What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester United (1st; 77 points) vs Blackpool (18th; 39 points)
When: Sunday 22nd May, 2011, at 16:00 UK time
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Wembley in Sight
The hourglass separating Manchester United from their date with destiny against Barcelona in a replay of the 2009 Champions League final is almost complete. With the 2-0 loss to the Blaugrana still engraved in every Mancunians’ memory, revenge is wanted and needed at the Theatre of Dreams. For now though, United have to face their final Premier League hurdle in the form of relegation strugglers Blackpool.
Facing Blackpool will be a good test for United a week before their much-anticipated Wembley clash. Sir Alex Ferguson will undoubtedly field a weakened starting eleven on such an occasion, with the Premier League title already secured, but that does not mean that the Red Devils will want to underestimate their opponents. And according to club captain Nemanja Vidic, United will make sure they don’t: “Barcelona I have to say is the most important game for us, but [against] Blackpool we want to play well, we want to play the best we can and we always expect to win games and we will try to do that."
But playing such a side a week before having to handle the world’s best football team isn’t easy. Blackpool will be fighting with their backs against the wall, and Ferguson’s men might have a harder time than anticipated.
Critical Moments
Blackpool head into their most critical game in the 2010/11 English Premier League season knowing that their situation is far from an envied one. Sitting in 18th position and on the brink of relegation from the Premier League, Ian Holloway’s side know a win is needed. While a draw leaves the side with hope, but relying on Tottenham Hotspur thumping Birmingham to bring about a favourable change in goal difference, the Seasiders are desperate to do their own job well.
It is safe to say that this has not been the best of seasons for Blackpool after a slump in the second part of the campaign: the team picked up a fine earlier this season for fielding a weak squad against Aston Villa, while coach Ian Holloway recently commented that the Premier League would be happy to see his side relegated from England’s top tier. Holloway is also sure that United will not roll over despite the impending Champions League final.
“They will be relieved if we lose and get relegated. Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner. He would never dream of not being interested in winning any match. They think we can only beat Manchester United if they are weak.”
Recent form
Manchester United:
Manchester United 4-1 Schalke (04/05; Champions League)
Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea (08/05; Premier League)
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Manchester United (14/05; Premier League)
Blackpool:
Blackpool 0-0 Stoke City (30/04; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Blackpool (07/05; Premier League)
Blackpool 4-3 Bolton Wanderers (14/05; Premier League)
Key absences
Manchester United: Rafael (doubt); John O’Shea (doubt); Owen Hargreaves
Blackpool: David Carney; Chris Basham
Players to watch
Manchester United – Anderson: With Ferguson expected to rest key players, Anderson will surely be amidst the starters for this match. The Brazilian midfielder was marvellous for United against Schalke in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, scoring two well-taken goals. He will be hoping for more of the same.
Blackpool – DJ Campbell: The forward returned to Lancashire with unfinished business on his mind with Blackpool, having enjoyed two previous loan spells at the club. Having his finest season to date with the team, much will rest on Campbell’s shoulders and his ability to rise to the occasion.
Match Prediction
Manchester United will have 99 per cent of their attention hanging elsewhere, and that could give their visitors the advantage heading into this match, especially with the newly crowned champions fielding fringe players. Blackpool are fighting for survival, but their efforts could be futile against United, who will be looking for the win ahead of the Champions League final and will have players hungry to impress. Manchester United 2-0 Blackpool.
