Berbatov is having one hell of a season, isn't he?
A hattrick against Liverpool, and what a hattrick it was. All three goals were difficult ones. The first, while being held back at first by Torres. The second, well, I really don't have to say anything about. And the third, climbing above a number of Liverpool defenders to power a header home.
The team played well, I thought. To be frank, a draw would have been a travesty after the way they played. VDS hardly had anything to do, but was powerless against the penalty and freekick from Gerrard. Speaking of which, I think Gerrard did really well. His penalty-taking is as consistent as anybody's and that free kick. Well, he picked a sweet spot, didn't he? Fletcher, though, should be blamed for letting the ball through. The Liverpool player next to him peeled away and that caused him to move to try to cover the opponent, but seeing the ball coming through that gap he left, he still could have blocked it. In fact, he moved towards it but at the last moment, moved ever so slightly away again!
As for the events leading up to the spot and free kicks, well there can be no doubt about the penalty and I believe it definitely was a foul for the free kick. Sir Alex thinks Torres made a meal of the second foul and tried to get O'Shea sent off. Did he? There's a slight chance, but I still think it was definitely a foul. As for arguments whether O'Shea should have been sent off as he was last man, I have to even if there wasn't a foul, I don't think Torres could have reached that ball. I think VDS would have gotten the ball a full three seconds ahead of the Spaniard, so a yellow card, yes, but not a red for O'Shea.
As for the next game, Scunthorpe should not prove too much of a threat against United, even though we all know Fergie will opt for his second stringers in the match. Bebe, apparently, may play a part. Let's hope Fergie's decision to break with tradition and sign the hitherto unknown player from Portugal without having seen him in action does not come back to bite him in the you-know-where.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Reds and the Devils
Easily the most awaited tie of the year. Forget MU vs Chelsea. Who cares about MU vs Arsenal. It's the Red Devils vs the Reds that captures everybody's attention.
MU go into the match on the back of two straight draws. The game against Everton was an utter waste, while the one in the Champions League against Rangers was a sham. A sham not because Sir Alex decided to make 10 changes to the starting lineup from the game against the Toffees, but that Rangers just came to park not only the team bus, but their supporters' buses as well. A sham and a shame!
No matter. Small hiccup, I say. But poor Valencia. You have to feel for the lad. Didn't really see how he was injured, thanks to what is now SOP for TV stations, not to show replays of horrific injuries, but the the look of pure distress on Broadfoot's face was enough to tell you how bad it was.
The side will likely welcome back Berbatov, Scholes, Evra and VDS and you have to believe that Vidic and Ferdinand will renew their partnership, which to me is always a good thing. Nani will likely be flying down the wings again, and it only remains to be seen who will on the other wing. Giggs? Not likely. He'll probably be on the bench. So I think it's going to be Park.
Liverpool will be delighted with their win in the Europa League, with a team minus their stars like Gerrard and Torres. They will be in confident mood for the trip to Old Trafford despite not having a very good start to the league, what more with the return of Gerrard and Torres.
No doubt the match will be close. It usually is. No matter how badly either one of the teams are playing at the moment, such matches usually are very close.
I still feel Man United will maintain their 100 per cent home record in the Premier League in this one. But it will definitely be a close one. A win by a solitary goal is what I predict.
MU go into the match on the back of two straight draws. The game against Everton was an utter waste, while the one in the Champions League against Rangers was a sham. A sham not because Sir Alex decided to make 10 changes to the starting lineup from the game against the Toffees, but that Rangers just came to park not only the team bus, but their supporters' buses as well. A sham and a shame!
No matter. Small hiccup, I say. But poor Valencia. You have to feel for the lad. Didn't really see how he was injured, thanks to what is now SOP for TV stations, not to show replays of horrific injuries, but the the look of pure distress on Broadfoot's face was enough to tell you how bad it was.
The side will likely welcome back Berbatov, Scholes, Evra and VDS and you have to believe that Vidic and Ferdinand will renew their partnership, which to me is always a good thing. Nani will likely be flying down the wings again, and it only remains to be seen who will on the other wing. Giggs? Not likely. He'll probably be on the bench. So I think it's going to be Park.
Liverpool will be delighted with their win in the Europa League, with a team minus their stars like Gerrard and Torres. They will be in confident mood for the trip to Old Trafford despite not having a very good start to the league, what more with the return of Gerrard and Torres.
No doubt the match will be close. It usually is. No matter how badly either one of the teams are playing at the moment, such matches usually are very close.
I still feel Man United will maintain their 100 per cent home record in the Premier League in this one. But it will definitely be a close one. A win by a solitary goal is what I predict.
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Number of the Beast
Three games, three zilches, and more importantly, three sixes. 666. The number of the beast.
It has been an amazing two weekends. Last weekend saw three games end in 6-0 whackings. More amazingly, Chelsea was one of the teams, meaning that they have scored an astounding 12 goals in two games, having had a similar scoreline the previous week.
They are also the only team left in the EPL with a perfect record, and this only after two games. Man City and Liverpool play later tonight, but it doesn't matter because both teams drew their opening games, so no matter the outcome, Chelsea will still be the only team with all possible points garnered in their games so far.
But before Chelsea fans start rejoicing, I have this to say. They are a fantastic team with a fantastic record so far, but these wins have come against not-so-fantastic teams in WBA and Wigan. It will be a lot more difficult to keep it up. But congratulations anyway, for doing a fantastic job.
Now, to United. What exactly were they doing last night? After a Community Shield win against Chelsea where the players showed their fire, and a good showing against Newcastle (no mean feat considering the Toon Army's ability to whallop the Villans 6-0), they looked middle class at Craven's Cottage. Fulham are fast becoming a bogey team for MU at Craven Cottage, but really, the Devils should have wrapped things up in the first half. Instead, they lost the plot.
To be fair, Fulham showed incredible willpower, especially after going 2-1 down. But Nani should have put the game to bed with that penalty. That was one of the laziest attempts at a penalty I've seen in a while.
By the way, did anyone think Davies' goal should have been ruled offside? I thought so. Dempsey was right in front of van der Sar, I thought, and that should have been called offside because he was interfering with play. I think the ref and his assistant probably thought the defender (I forget which one, but I think it was Evans) was playing Dempsey onside, but I believe the defender hadn't come back into play until after the shot was taken.
Anyway, what's done is done. Obviously, if Dempsey was indeed offside, it was an honest mistake by the ref and his assistant, but they are human. All credit to Fulham. They fought back and got their much-deserved point. I think no team in the EPL is going to have an easy time away to Fulham this season.
As for MU, they need to shore up the defence, in particular. Zamora ran Evans ragged. The boy needs to improve a whole lot. Perhaps giving Smalling a chance might be a better option for Sir Alex, especially at home to West Ham this weekend.
It has been an amazing two weekends. Last weekend saw three games end in 6-0 whackings. More amazingly, Chelsea was one of the teams, meaning that they have scored an astounding 12 goals in two games, having had a similar scoreline the previous week.
They are also the only team left in the EPL with a perfect record, and this only after two games. Man City and Liverpool play later tonight, but it doesn't matter because both teams drew their opening games, so no matter the outcome, Chelsea will still be the only team with all possible points garnered in their games so far.
But before Chelsea fans start rejoicing, I have this to say. They are a fantastic team with a fantastic record so far, but these wins have come against not-so-fantastic teams in WBA and Wigan. It will be a lot more difficult to keep it up. But congratulations anyway, for doing a fantastic job.
Now, to United. What exactly were they doing last night? After a Community Shield win against Chelsea where the players showed their fire, and a good showing against Newcastle (no mean feat considering the Toon Army's ability to whallop the Villans 6-0), they looked middle class at Craven's Cottage. Fulham are fast becoming a bogey team for MU at Craven Cottage, but really, the Devils should have wrapped things up in the first half. Instead, they lost the plot.
To be fair, Fulham showed incredible willpower, especially after going 2-1 down. But Nani should have put the game to bed with that penalty. That was one of the laziest attempts at a penalty I've seen in a while.
By the way, did anyone think Davies' goal should have been ruled offside? I thought so. Dempsey was right in front of van der Sar, I thought, and that should have been called offside because he was interfering with play. I think the ref and his assistant probably thought the defender (I forget which one, but I think it was Evans) was playing Dempsey onside, but I believe the defender hadn't come back into play until after the shot was taken.
Anyway, what's done is done. Obviously, if Dempsey was indeed offside, it was an honest mistake by the ref and his assistant, but they are human. All credit to Fulham. They fought back and got their much-deserved point. I think no team in the EPL is going to have an easy time away to Fulham this season.
As for MU, they need to shore up the defence, in particular. Zamora ran Evans ragged. The boy needs to improve a whole lot. Perhaps giving Smalling a chance might be a better option for Sir Alex, especially at home to West Ham this weekend.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
La Furia Roja or the Oranje?
Spain or the Netherlands? Reigning European champions or two-time World Cup finals losers? Countrymen or Oranje Men?
I am torn. I have no idea which of the two countries I should support tonight. My heart lies with Spain as I do have Spanish blood in me. But, I feel for the Dutch as they had two really good sides in 1974 and '78, but ended up losing to the host nations, Germany and Argentina, respectively. They have a good side in South Africa, too, although many will argue that Spain have the better side.
Spain's wins, especially in the knockout stages of the 2010 WC have been brilliantly executed. They have a number of good players like Villa, Iniesta, Pique, Xavi, Puyol and Alonso. You should also add Silva and Torres to that list, although the former hasn't really been given a chance to shine and the latter seems to have left his shooting boots in Liverpool!
The Dutch have also been doing a great job, causing one of the upsets of the tournament by eliminating the much-vaunted Brazil side. Sneijder, Kuyt, De Jong, van Bronkhorst, van Bommel and Robben have been great, although I still think Robben needs to be a little less selfish (the way he runs actually irritates me but that's a story for another day perhaps!). Van Persie, perhaps, also left his shooting boots in England, but he's still not doing as badly as Torres is at the moment.
So, we come back to the same question. Which team do I support? I'm going to go with neither, since I can't make up my mind. Either way, we will have a new country winning the WC, so that in itself will cheer me.
What do I think will be the outcome? On paper, it looks like Spain will come away victors by maybe a 1-0 margin, but my gut is telling me Holland will win. I'm going to go with my gut, since it is rather large!!!
The slightly clouded crystal ball says: The Netherlands 2 Spain 1
I am torn. I have no idea which of the two countries I should support tonight. My heart lies with Spain as I do have Spanish blood in me. But, I feel for the Dutch as they had two really good sides in 1974 and '78, but ended up losing to the host nations, Germany and Argentina, respectively. They have a good side in South Africa, too, although many will argue that Spain have the better side.
Spain's wins, especially in the knockout stages of the 2010 WC have been brilliantly executed. They have a number of good players like Villa, Iniesta, Pique, Xavi, Puyol and Alonso. You should also add Silva and Torres to that list, although the former hasn't really been given a chance to shine and the latter seems to have left his shooting boots in Liverpool!
The Dutch have also been doing a great job, causing one of the upsets of the tournament by eliminating the much-vaunted Brazil side. Sneijder, Kuyt, De Jong, van Bronkhorst, van Bommel and Robben have been great, although I still think Robben needs to be a little less selfish (the way he runs actually irritates me but that's a story for another day perhaps!). Van Persie, perhaps, also left his shooting boots in England, but he's still not doing as badly as Torres is at the moment.
So, we come back to the same question. Which team do I support? I'm going to go with neither, since I can't make up my mind. Either way, we will have a new country winning the WC, so that in itself will cheer me.
What do I think will be the outcome? On paper, it looks like Spain will come away victors by maybe a 1-0 margin, but my gut is telling me Holland will win. I'm going to go with my gut, since it is rather large!!!
The slightly clouded crystal ball says: The Netherlands 2 Spain 1
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
What a month so far
The start of the World Cup had been real slow, but boy has it picked up since then.
Germany look unbeatable at the moment, but I think they might slip up tomorrow against Spain. Of course, I may be a bit biased considering I am part Spanish!
The Netherlands v Uruguay, too, will be an intriguing match as Uruguay tries to redeem South American pride by making it to the final. But I think the Dutch will be too good for them.
Speaking of the Dutch, several English papers have linked Wesley Sneijder with Man United. Sneijder, to me, has been one of the heroes of the World Cup so far. He is the lynchpin of the Oranje, even though Arjen Robben has been getting all the plaudits. I would love to see him at Old Trafford, wearing United colours of course.
Actually, I've long thought it would be great to get Sneijder in MU. He would be a fantastic addition to the team and I really hope he does make the switch from the San Siro. The papers in the UK, however, can't seem to agree on one thing: the price. Some say it would cost 25 million Pounds Sterling, while others say it will be around 35 million.
Whatever it is, I think he would be worth it.
Oh, and other people reportedly linked with a transfer to United: Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan (again) and Mesut Ozil.
I have to say, Ozil and Suarez, I wouldn't mind. But Forlan? You've got to be kidding me. Not suited for MU. Once bitten, twice shy!
Germany look unbeatable at the moment, but I think they might slip up tomorrow against Spain. Of course, I may be a bit biased considering I am part Spanish!
The Netherlands v Uruguay, too, will be an intriguing match as Uruguay tries to redeem South American pride by making it to the final. But I think the Dutch will be too good for them.
Speaking of the Dutch, several English papers have linked Wesley Sneijder with Man United. Sneijder, to me, has been one of the heroes of the World Cup so far. He is the lynchpin of the Oranje, even though Arjen Robben has been getting all the plaudits. I would love to see him at Old Trafford, wearing United colours of course.
Actually, I've long thought it would be great to get Sneijder in MU. He would be a fantastic addition to the team and I really hope he does make the switch from the San Siro. The papers in the UK, however, can't seem to agree on one thing: the price. Some say it would cost 25 million Pounds Sterling, while others say it will be around 35 million.
Whatever it is, I think he would be worth it.
Oh, and other people reportedly linked with a transfer to United: Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan (again) and Mesut Ozil.
I have to say, Ozil and Suarez, I wouldn't mind. But Forlan? You've got to be kidding me. Not suited for MU. Once bitten, twice shy!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Still not up to scratch
After a number of games, I have to say this World Cup has not been very exciting so far.
To be fair, the first round of matches are usually not very exciting, as teams tend to be cautious, not wanting to lose their first match. I think once the second round of games gets underway, it should get better.
Having said that, South Africa's goal against Mexico was a hell of a way to get things started. Really. The build-up was fantastic and the shot was exceptional. It was, I thought, a sign of great things to come. Fast forward a few games, though, and there have been few goals and even fewer exceptional goals to cheer about.
Other than that first goal, the ones that have stuck in my mind are Lukas Podolski's goal and the one from Park Ji-Sung. The German's was a real cracker and Park's was brilliant from an individualistic point of view. And people still question whether United's decision to buy him was purely for marketing reasons. I still think he is one of the most underrated players in the United squad.
The other goals that stuck in my mind, for all the wrong reasons, are the howlers let in by England, Algeria, Denmark's Poulsen and, most recently, Paraguay.
The only team which has really impressed me so far are the Germans. They have a fantastic combination of young and senior players, and the young ones have really impressed. Muller and Osil come to mind immediately, but don't count out the rest. No offence to Australia, but the Socceroos were made to look like schoolboys on the field.
But before I go on about how good this German team is, I have to say I think it is a team for the future. Not this World Cup. The Aussies were not really a good test of how well this team can do. I think they will do well, but I don't think they'll win it this year. Maybe the next one, although it will be hard in a country like Brazil.
My favourite, Argentina, did not impress. They didn't play too well, nor did they do too badly. It's just that they don't seem like world champions. I have to say, though, that the scoreline would have been a lot different if not for the heroics of the Nigerian goalie Vincent Enyeama.
As for England. What can I say? It would have been a one-goal win as I had thought it would be, if not for the Green howler. They should still make it to the next round. But I have to say I think Capello got his line-up wrong. I still think Joe Cole should be First XI in England. OK, so Joe got left out of the starting line-up. What was Capello thinking bringing in Shaun Wright-Phillips on the left flank? The guy is only good on the right. Joe Cole can play both sides and would have been a better choice for the left than Ian's adopted son!
The Netherlands didn't impress either. The Danes should have been easier meat for the Dutch than the 2-0 scoreline suggests. I also have to say I was disappointed that I didn't get to see much of new Red Devil Javier Hernandez. Having scored quite a number of goals in only a few matches for his country, I would have liked to see him in the starting line-up instead of Franco.
The Italians are notoriously slow starters so I'm sure their draw with Paraguay will not prevent the reigning World champions from qualifying for the next round, especially taking into consideration the other teams in the group are New Zealand's All Whites and new boys Slovakia. As for France, well, what can I say. They have never been consistent have they?
Still a lot more games to watch, and I'm certainly looking forward to tonight's matches between Ivory Coast and Portugal and Brazil and North Korea.
Cheers for now!
To be fair, the first round of matches are usually not very exciting, as teams tend to be cautious, not wanting to lose their first match. I think once the second round of games gets underway, it should get better.
Having said that, South Africa's goal against Mexico was a hell of a way to get things started. Really. The build-up was fantastic and the shot was exceptional. It was, I thought, a sign of great things to come. Fast forward a few games, though, and there have been few goals and even fewer exceptional goals to cheer about.
Other than that first goal, the ones that have stuck in my mind are Lukas Podolski's goal and the one from Park Ji-Sung. The German's was a real cracker and Park's was brilliant from an individualistic point of view. And people still question whether United's decision to buy him was purely for marketing reasons. I still think he is one of the most underrated players in the United squad.
The other goals that stuck in my mind, for all the wrong reasons, are the howlers let in by England, Algeria, Denmark's Poulsen and, most recently, Paraguay.
The only team which has really impressed me so far are the Germans. They have a fantastic combination of young and senior players, and the young ones have really impressed. Muller and Osil come to mind immediately, but don't count out the rest. No offence to Australia, but the Socceroos were made to look like schoolboys on the field.
But before I go on about how good this German team is, I have to say I think it is a team for the future. Not this World Cup. The Aussies were not really a good test of how well this team can do. I think they will do well, but I don't think they'll win it this year. Maybe the next one, although it will be hard in a country like Brazil.
My favourite, Argentina, did not impress. They didn't play too well, nor did they do too badly. It's just that they don't seem like world champions. I have to say, though, that the scoreline would have been a lot different if not for the heroics of the Nigerian goalie Vincent Enyeama.
As for England. What can I say? It would have been a one-goal win as I had thought it would be, if not for the Green howler. They should still make it to the next round. But I have to say I think Capello got his line-up wrong. I still think Joe Cole should be First XI in England. OK, so Joe got left out of the starting line-up. What was Capello thinking bringing in Shaun Wright-Phillips on the left flank? The guy is only good on the right. Joe Cole can play both sides and would have been a better choice for the left than Ian's adopted son!
The Netherlands didn't impress either. The Danes should have been easier meat for the Dutch than the 2-0 scoreline suggests. I also have to say I was disappointed that I didn't get to see much of new Red Devil Javier Hernandez. Having scored quite a number of goals in only a few matches for his country, I would have liked to see him in the starting line-up instead of Franco.
The Italians are notoriously slow starters so I'm sure their draw with Paraguay will not prevent the reigning World champions from qualifying for the next round, especially taking into consideration the other teams in the group are New Zealand's All Whites and new boys Slovakia. As for France, well, what can I say. They have never been consistent have they?
Still a lot more games to watch, and I'm certainly looking forward to tonight's matches between Ivory Coast and Portugal and Brazil and North Korea.
Cheers for now!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Almost there
As I write this, it is already Thursday, so the latest edition of the World Cup begins tomorrow. Am I ever eager to watch the matches.
I have to say, the Netherlands are looking good. If any team outside the seven who have already won are to win, my pick would be the Dutch. Having said that though, I have to say Spain looked terrifyingly efficient in that 6-0 drubbing of Poland.
Although the kickoff is tomorrow, the festivities actually start tonight, with a show that promises to sizzle. I don't think there has been any sporting spectacle where the festivities started the day before. Oh well, just sit back and enjoy I guess.
Wasn't actually going to write anything today, but saw this quote in the papers and just had to write it down here. Good sense of humour, that Kiwi coach:
"Not at all, I don't think it matters anything. Unless we get hammered in all three (group games) and then I'll tell you it did."
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, on whether having to cut short practice sessions due to the unhealthy air caused by smoke from households in the township outside the stadium would affect the team's performances.
I have to say, the Netherlands are looking good. If any team outside the seven who have already won are to win, my pick would be the Dutch. Having said that though, I have to say Spain looked terrifyingly efficient in that 6-0 drubbing of Poland.
Although the kickoff is tomorrow, the festivities actually start tonight, with a show that promises to sizzle. I don't think there has been any sporting spectacle where the festivities started the day before. Oh well, just sit back and enjoy I guess.
Wasn't actually going to write anything today, but saw this quote in the papers and just had to write it down here. Good sense of humour, that Kiwi coach:
"Not at all, I don't think it matters anything. Unless we get hammered in all three (group games) and then I'll tell you it did."
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, on whether having to cut short practice sessions due to the unhealthy air caused by smoke from households in the township outside the stadium would affect the team's performances.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Apologies for the late posting
Been really, really busy lately, so have not had the chance to update the blog. Apologies for not doing so and apologies also to Chelsea fans for not congratulating you for your team's good wins.
The truth of the matter is that I was extremely busy and not because I was so morose that United were pipped to the title or that it's a case of sour grapes. My big boss may think so, but no.
Congratulations indeed to Chelsea and their fans. It was a job well done and the win over MU at Old Trafford was, as expected, the end of the road for the Red Devils, as far as I'm concerned.
It was good to learn that Javier Hernandez, the wunderkid who is the first Mexican to sign for MU, has been granted a work permit. When I heard about him, I immediately looked for videos on YouTube and was somewhat impressed with what I saw, though there were only a few videos. Hopefully, he will be something of a sensation at MU, if not immediately, then within the next few years.
Other than that, no real news coming out of Old Trafford apart from the usual rumours. I was sad to note that David Villa has joined Barcelona, as I have always wanted him at OT. But hey, I don't blame him. Barca are a class side.
So that's it for now. In the off season, I will not be updating this blog as often as I care to, but I will from time to time, especially if news comes about new signings. Don't see much of that happening till after the World Cup. I may also update the blog on the World Cup if I feel like it.
Who am I shouting for this World Cup. Well, I'm an Argentina fan so my first choice will always be Argentina, but I am also shouting for England, for obvious reasons as well as the fact that I have English ancestors. Also, Spain and Portugal, simply because I have Spanish and Portuguese blood in me as well!
Come on Maradona, prove me wrong and win the World Cup eh!
The truth of the matter is that I was extremely busy and not because I was so morose that United were pipped to the title or that it's a case of sour grapes. My big boss may think so, but no.
Congratulations indeed to Chelsea and their fans. It was a job well done and the win over MU at Old Trafford was, as expected, the end of the road for the Red Devils, as far as I'm concerned.
It was good to learn that Javier Hernandez, the wunderkid who is the first Mexican to sign for MU, has been granted a work permit. When I heard about him, I immediately looked for videos on YouTube and was somewhat impressed with what I saw, though there were only a few videos. Hopefully, he will be something of a sensation at MU, if not immediately, then within the next few years.
Other than that, no real news coming out of Old Trafford apart from the usual rumours. I was sad to note that David Villa has joined Barcelona, as I have always wanted him at OT. But hey, I don't blame him. Barca are a class side.
So that's it for now. In the off season, I will not be updating this blog as often as I care to, but I will from time to time, especially if news comes about new signings. Don't see much of that happening till after the World Cup. I may also update the blog on the World Cup if I feel like it.
Who am I shouting for this World Cup. Well, I'm an Argentina fan so my first choice will always be Argentina, but I am also shouting for England, for obvious reasons as well as the fact that I have English ancestors. Also, Spain and Portugal, simply because I have Spanish and Portuguese blood in me as well!
Come on Maradona, prove me wrong and win the World Cup eh!
Monday, May 3, 2010
As good as over
Yes. It is.
Manchester United can kiss the league title goodbye, at least for this season. Have to face facts. There is almost zero, I repeat ZERO, chance of Chelsea dropping points at home to Wigan.
Of course, anything can happen. The ball, they say, is round. But Chelsea will be fired up to win and take the trophy in front of their own fans. And, to top it all off, Wigan have nothing to play for, having already secured their spot in the EPL next season.
I couldn't watch the Liverpool-Chelsea game due to a dinner I had to attend. Despite Gerrard making a horrid mistake and passing the ball straight to Drogba for the first goal, and despite the Merseysiders apparently not playing well, I don't think they were playing to lose. I think they have too much pride for that.
I jokingly told a few Liverpool fans that perhaps they wanted to lose only because they want Rafa out of the picture next season, but of course I don't believe that either.
Anyway, as I said before, anything can happen, so I'll be praying for a miracle this weekend!
Manchester United can kiss the league title goodbye, at least for this season. Have to face facts. There is almost zero, I repeat ZERO, chance of Chelsea dropping points at home to Wigan.
Of course, anything can happen. The ball, they say, is round. But Chelsea will be fired up to win and take the trophy in front of their own fans. And, to top it all off, Wigan have nothing to play for, having already secured their spot in the EPL next season.
I couldn't watch the Liverpool-Chelsea game due to a dinner I had to attend. Despite Gerrard making a horrid mistake and passing the ball straight to Drogba for the first goal, and despite the Merseysiders apparently not playing well, I don't think they were playing to lose. I think they have too much pride for that.
I jokingly told a few Liverpool fans that perhaps they wanted to lose only because they want Rafa out of the picture next season, but of course I don't believe that either.
Anyway, as I said before, anything can happen, so I'll be praying for a miracle this weekend!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
This is it
It's crunch time. If Chelsea win tonight, the title is theirs.
There is no way Chelsea will drop points against a team like Wigan at Stamford Bridge. Sure, Wigan beat them earlier this season, but Chelsea are almost invincible at home and if MU can't overtake them this weekend, it won't happen next weekend either.
The latest news from Anfield is encouraging. They're not giving up, apparently. Chelsea, meanwhile, have no fresh injury worries. Terry returns to the side and will likely partner Alex. His regular partner Carvalho is still out injured. Obi Mikel, meanwhile, returns to the side following his recovery from an injury that left him out of the side that featured against Stoke in that 7-0 drubbing.
Obi Mikel's return is not a plus point, as far as I'm concerned, as I believe there are much better players than he. But Terry's return is certainly an inspiration for the Blues. Alex and Ivanovic did well for Chelsea in Terry's absence against Stoke through suspension. But to be frank, they were hardly tested against a Stoke side that looked utterly lost at the Bridge.
The worry here is Liverpool. Despite an abysmal season, by their standards, Liverpool have the ability to beat any team on their day. I don't believe all this nonsense about letting Chelsea win so that MU can't claim the record 19th league title and kick Pool off of their pedestal. Liverpool players, the club itself, have too much pride for that. The problem is that the players may be tired after that hard-fought 2-1 extra time win over Athletico Madrid, which unfortunately for them, cost them a place in the Europa League final.
My gut feeling is that Liverpool will take some points off Chelsea tonight, but even if they do, there's no guarantee MU will come away with the lead in the league by the end of the day. It's a tricky trip to Sunderland tonight for the Red Devils.
Reports from Old Trafford have it that Ferdinand and Rooney may face the Black Cats. Whether or not they are there, Sunderland are no easy meat at their home ground. And Bruce is no slouch of a manager, either.
My guess, though, is that MU will come away with all three points, especially if Chelsea draw or lose at Anfield.
The slightly clouded crystal ball says: Liverpool 2 Chelsea 2; Sunderland 0 MU 1
There is no way Chelsea will drop points against a team like Wigan at Stamford Bridge. Sure, Wigan beat them earlier this season, but Chelsea are almost invincible at home and if MU can't overtake them this weekend, it won't happen next weekend either.
The latest news from Anfield is encouraging. They're not giving up, apparently. Chelsea, meanwhile, have no fresh injury worries. Terry returns to the side and will likely partner Alex. His regular partner Carvalho is still out injured. Obi Mikel, meanwhile, returns to the side following his recovery from an injury that left him out of the side that featured against Stoke in that 7-0 drubbing.
Obi Mikel's return is not a plus point, as far as I'm concerned, as I believe there are much better players than he. But Terry's return is certainly an inspiration for the Blues. Alex and Ivanovic did well for Chelsea in Terry's absence against Stoke through suspension. But to be frank, they were hardly tested against a Stoke side that looked utterly lost at the Bridge.
The worry here is Liverpool. Despite an abysmal season, by their standards, Liverpool have the ability to beat any team on their day. I don't believe all this nonsense about letting Chelsea win so that MU can't claim the record 19th league title and kick Pool off of their pedestal. Liverpool players, the club itself, have too much pride for that. The problem is that the players may be tired after that hard-fought 2-1 extra time win over Athletico Madrid, which unfortunately for them, cost them a place in the Europa League final.
My gut feeling is that Liverpool will take some points off Chelsea tonight, but even if they do, there's no guarantee MU will come away with the lead in the league by the end of the day. It's a tricky trip to Sunderland tonight for the Red Devils.
Reports from Old Trafford have it that Ferdinand and Rooney may face the Black Cats. Whether or not they are there, Sunderland are no easy meat at their home ground. And Bruce is no slouch of a manager, either.
My guess, though, is that MU will come away with all three points, especially if Chelsea draw or lose at Anfield.
The slightly clouded crystal ball says: Liverpool 2 Chelsea 2; Sunderland 0 MU 1
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