Easy points at Old Trafford for Toon
August 15th 2010 19:17
Well ... it has certainly been an exciting, and shocking opening weekend in the English Premier League. Blackpool smashed four past Wigan, Milner not only played, but scored for a club he was supposed to have already left, two debutants being sent off at Anfield and despite the world cup ball debate being over, Scott Carson, Tim Howard and Pepe Reina seem determined to keep the run of goalkeeping errors going. Joe Hart meanwhile gave a goalkeeping master-class at White Hart Lane to earn his side a 0-0 draw, after dislodging Shay Given as Manchester City's number one. Following all of this unpredictably, any chance of another shock at Old Trafford tomorrow night?
Manchester United kick off the new season at home against my side Newcastle United, and are huge favourites for all three points. You can take Newcastle at 12-1 with some bookmakers to win, something which I am considering. Realistically though, I can't see any Newcastle player scoring tomorrow night, unless from another goalkeeping error or a set piece. This is not me being negative, but our squad simply lacks the creative potency to unlock a solid United defence.
However, what the Magpies squad lacks in flair, it makes up for in grit and determination. Players such as Joey Barton, ex-Red devil Alan Smith, Andy Carroll and new skipper Kevin Nolan, will be desperate to prove a point on their return to the top flight. I feel we have a chance of grinding out a 0-0 draw, and who knows, nicking a goal on the counter. Chris Hughton has said his priority for the season is to make us hard to beat, and tomorrow night will be a good test. Even if we lost one or two nil, it would be encouraging if we avoided a thrashing, unlike newly promoted West Brom did at Chelsea. If we could fight for a 0-0 at Old Trafford, it would be a better start than for fellow new boys Blackpool.
Just a word on the Hatem Ben Arfa saga as well. The frenchman is now camped out in a hotel in Newcastle, demanding the transfer goes through. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I believe this transfer is crucial for Newcastle, as he would add a much needed spark, and creativity to our midfield. I'm not really sure why a man who has just won the French title and scored for the France national team is so determined to play for a team likely to be fighting relegation, but if he arrives I won't be complaining. All being well, the next few days will see a good result to start the season, and the Ben Arfa signing complete, possibly with other arrivals coming in as well.
Manchester United kick off the new season at home against my side Newcastle United, and are huge favourites for all three points. You can take Newcastle at 12-1 with some bookmakers to win, something which I am considering. Realistically though, I can't see any Newcastle player scoring tomorrow night, unless from another goalkeeping error or a set piece. This is not me being negative, but our squad simply lacks the creative potency to unlock a solid United defence.
However, what the Magpies squad lacks in flair, it makes up for in grit and determination. Players such as Joey Barton, ex-Red devil Alan Smith, Andy Carroll and new skipper Kevin Nolan, will be desperate to prove a point on their return to the top flight. I feel we have a chance of grinding out a 0-0 draw, and who knows, nicking a goal on the counter. Chris Hughton has said his priority for the season is to make us hard to beat, and tomorrow night will be a good test. Even if we lost one or two nil, it would be encouraging if we avoided a thrashing, unlike newly promoted West Brom did at Chelsea. If we could fight for a 0-0 at Old Trafford, it would be a better start than for fellow new boys Blackpool.
Just a word on the Hatem Ben Arfa saga as well. The frenchman is now camped out in a hotel in Newcastle, demanding the transfer goes through. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I believe this transfer is crucial for Newcastle, as he would add a much needed spark, and creativity to our midfield. I'm not really sure why a man who has just won the French title and scored for the France national team is so determined to play for a team likely to be fighting relegation, but if he arrives I won't be complaining. All being well, the next few days will see a good result to start the season, and the Ben Arfa signing complete, possibly with other arrivals coming in as well.
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Comment by Matt Saltmer
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