Abbreviated Meelan Match Preview

By: Taylor Rockwell | March 10th, 2010

Fullscreen capture 392010 31702 PM Apologies for the lack of posts lately. It’s been a bit hectic, and that trend is continuing today. Nevertheless, AC Meelan awaits so it’s time for a VERY abbreviated match preview. If you’re bored and looking for something to distract you at work, enjoy a plethora of links:

1 – Did anyone know that David Beckham plays for Meelan now? Well, if you didn’t, The Daily Telegraph would like to remind you that he’s playing, the Mail Online would like to analyze his boots, and The Mirror would like to let you know that he’s still afraid of Sir Alex Ferguson. Said Beckham, “He’s a scary man, but in a really good way.”

2 – Meanwhile, Rooney is healthy and Wes Brown isn’t. Not surprisingly, it’s being reported that the defender will be out for four to six weeks (unless it’s the Hargo Timeline of Injury Recovery, then he’ll be out for four years). Rooney, however, risks further aggravating the knee injury he picked up in the West Ham game and then further injured in England’s friendly against Egypt.

Fullscreen capture 392010 31732 PM 3 – Fergie says that the attacking will still be on display. Despite most pundits arguing that United will most likely be playing defensive in this tie, Sir Alex Ferguson has reasserted his desire to maintain an attacking-ish approach. “I don’t think we should be confused by the scoreline and think that we have a bye into the next round,” Fergie pointed out in his pre-match press conference, before making a fairly startling comment. “I don’t think we’re very good at defending leads. We need to play our normal game and that includes attacking. We’ve got to accept that it’s going to be a very difficult game and one we have to win.” We’re not very good at defending leads? Maybe he’s right, but what does that say about the state of our defense? Pretty much a big ol’ fuck you to Rio and Vidic. A deserved one, to be sure, but an ‘eff you nonetheless.

4 – Meelan Manager Leonardo rested both Pato and Seedorf in this weekend’s scoreless draw with AS Roma. The story of that tie appears to have been Meelan’s inability to kill off the game, with Klaus-Jan Huntelaar failing to convert several good chances. Will Pato and Seedorf be as generous? And can Dinho replicate his solid performance from the first leg? I certainly hope not, but Seedorf has proven his ability to get up for big games and Pato certainly has a lot to prove. Rafael better be ready to go, or it could be a long night for the young Brazilian.

5 – Is Flamini fit? In the match report for the Roma match, ESPN reported that, “In the 70th minute, Huntelaar’s angled effort from 20 yards was saved by Abbiati. Shortly after, Beckham replaced the injured Flamini.” I haven’t heard anything else about this incident, nor has Flamini’s status been discussed. But the midfielders presence could be a major factor in today’s contest.

That’s all I’ve got time for at the moment. I’ll update this with pertinent information as the day goes, but for now enjoy the links and COME ON UNITED!!!!