Lets not get carried away..

[golden_blunder]

the next 3 games will make or break our season..
Liverpool, Arsenal, Deportivo

IMO we need to win all 3 to set us up for a real go in the New Year.

But, a fantastic effort from the players over the last 2 games and i hope they can go on to build from that. Special respect goes out to Ole. Although Ruud has been getting all the credit for scoring, Ole has played out of his skin, out of position, creating and scoring. Becks are you watching! <img src="graemlins/devil.gif" border="0" alt="[Devil]" />

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by golden_blunder:
<strong>the next 3 games will make or break our season..
Liverpool, Arsenal, Deportivo

IMO we need to win all 3 to set us up for a real go in the New Year.</strong><hr></blockquote>

A week or so ago I would have said the same, but I don't agree now. I think the others have proved they are quite capable of fecking up and even draws and a defeat in the next three matches wouldn't rule us out of anything.

 

[bazalini]

It would only be a fool who said they were not important. I think with so many young players in the team at present and 6 first teamers out injured it will make this team for future season if we come out of these matches with some degree of cred.

In relation to Liverpool Arsenal, if we had won these games last season we would have being in the driving seat for the title. If we were to come away with 3 or 4 points from these games it would set us up nicely.

 

[Murt]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>A week or so ago I would have said the same, but I don't agree now. I think the others have proved they are quite capable of fecking up and even draws and a defeat in the next three matches wouldn't rule us out of anything.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Agreed, but id be half conteneded if we managed to go unbeaten through the next few games.

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by Murt:
<strong>

Agreed, but id be half conteneded if we managed to go unbeaten through the next few games.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yeah me too. More than half contented actually. Point is though they are not make or break games.

 

[giggzy]

we're lucky that two of them games are at home..

arsenal will be weakened...and Depor aren't that great away from home..


liverpool game will be the toughest IMO.

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

A week or so ago I would have said the same, but I don't agree now. I think the others have proved they are quite capable of fecking up and even draws and a defeat in the next three matches wouldn't rule us out of anything.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Liverpool do seem to be bottling it again, and look lost without an on form Gerrard. They'll concede plenty more points. Arsenal are struggling with injuries and now suspensions (same old Arsenal), particularly at centre back and with their crap goalkeepers, they're quite beatable through the middle. Capable of scoring plenty of goals and winning the midfield, so it will still be tough, but they'll have days where they'll only draw or lose, so you may well be right.

We've got everybody coming back around Christmas time, with many of them effectively having had a break, so it might have that Brazilian holiday effect, and I'm sure they'll all be eager to get back and help us up the league.

 

[MPTutd]

I'd settle for three draws.

We will beat Basle at home. If we can get another win against Juve and Depor we will more or less be through.

As for Liverpool and Arse, I would settle for draws as the Liverpool game is away, and by the New year we will have all our players back and then the fun will really begin.

 

[An Extremely Boring Man]

The most important thing is that we avoid defeat in those three games. The Deportivo game is the only game I feel we HAVE to win.

 

[golden_blunder]

i think it is make or break. I know we've overcome more points before in the past, but we're already 6 points behind and could easily go 9 behind (or worse)

With the amount of injuries etc we've had this year i wouldnt be as confident of overcoming that deficit that i would have been in previous years.

Also, we dont want Arsenal and Liverpool to be given any psychological advantage. If we can beat Pool on their own patch it would knock them for 6 and set us up nicely.

My main point from this thread anyway, was to highlight the fact that (judging by the reactions of some posters) the season is far from over. Anyone would think we've just won every cup going, the way some people are going on. The end is not in sight yet, far from it. With the next 3 games we can judge whether we've got what it takes this year or not.

 

[bazalini]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>
Point is though they are not make or break games.</strong><hr></blockquote>

How can you say that 2 games against our Title Rivals are not Make or Break Games. If we lose both we are in serious danger of losing the Title this year.

They are also key games in the development of the present Utd team and wins over Liverpool and Arsenal would instill the confident back into these teams, maybe make players like O'Shea, Forlan, Fortune + Brown serious First Team players.

Most of Utd's team in 99 would say that the FA CUP win over Arsenal was the key game in the 99 season. Schmichael said if they had lost that game they might have lost everything. I think the same can be said about any game against your Title rivals. Hence its importance, hence its make or break atmosphere surrounding the game.

Your argument that Arsenal and Liverpool can lose was spouted about last year when Arsenal went on their run of wins from January.

 

[golden_blunder]

you raise a good point BAz..everyones expecting us to go on a good run after Christmas, but they seem to forget that Arsenal are more than capable of doing that too. I still feel that with our lack of quality in the backups of the squad, Arsenal may still have the advantage in the New Year. A key point will be Fergies transfer policy in January.

For now though, we MUST beat Arsenal and not let them get further away.

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by bazalini:
<strong>

How can you say that 2 games against our Title Rivals are not Make or Break Games. If we lose both we are in serious danger of losing the Title this year.

The point being that it is quite conceivable that the Arse slip up again as they did against Soton and the scousers do as they did against Fulham. Nobody is showing that they can break away from the pack. We are now only 6 points behind - two wins. I can't see a team going through the season with only a couple more defeats. There will be defeats that will let us (and others - I wouldn't at this stage discount either Chelsea or Everton) back into the race. Obviously losing to the Arse and the scousers makes it harder but it doesn't in my opinion mean we're out of it entirely which is what "break" implies does it not?

They are also key games in the development of the present Utd team and wins over Liverpool and Arsenal would instill the confident back into these teams, maybe make players like O'Shea, Forlan, Fortune + Brown serious First Team players.

Only for them to be dropped for the returning regulars that everyone keeps mentioning? Don't think this is really an issue - it would be good of course, but I think those players already have the necessary confidence after recent games.

Most of Utd's team in 99 would say that the FA CUP win over Arsenal was the key game in the 99 season. Schmichael said if they had lost that game they might have lost everything. I think the same can be said about any game against your Title rivals. Hence its importance, hence its make or break atmosphere surrounding the game.

The game you speak of was in April. It's November.

Your argument that Arsenal and Liverpool can lose was spouted about last year when Arsenal went on their run of wins from January.

Shut up Barry you tit.

</strong><hr></blockquote>

 

[bazalini]

So Daniel, when is a game make or break.

Does it have to be in April in your eyes??

These games against liverpool and Arsenal are probably going to make or break this season. Failue in all 2 games will only bring the muppet fans who are calling for heads to roll left right and centre, with probable calls for Fergies head as well. Instability in any walk of life is poor for any end result. Failure to beat Pool and Arse will bring this, it will also increase the confidence in Pool and Arse, which history has shown has lead to these teams building on Utd wins.

Dans I thinks its time you shut up and wise up to the fact that Seasons can be won in December (we fecking lost ours last Nov) and also realise that great teams are built on positive wins against de great teams of the time.

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by golden_blunder:
<strong>you raise a good point BAz..everyones expecting us to go on a good run after Christmas, but they seem to forget that Arsenal are more than capable of doing that too. I still feel that with our lack of quality in the backups of the squad, Arsenal may still have the advantage in the New Year. A key point will be Fergies transfer policy in January.

For now though, we MUST beat Arsenal and not let them get further away.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Some squad strengthening would be important in January, our run of injuries has shown the need for squad depth. I'm pretty sure Chadwick will be off in January, so a backup right winger could come in handy - though Ole is proving useful there, but I like Ole up front! 4th striker is obviously required, and a full back but I suspect we'll wait until the summer for Escude. We could see some Lazio players coming as Cragnotti is now saying that the debt has been settled - and its not like they've got any cash to pay us with.

 

[Dans]

Barry, shut up you tit.

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by bazalini:
<strong>So Daniel, when is a game make or break.

Does it have to be in April in your eyes??

These games against liverpool and Arsenal are probably going to make or break this season. Failue in all 2 games will only bring the muppet fans who are calling for heads to roll left right and centre, with probable calls for Fergies head as well. Instability in any walk of life is poor for any end result. Failure to beat Pool and Arse will bring this, it will also increase the confidence in Pool and Arse, which history has shown has lead to these teams building on Utd wins.

Dans I thinks its time you shut up and wise up to the fact that Seasons can be won in December (we fecking lost ours last Nov) and also realise that great teams are built on positive wins against de great teams of the time.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I'm with you on these points Baz, 3 points dropped is 3 points dropped whenever it occurs in the season. We're still only 5th and if we lost these next 2 games, we may be something like 7th. Football is a confidence game and those defeats could hit ours hard but more worryingly kickstart runs for both those teams.

 

[bazalini]

I think the only player required in January is a fit Paulo De Canio or Damian Duff. After last night and recent performances I think we have the defensive players that are good enough and strong enough to grace most Premiership team. Its the way they are organiesed and the mindset of certain individuals that needs to be addressed.

BTW Dans I cann't answer your true wit which you have shown. Much like the way you cann't answer the fact that these 3 games are make or Break. :idiot:

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by bazalini:
<strong>BTW Dans I cann't answer your true wit which you have shown. Much like the way you cann't answer the fact that these 3 games are make or Break. :idiot:</strong><hr></blockquote>

Sorry Barry, are you waiting for me to agree with you even though quite cleary I do not?? You're more of a tit than I thought then. And don't mistake that last line for wit mate, it's an observation.

 

[bazalini]

Originally posted by Neil Thomson:
<strong>
Football is a confidence game and those defeats could hit ours hard but more worryingly kickstart runs for both those teams.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I think that is the best sentence to sum up Football. Be it at any level from junior to Sunday League, from Professional to School Boy a defeat to greater power will damage a team.

I think Liverpool's success in recent years was built on their wins over Man Utd and was judges as a leverage of their quality. Defeats and that team would be nothing like what it is now, and probably would not have walked away with their 3 trophies in 2001.

 

[bazalini]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

Sorry Barry, are you waiting for me to agree with you even though quite cleary I do not?? .</strong><hr></blockquote>


I think the only ones who'd agree with your wisdom is the plastic fans who have sucked their teeth into this club and know as much about football as a Grandmother knows about Rap Music.

 

[Neil Thomson]

We could really do with 4 points out of those two games. I'd take a draw at Anfield but I think the Arsenal result is the more important especially after letting them win the league at OT. They think they're going to be champions this year and we need to put some doubt into their minds.

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by bazalini:
<strong>


I think the only ones who'd agree with your wisdom is the plastic fans who have sucked their teeth into this club and know as much about football as a Grandmother knows about Rap Music.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I was thinking that you were one of them actually Barry. You're talking as though the season will be finished if we don't win these next three games. Quite hysterical frankly.

 

[michael owen's mum]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

I was thinking that you were one of them actually Barry. You're talking as though the season will be finished if we don't win these next three games. Quite hysterical frankly.</strong><hr></blockquote>


from a neutral perspective, dans is right.

so what if you lose the next 3 matches? arsenal and ourselves will drop plenty of points between now and the end of the season.

marathon not a sprint and all that, baz. . .

 

[bazalini]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

I was thinking that you were one of them actually Barry. You're talking as though the season will be finished if we don't win these next three games. Quite hysterical frankly.</strong><hr></blockquote>

No, I am interested that Man Utd face our opponents with the belief that these games are make and break which they are and our season does not surround the fact that we will sit back and rely on other teams to slip up which you seem to build the present season on.

Wouldn't it be nice to build life arround other people failing??

 

[toml]

Originally posted by Neil Thomson:
<strong>
Liverpool do seem to be bottling it again, and look lost without an on form Gerrard.</strong><hr></blockquote>


<a href="http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N137789021127-1051.htm" target="_blank">You could be in trouble </a>

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by toml:
<strong>


<a href="http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N137789021127-1051.htm" target="_blank">You could be in trouble </a></strong><hr></blockquote>
Because he's trying in training, whilst he's dropped? <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by michael owen's mum:
<strong>


from a neutral perspective, dans is right.

so what if you lose the next 3 matches? arsenal and ourselves will drop plenty of points between now and the end of the season.

marathon not a sprint and all that, baz. . .</strong><hr></blockquote>
The problem is that all 3 of us do tend to put on long winning or unbeaten runs in the second half of the season. There was little more we could do to stop Arsenal as they just didn't drop points.

 

[bazalini]

Originally posted by Neil Thomson:
<strong>We could really do with 4 points out of those two games. I'd take a draw at Anfield but I think the Arsenal result is the more important especially after letting them win the league at OT. .</strong><hr></blockquote>

Agreed Neil. I do how ever think we can win both matches and a win at Liverpool would make this season. I also believe that a defeat for Liverpool would see them spiral out of control as if there was ever any 1 team built arround confidense its Liverpool FC.

 

[giggzy]

a draw at Unfilled.. and victories against Depor and the Cocknies, will be excellent..

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by bazalini:
<strong>

No, I am interested that Man Utd face our opponents with the belief that these games are make and break which they are and our season does not surround the fact that we will sit back and rely on other teams to slip up which you seem to build the present season on.

Wouldn't it be nice to build life arround other people failing??</strong><hr></blockquote>

Jeez your obstinate arent you? We're talking about what we forumites think not about the mentality of the team going into the matches. Sitting back and living of others failues was not the issue here. Stick to the matter in hand Barry, which was whether in our opinions these upcoming matches are make or break or not. Think you can do that?

 

[RedorDead6899]

Originally posted by An Extremely Boring Man:
<strong>The most important thing is that we avoid defeat in those three games. The Deportivo game is the only game I feel we HAVE to win.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Totally agreed.

 

[uranushk1]

Consider the injury problem we are having, I'll also settled for three draws. If we can win one of them that's a bonus. If we can win one, I really hope we beat liverpool. Not for title purpose, but for the revenge they beat us in the last five times.

 

[Julian Denny]

Of course the next few games are important, in fact as far as the PL is concerned vitally so. Currently we are off the pace but still in touch. If we lose both those games we will be on the verge of being out of it again. Furthermore the psychological damage of another defeat against Pool will be substantial. What the last couple of games has shown is that the confidence has come back and we are scoring goals again. With the attitude far better and Fergie's tactics more conducive to scoring instead of handing the initiative to the opposition, we can go into those games with greater optimism
A draw against Pool will be ok, albeit the minimum, but we must beat Arsenal who are probably the more likely contenders for the Championship.
Go for it United.

 

[Davo]

I hope you beat the Arse and obviously lose to us...

I don't think 2 draws would be good enough for you in your current position, as you would again be relying on further cock ups from us and the Arse..

4 points would be very good tho

 

[Lynott]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

I was thinking that you were one of them actually Barry. You're talking as though the season will be finished if we don't win these next three games. Quite hysterical frankly.</strong><hr></blockquote>

The season will obviously not be finished and that was never implied at all in the thread. However this is the most important period we have had to face since the treble year. Just so happens that that year it happened in April, this year it's happening in Nov/Dec. I don't think we will have to face our EPL rivals so close together again and face key CL games either side of them. It is a huge period and I can't understand why you can't see it.

<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

 

[Rory 7]

2 draws against Arse and Pool is definitely enough for United at this stage in the season......

1. Arse and Pool still have to play each other home and away.
2. We will still have to play Arse and Pool again in the league.

I honestly think that if we are six points behind the league leaders after these two games we are in with a great shout in the new year. Loads of football to be played. Of course if we close the gap to 2/3 points after we play Arsenal we will be favourites to win the title. And the scousers and the gooners will cack themselves!

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by Lynott:
<strong>

The season will obviously not be finished and that was never implied at all in the thread. However this is the most important period we have had to face since the treble year. Just so happens that that year it happened in April, this year it's happening in Nov/Dec. I don't think we will have to face our EPL rivals so close together again and face key CL games either side of them. It is a huge period and I can't understand why you can't see it.

</strong><hr></blockquote>

What do you understand by "make or break"?

 

[Cal?]

Originally posted by golden_blunder:
<strong>the next 3 games will make or break our season..
Liverpool, Arsenal, Deportivo

IMO we need to win all 3 to set us up for a real go in the New Year.
</strong><hr></blockquote>


If we beat both the dippers and the arse with this current side, they might as well hand us the title now. There'll be no stopping us when the players get back.

 

[Dans]

Furthermore Lynott where have I implied that these aren't big games? All I've said is that we'll not be out of anything if we lose all three. It won't be good, but it certainly won't be the end.