CHANCE TO CONTEST ANOTHER CUP FINAL--EVERTON VS MAN UNITED PREVIEW!


The mood in the Manchester United camp is probably at a season high so far. After Wednesday night's achievement, you cannot fault them. Two Cup semis and leadership of the league arguably makes us the best positioned team in the world right now. I mean, we can still win everything going into the final month of the season. I was kind of hopping that the players don't get carried away with things ans it only takes a moment of complacency for the dream to be buried. Sir Alex Ferguson revived some nerves in me this morning when he uttered that he was going to freshen things up for Sunday's crucial Cup semi against Everton. I really do not understand what he meant by that as I fear he might be taking the game a little too lightly! Does he mean no Ronaldo, no Rooney, no Ferdinand, no Berbatov, what does he mean? I know United have such a big squad that can rise to the challenge anytime called upon but if there is any incentive that Everton are looking for ahead of this game, it's that United will not be at full strength. In case anybody needs reminding, we are playing the strongest side in England outside the big four on current form! Everton have been scoring goals of late and have players that will not be overwhelmed by the Wembly occasion. I'd like to think Fergie knows this and for what it's worth, is aware that this is the side that over two legs, eliminated the other side of the big four 'family'--Liverpool! It is not beyond them that they can eliminate United from this semifinal and contest the Cup Final themselves! Sir Alex will probably give a game to Park, Nani, Foster, and the like but hopefully, he reminds the lads the importance of this game. Among all the trophies we are contesting for this season, this is one whose ultimate hangover will not be felt as after this game, the final will be the last game of the season--even after the Champions League final! Imagine what it will do to our team to go into this run-in knowing we are already in our third final of the season. We've been short of the FA Cup this decade more than any other Cup so hopefully, this is the year! If United can overcome complacency on Sunday, we will surely overcome the romance that goes with the weaker sides in this competition.
If I was Sir Alex, I would stick with the winning team as it allows them to build on their confidence and get themselves comfortable in the winning formula. If a different team loses the match--even a slightly different one, it could damage the confidence built in mid-week!

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