Paul Merson - Sky Sports Expert

Manchester mess

Two games in and it's already must-win for United

Posted: 21st August 2008 16:53

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Sir Alex Ferguson Kaizer Chiefs

Fergie: must-win game

We just don't know if Shinawatra's got any money - in fact I think I've got more cash than him at the moment!

Paul Merson
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Sky Sports expert Paul Merson looks ahead to this weekend's live offerings.....

Merse on Man City v West Ham
Merse on Portsmouth v Man Utd

Portsmouth v Man Utd

It's only the second week of the season, but this is already a must-win game for Manchester United.

People might say I'm being too premature, but you've got to look at the games coming up. If they get another draw this week then they could find themselves four points behind Chelsea before they go off to play in the Super Cup. Then they play away at Liverpool and Chelsea and they could find themselves playing catch-up after just four games. It was a toss-up between United and Chelsea for the title before a ball was kicked, but if you give Chelsea a head start then you'd be backing them all day long.

Not only have United got a shockingly difficult start to the season, but they've also got no players. They're obviously going to miss a 40-goal player like Cristiano Ronaldo when they play good teams and they'll miss the impact that Carlos Tevez makes as well.

They left the game too wide open last week and it was too easy for Newcastle when they had possession. They'll have to tighten it up because Portsmouth will be a hard place for them to go to, especially after they got hammered by Chelsea last week.

Home comforts for Pompey?

United dominated Portsmouth in the Community Shield a couple of weeks ago but I can see Pompey having a right good go on Monday night.

The two up front need to perform. Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch haven't clicked so far, but I'm sure they will and they'll find it easier at Fratton Park. It's a smaller pitch than somewhere like Wembley so Pompey can get the ball forward to Crouch much more quickly and the midfield players can join in.

It's a nightmare start for Portsmouth to be playing the top two in the first two games. People say you get them out of the way early, but I'd rather win my first five games on the trot and then play the big two. There's nothing worse than having no points after two games because you then need to put a run of wins together just to draw yourselves back in.

Away at Chelsea they wouldn't have wanted to attack, attack, attack - but with their own fans behind them they'll cause United problems.

MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
Jermain Defoe - He was one of the better players for England on Wednesday night and he looked sharp. Pompey aren't going to make a load of chances, but Defoe only needs two chances to score one goal. He'll need to put away one of his two chances to give Portsmouth any hope.

PAUL'S PREDICTION
Draw - Portsmouth will be right up for it - and I mean right up for it - and Peter Crouch will be fresh and will have a point to prove after he wasn't picked for England. I'm tipping a 1-1 draw and that would be a nightmare start for United. It's a massive, massive game for them.

Man City v West Ham

I think Mark Hughes is a top-class manager - he'll get the top job at Manchester United one day - so it shocked me when he went to City.

He went in there thinking he had a few quid to spend, but now he's in a difficult situation because we just don't know if Shinawatra's got any money - in fact I think I've got more cash than him at the moment!

If they can ever get themselves going then Manchester City will be a massive club because they get unbelievable crowds no matter how bad the team is. The fans are a different class, but the expectation level is just too high.

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Blackburn finished above City this year. Hughes might have been better off staying there because Rovers would be happy as Larry if they finished eighth, but City seem to be aiming for fourth or fifth even though they haven't been anywhere near that level for a long time.

The way they capitulated at Aston Villa, letting in three goals in no time, will be a real worry for him. It's going to be difficult to find the right balance because there's problems all over the pitch - but not as big as the problems off it.

Not so happy Hammers

It's wrong to put so much pressure on Alan Curbishley so early in the season.

It wouldn't have mattered if Jose Mourinho or Alex Ferguson was West Ham manager last season, anyone would have struggled with the injury problems that they had. There's an endless injury list in that squad and you can't win anything when that happens.

If they get those players back and fit again then they could upset a lot of teams. They got a good result against a half-decent Wigan side last week and they could be real dark horses if they can get their best team out on the pitch

MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
Dean Ashton - If he's fit then he's massive for West Ham. They're not blessed with a lorryload of goalscorers so a lot depends on him. He's big, he's strong and if the England team wants to move forward, then we should be looking at him.

PAUL'S PREDICTION
Draw - Despite all their problems, this is City's first league game at home and the fans, who understand what's going on, will be right behind them. But I think West Ham are strong enough to get a 1-1 draw, which would be a good start for them.

Comments

Dfbz Dfgzdg (Arsenal fan) says...

fat cockney maggot

Posted 08:37 25th August 2008

Kevin Burrows (Arsenal fan) says...

Paul Merson, If , I have ever watched a person with limited talent like Paul has, which is zero, as a pundent on Sky Sports, Which puts me off watching the half time analysis, when he was brought through the ranks, at Arsenal, to deliver the goods. He didnt, like peter marenello, though the questions remains, who do you love: Because if you believe, and love your Club. Nothing else matters. Average age of the Premiership....? Busby Babes..? I Support Arsene wenger..................!!

Posted 01:39 25th August 2008

Paul Bacon (Manchester United fan) says...

Paul Merson talks rubbish what happends if United beat portsmouth,Chelsea and liverpool then they will be top with a match in hand and I can see United beating all of them.

Posted 00:34 25th August 2008

Mike Williams (Liverpool fan) says...

Ridiculous. Of course, it's not a must win game for Utd.

Posted 23:48 24th August 2008

Godwin Daniels (Manchester United fan) says...

Its just too early 2 predict where d title will go! Just because Man Utd has had a sluggish start to the season and also the upcoming tough features coupled with chelsea's strong start does not mean chelsea already has a hand on the title.We should all know beta with Man utd anything is possible! Sir Alex will always be a factor! He is a winner!He infuses a winning mentality on his team! He never gives up! Chelsea and liverpool will inevitably drop points too! It is a matter of when the points are dropped.Check out arsenal's brilliant form last season:They drew 5 consecutive matches when it mattered most!So they lost the title!

Posted 23:10 24th August 2008

Adnan Haider (Manchester United fan) says...

Yeah well done Merson, you predicted the Man City vs West Ham game as a draw, what a great pundit you are (not) as City thrashed the Hammers 3-0. Your other prediction will be laughed at tomorrow when Man Utd thrash Pompey.

Posted 20:22 24th August 2008

Abdul Hay (Manchester United fan) says...

Manchester United are the current league and champions league champions. I don't expect us to win everything every season. This season would be no different. However, when we do win something it is just a bonus. What i enjoy as i have previously stated during the last season is the way the beautiful game is being played by United. I have certainly had my fill of United successes over the years and have just enjoyed being part of this great club and its fans. We may not win all before us but we sure will show the rest how soccer is meant to be played. It doesn't matter how we start the season but everyone knows that we will be the benchmark to watch in the way we play the game. I would not want to say Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool will not win the league or any other cup. Let them think what they want. Heaven forbid we pip them all at the end AGAIN.

Posted 20:08 24th August 2008

Bob Young (Manchester City fan) says...

Merson will eat his words, his vitriolic comments on something he knows nothing about(football) and City Chairman Thaksin Shinwatra show him up as the bigoted self centered City hater that he has always been!

Posted 19:41 24th August 2008

Carl Stringer (West Ham United fan) says...

Paul is quite correct the pompey game is a must win game for utd anyone who thinks otherwise are deluded. personally I dont think utd will get a point out of the game. as a neutral I would predict a comfortable premier league win for chelsea this season. manchester utd had a phenomenal season previously but remember the old saying after the lord mayors show comes the..........

Posted 16:29 24th August 2008

Daniel George (Chelsea fan) says...

Bang on paul,i prsonally think chelsea will win the title this year,u could say it is far too early to say but i think man u r a differant team with ronaldo in the squad there is countless times last season when his brilliance got them a win rather then a draw and i think with him being out until november is a big loss for them ,they certainly need anuva striker ,i personally do not rate wayne rooney he is certainly not clinical in front of goal,he will hav 1 good game scorin 2 goals then u wont c nothing from him for 4 or 5 games,tevez is a good striker but agen is not clinical,man u had sum very lucky wins last season and although i c them coming close to chelsea i do not c hem winning especially with chelsea finally gettin a quality right back and deco is the missing piece of the jigsaw,com on u blues!

Posted 14:11 24th August 2008

Lisa Alwaysright (Manchester United fan) says...

I completely disagree with Merson!! It was one game and the number of players missing did have an impact on what happened against Newcastle last wkend. Last season we started with a draw and ended up winning the dble- not only are we a better team than Chelsea but we are full of confidence and hunger to do better this season, I think we have a psychological edge over Chelsea. If we get Berbatov we'll be even better. I do believe without Ronaldo fit Nani and Rooney will come forward and I reckon Anderson will become a scoring midfielder with his experience from the olympics and from last Season- Don't talk too soon Merson!!!

Posted 12:30 24th August 2008

Afjal Bokth (Manchester United fan) says...

I believe we just need all our players back to full fitness, like Ronaldo, Rooney, Neville, and we just need Tevez focused again. Also i believe Anderson will have a massive impact next year. On the subject of a new striker, i hear Robinho is being allowed to go, but not to Chelsea, maybe United should go for him as he is better than Berbatov, and so is Huntelaar, so Alex Ferguson should give up on Berbatov and go for Robinho or Huntelaar, and also they are younger than Berbatov. United for atleast Double this year, maybe Treble again :S

Posted 15:03 23rd August 2008

Greg Nolan (Manchester United fan) says...

It's to soon to call Paul. The premiership is about stamina and strength in depth and I want to see all the north west clubs finish in the top six or seven. We can live with a successful ManCity, watch top class football at top class stadiums, attract the best players and managers and still win the title - pure football heaven.

Posted 11:35 23rd August 2008

Don Chocho (Chelsea fan) says...

I think the analysis is on point. But I dont see Man-U losing the game to pompey. i dont even see a draw. and even if they do draw, its still too early to state that they will strugle..as anything can happen to any team at any time..its life! If ferguson dont get to sign berba, then, it will be very tough for them, seein as ronaldo is injured and even wen he is back in october, he wont hit top form till january say. With chelsea on the verge of signing Robinho, with the new tactically delicious manager, scolari and the services of bosingwa and deco as seen in the opener, ...coupled wiv the new signature of sportin lisbon sensational winger, paim, there aint no doubt dat chelsea have the strength in depth to win the league and regain the title. As for arsenal, the need top notch experienced players, one each in defence and midfield. Liverpool will make a much harder coming this season if that crazy benitez stops his outrageous rotation of players. He must also play gerrard in the middle. also, he must play keane behind torres as a supporting striker. Villa will challenge this season if they can keep barry and bring in one or two playes too beef up the defence. But for now, .........lets sit back and enjoy the new 08/09 season!

Posted 02:16 23rd August 2008

Steve Ashton (Hull City fan) says...

Your the expert. And I can totally see where your coming from with the Pompey V United prediction. Do you not think Man U's squad will come through though, may not be a full strength squad but some of the not so "first XI" would walk into many other premiership squads week in week out. I feel it will be the most clinical in front of goal who will win, as I predict chances will e hard to come by! But what do I know?!

Posted 15:21 22nd August 2008

Shaun Govender (Manchester United fan) says...

The season has just begun.I feel that Man utd are not at full fitness and match sharp as yet.The good news is that , the season will get much better as the players get more match time.I believe that Alex Ferguson needs to appoint a top assistant to help with the first team coaching as soon as possible.There is no denying that Utd need a top notch striker as Wayne Rooney is short of match fitness.Utd can not wait for all their best players to get fit ,as our main rivals will open a huge gap on us and I am honest enough to admit that Chelsea and Liverpool are going to be a tougher nut to crack this time around.Sunday's game has shown our bench is not as experienced as Chelsea's .I feel that this factor could count against us retaining the title yhis season.Utd has a n unbelievable last season , but we must invest in new blood to lift the team up.

Posted 15:15 22nd August 2008

Twos Komany (Manchester City fan) says...

Jo is a good signing, City cant allow performances to degenerate into that of past sides. We needs to have a crack at the top four soon. Jo is good with his head and feet. 18 goal target should be possible

Posted 15:05 22nd August 2008

Twos Komany (Manchester City fan) says...

Jo is a good signing, City cant allow performances to degenerate into that of past side. We needs to have a crack at the top four soon. Jo is good with his head and feet. 18 goal target should be possible

Posted 15:05 22nd August 2008

Craig Rose (Blackburn Rovers fan) says...

I for one will be applauding Mark Hughes, Brad Friedel and David Bentley when they return to Ewood for the first time. For what they did at Blackburn while they were there was a fantastic achievement and I thank them for all their efforts. When are fans going to realise that loyalty is a word that only they use? I've been a Rovers fan for 30 years and have seen many players coming and going but the common element is I've stayed a fan throughout. Irrespective of what we think, Bents left for his "boyhood team"... as did Craig Bellamy if I remember correctly. Brad went because he was offered a longer contract with more money. Sparky left because of what he potentially could do with Man City with all that money. Best of luck to all of them. All I know is that I'll be supporting the current Blackburn management and team on Saturday and will always continue to do so.

Posted 14:57 22nd August 2008

Jak Kennedy (Newcastle United fan) says...

i do like west ham but i cant understand the sympathy the get for their injury troubles. they buy players who have a history of bad injurys, its hardly a surprise that the likes of Craig Bellamy and Keiran Dyer have injury problems. Secondly, this isn't a must win game for manchester united, everybody knows they will go on a great run of about 30 games and finish really well. And well done to everyone taking all credit away from newcastle for playing a great game.

Posted 14:10 22nd August 2008

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