The Big Game

Hey all,

If there's any reason why I've started a blog its because I believe I have a little something for writing. What else better to write about than my main passion; football. No, write that off. My passion - Manchester United. Heck, I'd give up meal time to watch them play. Anyways, my last pre-game report was pretty much last season and it covered the biggest match up. Now, I'm trying my hands to be as impartial as possible. So here goes:

The Red Devils are going to take on the Gunners this Saturday at the Emirates. Arsenal are one point behind with the Champions having a game in hand. Ahead of the showdown, United have not won at the Emirates (D-1, L-1). Even at Highbury, the last time United won in a Premier League was during the 1999-2000 season. However, recent display showed that the Gunners are having a poor run at home collecting 10 points in their last 5 home games (home form: W-W-L-W-D). Seeing Mikael Silvestre not able to return to face former club adds to the injury list. Notable players that will be missing out are Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle), Emmanuel Eboue (knee), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Eduardo (long term leg and ankle). Willaim Gallas and Theo Walcott are at 50:50 to face United.

United have not got it sorted either ammasing only 8 points in their last away games (away form: W-L-D-W-D). Manchester United are at experimental stage seeking the best combination between Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez to play alongside Dimitar Berbatov. Rooney and Berbatov were on top form before the last few games. None of the strikers scored in the last four games and Tevez last goal was against Liverpool. The defense however has been solid (aside from allowing 3 goals from Hull City) allowing only 8 goals which equals Liverpool's and only bettered by Chelsea. Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and even stand-in Jonny Evans has been top-class alongside the rotation of Rafael Da Silva, Wes Brown and Gary Neville on the right and having Patrice Evra owning the left flank.

Both sides are hoping to bounce back from recent form and a win is definitely a must in order to keep up the challenge for the top spot currently occupied by Chelsea and Liverpool at second. Will Arsene Wenger be forced to put out Adebayor? Will Sir Alex Ferguson be able to find a better combination for Berbatov or stick with the last season's Holy Trinity (Rooney-Ronaldo-Tevez)?

Whatever they decide, I'm always on one side. And you know it.

Peace out,
the12thplayer

Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.

- Bill Shankly