I couldn't care what anyone else thinks. Playing 2/3 games a week, whether thats during the group stages, the knockout rounds or over the festive period, is what the season is really about!
Without any injuries, our squad is certainly good enough, and big enough to cope with so many games. However, our squad may be stretched just now, as all our players arent all match fit/fit.
We don't know when Hargreaves will be ready. Well, its obviously soon, as he was going to play against Zenit, just so long as his knee feels fine. Park isn't match-fit, Carrick's been out for 2 weeks, Giggs has been out for 2 weeks (2 weeks?) the travelling may well affect Anderson and Tevez, though Tevez is playing one game left, and obviously we don't now about Manucho so thats only 3fit strikers atm. (Those are the players I can think of off the top of my head.)
I don't see why we should be a bit cautious going into the next 2 games, and why we shouldn't look to win the games. We are capable. I think if we go into the games thinking the best we can do is 2 points say, we'll end up getting beat.
We are capable of getting 2 wins if the squad doesn't get more depleted. But, being realistic, I think 2 points would be decent, but I think we should be aiming for at least 4. 4 points would be good, and 6 would be fantastic. And I don't see why we can't get at least 4.
But we have to play more attackingly in the Stamford Bridge game than we did last season imo, when he substituted Anderson for O'Shea then we lost.
As for the CL games, I would expect 6 points in all honesty. Villarreal are a good team, but we're at home and I believe their struggling with injuries.
We can't get too complacent about Aalborg. They may be inexperienced at this level, but that might be good for them. It means they hold no fear, and are an unknown quantity. But we should still get 3 points.
As for the other two, I expect differing results. I think that we should beat Bolton quite comfortable, maybe by 2 or 3 goals because its at OT.
However, the Boro game is unpredictable imo. If we just play reserves, we'll get put out imo, because I think Middlesbrough will fancy their chances and play their strongest team, or maybe just a couple of players being rested. However, if we play a mix of first team players, and reserve/youth, I think we can sneak through.
But September will be a great month, especially on the 20th
