Secret from a Knight’s Journal

Big Four Showdown This Coming Weekend

There is little separating the so-called Big Four football clubs; namely, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. Even the goal difference does not distinguish much between them.

Arsenal will play host to London neighbour, Chelsea, while Manchester United travels to Anfield to play against Liverpool. Currently sitting at the top is Arsenal, albeit only one point better second-place, Manchester United, and 3 points from Chelsea. Liverpool is 6 points behind Manchester United, but the former has an extra game in hand. As you can see, the game is extremely tight over the weekend.

The Red Devils can overhaul Gunners at the top of the Premiership provided that they win against the Reds whilst the Gunners either draw or lose to Chelsea.

According to Lawro’s prediction, which I believe is daft, there will be no goals between Arsenal and Chelsea. That is obviously statistically improbable.

Arsenal plays attacking football like they have never played before, and the goals that they scored, which normally comes in the second half, are those of quality strikes. With Robin van Persie back to action, I’m pretty sure the Gunners are bound to get some goals just from somewhere. Cesc is just an excellent play maker at his age. The way he passed a ball that splits the defender is simply skilful.

Nonetheless, Chelsea does have their own triumphs, despite Drogba out of action. The way Chelsea is starting to glue together under the new coach (or manager), Grant, is beginning to demonstrate on the pit. The main advantage is also their problem, they do not have a central figure, which means there is no particular key players whom their opponent can guard against. All are just equally good and it is going to be a mistake just to say one player is likely to dictate the play.

At the other match, I think Lawro just forgotten about Cristiano Ronaldo. He was probably thinking that Wayne Rooney has just returned from injury and former West Ham Argentine player, Carlo Tevez, is new to the Premiership. The fact that, with the combination of the three forward, it is going to be a horrible nightmare to any defender. As we had seen in previous season, Cristiano alone is capable of winning the match for you, not to mention most of them contributing to the Premiership title. Liverpool, on the other hand, does not have a prominent defending reputation, although they do have hard-working Jamie Carragher and some others.

Their driving midfield is dominated by Steven Gerard, who is capable of controlling the play; but Owen Hargreaves is as good as his reputation tells you. Not forgetting, if Sir Alex Ferguson plays a 4-4-2, expect to see Giggs dazzling down the flanks with Ronaldo. Nani could also prove to be pivotal as his work rate is simply beyond expectation. The purchase of Michael Carrick has also proven that he is worth that million dollars tag.

Manchester United’s back four are also playing really well, shutting off opposition, keeping a water-tight defence against any potential threat. Edwin van der Saar is safe with the last line of defence right in front of him. Moreover, he’s a tall Dutchman and had lots of experienced in goalkeeping. Liverpool, on the other hand, does have Fernando Torres, who has been playing very well recently, scoring 12 goals for Liverpool so far. Two positive things that Liverpool can take out of this is this particular striker is a real threat in front of goal and Steven Gerard is capable of long range volley that scores brilliant goals. One thing that Liverpool might consider is bringing in Peter Crouch. Taller than any striker that I know, I would expect a lot of aerial balls played into Manchester United’s box.

Otherwise, it will be an exciting game to watch (not awful, Lawro)! You’re just uttering rubbish…

Eventually, I am right, he’s wrong! Manchester United won against Liverpool 0-1 at Anfield, whereas Arsenal won 1-0 at home ground.

Posted in English Football