The 411:
United play an erratic Wigan side, languishing at 17th on the table, at Old Trafford at 3:00pm GMT today. 11PM in Malaysia and 2am Sunday in Australia. Don't miss it!
Chasing The Title:
We, ourselves, are sitting at 3rd, a point behind Arsenal (who play Spurs in the North London Derby in the early kick-off) and 3 behind Chelsea. Coming off a resurgent draw against Villa last week, we've got to be able to put away the likes of Wigan, with all due respect, in order to put pressure on those two London clubs. All in all, by the start of play in Manchester, Arsenal could be top. But we'll have to see and find out. It'll be an interesting next few weeks, though. Stay tuned.
Where We Stand:
1|Chelsea|13PLD|20GD|28PTS
2|Arsenal|13PLD|14GD|26PTS
3|United|13PLD|11GD|25PTS
4|City|13PLD|5GD|22PTS
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5|Bolton|13PLD|2GD|19PTS
Enemy Form:
Wigan are W-L-L-D-W in their last 5 matches (if you include the 2-0 win over Swansea in the League Cup). They're an unpredictable team at best, but they impressively beat West Brom in their last Premiership game, so a tough test is expected.
Wigan's record against Manchester United, however, is abysmal. They have a 100% loss record against United, and even more worrying for the Latics is their form at Old Trafford: in the last 5 games there, they have shipped an impressive 17 goals and scored an astounding 1 goal. Their last match there at the end of last year resulting in a 5-0 drubbing.
Players to Look Out For:
Hugo Rodallega is their top scorer in the league so far, with 4 goals to his name.
"Ooo! A ball!"
Not far behind him is the dangerous Charles N'Zogbia. Both have been at the heart of everything going for Wigan this season, which, it has to be said, may not be much at times, but to ignore them would be an incredible mistake.
A player who won't be playing any part today, with 100% certainty, is Tom Cleverley. He's been getting plenty of starts for Wigan and we've seen the kind of danger he could pose. But he's on loan from United, so as per the deal, he doesn't get the chance to play against his parent club.
On the Home Front:
Wayne Rooney has been cleared fit enough to get a place on the bench at the very least against Wigan, which may be a boost. Other than that, Paul Scholes returns after a 1-match suspension for picking up 5 yellow cards, Rafael may be back in contention after his injury sustained against Man. City and Ryan Giggs is apparently aiming to shake off his hamstring strain to feature—although knowing Fergie, he wouldn't risk his golden oldies unless this were a do-or-die scenario.
TSR's Thoughts
1.1 Now, I'm not as superstitious as Amer is. (Although, sometimes, I am. Have I ever mentioned how I can't look at the tunnel before the game starts?) But screw that, I'll MAKE A BOLD PREDICTION: 2-0 to United.
1.2 Win, win, win, win, win, pleeeeease win.
2. Will Rooney play at all? He's been away for a while, and with a £250,000 a week deal in the bag, surely he'll be raring to go. Who knows, it could lead to a resurgence in form and suddenly everyone will be infatuated with the Roo again.
3. I'm sure Park will start. He's in good nick, gotta milk it! Other than that, take your pick!
4. Vidic may score a hat-trick. He deserves one, the way he's been playing recently.
5. It's shaping up to be a fantastic next few weeks for United. We've not got too many serious injury worries, whereas Chelsea do, and we've got a fantastic range of options up-front if we're ever in a tight spot (didn't you watch the Villa match?) and Arsenal may be lacking in that department if van Persie or Bendtner aren't performing.
6. Now, everyone collectively tap wood 5 minutes before kick-off with your eyes averted from the tunnel. Everything should come good.
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