[EN] Premier League 2005/06 (8 Viewers)
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When the fixture list was unveiled back in early summer, Manchester United-Chelsea was, as always, considered to be one of the biggest matches on the calendar. Besides the rich history of the two clubs and the ‘past vs. present’ nature of the tie, this fixture at Old Trafford was also supposed to have serious bearing on this season’s title race. But, alas Sunday’s match-up is less about the title than it is about pride, especially for United (7th, 18 Points) who have endured a tumultuous week that has seen the club drop two straight matches, one in Europe and one in the Premiership.
The losses to Middelsbrough and Lille however are difficult to swallow for United, not only because of the results, but in the manner in which they came. Embarrassed by Boro 4-1 at the Riverside last weekend, United’s response was a dismal showing in the 1-0 defeat to Lille at midweek. Roy Keane’s disparaging comments about his teammates may have been erased forever thanks to some astute editing, but one will wonder whether his damning analysis of the team was that far off the mark. Simply put, United must defeat Chelsea (1st, 31 Pts.) on Sunday, not only to keep their faint title hopes alive, but also to keep their season from spiraling out of control.
Chelsea, runaway leaders at this point, are also entering this match in slumping form. Though Jose Mourinho’s side showed no ill effects of their Carling Cup exit to Charlton with last weekend’s 4-2 win over Blackburn, Chelsea were stymied by Real Betis in the Champions’ League, going down 1-0 and stretching their streak of failing to win an away match in Europe to over a year. Still, the reigning champions are firm favourites heading into this match and will be seeking to keep their unbeaten run of 40 matches intact. All signs point to a Chelsea victory or at best a share of the spoils for United, but then again last season it was United who ended Arsenal’s record unbeaten run at Old Trafford. The scene is set for quite an intriguing ninety minutes on Sunday.
While Manchester United and Chelsea have experienced the continental blues this week, rivals Arsenal (8th, 17 Pts.) are at the top of their game in Europe having won all four of their Champions’ League matches to date. Arsenal hope to carry their striking European form back to the domestic front when they host Sunderland (20th, 5 Pts.) at Highbury. Though Arsene Wenger shot back at Mourinho for calling him a ‘voyeur’, surely the Frenchman will be watching intently for his team to expose the weak defense of Mick McCarthy’s struggling club. Arsenal are showing signs of revival after a mediocre start to the season, and a fit Thierry Henry only spells more trouble for the Black Cats. Sunderland went down 4-1 to Portsmouth last weekend and will need major improvement at Highbury if they are to get anything from this vastly difficult match.
Along with Arsenal-Sunderland, the majority of this weekend’s fixtures take place on Saturday. High-flying Wigan (2nd, 22 Pts.) travel to take on Portsmouth (14th, 10 Pts). Having seemed dead and buried prior to last week’s matches and considered prime relegation candidates, Portsmouth produced an inspired performance to down Sunderland 4-1. Now it gets more difficult with Paul Jewell’s boys coming to town. Wigan were lucky to defeat Fulham 1-0 in their last outing, but despite the fortuitous nature of their victory, the Latics have now won seven straight matches and talk is beginning to switch from survival to that of possible European qualification. However premature that is remains to be seen, though a win over Pompey would certainly make even more people stand up and take notice of Wigan’s incredible exploits.
Much to Alan Curbishley’s chagrin, Charlton’s (6th, 19 Pts.) impressive start to the campaign has been lost amidst the talk about Wigan’s superb Premiership debut. Still, Charlton are enjoying their best-ever start to a season and will take on Blackburn (12th, 14 Pts.) this weekend at Ewood Park. Mark Hughes’ team went down admirably to Chelsea in their last run-out and will fancy their chances against Charlton at home where they have garnered 10 of their 14 points.
In a Saturday lunchtime kick-off, Aston Villa (16th, 9 Pts.) host Liverpool (13th, 13 Pts.). Liverpool are mimicking Arsenal’s season to some extent with good performances in Europe compared to sub-par displays in England. Rafa Benitez will be seeking to change that phenomenon and build on his club’s 2-0 win over West Ham last Saturday at Anfield. Villa meanwhile are perilously close to the relegation zone and have won only two of their first eleven fixtures. A victory over Liverpool would be a huge confidence boost for David O’Leary’s men and also see the home side begin the journey back to mid-table security.
Newcastle (10th, 15 Pts.) look rejuvenated as of late and will be on the prowl for their third straight Premiership victory when they host troubled Birmingham (19th, 6 Pts). Michael Owen and Alan Shearer are beginning to click as a strikeforce and Newcastle appear to have acquired a sense of purpose in their play if the latest matches are any sign. Birmingham, on the other hand, have a measly six points from their first eleven matches and look set to be involved in this season’s relegation scrap. Chairman David Sullivan even admitted this week that he was unsure whether the club could turn their season around. Steve Bruce is certainly under quite a lot of pressure these days and any points at St. James’ Park would be greatly welcomed.
Fulham (15th, 9 Pts.) entertain Manchester City (5th, 20 Pts.) at Craven Cottage praying for a change in fortune. Chris Coleman’s side have played some good football this season, but more often than not have been undone by lapses in concentration or pure bad luck. Last weekend’s defeat to Wigan was a prime example of this as the Cottagers controlled large portions of the match only to concede a goal in the final minute to ensure they left the pitch with nothing to show for their efforts. Manchester City’s Laurel and Hardy, aka Darius Vassell and Andy Cole, were outstanding in Monday’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa and once again proved that they are one of the league’s top attacking duos. City are off to a promising start and Stuart Pearce may be forced to admit his team’s European aspirations should Manchester City come away from London with maximum points.
The remaining fixture on Saturday features West Ham (9th, 15 Pts.) taking on West Bromwich Albion (17th, 8 Pts.). West Ham have played some of the best attacking football seen in the Premiership this season and will fancy their chances against West Brom based on their formidable home form. At only one notch above the relegation places, West Brom could use an away win; they are currently one of only four teams in the Premiership without a victory on the road.
Besides the Manchester United-Chelsea blockbuster, there is one other match on Sunday as Everton (18th, 7 Pts.) and Middelsbrough (11th, 15 Pts) meet. Middelsbrough are in good spirits after their home victory over United and Uefa Cup win against Dnipro. Everton have suffered a nightmarish beginning to their season, second from bottom for last season’s fourth-placed side says it all at this point. Things may be on the verge of looking up for the Toffees if the 1-0 away win versus Birmingham last weekend is any indicator.
Finally, on Monday one of the best matches on paper from this weekend’s fixture list takes place at the Reebok Stadium when Tottenham (3rd, 20 Pts.) arrive to play Bolton (5th, 20 Pts.). Level on points and high up the table, these clubs will want to prove that where they currently lie in the standings is not a fluke, but rather well deserved. This one has all the makings of a classic Premiership match.
When the fixture list was unveiled back in early summer, Manchester United-Chelsea was, as always, considered to be one of the biggest matches on the calendar. Besides the rich history of the two clubs and the ‘past vs. present’ nature of the tie, this fixture at Old Trafford was also supposed to have serious bearing on this season’s title race. But, alas Sunday’s match-up is less about the title than it is about pride, especially for United (7th, 18 Points) who have endured a tumultuous week that has seen the club drop two straight matches, one in Europe and one in the Premiership.
The losses to Middelsbrough and Lille however are difficult to swallow for United, not only because of the results, but in the manner in which they came. Embarrassed by Boro 4-1 at the Riverside last weekend, United’s response was a dismal showing in the 1-0 defeat to Lille at midweek. Roy Keane’s disparaging comments about his teammates may have been erased forever thanks to some astute editing, but one will wonder whether his damning analysis of the team was that far off the mark. Simply put, United must defeat Chelsea (1st, 31 Pts.) on Sunday, not only to keep their faint title hopes alive, but also to keep their season from spiraling out of control.
Chelsea, runaway leaders at this point, are also entering this match in slumping form. Though Jose Mourinho’s side showed no ill effects of their Carling Cup exit to Charlton with last weekend’s 4-2 win over Blackburn, Chelsea were stymied by Real Betis in the Champions’ League, going down 1-0 and stretching their streak of failing to win an away match in Europe to over a year. Still, the reigning champions are firm favourites heading into this match and will be seeking to keep their unbeaten run of 40 matches intact. All signs point to a Chelsea victory or at best a share of the spoils for United, but then again last season it was United who ended Arsenal’s record unbeaten run at Old Trafford. The scene is set for quite an intriguing ninety minutes on Sunday.
While Manchester United and Chelsea have experienced the continental blues this week, rivals Arsenal (8th, 17 Pts.) are at the top of their game in Europe having won all four of their Champions’ League matches to date. Arsenal hope to carry their striking European form back to the domestic front when they host Sunderland (20th, 5 Pts.) at Highbury. Though Arsene Wenger shot back at Mourinho for calling him a ‘voyeur’, surely the Frenchman will be watching intently for his team to expose the weak defense of Mick McCarthy’s struggling club. Arsenal are showing signs of revival after a mediocre start to the season, and a fit Thierry Henry only spells more trouble for the Black Cats. Sunderland went down 4-1 to Portsmouth last weekend and will need major improvement at Highbury if they are to get anything from this vastly difficult match.
Along with Arsenal-Sunderland, the majority of this weekend’s fixtures take place on Saturday. High-flying Wigan (2nd, 22 Pts.) travel to take on Portsmouth (14th, 10 Pts). Having seemed dead and buried prior to last week’s matches and considered prime relegation candidates, Portsmouth produced an inspired performance to down Sunderland 4-1. Now it gets more difficult with Paul Jewell’s boys coming to town. Wigan were lucky to defeat Fulham 1-0 in their last outing, but despite the fortuitous nature of their victory, the Latics have now won seven straight matches and talk is beginning to switch from survival to that of possible European qualification. However premature that is remains to be seen, though a win over Pompey would certainly make even more people stand up and take notice of Wigan’s incredible exploits.
Much to Alan Curbishley’s chagrin, Charlton’s (6th, 19 Pts.) impressive start to the campaign has been lost amidst the talk about Wigan’s superb Premiership debut. Still, Charlton are enjoying their best-ever start to a season and will take on Blackburn (12th, 14 Pts.) this weekend at Ewood Park. Mark Hughes’ team went down admirably to Chelsea in their last run-out and will fancy their chances against Charlton at home where they have garnered 10 of their 14 points.
In a Saturday lunchtime kick-off, Aston Villa (16th, 9 Pts.) host Liverpool (13th, 13 Pts.). Liverpool are mimicking Arsenal’s season to some extent with good performances in Europe compared to sub-par displays in England. Rafa Benitez will be seeking to change that phenomenon and build on his club’s 2-0 win over West Ham last Saturday at Anfield. Villa meanwhile are perilously close to the relegation zone and have won only two of their first eleven fixtures. A victory over Liverpool would be a huge confidence boost for David O’Leary’s men and also see the home side begin the journey back to mid-table security.
Newcastle (10th, 15 Pts.) look rejuvenated as of late and will be on the prowl for their third straight Premiership victory when they host troubled Birmingham (19th, 6 Pts). Michael Owen and Alan Shearer are beginning to click as a strikeforce and Newcastle appear to have acquired a sense of purpose in their play if the latest matches are any sign. Birmingham, on the other hand, have a measly six points from their first eleven matches and look set to be involved in this season’s relegation scrap. Chairman David Sullivan even admitted this week that he was unsure whether the club could turn their season around. Steve Bruce is certainly under quite a lot of pressure these days and any points at St. James’ Park would be greatly welcomed.
Fulham (15th, 9 Pts.) entertain Manchester City (5th, 20 Pts.) at Craven Cottage praying for a change in fortune. Chris Coleman’s side have played some good football this season, but more often than not have been undone by lapses in concentration or pure bad luck. Last weekend’s defeat to Wigan was a prime example of this as the Cottagers controlled large portions of the match only to concede a goal in the final minute to ensure they left the pitch with nothing to show for their efforts. Manchester City’s Laurel and Hardy, aka Darius Vassell and Andy Cole, were outstanding in Monday’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa and once again proved that they are one of the league’s top attacking duos. City are off to a promising start and Stuart Pearce may be forced to admit his team’s European aspirations should Manchester City come away from London with maximum points.
The remaining fixture on Saturday features West Ham (9th, 15 Pts.) taking on West Bromwich Albion (17th, 8 Pts.). West Ham have played some of the best attacking football seen in the Premiership this season and will fancy their chances against West Brom based on their formidable home form. At only one notch above the relegation places, West Brom could use an away win; they are currently one of only four teams in the Premiership without a victory on the road.
Besides the Manchester United-Chelsea blockbuster, there is one other match on Sunday as Everton (18th, 7 Pts.) and Middelsbrough (11th, 15 Pts) meet. Middelsbrough are in good spirits after their home victory over United and Uefa Cup win against Dnipro. Everton have suffered a nightmarish beginning to their season, second from bottom for last season’s fourth-placed side says it all at this point. Things may be on the verge of looking up for the Toffees if the 1-0 away win versus Birmingham last weekend is any indicator.
Finally, on Monday one of the best matches on paper from this weekend’s fixture list takes place at the Reebok Stadium when Tottenham (3rd, 20 Pts.) arrive to play Bolton (5th, 20 Pts.). Level on points and high up the table, these clubs will want to prove that where they currently lie in the standings is not a fluke, but rather well deserved. This one has all the makings of a classic Premiership match.
loved the story today in the Daily Record about a disgruntled man u fan putting Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher on e-bay for 1 pence!
Fletcher of course being one of the players slammed by captain Roy Keane as not being good enough for man u. have to agree with Keane although I'm not a big fan of his. How Fletcher gets anywhere near man u's 1st team is beyond me.
Gotta love Keane's abrasive honesty though, he tells it like he sees it.
So odd to see united struggling so bad just now.
Fletcher of course being one of the players slammed by captain Roy Keane as not being good enough for man u. have to agree with Keane although I'm not a big fan of his. How Fletcher gets anywhere near man u's 1st team is beyond me.
Gotta love Keane's abrasive honesty though, he tells it like he sees it.
So odd to see united struggling so bad just now.
++ [ originally posted by Tom ] ++
reminds me of my mate, put his dad on there, got a bid of £6 
reminds me of my mate, put his dad on there, got a bid of £6
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/09/13/dead_horse_bargain/
Come on you Manchester Devilsox, prove you're worth a damn. This isn't like last season where Fergie had his boys form an honour guard for Chel$ki, with the result that Man Utd were soundly beaten, and proved to have lost foucus such that even with taking 6 points of Arsenal, they still finished the season behind them.
This is the good old days, the all-or-nothing days. They're back, and I hope Man Utd can find it within their prima donna minds to get up and kick ass.
Why am I supporting Man Utd? I have selfish reasons. A certain 49 game unbeaten run to be exact. Perhaps Chel$ki will catch up with that record someday, and maybe even beat it. But it is not this day.
I hope Mike Riley is the ref, then we are guaranteed one penalty for Man Utd on Sunday. Whether they will socre it and hold onto the lead (if any) remains to be seen.
This is the good old days, the all-or-nothing days. They're back, and I hope Man Utd can find it within their prima donna minds to get up and kick ass.
Why am I supporting Man Utd? I have selfish reasons. A certain 49 game unbeaten run to be exact. Perhaps Chel$ki will catch up with that record someday, and maybe even beat it. But it is not this day.
I hope Mike Riley is the ref, then we are guaranteed one penalty for Man Utd on Sunday. Whether they will socre it and hold onto the lead (if any) remains to be seen.
