I can't wait for the season to end to be honest. I have made considerable losses.
But I will take a few gambles and not play safe in tonight's feast, and hopefully I can make some cash.
The bookies cannot split the two sides, and while I fancy United, I won't bet at 10/11 on them to lift the trophy.
Most pundits predict a low scoring game, suggesting United will sit back and let Barcelona do their thing (which they do so well). 1-0, the game going to extra time and under 2.5 goals would appear to be most popular. And if that's the way you are looking at it then maybe a punt on Rio Ferdianand at 25/1 to be Man Of The Match wouldn't be the silliest of bets. Rooney is another big game player that never goes missing when he is needed and could take this award tonight.
But I take a contra fiew on this one. I think Barcelona with Henry, Messi, Eto'o etc have it in them to tear United apart at the back. And if they do score early, Man Utd will change plan and go all out attack. And then we could have a classic on our hands.
John O'Shea at right back will possibly receive cover from the excellent Park (the under-rated midfieldedrarely gets a mention), but I think that Thierry Henry will be relishing a chance at going at the clumsy Deccie and for that reason I think Henry will get on the scoresheet tonight. The ex-Arsenal man is 9/1 with Bet365 to score first and I like the look of that, whilst he is a standout 100/30 to score at anytime with William Hill.
RECOMMENDATION: 0.5 pt Thierry Henry to score first 9/1 Bet365
RECOMMENDATION: 0.5 pt Thierry Henry to score at any time 100/30 William Hill
I also think Ji Sung Park could have a bit of freedom going the other way with Daniel Alves suspended and Thierry Henry likely to not give everything when he doesn't have the ball. We could see the Korean on the scoresheet.
RECOMMENDATION: 0.5 pt Ji Sung Park to score at any time 8/1 Paddy Power
So I think the value is there tonight with every man and his dog predicting a tight match for a mouth watering goal feast from two of the best attacking sides in the world. Berbatov, Ronaldo, Rooney, Eto'o, Henry and Messi all start and if they don't produce a few goals I'm a Dutchman. Although saying that, and speaking of Dutchmen, Guus Hiddink reduced Barcelona to very few opportunities on their semi-final encounters, but I still expect Barcelona to produce more firepower tonight.
Under 2.5 goals is the popular prediction, so I will go against that with bells on. I am drawn to the 7/1 Paddy Power are offering on over 4.5 goals and will have a poke at that with over 2.5 goals as insurance.
RECOMMENDATION: 0.5 pt Over 4.5 total goals in 90 mins 7/1 Paddy Power
RECOMMENDATION: 1 pt Over 2.5 total goals in 90 mins 11/10 general
Finally there has been a lot of speculation over Rio Ferdinand's fitness this week and whether he would even start the final. I actually am among the minority who believe this was not a PR game and he is actually carrying an injury tonight worse than United want Barca to believe. William Hill obviously think it was played up for the press and go 1/20 that Rio plays the full 90 minutes tonight, while they offer a relatively skinny 8/1 that he does not. I think Rio will leave the field early tonight especially if United are chasing the game. O'Shea can move to centre back if needed.
For a bit of fun, I will have a small bet on this eventuality - it's got to be more fun than counting corners!
RECOMMENDATION: 0.5 pt Rio Ferdinand not to last 90 minutes (must start game) 8/1 William Hill
MANABOUTDGBLOG FOOTBALL
2009 RECORD: -5.49pts 29 BETS: 8 WINS: 2 TRADED (NEUTRAL): 19 LOSERS
2008 RECORD: -17.74pts 92 BETS: 22 WINS: 70 LOSERS
A victory for the beautiful game last night, whether anybody in the english acadameys will take any heed, I have my doubts,(Mr Wenger excluded).
You'll still see the same olympic sprinters who cant pass or have any vision out in the EPL for the forseeable future,
Pity Scholes (MAGNIFICENT FOOTBALLER) legs have gone, the only englishman in the last 20 years who could have matched the sun tan tims for class.
It was a big night for Carrick, but wasn't up to it, couldn't compensate for Fletchers missing energy levels,and resorted to the old English trick when you play against good teams, try long pass every time you get it, even if it never works. This style of play was perfected by David Beckham in an England jersey.
Posted by: martin | May 28, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Outclasses purely and simply. Great to watch the lovely passing.
Fergie got it wrong as well playin Rooney wide left and starting Giggs.
At least Fergie admitted they were outclassed.
Posted by: johnny moyles | May 28, 2009 at 06:23 PM
the great man wont get humiliated like that again
Posted by: martin | May 29, 2009 at 10:06 AM
yes
the greatest manager of the modern era
Posted by: johnny moyles | May 29, 2009 at 12:45 PM