Weekend Outlook (1Sep 2007)

Manchester United vs Sunderland

"No Rooney and Ronaldo, how to clear handicap??"

-Gary, 01/09/07

Some sidetracks before going into the game: A warm farewell to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for retiring from football due to injuries. Dubbed as "Baby-faced Assassin" and Fergie's "Substitute from Hell", His name will be entered in the history books of Man Utd. He will be best remembered for the toe-poke goal that won the Champions League in 1999. He will also be remembered the 4 goals in 12 minutes against Nottingham Forest. He never once complained about the lack of first team football despite injuries or other team-mates on form. And now, he will continue to serve Man Utd as an Ambassador and a valuable coach.

Last game against Tottenham, i have to admit that we robbed them 3 points. At one point in time, Man Utd's defenders got a lapse in concentration that Berbatov nearly score. The players are frustrated that there is still no goals coming in though a solitary goal from Paul Scholes in the Portsmouth's game was not enough. Rio Ferdinand was going forward than to stay behind and defend. What the hell. Before this game, Man Utd have an unwanted record of having the lowest place in the standings and the worst start of a defending champion. Luckily Nani saved Man Utd's blushes by a wonder strike. It was a relief that Man Utd finally got a win and climb up the table.

Sunderland is next. A goal glut? I doubt so. With Roy Keane at the helm, and Craig Gordon, a promising young goalkeeper, i dont think Man Utd can win by 2 goals or more. This season stats have shown that Sunderland have concede an average of 1.75 goals with the most from an unlikely source - Wigan.

Last season when i spoke of Sunderland, i rated them quite highly. But i think they are making me to eat my words. I dont see them to fight for relegation, neither are they for any honours, but a respectable table standing.

Another thing i notice is that, Roy Keane dont buy players from aboard. Either he buy players that are previously or from Man Utd, or players that ply their trade from the lower divisions of England, Scotland league and Ireland league. Oh well.

Sunderland Team News: Dean Whitehead is a big loss for them as he is out of six months with a knee injury. Carlos Edward and Kieron Richardson are doubtful due to hamstring and back problems respectively. Ex-Man Utd player, Andy Cole is not match fit.

Man Utd Team News: Louis Saha is in contention, the bench at the very least. Anderson could make his debut. Ronaldo is in the last of his suspension. Gary Neville, Park, Rooney are out with injuries.

Handicap and Analysis: No Rooney and Ronaldo, how to clear handicap?? Somemore Craig Gordon is not old, neither is his reflexes are slow. The last time Sunderland came to Old Trafford, the handicap was 2.25. And the final scoreline: 0-0. Though that match got Sunderland relegated, but Man Utd couldnt win the title.

The handicap now is 1.75. And im not going to take Man Utd to clear the handicap. Im gonna to eat it.

Disclaimer: This review is entirely on my own views and opinion. I didn’t point a gun at you to ask you to follow. If you want to bet on this game, do so at your own risk. Pls bet within limits. Good luck.