Leeds defeat blessing in disguise for Man U

 

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By pernunz, 12 Jan 2010 pernunz is a Roar Rookie

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 Champions League, Chelea, English Premier League, football, Manchester United, UEFA, World Football

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It was billed as a “Cup-set,” and many pundits are predicting that Leeds will return to their former glory following their 1-0 win against Manchester United in the Third Round of the FA Cup.

However, this early exit from the cup competition that is always much-lauded could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils.

The reason for this is upcoming fixture congestion, which has been impeded most recently due to the icy conditions in the UK.

With the World Cup being held this season, domestic fixtures cannot be extended, according to FIFA, past May 16 (The FA Cup final being currently scheduled for May 15).

This would suggest a league finish on May 9.

Under an understanding between UEFA and the domestic Football Associations, that no domestic midweek fixtures be played to when the UEFA Champions League or Europa League are being played.

As the format of the Champions League has changed so that the Round of 16 will be played over four weeks in February/March, this adds further fixture problems.

Under the current Premier League fixtures, Manchester United only have one free weekend (Saturday/Sunday), but don’t have any midweek fixtures currently scheduled.

This does not take into account the Carling Cup semi-final and potential final that has to be played, or any of the Champions League fixtures.

Such fixture congestion will hurt Manchester United’s biggest title rivals, Chelsea, the most. Chelsea, whilst not in the Carling cup, had their Premier League clash with Hull postponed this weekend, and remain in the FA Cup, with a fourth round tie at Preston.

With replays being scheduled for drawn FA Cup ties in the fourth and fifth round, the combination of Champions League fixtures, the already crammed Premier League fixtures, and the FA Cup, and a FIFA international friendly matchday on March 3, and it is easy to see Chelsea having to play three matches in a week come the end of the season.

Success for the favourites for the Premier League title may ultimately prove their downfall, and allow Manchester United to gain a significant advantage in the race for the Premier League this season.

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