United away? Easy peasy...
Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 12:23PM Manchester United away on Saturday. If I told you I wasn’t nervous, would you believe me? Not that we ever go to OT confident of winning there (even when we do beat them we only return to London with a point) and I’m not for a second suggesting that just because they’ve not been playing at the same fearsome tempo and pace of prior months they’ve suddenly become a soft touch. It’s United. Even a patched up side is dangerous to most opponents.
They appeared casual yesterday evening against Pompey. But still won. They are doing just enough and it’s more than enough. When we make trips up there, we usually give a plucky performance only to then be out-done, usually by a wonder-goal. Sometimes, we follow this up by falling to pieces allowing Utd to run rampant. It’s textbook stuff, Utd always take points off us with relative ease up there. They do the same down south (although the last two home games at the Lane have bucked the trend and had us gutted for not claiming all the points).
This season we are unbeaten against the Sky Sports Four© in the Prem and we’re not afraid to have a go against any of them. And with our safety assured along with a flirtatious swagger towards 7th spot, there’s no harm in trying to win at OT – even if the odds are still stacked against us, based on history and the fact that the game is far more important to Utd than to us. Its three points closer to a title for Fergie. With us, if we do happen to finish up in a European spot it will be nothing more than a surprising bonus. So Utd don’t need to be told how important another solid home performance would be for them.
But we have no idea what United will turn up. And we can’t go second guessing (tbf, we have no idea what Spurs will turn up either). Add to the mix Giggs 800th United appearance and the signs are the game is set up to be a joyous one for the home support. If we can gatecrash and party-poop and possibly take back those two points left behind in January 2005, I’ll be more than happy.
We should push forward with impunity. I’m not suggesting we turn up in yellow jerseys and samba our way around the park. We should just give it a go. A proper one at that. We all know they will. Last night, for all the casual running and effort made they still played some wonderful slick football. Sitting back is not an option. No need for a defensive display and one point. We are not desperate for points and Utd are not flying. What I’m desperate for is a little glory. Enough to sit in my back pocket for a week so I can float to work and back.
In the past, trying to out play Utd at Old Trafford hasn’t worked. But I don’t think we need to concern ourselves with anything other than the present. We are playing well. Both defensively and in midfield. Failing to score more than a goal a game is our Achilles heel. But with the pressures of relegation banished, the players and manager have the chance to press ahead with the development of a re-born Spurs (not trying to be overly dramatic by suggesting a new dawn is upon us, just mean that it’s nice we have a winning mentality and cohesive team structure with players understanding their responsibilities).
It’s test time. Palacios Vs Mr '600' Scholes. King (hopefully) and Woodgate standing tall against Ronaldo and Rooney. It ought to be daunting, but it’s not. It’s also far from being a rabbit in the headlights scenario. More like a rabbit smoking a joint.
Neville and O’Shea are both out injured and Wes Brown is set for a possible return to first team action if he gets through a reserve team unscathed. I repeat, Wes Brown. Shudder. Though I’d prefer O’Shea to have been available, as the bloke is a liability. We might even be treated to Berbatov on Saturday. I won't say anything more in case I jinx it. Utd also have to take into consideration the little matter of a Champs League game next week.
As for us?
BAE has been consistent since Harry’s arrival. Corluka has had the odd lapse, but works great in partnership with Lennon. There are solid partnerships throughout our side. I'm hoping Jenas is fit as we'll need his box to box energy as Utd always work their socks off, and we'll have to match them. Pav scored a beaut up at OT in the Cup, but missed sitters in the Cup final. Bent scores, regardless of doing very little else. If Pav is fully fit, will he get the nod? I hope so. We need some of our players to sharpen up their game for this weekend (Keane, Lennon, Bent) and others to excel as per usual (Palacios, Modric, King, Woody). And just hope that Utd don’t do the same. Something tells me Bent will start, and Spurs will look to counter making the most of the one ability Darren has.
Of course, we all half expected a miracle when we played them at OT in the FA Cup, and what we got was a performance of tragedy. Should have had a right go at them and we didn’t. But then we had the distraction of possible relegation hanging over our heads, and Harry was still tweaking around with the balance and confidence of the side leaving our tactics some what muddled and confused.
So on Saturday, I’d rather us not play for a point but go for all three and if we end up with nothing so be it. I wouldn’t shake my head despondently at a point. I’d just like to see us shake things up at the top.
The key is whether we can stick away a second if we get a first. It’s like the Cup final. Nobody took their chances and it was settled on penalties. If it’s a similar type of game with chances at both ends, then anyone can win it (otherwise we end up with another no score draw).
No pens this time round. The heartbreak that partners defeat would be more evident if it happened to the reds more than if the whites tasted it.
Reader Comments (24)
We won't win, happy with a point if we get the chance to hold out. Utd will need the points in a big way and can;t see them slipping up against us.
I agree, we have nothing to lose. Everybody expects us to lose, half the clubs we've upset in recent months would love to see us lose heavily. Wouldn't it be nice though to take our seats at anfield on the last day of the season and watch them pinch the title. (assuming we have qualified for Europe already!!)
The main difference between the CC Final and Saturday’s game is this time we will have the Panther.
I can see Palacios bossing this, but Utd have far more match winners than we do. One goal in it. Could steal a point mind.
And we wont have alnwick in goal like last time out at OT.
Alnwick did a Gomes that night, so we have to hold onto our hats and hope Gomes doesn't do a Gomes on Saturday.
We are a different Spurs today and have come a long way since that FA cup match...
I do believe we will walk away with something from this game; even if it isn't a point or 3! I think we will fight for their respect and in the end that is all I need to hold my head up high with my middle finger up to the bandwagon fans of United!
COYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think Harry will be negative with his approach in this one. It a long way away from that FA Cup tie. Different team, different players in key areas. Might be a scorcher of a game.
I've got a ticket :)
YIDDOS!!
Palacios could be the key.
If we keep him in shackles 24 hours before the game, feeding him only raw human flesh and poking him every few minutes with a twig, we could have half a chance.
He's got an engine that boy.
Great reading Spooky,
Raw human flesh? I know Gareth Bale is a bit of a jinx but steady on. Could we not just send him out on loan and feed Wilson some KFC instead?
Score draw at OT. 2-2 is where my moneys at. Utd will be happy with the point, and still with a game in hand and we'll be happy with a point also as I'm sure Harry will remind us where we have come from (2 from 8).
Spooky, this blog has exploded. About time too. Why you never got it registered onto News Now 2 years ago? I do have one complaint - where are the letters? We don't see much of the satirical stuff anymore. Get back on track you hobo.
Go for the win! What have we got to lose? A goal and Utd could crumble, they know after last nights win that the title is theirs to lose, they have a big game against Arsenal in the Chumps League on Wednesday so I expect Fergie to send out a mish mash side against us (especially after the injuries picked up last night)
I read a spurs fan some while ago say that this weekend could be a very good time to visit OT and I firmly agree. JJ will return to midfield to partner Wilson (their high energy game will be required - Hudd would be bypassed) Bent will probably start up front to exploit his pace and I suspect Pav will be used as a sub at some point in the second half.
Come on you Spurs!!
Well, I wasn't suggesting Bale, but a good idea is a good idea...
No-one could question his commitment to the cause then.
He could start my nawing on his fringe..
*by
Usually you're very stupid, but this time you might be right. We could win - and do everyone a favour, including ourselves.
I will just be happy if we play as well as we have recently. A point would be great, three would be heaven. We only need to stay unbeaten for this and the liverpool game and apart from the defeat to villa at the lane we won't have lost to the top 5 all season! great considering we have done so poorly against the top teams in recent seasons
Shannon has a crush.
Who Framed Ruel Fox:
When are you going to post something new???????????
I think the Arsenal game they've got next week will play a massive part. You could see it last night against Portsmouth, played well but no bite or unnecessary effort but then that's more down to Pompey not being able to put them under any pressure. We have that ability and if we go there with a 'we don't give a fucking fuck' attitude they will have to step up. Whether they do or not is where we have the chance of winning. Fergie has a 3 point buffer so that might have an affect on some of their players.
I would like a win on saturday but would be happy witha sparkling, skillful attacking performance from the team a dominant role from Sargent Wilson and avoiding defeat. I dont agree with Truespaur I do not want the scousers to nick it on the last day I want them to still be in the running and for PSB to ruin it for them and then celebrate in front of Raffa
I'd drop Keane for this one and start with Pav and Defoe upfront. We never get much change up there, so strikers that can create something from nothing and take their chances are vital.
I remember watching Palacios play for Wigan up there just before he signed for us. Bossed the midfield in front of his back four, I expect him to do the same. If Jenas gets moving forward, Modric causing havoc cutting in from the side to assist the strikers and Lennon on song, we could pull this off.
I think going gung-ho, would be mistake, but composed crisp passing and good retention of the ball the key.
Call me delusional, but I have a strong feeling we're going to pull off a shock win this weekend. Redknapp has the team well-drilled, organized, and working hard in all areas. We've picked up the habit of grinding out results. United have been in a flap their last few games, and the side is still far from settled. Berbatov is increasingly a liability for them. Plus, there's the distraction of next week's CL semifinal against the Gonads. Much will depend on Corluka's ability to keep Ronaldo quiet, and Palacios and Modric countering Carrick and Scholes. If anything happens to knock them out of their stride early in the game, I can see us nicking this one.
'When am I going to post something?'
On my blog , you mean?
Well, very soon actually.
IIn the mean time, read this one. It's much better :)
Well I think we have a chance at OT this time around. This season whenver we were written off and said we had no chance of winning, we did that..(ya we did loose games which we were sure to win) we hadnt beaten Chelsea for a long time.. Every one predicted barcodes to win last week based on history, we had a stunnin match at Emirates, we beat Villa at their place..
My prediction is we win by single goal from the one and only MODRIC!!! and Keane with the assist.