August Fixtures a.k.a. the Coming Attractions

As we patiently wait through an early break in the 2010/11 EPL action, I'm reminded how much the August fixture list is like the coming attractions for a really good film. With teams still getting their legs under them and managers working to fit new signings into their respective sides, there are lessons to be learned from early matches, but the glimpses of brilliance we see in August are just the appetizers for what we can expect through the course of the season.

On the Manchester United front, the coming attractions have left me feeling optimistic about the squad's chances this season. While the draw at Fulham was disappointing in that it very easily could have been a well earned 3 points, I think it's fair to chalk up the miscues at Craven Cottage to early season rust. The first three matches of the season have offered more positives than negatives, and there are early indications of what we can expect throughout the rest of the campaign.

Thus far this season, I've been particularly pleased with the play of Nemanja Vidic. The Serbian stalwart in defense not only allayed supporters' fears of his departure by signing a new contract to remain at Old Trafford, but he has done the captain's armband justice, particularly with his display against West Ham. Vidic's timely tackles on Carlton Cole thwarted numerous goal scoring opportunities and it appeared every time the Hammers had an opportunity to create something in the box, Vidic was there to snuff out any hopes of a legitimate attacking opportunity. I look forward to the coming weeks when Vidic is again partnered with a (hopefully) healthy Rio Ferdinand. I see Nemanja's strong West Ham performance as a precursor for many clean sheets to come.

The August fixtures also saw Wayne Rooney finally break a dubious goal scoring drought dating back to last season. Due to a stomach bug, Rooney's opportunities to put his stamp on this season were limited as compared to his counterparts, but the converted penalty against West Ham was the warning shot to the rest of the Prem. There has been an abundance of focus on Rooney's lack of goals over the past few months, but watching his performance against West Ham, there is nothing to think that he will not be back to full strength-scoring and distributing throughout the rest of the campaign.

Dimitar Berbatov has also offered up moments of brilliance early in the season. Much has been offered in the press that Berba seems to have increased his work rate while on the pitch, and if the early matches and strong display in the preseason are any indication, I anticipate a sublime Berbatov and Rooney partnership that will be frightening for defenses throughout the Prem.

While it's impossible to ignore the torrid goal displays we've seen from both Arsenal and Chelsea thus far this season, there has been enough shown by the Red Devils to believe that once the title chase hits its stride, United will be right in the mix pushing for another piece (or pieces) of hardware for the trophy cabinet.

Check Me Out at EPLtalk.com

From time to time, I write for the fantastic EPL Talk website. Make sure and check it out. I'll also post links to some of my work there, my most recent piece offering up suggestions for getting your significant other into soccer.

The latest:

http://www.epltalk.com/sharing-the-love-5-suggestions-to-get-your-significant-other-into-the-epl/23007#comments

10 Predictions for Manchester United's 2010/2011 Campaign

As Manchester United launches their pursuit of a record 19th English title, I thought I'd offer my 10 predictions for the upcoming campaign. It will undoubtedly be a wild ride and these are ten of the things I'm expecting to happen:

1. The Emergence of Chicharito - Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez will emerge as a reliable goal scoring threat off the bench and will slot at least one late game winner reminiscent of Kiko Macheda's effort against Aston Villa in '09. The youngster has shown a nose (and face for that matter) for goal throughout the pre-season and I anticipate that there is a classic moment forthcoming from Mexican striker.

2. The Resurgence of Berba - another prediction based partly on pre-season exploits and partly from a desire to see Dimitar Berbatov silence his critics, I anticipate that Berbatov will have a stellar year and top his 12 goal output from a season ago. I'm predicting a strong season from Berbatov taking some of the weight from Wayne Rooney's shoulders and linking well with Antonio Valencia and Nani while offering up numerous flashes of the brilliance in the box expected by fans since his signing in 2008.

3. Another Owen Classic - Michael Owen's 2009/10 season was shortened by an unfortunate hamstring injury but not before two moments of brilliance that helped shape the season. The winner against Manchester City along with the goal in the Football League Cup final were certainly memorable and evidence that Owen still has something left in the tank. While not a consistent first choice starter, his skillfully timed runs and experience would suggest that another late game winner in a big match isn't out of question.

4. Young Guns - Much has been written about the youth that has been injected into this United side. While one would imagine Sir Alex Ferguson will continue to rely on the veterans in the big match ups, I'm expecting to see some of the youngsters appear prominently in the various non-Premier League competitions throughout the season. The talent is there and I wouldn't be surprised in the least by a strong FA Cup run sparked by the numerous young talents appearing in the United squad.

5. Nani will be O.K. - Invoking a range of emotion from adoration to frustration, Nani showed moments of brilliance last season. His blistering pace has always caused match up problems for opposing defenses, and it seemed like it all started to come together last season for the young winger. I think Nani builds off of last year's strong showing and not only manages to stay healthy for the bulk of season, but I think missing out on action in the World Cup because of injury will actually keep Nani fresh for a late season surge.

6. Defense wins Championship - Strong defending goes along way towards securing a title in any sport and the United defence's run of clean sheets was integral to securing the Premier League title in 2009. I envision a return to that strong form as the season motors along. Still riddled with key injuries, I'm predicting health to return to the back 4. In addition, with Nemanja Vidic's tenure at Old Trafford no longer in question, I anticipate the heart of the back 4 being in top form once Rio Ferdinand returns from injury. With the additions of Chris Smalling, the continued emergence of Jonny Evans and Rafael and the stalwart that is Patrice Evra, one would think that not only will Sir Alex have a strong pool of defenders to choose from once everyone is healthy, but a formidable group that will come up big in a push towards the title.

7. Old Foe, New Stakes - For some reason, I sense an Inter-Milan/United pairing at some point during the UEFA Champions League. Admittedly just a hunch, but the prospect of "welcoming" back Rafa Benitez to Old Trafford on one of those European nights just seems too appropriate for me. Let's hope that this Champions League rivalry from 2009 returns in favor of the lads in United Red.

8. Four becomes Six - When the smoke clears on the 2010/11 season, I think the notion of the Big 4 will truly be one of the past. I envision at least 6 squads in viable competition for the title at the beginning of the year and a staunch fight for places 4 and 5 that will leave many observers questioning whether there are more than 4 top clubs fighting for precious space atop the table.

9. Wayne Wonder - I predict that Wayne Rooney will lead the EPL in goal scoring this season. After notching 34 goals last season while missing a handful of fixtures down the stretch, I see Rooney continuing his brilliance throughout the season. With additional help up front, I don't see Rooney wearing down physically as he did towards the end of last season. I also think playing with a slight chip on his shoulder after an uncharacteristic display in the World Cup will lead to Rooney torching opponent's defenses en route to an EPL goal scoring title.

10. Number 19 - After a hard fought season, I predict United with lift the Premier League trophy after securing the necessary points for the title in the last week of the season, holding off rivals Chelsea in dramatic fashion once again.

Maybe I'll be able to revisit some of these predictions at the midpoint of the year. Until then, Enjoy the season!

I couldn't help it, if I wanted to...

The blog game right now is probably the hottest hustle since mixtapes. There is so much out there that it's hard to find the substance. I don't profess to be that substance. I'm just trying to share my thoughts on the things that I'm passionate about. The title Ascots & High Tops comes from the juxtaposition of those passions. They may not immediately appear to fit together, but when put together, it works, at least for me.

I've dabbled as a contributor to a few great websites and I've decided it's time to establish my home base for my various writings. I hope you enjoy and I hope you come back to visit regularly.

-M. Emanuel