Gameday: United vs. Valencia

For real this time, Old Trafford's pitch shouldn't be frozen over like Blackpool's, so the game should be on tonight. However, TV is being stupid and I'm not gonna be able to watch the game until a 4.30 matinée. So I'll give you guys an update on the score on the blog after the final whistle. When the aftermath post gets up, I'll make it up to you guys and surprise you with a little something I've been thinking about doing for a while.

The 411:
Qualification is secured, but United don't want to end up playing against a heavy hitter in the first knockout round of the Champions League. A victory here would allow us to stay clear of teams like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. The Rangers game last time out was a decent game which United won 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Wayne Rooney - his first goal since coming back from Niketown.

Our European Conquest:
...is going according to plan. A win or draw tonight would guarantee top position in Group C and allow us to avoid other top placed teams in the competition. A loss would put us in second.

Where We Stand:
1|United|5P|6GD|13PTS
2|Valencia|5P|11GD|10PTS
3|Rangers|5P|-3GD|5PTS
4|Bursaspor|5P|-14GD|0PTS <-- Ouch.

Enemy Form:
Valencia esta cuarto en la Liga con veinticuatro puntos.

They are 13 points of leaders Barcelona and 11 off of second placed Real Madrid. Not bad considering those two are miles ahead of anyone else in the league. They are W-D-W-W-L in their last five including a 6-1 demolition of Bursaspor. Their only loss in that 5 period stretch was to Real Madrid.

Players to Look Out For:
Last time around, Pablo Hernández proved to be a key player for Valencia down the wing. His influence was pretty steady throughout the game, even when the rest of the team were lackluster at best. In fact, his play eventually brought to life the play of Juan Mata on the opposite wing. When both of them found their feet was when the game kicked into life. This could be a problem again for United and they must be kept quiet by our fullbacks if we're gonna have any chance to come away with first place in the group.

On our side, expect Wayne Rooney to do well tonight. He was on fire against Blackburn and it looks to me like he's gonna explode tonight. Also, keep an eye out for Park Ji-sung who has been oh-so clutch this season. The Blackburn game was all about Berbatov, Rooney, and Nani that Park was sort of overlooked despite some less noticeable marathoning. I think he'll be more obvious tonight, especially against a Valencia team that may pack their midfield.

On the Home Front:
Hargreaves and Valencia remain on the long term injury list. The only other enforced absence from our squad will be Michael Owen who is set to be back by Boxing Day. The injury bug is seemingly beginning to fly away (KNOCK ON WOOD) and if we keep it this way, not only will we be fresh for the big Chelsea and Arsenal games, but we'll also have a full squad for the first time in two years.

TSR's Thoughts:
1. Sir Alex has said that he will use a strong side tonight. I however, still expect some youth in there.
2. Will we bounce back after the 4-0 loss to West Ham? Or will the ill-feeling still linger?
3. Chicharito is gonna have to wait a while for first team chances if the Blackburn version of Rooney and Berbatov continue to show up.

Bold Prediction:
Rooney to grab at least a goal tonight while Park will gain lots of praise from the commentators. Expect to see Obertan on the field at some point tonight. Also, Kuszczak may be given a game tonight to recover from that West-Hammering.

United to win by one.

Take it or leave it.