not deserve to win.

Here's my dilemma. Do I support AC Milan coz die LiverPoo die!

Or do I support Liverpool for flying the England flag?

 
At 12:36 PM, May 05, 2007, Anonymous Anonymous said...

ianrush
=======
an easy choice to make, imo. lfc are more than willing to beat ac milan on poor scums' behalf. : )

 
At 8:37 PM, May 05, 2007, Blogger JayWalk said...

I have decided that I shall support neither.

Whatever the outcome doesn't concern me. So there.

 

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