Reds prediction special

12 August 2009 11:49
LAST October United entered the winter programme leaving behind an opening to the season almost as bleak as the weather we had endured during the summer. When the clocks went back, time was marching on for the Reds to show some title muscle. The reigning champions had been handed a daunting start to the 2008-09 campaign and, coupled with a UEFA Super Cup date in Monaco, it had left them playing catch up. Four points dropped in autumn against rivals Liverpool and Chelsea meant Sir Alex Ferguson's title holders were really up against it. When British Summer Time officially ended last year United had played eight matches, had amassed 15 points, were in sixth position and were eight points behind leaders Liverpool. They, of course, magnificently whittled down the advantage to romp home. Dauntingly for their challengers this term the Reds could have laid down an extremely solid foundation in the autumn programme. Clocks BST this season will end 24 hours after a date at Anfield against Liverpool. The fixture computer has been much kinder to Fergie and his squad this time. The big home matches are against Arsenal and City but both of those clubs could still be having teething problems as Mark Hughes and Arsene Wenger restructure their squads and look for the right formula. United have ten matches up to the time when the clocks go forward on October 26 and then I expect them to have 26 title points on board. Here are my predictions... United 2 Birmingham City 0: Reds off and running. Burnley 1 United 3: No way United will slip up against the newcomers. Wigan 0 United 2: Never easy here but Reds have too much. United 2 Arsenal 1: On paper tough but United have home advantage. Tottenham 1 United 1: Always difficult. Remember that 5-3 victory after being three down? United 2 City 1: Bragging rights will be very important. Stoke City 1 United 2: So long as they watch the long throws. United 3 Sunderland 0. Banker on home soil. United 2 Bolton 0: United's attack will have too much for their neighbours. Liverpool 2 United 2: Fergie won't let them lose this crunch. United's record at the end of October: P10, W8, L0, D2, Pts 26. Position: Top

Source: Manchester_EveningNews