Why I think Man United will win the league again

As usual on the first game of the season I had the typical conversation where myself and a couple of friends predicted who they thought would win the league this season. To my surprise, I was the only one to say Manchester United. Now don’t get me wrong; I in no way want United to win the league, but for me they have to be favourites to once again top the league. In some ways I wish I had posted this earlier, so that my prediction looked more profound in light of current events, but nevertheless here are my reasons for believing United will regain their title:

a) Man United have won the Premier League alot more than any other team. Now I know this is stating the obvious, but I believe it makes a key difference for them as it means they have the experience and mental strength to win another league. How many times have they just powered through the last stretch of the season winning games where others would of drawn or lost? I believe this is due in part to their experience in winning the title before. They know what to do and how to do it.

b) Old Trafford is a fortress. Their ground is possibly the most difficult place to pick up points. However its my conviction that a strong part of this is that teams go to Man United with a mentality that disadvantages them. So many teams play 5 people in midfield and hope for a draw. Very few seem to go to Old Trafford and really attack them. This means that Man United are faced with the task of breaking down a defence which is determined not to let them in; something which they are experts in doing. Sunderland this season and Newcastle last, showed the importance in really attacking United. I believe when it does happen at home, United often don’t know how to respond and are forced into mistakes. Sunderland showed this expertly when they visited recently, particulary in their confidence and time on the ball. With my recommendation that teams attack United more at Old Trafford, some sides will inevtiably get caught on the break and concede goals. But I believe that this will be balanced by teams getting better results against United.

c) They are lucky. United have the uncanny ability to grind out a result when no other team would. Already this season time and time again they have got points when they havent been the better side, scored in the dying minutes of time added on or just been plain fortuante (a good example being Arsenal essetinally beating themselves at Old Trafford, despite outplaying United).  United get lucky were other teams don’t. Call it luck or skill or the way of champions, but the fact remains that they do.

d) They have a very good squad.  Yes they’ve lost Ronaldo.  Yes that has really seen a notable dip, but still the fact remains that Man United have a very strong squad.  They seem to have a key mix between upcoming youngsters, big game players and experienced veterans. 

So for me, it has to be United to win the Prem this league.  So what about the other teams in contention?  Realistically, the way things are at the moment, that would be Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool or Man City.  So I’ll go through why I don’t think it wil be any of them.  Starting of course with my beloveded Arsenal.

Arsenal: Although most followers of the Prem would agree that Arsenal often play the best football, it doesnt always win you titles.  They have already dropped too many points when they have been playing very well, so when their form drops the signs arent good.  Van Persie being out for the rest of the season only compounds this problem.  It would be the equivalent of Chelsea losing Drogba or United Rooney for the rest of the season.

Man City:  Despite an impressive start, the latest form has shown that Man City are still a long way off from winning a league title.  Going forward they look good, but defensively weak.  The team still needs time to gel and the big personalities in the club could well cause problems.

Spurs:  Have had a very good season so far.  They should be considering the level of talent in their squad and with Redknapp behind the helm.  They have also managed to grind out results when they have not been playing well which has seem them secure alot of points putting them into the top four.  However, they still struggle against the top teams and are probably due a bad run of form.

Liverpool: have had an awful start.  However their results against Man United and Everton should be reminders not to write them off.  If they can get a good run they could well be back up there.  However the results over the last few months mean they will be unlikely to win.

Chelsea:  The most serious contenders.  Most of the people I speak to back Chelsea and I can see why.  They have a very strong squad, a world class manager and are playing some very good football.  However, I believe that they are due a bad run of form.  Anything is going right for them at the moment and it will be interesting to see how the team perform under Ancelloti if this happens.  We already know what happens with United under Ferguson: they still get the points they need.  Will this be the same with Chelski?  Add to this the Africans leaving in January to play internationally and this could well weaken the team considerably. 

So, in summary, I believe that Manchester United will once again lift the Prem trophy.  Annoyingly.

James

Predictions for the Weekend

As Lawrenson has a go every week, I thought I’d have a pop at guessing the weekends results.

1) Blackburn vs Stoke: 3-1 Blackburn.  Although Stoke have been defending well lately and getting goals on the break I reckon Blackburn should outplay them.

2) Aston Villa vs Tottenham: 1-1 draw.  For me this is one of the most interesting fixtures of the weekend.  Both teams have very good squads who are playing well and both are fighting to break into the ‘top four’.  I’ve gone for a draw just cos I think it will be that close.

3) Wigan vs Sunderland: 1-2 Sunderland.  After Wigan’s dismal performance against Spurs they’ll be looking to come back fighting.  Sunderland however will be on a high after beating Arsenal and I reckon that’ll get them the result.

4) Fulham vs Bolton: 2-0 Fulham.  Fulham are looking good this season depsite being lower down in the league.  They are proving tough to play at home and should come away with all three points.

5) Portsmouth vs Man United: 0-4 Man United.  Although I’d love it if Portsmouth won, I just don’t think it will happen.  The club can’t get a result despite playing well and the loss of Hart will of made things worse.  United will also be looking for a good win after losing on Wednesday.

6) West Ham vs Burnley: 0-0 draw.  I’m just having a stab at this one.  West Ham will probably win though.

7) Man City vs Hull: 2-1 City.  After an awful start, Hull are looking better, particulary with the return of Jimmy Bullard.  However City will probably have all guns blazing after some dissapointing draws.  I reckon it will be a close one, but the quality of City’s players will earn them the win.

8 Everton vs Liverpool: 3-1 Liverpool.  This Merseyside derby will be interesting as both teams have seriously underperformed so far.  However Everton don’t look like getting out of it anytime soon where as Liverpool do. 

9) Arsenal vs Chelsea: 2-2 draw.  This game could well be one of the decisive fixtures of the season.  Arsenal are missing lots of key players, notably Van Persie and both first choice left backs where as Chelsea have just got Drogba and Lampard back.  With in this in mind I would opt for a Chelsea win, but Arsenal do have a tendency to pull it out the bag in these big games.  Vermaelen will be key for Arsenal in dealing with Drogba too, so I’m gonna take a stab at 2-2, with a key goal from Arshavin.

10) Wolves vs Birmingham: 2-1 Wolves.  Even though Birmingham have been playing well the last couple of games I reckon the derby might motviate Wolves into getting all three points.

and finally

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: 3-2 Madrid.  The most famous match in the world is looking like its gonna be a cracker.  Although it will no doubt be close, I’m gonna go for a Madrid win with lots of goals.  Kaka will probably be the difference between the two sides.

Ok well, lets see how many I get right.  Probably none, but it will make MOTD more interesting for me.

James

That Fabregas Goal

As the original intention of this blog was a footballing discussion between an Arsenal and Spurs fan, I felt it was only appropiate that I posted this goal and asked the question: Bad defending or brilliant individual goal?

I’m also aware how annoying posting this video must be too any Spurs fan, but hey, I’m gonna gloat a bit while I can.  Particulary as certain Tottenham fans won’t stop talking about the 9-1 demolition of Wigan on Sunday for months.

But still, what a goal from Cesc. 

James

Top 20 Clubs For Producing England Internationals

Found this list online, here, and thought it was interesting. Good for Spurs and Villa fans at least.

The list is correct as of 17/11/09.

Top 20 Teams For Producing England Internationals (all time):

1. Aston Villa – 68
2. Tottenham – 62
3. Everton – 59
4. Liverpool – 58
5. Man United – 57
6. Arsenal – 54
7. Blackburn – 48
8= Man City, West Brom – 42
10= Chelsea, Sheff Wed – 41
12. Nottingham Forest – 37
13. Derby – 36
14= Sheffield United, West Ham – 35
16= Newcastle, Wolves 33
18. Leeds – 30
19. Middlesbrough – 29
20= Bolton / Southampton – 26

An unorthodox method of defending

This video has become one of the most viewed in the last few days.  My favourite has to be the second tackle.  Whooooooosh.