The Big Friendly Catch Up – Wednesday

With four Premier League clubs in action, Wednesday night promised to give us more selection dilemmas and headaches than it did clues, ahead of the ever approaching new season. Here is the round up of the night’s action…

In no particular order, Manchester United played Valencia in their only preseason game at Old Trafford. The opposition was Valencia. As well as the aforementioned Ecuador international, United started with Owen and Rooney for the first time at the top of a 4-4-2 formation. After news of van der Sar’s injury, all eyes were on the ‘keeper selection. Rather predictably, Sir Alex played Foster in the first half, and Kuszczak the second. Whilst Foster was largely untested, Kuszczak saw more action and made a stunning point blank save. Food for thought perhaps?

Two performances of note were those of A Valencia and Rooney, the former crossing for the latter to head home the first. A Valencia also had a major role in United’s second and last, crossing again, this time for young Cleverley to eventually tuck away and seal to 2-0 victory. Rooney should have had an assist or two to his name though, putting it on a plate for Owen, who had more chances in one night than he did last season at Newcastle. That said, his smart runs are very difficult to ignore. Our attention will now turn to Sunday’s Community Shield game to see what side Sir Alex puts out in the season curtain raiser.

Richer neighbours Manchester City were in action against Rangers at Ibrox. City lined up in a familiar 4-5-1 with Barry and Ireland in centre midfield, De Jong holding, Robinho and Etuhu on the flanks, and Adebayor up front.

It was a fantasy favourite from last season that levelled the score for City after Novo had put the hosts ahead. Once again, Ireland showed that a price tag of 9.0 in the Fantasy Premier League game might not be outrageous after all, slotting home thanks to nice work from Robinho and finally, an Adebayor pass.

The Brazilian had a very involved game, and it was his sweet pass to Petrov that set-up the Bulgarian to put City 2-1 up. Rangers instantly equalised and then nicked it in the last minute to inflict a slightly harsh defeat on City.

City host the other half of the Old Firm on Saturday in what will be their last game before the season starts. However, with no Gameweek 2 fixture because of Everton’s Europa League tie, City have scheduled a friendly with European Champions Barcelona at the Camp Nou, to fill the void.

Continuing the England versus Scotland theme, Blackburn faced Hibernian at Ewood Park. The game ended in a goalless draw, but saw the debut of new signing Franco Di Santo who had a lively 63 minutes. Another summer signing Nzonzi started yet again and completed 90 minutes. Potential out-of-position Warnock sat the game out on the bench (along with Diouf), making way for Pedersen who, like Nzonzi, got the full 90 minutes under his belt.

One preseason game remains for Rovers, when they take on Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday, by which time they will hope to have a deal for Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic sewn up.

Last and by no means least, Liverpool took on FC Lyn, who currently prop up the Norweigen Tippeligaen. Benitez opted to play a much-weakened side leaving the likes of Gerrard, Carragher, Torres and Mascherano on the bench.

An end-to-end first half saw both sides have chances, with both goalies (Cavalieri for Liverpool) doing well to keep the sheets clean. The different in class showed towards the end of the half, when Voronin headed in from a lovely little cross from Babel. The Dutchman had a fine first half, before the changes were rung at half time.

It wasn’t until the hour mark however, before we saw the introduction of Gerrard and Torres, who came on two minutes after Liverpool got their second and final goal. A long-range pass from Mascherano found the run of left back for the night Dossena, who cut the ball back for another fringe striker Ngog, who duly scored. The only negative for Liverpool was a late knock for winger Riera, who was taken off as a precaution.

Liverpool play Athletico Madrid at Anfield in their final preseason run out, a game which should see a stronger side take the field.