Barrie's View

Newcastle’s 1-1 draw at Wolves on Saturday was enough to ensure both teams remained in the top half heading into the international break. The two headline makers from this game were arguably former England international Joey Barton (1 game at least) and a player whom many are touting for an England call up, Andy Carroll.

Victim

Joey Barton was on the wrong end of a number of ferocious tackles from the Wolves midfield on Saturday, that under a stronger referee may have resulted in a red card. Karl Henry in particular was the fortunate party on the Wolves side to finish the game on just a single yellow card.

Reckless to say the least was Karl Henry, who seemed to have been instructed by Mick McCarthy to irritate and wind up Joey Barton in the Newcastle midfielder. From strong and two-footed tackles in the first half to clouting through the former Manchester City player, Joe Barton was the victim of Karl Henry’s mean streak.

Tactical?

Back in Mick McCarthy’s playing days, this type of play was part and parcel of football. But in the modern game, it is has generally been stamped down and prevented with yellow and red cards produced for the tackles Henry was making at Molineux on Saturday.

Credit must go to Joey Barton, whom in a previous season would have almost-certainly retaliated and got himself sent off in the process. A more mature and shaven Barton was on the field this weekend. But for one bad tackle (that earned him a yellow card), he kept himself under control. It was his delivery from a set piece that Andy Carroll nodded home Newcastle’s equaliser. A double blow for Mick McCarthy and his Wolves side who were presumably hoping for Joey Barton to get himself sent off from which Wolves would take advantage of their numerical advantage. It didn’t happen and both parties seemed happy with a point at the end of a game that could have gone either way.

After the worst possible start to their Champions League campaign when Tottenham Hotspur went 3-0 down inside 30 minutes in their qualifying first leg in Bern, Harry Redknapp’s side turned it around in style over the remaining two hours to book their place in the Champions League.

Game-Changing Substitution

The substitution of Tom Huddlestone for Benoit Assou-Ekotto shortly after Spurs conceded their third goal in Switzerland turned the tie around, with the two-time England international bringing composure into their midfield, and taking up the space in the centre of midfield that had gifted Young Boys to two of their three goals.

In that first leg, Sebastien Bassong scored a valuable goal before half time, with the Cameroonian defender having been at fault for a goal earlier in the game. Spurs were dominant for periods of that second half, with Roman Pavlyuchenko blasting home a second. At that point, Spurs always looked like progressing. They were thankful for Young Boys spurning good opportunities in that second leg.

Wasteful Young Boys

Young Boys also wasted chances at White Hart Lane this evening, but ultimately the London side were of a much better standard than their opposition. This was the performance and result we had been expecting when the draw had been made. Their odds were 1/8 to qualify entering the tie. They were still only 1.5 to qualify at 0-3 in the first leg. The Swiss side were never going to oust the fourth English qualifiers in this season’s Champions League.

However, Harry Redknapp and Tottenham Hotspur have been warned about the quality of the Champions League. Tottenham allowed Young Boys too many good opportunities over the two legs; opportunities that Spurs cannot allow to a number of team’s in tomorrow’s draw without being punished.

The Gaffer

Harry Redknapp has done a fantastic job in turning Spurs around since joining less than two years ago when they had 2 points in their opening 8 Premier League games. Finishing fourth last season and qualifying for the Champions League this evening not only assures a big income boost this season, but the ability to attract more stars to their club.

An Exciting Time Ahead

Regardless of the draw, the manager and majority of players will be playing in the Champions League for the first time. This could be a steep learning curb for all counterparts. An exciting one for the fans none-the-less who will be keeping their fingers crossed for some of Europe’s bigger known venues including Camp Nou, the Bernabeu and the Allianz Arena.

Following Aston Villa’s 6-0 crushing at the hands of Newcastle on Sunday, and have still yet to replace Martin O’Neill, Aston Villa’s odds have shot up from a one time 1.15 pre-season to currently at 1.86 on betfair, to finish above their Midlands rivals.

As a top 6 side for the past three seasons, these odds are very attractive given the players in the Aston Villa squad compared to their Midlands rivals. James Milner may have gone, but Stephen Ireland is a great replacement in the centre of the park, playing alongside the likes of Stiliyan Petrov, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young.

Aston Villa’s competitors for this bet are Birmingham City, Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion.

Birmingham City (5.1)

The Blues look like being Aston Villa’s biggest threat this season, given their top half finish last season, a few big summer buys and 4 points from their opening two games. But can Birmingham City exceed last season’s performance, that included 2 points from an under-performing Liverpool side, a goalless draw at home to Chelsea (thanks to the departed Joe Hart), a point off Manchester United and 13 points from Hull City, Burnley and Portsmouth collectively whom have all since been relegated. Birmingham took 0 points off of Aston Villa last season, finishing 14 points behind them.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (5.3)

Some people were surprised by Wolves taking a point away from Goodison Park at the weekend. So much so their odds are much shorter than I believe they should be in this league. Yes, 4 points from their opening two games is a good start, but there’s a lot of work still to go for Mick McCarthy and his side, who’s notice board in the locker room probably reads “36 more points to go”. I feel with one year of experience and a hardworking squad will see Wolves avoid relegation for a second successive season, but they won’t be in the top half nor near Aston Villa come the end of the season. They took 2 points from Aston Villa last season but still finished 26 points behind their rivals.

Stoke City (11)

A surprise package in their first Premier League season, they were very much just the same in the second. And they plan to be the same again in their third. It’s been a poor start from Stoke City this season, without a single point in their opening two games. Having failed to improve their squad over the summer, these will not be challenging for the crown of the top Midlands cup this season. Or any time soon for that matter. 1 point and 0 goals in their two games with Aston Villa in 2009/10 saw Stoke City finish 17 points behind the Villains.

West Bromwich Albion (11.5)

Often the whipping boys of the Premier League, the yo-yo club that is West Bromwich Albion followed up their 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea with a victory over Sunderland in their second game. With their dominance of the game, albeit the failure to score one goal, West Brom have certainly given their fans more optimism in surviving this season. However, as fifth favourites in the league of five to finish top of the Midlands league, West Brom aren’t going to come close to winning it.

Best bet: Aston Villa to be Top Midlands Club 1.86 (Football – English Football – Barclays Premier League – Head to Head Leagues – Top Midlands Club)

Fabio Capello could have done with a ticket to Eastlands last night, to watch Manchester City, with 6 Englishmen on display put in a convincing 3-0 win over Liverpool.

Shot Stopper

In goal was Joe Hart, who kept his second consecutive clean sheet this season, pulling off a string of saves in the space of 10 seconds to keep Liverpool out. With performances from other English goalkeepers this season, Joe Hart is on his way to cementing his place in the England team for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures.

Full Backs

Manchester City started with two English full backs in Micah Richards on the right and Joleon Lescott on the left, in the absence of the injured Aleksandar Kolarov. Richards put in a solid performance, but for a few fouls than earned him a yellow card. Lescott wasn’t as safe and playing like this he will be exposed by the better right wingers and full backs in the Premier League.

Team Mates Past and Present

Former Aston Villa team mates, James Milner and Gareth Barry hooked up in midfield. The latest of the arrivals from Villa Park setup his former captain for the opening goal after some good play from City down the right, that started with Yaya Toure.

An Exciting Future?

On the right flank, Adam Johnson had another influential performance as he caused Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel problems all evening. This performance should interest England boss Fabio Capello given the lack of form from Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips in England shirts. He’s a threat when he cuts inside on his left foot and has great delivery of the ball. He wasn’t far off with a long range effort early on, but if he wants to become a regular in the national team he needs to hold down a regular spot at club level first. He faces competition from Mario Balotelli in the coming weeks.

Also in Contention

Shaun Wright-Phillips was an unused substitute as he days at Manchester City appear to be numbered under Roberto Mancini with the number of midfielders bought this summer by the Italian. His pace could have been useful in Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool side yesterday, who failed to create any real opportunities but for one attack that resulted in 3 shots at Joe Hart. Liverpool themselves named just two English players in the starting lineup; Glen Johnson and Jamie Carragher.

English Core

Despite the big money signings from abroad over the past few seasons from Manchester City, the core of their team can provide a number of players to the England team. With Gareth Barry being a regular. Joe Hart and James Milner looking to become ones, the likes of Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards and Adam Johnson have all been given chances to prove their worth to Roberto Mancini this season. Shaun Wright-Phillips was also given his chance on the opening day of the season.

After last season’s close run in with Manchester United, Chelsea won the 2009/10 Premier League title by 1 point on the final day of last season. With their final three games coming against Stoke City, Liverpool and Wigan Athletic, it never looked in doubt at that stage to be honest. In my eyes and betting accounts at least.

Last Season

The 2009/10 Premier League trophy came to Stanford Bridge despite being manager Carlo Ancelotti’s first season in English football, despite key players including Didier Drogba disappearing to the African Cup of Nations mid-season, a long-term injury to midfielder Michael Essien and captain John Terry falling apart in the second half of the season after his personal life was published all over the news. Chelsea won the Premier League despite all the problems that should have prevented them from doing so.

To continue where they’ve left off from last season, Chelsea have opened this campaign with back-to-back 6-0 victories, albeit against relegation favourites West Bromwich Albion and Wigan Athletic respectively. But their victory at the DW Stadium on Saturday was 3 more points than they got their last season. A sign of Chelsea’s improvement? Or a sign that Carlo Ancelotti has more knowledge after a season’s experience in the Premier League?

Goal Scoring

Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka and substitute Salomon Kalou have all made a bright start to the Premier League, despite Frank Lampard being relatively quiet so far.(mind you, he still has 1 goal already). Chelsea have a frighteningly good attack and are capable of breaking the 100-goal barrier as they did last season. 12 goals to their name already with 36 games remaining; William Hill’s offering of 11/4 for Chelsea to hit the century mark has got me betting.

Improvements from Last Season

Last season, Chelsea had difficulties defending set pieces. While West Brom and Wigan haven’t given us a chance to see if they have improved this season, the departure of Ricardo Carvalho is only an improvement in that area. I’m still unsure of Alex’s defensive capabilities, despite a vast improvement last season and a good performance against Wigan. From set pieces though, he’s a big bald-headed defender who gets his head onto a lot of balls. Along with Didier Drogba, Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry in there, there shouldn’t be too many opponents getting their head onto a lot of crosses against Chelsea this season. Even if Petr Cech doesn’t fill his defence with confidence in dealing with them.

Joe Cole has gone and the reliable and consistent Yossi Benayoun has come in. An improvement to the squad, provided Benayoun doesn’t get upset about being a backup, after coming out about his frustration at not being a regular under Rafa Benitez, after signing for Chelsea. With Florent Malouda flourishing under Ancelotti, Benayoun will spend the season competing with Nicolas Anelka on the right for a place in the starting lineup. The French forward who is on an 18-game suspension with his national team scored a brace at the weekend after struggling for goals in 2010 last season. Chelsea have been linked to Brazilian’s Neymar and Kaka in recent times with question marks raised over Anelka.

There’s still question marks over the defence. Will John Terry re-find his form of old this season? Is Alex good enough against the top players? Should Paulo Ferreira still be in the Premier League? Is Petr Cech overrated? Those questions will be answered as the season progresses. I do believe they have the best full back pairing in the Premier League with Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole on either flank. Michael Essien also adds great protection in front of the defence.

Their Challengers

Manchester United are second favourites this season. They’ve already fallen 2 points behind Chelsea, throwing away victory at Fulham on Sunday. Once again not winning without Wayne Rooney. Dimitar Berbatov failed to deliver at the weekend and Javier Hernandez had a quiet game. Do United have the fire power to compete with Chelsea? Carlo Ancelotti and the Blues also done the double over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United last season. Without Rio Ferdinand, the defence looks vulnerable. The midfield is relying on an ageing Paul Scholes at the moment, and there’s question marks over the attack. United look weaker than they did two seasons ago and by failing to pick up points against the likes of Fulham is going to hurt them this season. They’ll be the ones needing to do the double over Chelsea if they want to finish on top of the league. That seems unlikely.

Arsenal are third favourites. There’s no doubt they have a quality midfield. And when Robin van Persie returns to full fitness up front they’ve be a threat to most defences. But it’s their own defence that raises alarms. Even if Laurent Koscielny turns out to be a star (whom I already have doubts about), there’s no depth there. Baring in mind they are also competing in the Champions League this season. And the position that frustrates most Arsenal fans is their goalkeeper. No Premier League team has ever won the league without a top goalkeeper. Manuel Almunia is not one of those. His blunders this season, like previous are going to cost Arsenal points this season unless Arsene Wenger finally breaks free of his stubborness that has prevented him from going out and getting a new one.

Manchester City’s odds have fallen far from the 5/1 they were pre-season following their 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the season. Currently, they’re a bunch of talented individuals and not a team. I too have question marks over this defence that was reliable on Joe Hart’s shot stopping last weekend for them to hang onto a point. Their work rate of Emmanuel Adebayor and Mario Balotelli, or the lack of, in tough games is going to harm Manchester City. The discipline of Nigel de Jong may see City reduced to 10 men on occasions this season. The departure of Craig Bellamy may prove to be a foolish one. He’s more-likely to get a league winners medal this season than any of his City team mates. Manchester City will not be title contenders this season.

The Verdict

I firmly believe the 2010/11 Premier League title is Chelsea’s to lose. With the quality at their disposal, the unit they have built and the tactical master class Carlo Ancelotti has displayed throughout his career will see them through. A long run in the Champions League may affect them in the league on occasions this season, but ultimately they will come out on top. Chelsea’s odds have dropped to 5/4 to win the Premier League now, but with their next three games coming against Stoke City, West Ham United and Blackpool, it may be best if you jump on board now.

Theo Walcott and Arsenal ran riot on 10-man Blackpool yesterday, with the England international scoring his first hat trick at club level, nearly two years on since his hat trick in Croatia in England’s 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Yesterday, Theo Walcott showed once again what he was capable of as he terrorised Blackpool’s defence for 90 minutes, scoring half of Arsenal’s 6 goals in the process. Starting as a right forward, Walcott had Stephen Crainey’s number all day, with the Scot, playing only his seventh ever Premier League match, not having the pace to keep up with Walcott.

We saw yesterday what Theo Walcott and Arsenal are capable of. But this result must be taken with a pinch of salt, playing against one of the weakest side’s in Premier League history, and whom were reduced to 10 men on the half hour mark when Ian Evatt brought down Marouane Chamakh as the last man.

All three of Walcott’s goals were tidy finishes in a game that saw him left open by a shell-shocked defence on a number of occasions. Even when he was marked by two defenders, he still managed to score against a poor-positioned Matthew Gilks in the Blackpool goal for his second of the game.

Arsenal fans will be aware not to get carried away with this performance from Theo Walcott. He’s been a model of inconsistency amongst a number of Arsenal youngster’s who have failed to find form on a consistent basis under Arsene Wenger. His movement, finishing and passing were all great today, with the occasional mistake that we’ve come to expect. But this came against a defence that was all over the place and lacked pace. Until Theo Walcott can put these performances in week in week out, and against the likes of Patrice Evra, Ashley Cole and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, critics will rightfully doubt him.

Arsenal’s 6-0 victory yesterday was matched by Chelsea in their thrashing of Wigan at the DW Stadium in Saturday’s evening kick off, making our weekly Premier League Tips never look in doubt at a handsome 6/4 price that was effectively finished before the hour in both games. They also settled the Unquoted Score on Betfair tips in the article I wrote on Friday. All-in-all, a very productive weekend!

Predicting the correct score in football games in often gambling suicide. With the odd exception of a 0-0, 1-0 I guess. Last weekend, if I was given £10 to put on a correct score bet on the Wigan Athletic-Blackpool Premier League game, I would have gone for 4-0. After all, that was my prediction with friends in our correct score league. Oh, I forgot to say, I predicted 4-0 to Wigan.

Blackpool’s 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic last weekend was the result of the most embarrassing prediction I’d ever made. I apologise now for anyone who put more on that than either of the other two tips I made last weekend, which were both correct.

Any Unquoted Scoreline

You’d think I was a liar if I told you I made money on that game. Well, I’m telling you that I made money on that game. While Wigan were just under evens to beat Blackpool last weekend, a bet which I took. Along with that, I also backed the unquoted scoreline (either team to score 4 or more) at a hefty 9/1 – my biggest winner of the weekend.

I expect a lot of games featuring Blackpool may see a few goals this season. The over 2.5 goals will be a popular bet with them I’m sure this season. But one bet for me this weekend is Arsenal versus Blackpool, once again backing the unquoted scoreline, again predicting Blackpool to concede 4 or more. The odds currently just over 2/1.

Chelsea Score a Few Too

That price was the same for Chelsea last weekend when they hosted West Bromwich Albion. In reflection, the result was never in doubt as Chelsea ran out comfortable 6-0 winners. The opportunity to put up a similar scoreline is presented to them again this weekend as they take on the same Wigan side that shipped 4 at home to Blackpool last Saturday, and whom let in 8 against Chelsea on the final day of last season.

This Weekend

Didier Drogba in particular isn’t a good match up for any Premier League defence, especially not this Wigan one that were torn apart down the middle against Blackpool. Expect a good performance from Frank Lampard this weekend, after a relatively quiet one against West Brom. As I wrote in my Premier League Tips for this weekend, the unquoted, the asian handicap and a Didier Drogba hat trick all look promising for Chelsea on Saturday.

With a lack of money to spend, at least before the sale of James Milner this week, Aston Villa have started their 2010/11 Premier League campaign with the inclusion of a number of youngsters in their first two competitive games.

Their 3-0 victory over West Ham United on Saturday to kick off the campaign saw first Premier League starts for youngsters Ciaran Clark and Marc Albrighton, while Andreas Weimann and Barry Bannan made appearances off the bench. The result was a 3-0 victory, albeit against one of the weaker sides in the division who gave a poor showing.

Marc Albrighton

Following James Milner’s departure, Stewart Downing could be tucked inside with Stiliyan Petrov in midfield, opening up a space for Marc Albrighton to become a regular starter on the wing, switching sides with Ashley Young. Despite being one of the stars in pre-season, Albrighton may be pushed for a place in the starting lineup when Gabriel Agbonlahor returns from an injury that kept him out of the opening game. Agbonlahor, another product of Aston Villa’s successful youth system.

Fabian Delph

Another injured midfielder absent for the start of Aston Villa’s current campaign is Fabian Delph. Still only 20 years old, the former Leeds United star signed for Aston Villa one year ago and is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury picked up towards the end of last season.

Barry Bannan

Barry Bannan is another player looking to break into the Aston Villa first team. Playing just a handful of seconds as a substitute at Villa Park on Saturday, Bannan scored Aston Villa’s goal in their 1-1 draw with Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday evening. He’s had successful loan spells with both Derby County and Blackpool in the Championship over the past 18 months that boosted his push for a first team place at Vlla Park this season.

Ciaran Clark

Ciaran Clark debutised in the centre of defence alongside the experienced Richard Dunne on Saturday. Clarke’s first start for the team was handed to him with the injuries to both James Collins and Carlos Cueller. His chances of becoming a regular in the Villa side this season seem unlikely at this point and a full season out on loan may benefit him in the long run.

Nathan Delfouneso

One other player looking to become more active with the first team this season is striker Nathan Delfouneso. The former England under 19 star has been tipped for a bright future, but needs to remain patient in the Aston Villa side. He’s main experiences have come in cup competitions for Aston Villa so far, featuring and scoring in both the Europa League and FA Cup competitions. His opportunities to play in the league remain limited, below Gabriel Agbonlahor, John Carew and Emile Heskey on the pecking order.

Keving MacDonald

Aside from injuries to regular first teamers from last season, current caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald has been the decision maker for playing the kids. The reserve team coach since 2003 knows these youngsters well enough and has shown good judgement so far in giving them first team opportunities.

Premier League

Aston Villa travel to Newcastle on Sunday for their second Premier League game of the season. It will be interesting to see how many and which youngsters Kevin MacDonald goes with, should he remain in charge for the weekend’s game.

Following Stephen Carr’s howler in Birmingham City’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland yesterday on the opening day of the 2010/11 Premier League season, here is a list of the top 10 Premier League Own Goals:

10. Olof Mellberg/Peter Enckelman v Birmingham City

Playing in the top flight for the first time in 16 years, Birmingham City were given a helping hand from Aston Villa goalkeeper Peter Enckelman in the first ever Premier League Birmingham Derby. Clinton Morrison had given the Blues a first half lead, but what would happen quarter of an hour from time would go down in Premier League history. A seemingly harmless throw in from Olof Mellberg back to goalkeeper Enckelman went under the Finn’s foot and doubled Birmingham’s lead on their way to an impressive 3-0 victory.

9. J’Lloyd Samuel v Manchester United

Needing a victory at Bolton to keep in last season’s title race, Manchester United were forced to battle it out with the Wanderers in the first half. The home side had chances in the first half with the then defending champions not firing on all cylinders. That changed before half time when Ryan Giggs’ drive cross was coolly slotted home by J’Lloyd Samuel. Unfortunately, he was playing for the opposition, contributing to 1 of an incredible 12 own goals in Manchester United’s favour in 2009/10.

8. Abou Diaby v Manchester United

And the start of the record number of Premier League own goals started at Old Trafford in late August 2009. Arsenal had taken the lead at Old Trafford through Andrei Arshavin’s long range effort in the first half, but had been pegged back through a Wayne Rooney penalty on the hour. 5 minutes later, a calamitous own goal from Abou Diaby gave United the lead from which they didn’t look back. Abou Diaby headed Ryan Giggs’ whipped in free kick into the top corner.

7. John Arne Riise v Southampton

Liverpool had high hopes of winning the Premier League title for the first time in 2002, but their title chances were unhinged with results like the one at St Mary’s to start the year. Southampton had taken the lead on the hour mark with a James Beattie penalty before Liverpool helped them to a second. A Marion Pahar’s cross from the left wing, with no Southampton players in the penalty area saw John Arne Riise needlessly head over his helpess goalkeeper, Jerzy Dudek for the final goal of the game. Riise went on to score two other cracking own goals later in his Liverpool career; for Luton Town and Chelsea.

6. Sam Ricketts v Blackburn Rovers

It’s very rare to see a headed goal from outside of the 18 yard box. Sam Rickkets is one of the few players to have pulled that off. Unfortunately for the Bolton Wanderers centre back, it was past his own goalkeeper in a fierce Lancashire rivalry. Miscommunication between the the Welsh international and Finnish goalkeeper didn’t go down with the Lancashire locals. At least not the home supporters as it put the game beyond them with Blackburn running out 2-0 winners.

5.Tony Popovic v Portsmouth

An early clash between two relegation contenders saw Portsmouth leading 2-1 at home to bottom placed Crystal Palace with 5 minutes remaining. And with 5 minutes remaining the 3 points were in the bag when Tony Popovic spectacularly flicked in a cross with a Gianfranco Zola-like heel flick.

4. Richard Dunne v West Bromwich Albion

Kevin Keegan’s Manchester City were hoping to qualify for European football in 2004/05, while Bryan Robson’s West Bromwich Albion were just hoping to stay up. As you would expect, Manchester City were clear favourites to win this end of year clash. The Sky Blues were given a helping hand when Thomas Gaardsoe was sent off in the first half. With the man advantage, Nicolas Anelka duly gave the home side the lead. But the failed to get a second, and even though West Brom failed to have a shot on target during the whole game, they came away with a point when a long ball up field took a horrible deflection off Richard Dunne’s knee outside the penalty area and past the onrushing David James. Come the end of the season, this point was the difference between West Brom staying up and going down.

3, 2 and 1. Frank Sinclair

If there’s one player who’s made a reputation for scoring own goals, look no further than Leicester City’s very own Frank Sinclair. At the start of the 1999/00 season, Leicester City were on course for a good result at Highbury. That was before they headed into stoppage time and an unchallenged Frank Sinclair headed in Arsenal’s winner. Wanting to make it up the following weekend, Leicester City were 2-1 up at home to Chelsea, on course for their second win of the season. That was until the final few minutes when up stepped Frank Sinclair to head home an equaliser for his former club. Two seasons later and Leicester City would drop out of the Premier League. Frank Sinclair would be a big part of the squad who finished bottom of the table. A trip to the Riverside Stadium in March saw Frank Sinclair score the only goal of the game. A beautiful strike from over 30 yards out… into his own net. Along with Jamie Carragher and Richard Dunne, Frank Sinclair holds the joint record for 6 Premier League own goals.

After failing to lift a trophy last season and sometimes too reliant on Wayne Rooney, Manchester United head into this season with a few new faces brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson. For those already at the club, there are a number who still haven’t delivered at Old Trafford and must deliver this season if they’re to stay any longer.

Dimitar Berbatov

The arrival of Javier Hernandez and Bebe will put Dimitar Berbatov under pressure to finally produce the goods as he heads into his third season in a Manchester United shirt. Having frustrated fans for two seasons following his £30,000,000 move from Tottenham Hotspur with his lazy body language, Berbatov showed what he’s capable of doing in last weekend’s Community Shield with a delicate chip over Hilario to seal the trophy. Berbatov needs a good season otherwise Fergie should be looking to recoup some of the money he spent on Berbatov come the end of the season.

Michael Owen

Another injury-plagued season for Michael Owen saw him fail to make a significant impact in his debut season. A winning goal against Manchester City in stoppage time certainly helped settle him in, but it’s going to be even tougher for Owen to break into the first team this season following the arrival of Chicharito. His experience and positioning will be key to developing the younger players, which means Michael Owen still has a role at Manchester United. However, another injury-ravaged season could spell the end of Owen’s short United career.

Anderson

A trip back home without the gaffers permission and injuries gave Anderson a terrible start to 2010. This £18,000,000 Brazilian has failed to set Old Trafford alight in the three seasons he has been here. Just 1 goal from midfield, Anderson is leaning towards becoming a cup player than a key player at Manchester United. He’s still young, but needs to replicate the form of his first season and stay out of trouble off the field.

Nani

Often touted as a poor man’s Ronaldo, Nani’s inconsistency has frustrated fans in his three year stay at Old Trafford. As he showed against Arsenal last season, he can beat teams almost single-handedly. But sometimes he’s too big for his own boots. He turns 24 later this year, so you would expect maturity to finally start kicking in to the Portuguese winger. He faces tough competition from Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia on the wings, but he’ll get enough games to prove himself and I have a feeling Nani will deliver this season.

Michael Carrick

Coming off the back of a poor season, Michael Carrick needs to refind his form in 2010/11. He was a solid defensive midfielder at the start of his United career and has great distribution of the ball. Last season he was at fault for a number of goals and misplaced passes. The same again this season and I don’t see him wearing a United shirt for much longer. I am expecting Darron Gibson to see more action this season which would also limit Carrick’s chances of first team football. Currently, Darren Fletcher seems a more obvious choice in the starting line up, ahead of Michael Carrick.

Jonny Evans

Two half seasons for Manchester United now, aided by injuries for team mates, Jonny Evans faces extra competition following the arrival of Chris Smalling. Someone who is not going to be picked ahead of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand when they’re fit and available, Evans wasn’t a comfortable replacement last season. He’s not a world class defender, and unless he gets his act together this season, he’s not going to be a top 4 defender for much longer. He doesn’t have good positional sense and his closing down of strikers can be lacklustre. He’s still only 22 which could see him given an extra few seasons at Manchester United. Who knows, he could even become the next Wes Brown!

Owen Hargreaves

A world class holding midfielder and a versatile player. Looked set to be a great signing when Sir Alex Ferguson finally got his signature in 2007. But injury after injury seems to be putting an end of Owen Hargreaves’ career. He’s 29 now and has only managed to play 4 games in the past two seasons for Manchester United. And would you know it, he enters this season with another long-term injury.