Andy Gray - Sky Sports Expert

In for a Grand finale

Posted: 20th March 2008 13:06

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Grand Slam Sunday
The potential is there for us to be in for a treat on Sunday and I for one won't be disappointed whatever the games are like because they'll be proper football matches - and I can't wait.

Andy Gray on Grand Slam Sunday
Quotes of the week

GRAND SLAM SUNDAY
Man Utd v Liverpool
1pm, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
Chelsea v Arsenal
3.30pm, Sky Sports 1 & HD1

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The build up to Grand Slam Sunday is fantastic but we are often disappointed because invariably the games finish as stalemates or end one-nil.

These giants of English football have shown too much respect for each other on the pitch and they cancel each other out.

But every time I commentate on Grand Slam Sunday I just keep thinking 'this might be the weekend where they just unleash themselves and go at it'.

The potential is there for us to be in for a treat and I for one won't be disappointed whatever the games are like because they'll be proper football matches - and I can't wait.

But it wouldn't surprise me if come Monday morning we are in the same position as we are at the moment as, like Sir Alex, I can see this title race going to the wire.

Man Utd v Liverpool

The Champions are doing exactly what is required at this stage of the season: grinding out results.

They made hard work of the game at Derby last weekend and they didn't exactly blow Bolton out of the water on Wednesday night, but they are doing what they need to do nonetheless.

Not for the first time this season, they are relying so much on Cristiano Ronaldo getting them goals that somewhere along the way somebody else is going to have to chip in with a few.

That is the main worry for Sir Alex Ferguson. At the back they're as good as gold - they're not giving anything away, they're solid, they're mean and they don't look like they will concede too many.

As a whole, they look strong but I wouldn't say they're firing on all cylinders - I think there is certainly room for improvement there and Ronaldo just needs a bit of help with the goals.

They are in good form when you look at their results of late but I do think they can play better. When they're coming up against a team like Liverpool the game looks after itself - there will be no motivation needed.

Blind-folded

And Sir Alex has been up and down this journey so many times he could almost do it blind-folded.

He has shown his wiliness again recently, using the press to his own advantage.

He just drops little comments in about opposition players and gets the right response from the press, who blow it up and make an issue of it all.

I think it's part and parcel of dealing with the pressure during a title run-in where there is so much at stake with only eight games to go.

Liverpool know that United will not be at full-strength with Edwin Van Der Sar injured, but in Tomasz Kuszczak and Ben Foster they have able deputies. But if Rio Ferdinand is ruled out, that will be a huge miss.

The back four of Wes Brown, Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra has been sensational this year - they have only conceded five goals at home all season!

Even so, Sir Alex will be really anxious that Rio makes it.

Impressed

I've been very impressed with Liverpool lately. Rafa Benitez has found a winning combination with Steven Gerrard playing in behind Fernando Torres.

He hasn't tinkered much of late, especially with the spine of the team, and that's been the key for me.

Rafa would argue that he rests players to keep them fresh but I don't go along with that - there's no point in being fit and fresh if you're adrift from the league leaders.

He rested Torres and Gerrard too many times earlier in the season and he tinkered around with the midfield and the spine of the side far too often in my opinion.

I'm not saying you can't rest a player - like Ferguson did last night when he left Wayne Rooney on the bench - but the difference I feel between Liverpool and United is that Ferguson can rest players for certain games and be confident of getting a result.

Rest

I don't think that Liverpool have the strength, and quality, in depth that United have - and that's the problem Benitez has. He has less scope to rest players than United.

But on Grand Slam Sunday we shall see what this revived Liverpool team are made of.

We are coming up to a group of games where it's make or break. It's OK coming up against teams that you should beat and putting them away convincingly as they have done recently.

But now they're coming up against the best - teams that they have really poor recent records against - and they've got to stand up and show that they are the real deal.

And at Old Trafford it will take a lot to beat Manchester United.

Chelsea v Arsenal

Having led three times at White Hart Lane in midweek, it will have been a real blow for Chelsea to drop two points heading into another crucial London derby with Arsenal.

The defending was very un-Chelsea like; they don't usually concede goals from set-pieces and defend as poorly as they did on Wednesday night.

I was really surprised with that, especially when I kept hearing that they were in the lead while I was commentating on the Man Utd-Bolton match.

Each time I heard they were in front I just expected them to go on and win the game.

Question marks

Until Chelsea start to win big games under Avram Grant there will always be question marks hanging over him. He has lost massive games against Man Utd and Arsenal away, and drew against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the League.

He also lost the Carling Cup Final and was knocked out of the FA Cup by Barnsley.

A draw at Tottenham is not a bad result, but having taken the lead so many times they should have won the game and questions will remain as to whether they can go on and win big games under Grant.

But they have a chance at Stamford Bridge, where they haven't lost for 60-odd games, so he has a great opportunity to put that record straight.

For Chelsea in many ways it's very much in their own hands. Unlike the other three of the top four, five of their last eight matches are at home where they have that amazing record.

Two of those matches are against Manchester United and, of course, Arsenal on Sunday. If they get six points from those two games it puts a completely different complexion on the title race.

Bad spell

This is not the stage of the season where you want to be drawing four matches in a row, but every team has a bad spell at some point in a season and it just happens to be now for Arsenal.

I haven't seen anything in those four matches that suggests that they are not creating goalscoring opportunities.

If I was Arsene Wenger I would worry if Arsenal were not creating anything, but they have had chances in all four of those games and with better finishing - and a slice of luck - they could have picked up more points.

They have a bit of last-season-syndrome at the moment where they are missing a lot of chances. But I just think that it's against the big teams that Arsenal come to the fore because Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool will attack them and then they can pick them off.

They are much better suited playing against teams that have a go at them.

I think Arsenal have a problem against the likes of Wigan, Birmingham and Middlesbrough who pack their defence, make life hard for them, ride their luck and then pick their pocket on the break.

I think this type of match suits Arsenal although it won't be easy beating Chelsea on their own patch - not many teams do.

Gallas

Wenger seems to be quite happy with William Gallas but his attitude hasn't been my cup of tea. I thought his behaviour at Birmingham was not befitting of a captain. Certainly if I was one of his team-mates I wouldn't have been happy with him.

Passionate or not, that's not the way to go about it in a team with so many young heads.

I can see why he has felt so upset at losing crucial points at such a vital stage in the season as Gallas is the one of the few players in the squad who know what it is like to win a title.

So maybe Gallas has felt too much pressure as the one that the boys look at to come up with the answers, I don't know...

He is volatile, he is emotional; he wears his heart on his sleeve, but now is the time for calm heads.

Do you agree with Andy Gray? Let us know what you think by using the feedback form below.

Grand Slam Sunday: Man Utd v Liverpool, 1pm; Chelsea v Arsenal, 3.30pm, Sky Sports 1 & HD1

Comments

Azuka Ikerionwu (Manchester United fan) says...

Andy is absolutely spot on, on Man U strenght in depth and that is what will secure the title for us. Arsenal has a thin squard and they exhusted at the moment. Ma take in todays game will be 2 home wins but will like arsenal to defeat chelsea as chelsea is more strong to contest for the title more than arsenal. A draw for the london clubs will be more suitable for Man United. Wan United

Posted 11:49 23rd March 2008

Clive Mwenesi (Chelsea fan) says...

The last time Chelsea met arsenal when they were enjoying good form (at emirates) they managed to beat Chelsea by a single lucky goal.They had managed to shove John Terry aside through injury at the start of the game .may be this could have had pschological impact onthe chelsea players. Right now things gonna be different and my predictions are: Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0

Posted 11:37 23rd March 2008

Jamie Bradley (Liverpool fan) says...

Although Liverpool have progressed well under Rafa Benitez and are finally looking like a decent side again, as much as I hate to say it, I cannot forsee Liverpool getting anything from the game at Old Trafford. Their record against Manchester United is nothing short of diabolical and with the home side in such a rich vein of form, today will not be the day that Liverpool finally overcome that hoodoo. Unfortunately, I cannot see us scoring and I cannot see them keeping a clean sheet either - not a particularly favourable position to be in.

Posted 11:26 23rd March 2008

Liam Fletcher (Manchester United fan) says...

Have to say that Andy has, as always, hit the nail on the head. Our main worry will be Rio out of action, he and Vidic are a fantastic partnership and I don't think Pique has quite got the experience to fill Rio's boots in a match this big. I think the Cristiano Ronaldo reliance is somewhat over stated, Rooney and Tevez are more than capable of scoring and certainly some of Rinaldo's goals have been madde by the off the ball running of Rooney. United to win 2 - 0 and Chelsea Arsenal to finish a draw.

Posted 11:17 23rd March 2008

Ian Doyle (Liverpool fan) says...

Let the talking stop..... grand slam sunday is upon us! arguably, the most significant day in the premiership season so far. Liverpool certainly have the confidence to go to old trafford and win. If Benitez manages to mastermind a long overdue victory against Ferguson, the title race will be blown wide open regardless of the result in the other fixture! The team who remain unbeaten in the next three weeks will almost certainly lift the premiership crown!!!!!

Posted 00:17 23rd March 2008

Liverpool Fan (Liverpool fan) says...

I Firmly believe that Liverpool have sorely missed Daniel Agger this season. He started the season so strongly. He has pace and his distribution is excellent. Carragher is a quality defender and reads the game really well but he cannot distribute the ball to save his life. Hyypia reads the game superbly and his distribution is OK but his lack of pace is a real hindrance in the Premier League. It is no coincidence that Liverpool's recent form as coincided with the arrival of Martin Skirtel. After a shaky start he has been excellent. His pace, his reading of the game and his distribution have made a huge impact on the improved passing game that liverpool have been playing of late. With carragher and hyypia the midfield is by-passed much to often and liverpool find it hard to retain possesion especially when they are trying to protect a lead. Hyypia's game is very much suited to Europe due to the slower pace, hence liverpools success in that competition. With Agger back next season and Skirtel's continual improvement, alongside carraghers reliability, liverpool should be able to mount a more consitent challenge next season with the addition of a couple of good attacking players.

Posted 21:43 22nd March 2008

Sanjay Himatsingani (Liverpool fan) says...

I think the critics have under valued what Bentitez has done at Liverpool. He took over the side at a time when Chelsea and Man United were splashing cash and he has definately closed the gap in that period as well as taking Liverpool to a CL and FA Cup trophy. Liverpool has only lost 3 league games this season and it is because of the Draws they are not closer to the top. In the majority of the drawn games Liverpool have taken the lead. They just havent been able to finish teams off. I don't think they are far away at all. They have one of the best spine's in the country with Reina Carragher Mascherano Alonso Gerrard and Torres. I just hope that we finally get some luck against united this weekend. We have played pretty well against them over the last few seasons but with little reward. Prediction Man Utd 1 : 2 Liverpool. Come on you Reds (The Real Reds).

Posted 21:25 22nd March 2008

Alan Newton (Arsenal fan) says...

Andy's right with everything but the Gallas comments, i believe Gallas has been a good captain and i believe that he helps the younger players in every way he can.. Tomorrow will be tough but i can see us getting a win, im going for a 2-1 Van Persie and Fabregas to get the goals.. With the man utd game, i would love to see liverpool pick up a win obviously but ive got a funny feeling on a rare man utd 0-0

Posted 21:18 22nd March 2008

Chelsea Fan (Chelsea fan) says...

Even though Im a girl, I absolutely love football. My prediction is for Manu Utd 1 - Liverpool 2, with Torres scoring the winner, and Chelsea 3 - Arsenal 1, with Lampard, Drogba and Joe Cole scoring and Fabregas getting a conselation. Bring back the Special One.

Posted 19:08 22nd March 2008

Emeka Amadi (Arsenal fan) says...

As always Andy Gray's comment on Arsenal, I think was accurate to say the least. The young lads are all big game/match players and they yet to disappoint in any of the big games. 'Supper Sunday ' would be further test of such an enviable credentials. They are capable of getting the desired results anywhere ... , they are bunch of history makers, the bad runs not witstanding ...

Posted 18:58 22nd March 2008

Kit Loginov (Arsenal fan) says...

As always Andy Grays comments are very accurate. However I do think that he was wrong with his comments on William Gallas, I think that just shows how much he cares about the title and that he is an enormously commited and emotional guy. I also believe that considering with Liverpool's good run, I believe that they can get a decsent result with Man united. I totally agree with Andy Gray's comments on Arsenal playing well against big teams and I truly think that Arsenal can get a win. My prediction. Man united 1 - Liverpool 2, Chelsea 1- Arsenal 3 , 2 for Adebayor and 1 for Fabregas, Good luck lads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 14:24 22nd March 2008

Paul Smith (Liverpool fan) says...

Benitez has to prove tomorrow he is capable of beating Ferguson. If we lose again to Utd then I don't think Benitez will ever beat Ferguson to the league title. He has lost too many to all our main rivals and he needs to start changing that. Beat Utd at Old Trafford and lay down the marker for next season that we will be a lot closer than we are now.

Posted 12:32 22nd March 2008

James Avis (Arsenal fan) says...

As always andy you are spot on with your comments. I think the real thing that arsenal lack is expeirance, we don't have hardly anyone in the first team who has been there when we won the premirship thats what we need. Predictions: Man u 2 liverpool 1 Chelsea 2 Arsenal 3

Posted 12:17 22nd March 2008

Mihir Dalal (Liverpool fan) says...

I don't think Liverpool are so far behind the league leaders because of Rafa's rotation policy. True, Gerrard and Torres were rested for a few games in the beginning of the season, but, a majority of their dropped-points has come inspite of their presence. The fact is - their first 11 is just not good enough. With the exceptions of Gerrard and Torres, they don't have quality attacking players - Kewell is unavailable for a major part of the season. They are over-reliant on Gerrard and Torres and in their absence Liverpool are a mediocre team. Rafa simply hasn't justified the owners', the supporters,' and most of all, the players' faith in him. Year after year, either Carragher or Gerrard would say, in pre-seaon, that "this" year, Liverpool have a good enough team to challenge for the title. And year after year, Rafa's team come up short - by a long way - of the team at the top. He hasn't bought any quality attacking players of note, except for Torres. He has spent a considerable amount on players such as Pennant, Benayoun, Babel, Crouch, and Kuyt. And players such as Lucas and Voronin, don't have quality needed to play for a top club, which Liverpool are, in case people have forgotten. Amazingly, although none of the above-mentioned players have delivered, Gerrard still believes that Liverpool have a good enough team to win the premiership! At best, Rafa has been a very good "cup-manager." It's time for a change.

Posted 11:33 22nd March 2008

Etienne Mangion (Manchester United fan) says...

Well said Andy. This grand-slam Sunday will have some added pressure on all the big 4 as they are all vying to win the league. Being a United fan, I don't want to see Liverpool winning this one when we're playing at Old Trafford. Liverpool are in good form at the moment, but when playing against the top teams I don't think they perform. As for United, missing Rio will be a huge blow for the back for. Both to be reasonable, Brown has slotted in perfectly in the middle with Vidic and O'Shea at right back. I don't think Pique is experienced enough to play in such a fierce encounter. Torres is the man who is leading Liverpool to their recent success. But the experience and strength of Vidic will keep him at bay. On the whole, I think this game will go United's way with the final score being 2-0

Posted 10:08 22nd March 2008

Greg Johnson (Chelsea fan) says...

I also agree with andy, well said, the games on sunday will no doubt be terrific, to pick a winner will be very hard as it is crunch time for all four teams, they will all have something to gain or loose, so expect a close battle with big shocks. In the mant utd vs liverpool i would have to put a bet on liverpool, first i think rafa gets critisised too much, end of the day he's the manager he calls the shots, i dont see anyone saying to him anything when the won the CL and reached the finals last yr, this can go either way, but i feel that liverpool will earn a heard fought draw at old trafford. man utd are on form surellly, but i dont think they will have what it takes on the day. Chelsea arsenal is my top pick obviously because i support chelsea, to be honest i dont like the tactics of grant at all, he makes no sense, hence the surprises, good example was on wed when he took joe cole off and put alex on? never the less, chelsea are still the same team that got lead by mourinho and who fought hard to keep a good 100% record at home in the league, i will give this one to chelsea because i dont think arsenal cope well in this sort of situation when they loose games, and with a young squad as they have, it will take them time, which at the minute is crucial. i cant say who is going to win the league at this time, but again i would expect it to be man utd or chelsea. My first comment ;) Long enough :P.

Posted 01:29 22nd March 2008

Mark Scanlon (Manchester City fan) says...

Re: dont think Rafa Benitez has been given any credit for what he has achieved at Liverpool. In the pre-season he splashed out a lot of money on a player who was not known for his goal-scoring and it was seen as a massive risk. It now turns out that it was a great risk to take as he has scored 20 premier league goals (all of which have been in open play) and is in fantastic form. Has anyone congratulated Benitez on making that signing? sorry to contradict you neil, but fernando torres was a proven striker & goal scorer b4 rafa bought him, how it can be said that he was a massive risk...when several clubs were after his signature, not a swipe at you, just a point...... viva torres espania euro 2008

Posted 00:49 22nd March 2008

Kamran Khan (Manchester United fan) says...

andy gray you are a legend mate, however i think you are giving liverpool more hope than anything else because the truth is when they play manchester united.....they dont win....and that has been proven over the last 5years, even longer. Its like united have a strangle hold over them and i just feel that we know how to beat them. I really am convinced united will win the league this year, i wasnt even a little bit worried when we were 5points behind arsenal 4 games ago....in fact i even bet an arsenal fan £100 that united would beat them to the title, being 5 points behind with 12 games to go....reason why i am saying this is that their is an aura about manchester united again, they rule the roost again, i certainly feel it and i know nearly everyone else does too....come on united do double for us, the great fans

Posted 00:43 22nd March 2008

Mohsin Khan (Liverpool fan) says...

Thank god for Sophie's comments on Rafa's rotation policy. Stevie has barely been rested all season, and Torres has only missed the three games, and two were from injuries picked up with Spain. Mascherano has played mostly this season, as has Pepe and Carra. Thats the spine of the Liverpool team all season. sometimes i think these pundits get a story and just take it as fact for the rest of a persons career. as for Sunday, im quite pessimistic at the best of times, and i really dont see a Liverpool win on sunday, as much as i would love it. United arent playing well, but somehow always seem to get a goal here or there. so id love a liverpool win, but just cant see it happening really.

Posted 23:35 21st March 2008

Az Sacranie (Manchester United fan) says...

Well said Andy, as usual you have hit the nail on the head. But Neil i have to disagree with you mate. I think it is quite the opposite, i believe that Benitez is getting a bit too much credit for signing Torres. Everyone knew how good he was when playing in the La Liga, Sir Alex was after him for a long time. So it is not like he has signed some unknown player and turned him into a superstar, unlike Ferguson who has. I.e. Ronaldo, Vidic, Schmeichel, Cantona, Keane just to name a few.

Posted 22:10 21st March 2008

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