Tuesday, 31 December 2013

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur : Match Preview



League Champions Manchester United entertain Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on New Years Day with both clubs hoping to close in on the top 4. Always an exciting fixture, this time it holds all the more importance due to both teams having surprisingly horrifying starts to the season. While United began a new era under David 'The Chosen One' Moyes, Tottenham continued with AVB and the post-Bale era.

Spurs- New recruits with promising talent, Levy had done his business well, and this side was expected to take the League by storm. Call it the Manager's lack of ability, or the squad requiring longer, the new team failed to produce results immediately as expected, disappointing fans and the board alike, eventually resulting in the sacking of Villas Boas. I personally feel he should have been given more time, what's the point of spending so much and not being able to build on it. But that's the way it goes now, patience doesn't exist, everyone wants quick results, or they're fired before they know it. In comes new boss and former midfielder, Tim Sherwood, having instant success in his game against Stoke. Tim has played 4-4-2 in all his games, it's the formation he prefers, so I expect him to stick with that at Old Trafford as well. Kyle Walker is available again having served a one match ban but Jermain Defoe, Andros Townsend, Younes Kaboul, and Jan Vertonghen are sidelines through injury.

My predicted 11: Lloris, Rose, Chiriches, Dawson, Walker, Eriksen, Dembele, Paulinho, Lennon, Adebayor, Soldado - 4-2-2!


United- 4 League wins on the trot, United have momentum. Finally seem to have overcome those early jitters, David Moyes seems to have found his best team. It took him a while, shuffling around, seeing who fits in his plans perfectly, but he seems to have done it. Injuries haven't helped it all. United's success last season was due to De Gea, Rafael, Carrick, Rooney, RVP. One or two of them have been injured throughout, replacements coming in have barely made an impact. Credit to Moyes for giving Rooney a new life, giving Januzaj his first life, transforming Cleverley, Young and Welbeck into totally different players. Hopefully a signing or two in January or the summer and the team looks good for the future. Wayne Rooney will be welcomed after missing out at Norwich (provided he's fit, rumours say he didn't train today), Van Persie is close to a comeback and hopefully will be on the bench. Antonio Valencia is available having served his one match ban, but Rafael, Nani, and Phil Jones are still out injured.

My predicted 11: De Gea, Evra, Evans, Vidic, Smalling, Januzaj, Carrick, Cleverley, Valencia, Rooney, Welbeck- 4-4-1-1.

Hope we carry the momentum forward and build the pressure on the teams above us in the league.

My prediction : United 2-1 Spurs.

Manan Vora

Sunday, 1 December 2013

Ryan Giggs Special

Three of our writer are sharing their view on Ryan Giggs' 40th birthday and still playing in just one paragraph.
And here is our Ryan Giggs Special


Achal
RYAN GIGGS..! 

What can we say about him. Yesterday he turned 40 and the day before in the game against Bayer Luverkusen that assist for the Nani goal says it all, the quality, the hard work, the skill, his vision.... everything. The Welshman has everything a winger needed, he’s truly a total footballer committed to Manchester United since his childhood playing since last 23 years for only club. Its an honour to watch him play for Manchester United. I wish he would extend his contract at the end of this season.

Ivan
Fast, deadly, smart, loyal, complete.

We can find those rare things in modern football in Ryan Giggs. Almost unstoppable when he's on form. 22 years, he gives his soul for Man United, and almost 1000 battles he sailed with United. He has got everything with United, a perfect example for a complete player. Only two things that he didn't get the chance, the Ballon d'Or and World Cup - Age is just a number for him.


Adrian
Born in Wales, raised in Carrington, published in Old Trafford, running in the Premier League.

To be honest, i'm running out of words for him. He's just, oh my God! 22 years of playing football, in one club! Managed by only two managers, but has lifted so many titles...and counting! He was quick, he is smart. He isn't Moyes' first choice because of (yeah) his age, but he doesn't matter it. He wants to play, and he doesn't understand the word "Retire" as Sir Alex managed to understand it. We simply hope that our current youngsters and players, like Rooney and Januzaj, have the same loyalty as Giggs has got.