Get your money on Defoe! (FA Charity Shield)

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	FA Charity Shield
Date:	06/08/08 (78 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A chance to see new signings in action

Disadvantages: Not taken that seriously

This years lack of football was always going to be a short period with the European Championship taking place, that is unless you support France of course who were too busy trying to keep out of the firing line from Mystic Meg loving Domenech.

The Community Shield is always a good way of starting the season, if not only to ensure that Joey Barton isn't the only one helping out the community. With all the money (supposedly) given to charity, it is more a friendly than a cup final but is often the first chance that the clubs involved get to showcase their summer signings. It's always a moment, I look forward to. This years game will most probably be dominated by Ronaldo's face in the crowd, even if he is out due to injury. It will also be interesting to see who takes Carlos Queiroz's seat as Fergie's little helper. Most probably Mike Phelan for the short future.

Whilst Manchester United have been noticeably dormant in the transfer market, even if the return of Gary Neville and Championship perform Frazier Campbell waiting in the wings to nip in and score some goals may have some promise, it's not exactly what you would expect from the current Champions of Europe and England.

Portsmouth on the other hand have been wheeling and dealing, which is all you would expect with Cockney wide boy Redknapp in charge of the ship. Given the chance, he would change his name to Elvis in an attempt to sell records, so it's no wonder that he couldn't resist the chance to sign up Gambian Omar Koroma nor the signing of lanky gangly basically awkward looking Peter Crouch who may well form an amazing strike partnership in a Little and Large combo with Jermaine Defoe. Another British signing to assure Redknapp has at least 4 players that won't have to play in the African Nations Cup may be on the cards. Can Harry sign Shorey from under the nose of a sour-faced Martin O'Neill before the match?


Whilst Fergie may be slightly experimental with the line-up and I'm sure Portsmouth will field a full strength side to immediately open up the trophy cupboard again, I feel that United will just be too strong for Portsmouth. I think Portsmouth will give them a run for their money though and could see the game maybe going to Extra Time. David James has come good in recent years, about time considering he's almost as old as Manchester United's strike force combined. It's the superb youngsters that will be laughing at the end of the day though, pre-season friendlies have shown that Defoe and Crouch have been banging in the goals and I think this could be a high scoring game.

Prediction: Manchester United 3 Portsmouth 2 (Correct Score: 28/1 with Coral)

The best price for a United win is 19/29 (1.66) with Betdaq, closely followed by Coral and Ladbrokes at 8/13 (1.62), whilst the price isn't terrible, you may be better off sticking some money on Jermaine Defoe to score. He finished the season off in rich form and seems to have settled into the new striking partnership quickly, at 7/1 as First Scorer, I'd dare say that Harry is having a punt himself.

Summary: A Manchester United win