EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL PREVIEW...PRIDE AT STAKE FOR BOTH CLUBS.

                                       


The O'Classico in Portugal ended in grief for the Glorioso when teenage Brazilian, Kelvin Oliveira came on to score what would be the winning goal for the Dragons of Porto at the Dragao. That goal condemned Benfica to its 1st defeat since September and all but ended their hopes of winning the League. Tonight at the Amsterdam ArenA, it is redemption time for the Aguilas who cannot afford to lose their 7th European final in a row. A tragic sequence.

Chelsea are on a roll at the moment. They are setting some records and breaking others. Frank Lampard has been at the fore front of all these. His record equalling and record breaking goals came at the weekend against Aston Villa at a time when the club needed them most. Officially now, he's the blues highest ever goal scorer with 203 goals, breaking the previous record held by Bobby Tambling (202). Despite the shuffling and changing, the Englishman stuck to his objective of not only breaking the goal scoring record, but helping the pensioners qualify for the Champions League next season and also win a trophy. Aim one has been reached. Aim two is tonight at Ajax's stadium. The news that Eden Hazard is OUT for tonight's battle is a major spanner in the works for the West London outfit. John Terry is also a huge doubt for the game. Fernando Torres is set to continue in his role as the main striker, since Demba Ba is ineligible because he has turned out for Newcastle in this same tournament. David Luiz has been almost irreplaceable this campaign. His wonderful goals home and away v Basel ensured Chelsea's place in tonight's showpiece final. He has been one of his team's top performers. Spanish wizard, Juan Manuel Mata has once again been exceptional this campaign. His intelligence and game winning masterclass will be needed again on this big day for the club. Goalkeeper, Peter Cech has vowed never to play in the Europa League again..He wouldn't throw his winners medal away anyway.

Benfica edged out Fenerbahce in the semi-finals thanks to Oscar Cardozo's double at the Luz. The Paraguayan has scored 6 goals in his last 10 appearances v English opposition and will be called upon to fire his team to glory. Brazilian striker, Lima has scored many important goals for the encarnados as the season has progressed. His opener at the Dragao last weekend was his 16th in 25 League games. He has to be watched. Benfica also have Nicolas Gaitan in their ranks. The Argentine playmaker is the brain of the team..When he's on...a lot of harm can be inflicted upon any adversary.


PROBABLE LINE-UPS (BENFICA)-
Arthur, Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Melgarejo, Perez, Matic, Salvio, Gaitan, Lima, CARDOZO

The back four of the Portuguese side consists of seasoned professionals such as Luisao and Garay who have played in many big European games. They have the experience and clout to fend off any threat that comes their way. Nemanja Matic is a former Chelsea player and will want to get one over the side than sent him to Portugal unceremoniously.

The Eagles have played twice more European games (362) than their opponents (181) and are contesting their 9th European Final tonight

CHELSEA-
Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill (assuming Terry doesn't make it), Cole, Luiz, Ramires, Oscar, MATA, Moses, TORRES

David Luiz and Ramires know all about Benfica...both Brazilians plied their trade(s) before transferring to West London.

You might have expected Frank Lampard to start this game after his heroics at Villa Park on Saturday. However, Mr Benitez is the Spanish version of Claudio Ranieri in terms of tinkering his squad. Only people like Ramires, Cole, Luiz, Cech, and Azpi are certain of a place in every team sheet he submits before a match. The others have to make do with playing one match and sitting out the very next. It has been so for the last 45 games and it isn't about to change tonight. Rafa is sweating over the fitness of John Terry. If the skipper fails to make it, Gary Cahill will start instead. Victor Moses has been scoring for fun in the Europa League and is assured of a place in the Starting 11 tonight..even more so now that Hazard is unavailable. Juan Mata will of course be used from the off.

Chelsea are looking to become only the 4th club to win all 3 UEFA MAJOR CLUB COMPETITIONS after tonight's Stadium owners, Ajax, Juventus and 2013 Champions League aspirants, Bayern Munich. The blues are also aiming to become the first team to win the Champions League and Europa League/UEFA CUP in successive years.

The sides met last season in the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League with Chelsea winning both legs (1-0, 2-1). Today is all or nothing.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

Saying goodbye to Britain's Greatest ever Midfielder...for the 2ND TIME...FAREWELL Paul Scholes

Final bow..Clapping his way out...SCHOLES22...CLASS

It is no coincidence that my 50th article of 2013 is on the Ginger Maestro. It is fitting that we revere and sendoff the great Paul Scholes in the grandest of styles. He may have retired before, but his comeback was even more phenomenal. After seven months out of the game, the pass King returned to help his old teammates when he felt they were short in a position he occupied and made his own for many years. One of the best players of his era deserves much more than laudatory remarks.

One of many for ginger the LEGEND

Despite his small frame, the majestic genius was so good he rarely ever put a foot wrong. How can you begin to acknowledge his contributions to the now rich Manchester United history. He picked up his 11th League winners medal on Sunday. The very same day that represented his last ever as a a footballer at Old Trafford. He was injured for much of the year, but when he played from the start of the season, he was almost impeccable (bar his mistimed tackles). The peak of his performance came in the 3-2 loss to Spurs at the Theatre last year where he attempted a mind boggling 144 passes only in the 2nd half. It was quite simply astounding. The masterclass midfielder has dominated matches aplenty with his exceptional and unique skill and technique. Eyebrows were raised when he decided to clean up his old boots and get back on the pitch he sorely missed for the seven months he was out. I,for one, was pissed that his last ever game as an esteemed professional would be that excruciating defeat to Barcelona in the UCL final at the new Wembley. Even though I was slightly excited by the way six players of the Bluagrana fought for his jersey, it wasn't at all gratifying. It was relieving when he decided to give playing for Manchester United one final shot. I didn't bother what the aftermath of his return would be. All that mattered was that one of my all time favourite footballers was back. Not many can come out of retirement and still have a great impact on affairs. Paul Scholes was one of the select few. A great master cannot suddenly become a student however long the hiatus could ever be. It was an effortless return to action in January 2012 and from then on, we were treated to some of the most scintillating performances ever seen.

He sparked the Manchester United revival that season and if not for some moments of madness, it would have ended in glory until Aguero broke our hearts on the last day of the season. He didn't retire because he was aware that Manchester United don't back down when the battle is at its fiercest.  True to the United spirit and drive that the equally supernatural Sir Alex Ferguson has instilled  in his team, the red army came roaring this term and no one could as much as muster a challenge when the march began and ended in victory. The 13th Premier League and 20th English topflight crown was sealed in April and thus, it meant the grand old magician could have his swansong at Old Trafford entrenched in exaltation and splendor. Rio Ferdinand made sure the ginger Prince bowed out in style when he sent in an unstoppable cracker past the Swansea goalie in the 87th minute to gift our beloved Manchester United the win. It was written in the stars. A lot better than the sendoff two years prior and a much greater feeling of satisfaction and serenity.

When the World's greatest ever footballer sings your praise, you know you are truly special. The exemplary and sometimes annoying Edson Arantes (PELE) was in awe of Paul Scholes. The Brazilian all time great was of the opinion that if the man affectionately called 'SATNAV' had been his teammate, he definitely would have scored more than the 1200+ goals he managed in his peerless career to date. Zinedine Zidane singled out Paul as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced. The former World and European Footballer of the year and the best player to come out of France. That says it all. Other Legitimate Legends like Thierry Henry, Luis Figo, Pep Gaurdiola, Xavi, etc have done their fair share of eulogies too. It is no mistake that Bobby Charlton calls the retiring great his favourite footballer who epitomises the spirit of Manchester United and everything about Football. Another England great and a not too bad pass master, Glenn Hoddle extolled his sterling qualities, tagging him the jewel in the crown and unarguably one of the best footballers of his generation. Perhaps the finest of his age.

Paul Scholes is one of the very best of any generation. He could fit into any team in any era. His accumulation of cards was just one blip in a career worthy of praise and emulation. However, the man had self control and restraint when necessary. Despite receiving 97 yellow cards in the premier league, only on four occasions did he actually get sent off. His challenges were sometimes criminal, but largely thrown overboard and exaggerated by a large section of the media whose hate and envy of Manchester United increase on a daily basis. It was Sven-Goran Eriksson (nicknamed Svennis) that denied England fans and the country itself the opportunity to see Scholesy in prime form. He retired at 29 because he was abandoned on the left wing in favour of Lampard and Gerrard who can never ever match his explosiveness and knack for finding the right man. Scholes is and will forever be incomparable on and off the pitch. Many attempts to get him back playing for the three lions hit a brick wall and rightly so. He was discarded like rotten potato..You can't eat your fiesta and have it.

It isn't just his on-the-pitch exploits that sets him apart. Scholes is one of the most humble and down to earth footballers of all time. Never one for the razzmatazz of the game nor for the celebrity lifestyle. A pure family person who drives home straight after training or any football match, avoiding interviews and what have you. You rarely come across a player with the complete package. Here you have one of the World's greatest ever players who prefers his football and family to fame and recognition and embraces glory rather than popularity. Despite all these, his excellent contributions to the game we love so much made him so famous and well loved. Take away his erratic rashness and uncompromising tackles and you have an almost spotless career filled with collective titles and personal accolades.

Hasta la vista the best decision-maker in World Football. The man who could pass from Manchester to Massachusetts with consummate ease. We obviously would not mind a third foray. Although, John McEnroe's famous rant to the Chair Umpire in his playing days must spring up.......'YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS'

Ohieime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

F.A CUP FINAL PREVIEW...The Latics aim to end their season on a high, while Manchester City cannot let this sl

                                                                                      



Today's F.A Cup Final is a David v Goliath and ROBERTO V ROBERTO affair. Manchester City and Wigan lurk horns at the biggest Stadium in Britain this afternoon to determine who takes the F.A Cup home. Roberto Martinez, an early favourite to take over when David Moyes moves to Manchester, has done well as helmsman of the Latics since his arrival from Swansea four years ago. Relegation battles have been won, although this season's might be a different matter entirely. Today's match represents a rare opportunity to win their first top flight title in 81 years of existence.

Dave Whelan is expected to lead out his charges in what will be an emotional occasion for him. The team is however bereft of some of its most important players. The likes of Ivan Ramis and Maynor Figueroa are out of the season with leg and groin injuries. Antolin Alcaraz faces a race to be fit for this crunch encounter and Jean Beausejour is a major doubt too.

Manchester City have a full strength squad to pick from and they were further boosted by the news that Influential midfielder, Yaya Toure is ready for this afternoon's battle after the Ivorian declared himself fit. Apart from Scott Sinclair who was operated upon following a blood clot in his shoulder, Roberto Mancini has a complete set of players to choose from. The Italian has confirmed that want-away goaltender, Costel Pantilimon will be in goal instead of Joe Hart. Whether there will be other surprises, we are yet to find out.


MANCHESTER CITY PROBABLE LINEUP-
Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy, Yaya Toure, Barry, Milner, Silva, Tevez, Dzeko

Gareth Barry and James Milner are having the season of their careers. On a personal level, they are firing on all cylinders and putting in spectacular showings. This has made them automatic picks in the last 3-4 months. Barry is keeping out Javi Garcia from the team and has done extremely well in his position. Edin Dzeko is MCFC's highest goal scorer this season and is ready to fire them to their 6th F.A Cup triumph which will be one behind Liverpool, Chelsea and Villa's haul of 7. Someway behind Arsenal's 10 and MUFC's 11. The Serbia-Belgium defensive partnership will continue at the Wembley Stadium. They have been classy this season.

WIGAN ATHLETIC PROBABLE LINEUP-
Joel, Boyce, Caldwell, Scharner, Espinoza, McCarthy, Watson, McArthur, McManaman, Kone, Maloney

The three pronged frontline who I coined the 'MACKONEY' have shone brightly in the last couple of months. Take away McManaman's horror tackle on Newcastle's Haidara two months ago, the dude has exploded on the scene and it was his goal that sealed Wigan's passage to today's final. Shaun Maloney and Arouna Kone have led from the front this season, scoring vital goals and creating many others to ensure the team avoid relegation and win their 1st piece of top flight silverware.Ben Watson is back and probably better. Joel keeps his place in goal and Paul Scharner and Gary Caldwell will hope to stop the likes of Tevez, Aguero, Dzeko, et al. Some task that. Wigan can become the lowest ranked side to lift the F.A Cup in 33 years (since West Ham who were in Tier 2, defeated Arsenal in 1980).

THE STAGE IS SET...LET THE PERFORMERS EMERGE..............

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

Teary-eyed, I salute the departing Great Glaswegian Genius whose name is synonymous with MANCHESTER UNITED.

I went about my normal duties on a very wonderful Wednesday morning, hoping that all things will fall into place and the day that started so gracefully, would end even better. However, sadly, it was not to be. I was in the bank that morning when the news came in and confirmed all the rumours which started the day before. It read--- 'SIR ALEX FERGUSON CALLS TIME ON HIS MANCHESTER UNITED CAREER'. The bombshell instantly shook and shocked me beyond my bones. The day I most dreaded in my entire football life was staring me in the face in the most extraordinarily devastating manner. I never imagined that this day would ever ever come...at least not at a time when we were thinking of mounting a serious challenge for next season's UCL title after the extremely infuriating way we bowed out this term and preparing to literally set Britain ablaze on Sunday and Monday in celebration of our 20th English League title.

The Managerial demigod drinking to the 20th

Born on new year's eve in 1941, the great man began his managerial journey some 39 years ago at East Stirling and passed through St Mirren and Aberdeen before eventually reaching the touchline of Manchester United. He ignored the overtures of Arsenal, Spurs, Rangers, Wolves, and Liverpool to take over at the Theatre which was in a sorry state at the time of his arrival in November 1986. He met the red devils 2nd from bottom in the English 1st Division and ended his first season with the club in 11th place. A creditable position. This was the beginning of a long period of absolute success, although it didn't start until 1990 when the F.A Cup was won. His 1st trophy as Manager of Manchester United. Before then, the Scot was almost sacked by the club after a terrible run of form that saw them winless in 8 games, with six of them ending in defeat. The fans came up with a banner which read 'Three years of excuses and its still crap...Ta ra Fergie'. Journalists were also vociferous in their dislike and unappreciation of the job done so far. Fergie had enjoyed so much success in his career to that point and was somewhat in a new situation. He described December 1989 as the darkest period of his career until that point. The European Cup Winners Cup came a year after and that was it. The red army kept marching on and titles came season after season, year after year, campaign after campaign.  The FERGIE DYNASTY was built with so much success and pure excellence. From Jim Leighton to Shinji Kagawa, the esteemed Legend has managed some of the most talented footballers on the planet and accolades have followed.

When it became clear that perhaps the Greatest Manager the World will ever see, is stepping down on May 19, tributes began to pour in. Richard Scudamore of the Premier League, Greg Dyke, the F.A Chairman-elect, and many other notable figures within the game, have paid respect to the great career Fergie has had and his unrivalled contributions to the British game. The man has touched so many lives, changed so many destinies, created others, and transformed MANCHESTER UNITED to one of the most SUCCESSFUL FOOTBALL CLUBS in the World on and off the pitch. He made the 20-time English Champions the most supported team on Earth and unearthed some of Football's most talented professionals. Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, Keane are just few examples. He's had great men by his side all of these 26+ years. The likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Archie Knox, Walter Smith, Carlos Queiroz, Martin Edwards, David Gill, Peter Kenyon, Greg Dyke, Gerry Cox, etc have supported him over the years and made him feel comfortable and secure.

People call his retirement the end of an era. I disagree. It is the end of a lifetime. I do not know what will become of my beloved Manchester United after the West Brom game. The club acted swiftly, sealing the deal to bring David Moyes from Everton to replace the irreplaceable. The 50 year spent 11 years with the Blues of Merseyside  and won nothing. All we hear is he stabilized he club and breathed a new lease of life into the team. He worked with a tight budget and had a great interest in youth and academy players, promoting some of them and giving them a chance to show what they are capable of. He is also said to be strong-willed, determined, and very disciplined. He is always in control of things and according to the Board, he fits the bill perfectly. Let's wait and see.

Next Sunday's match at the Hawthorns will be Fergie's 1500th as MUFC boss and painfully, his last ever as a manager. It will be a scene of emotions and tears which is set to start in two days when the occasion is supposed to be that of excitement, joy and jubilation. Old Trafford will be unusually quiet when the Swansea match gets underway and eventually ends. Celebrations will take place nonetheless, but it will be lowkey and the focus and attention will be on Fergie rather than the trophy we have worked very hard to win. Surely, the man knows when best to take decisions. It is said that the BEST OF MEN leave the stage when the ovation is loudest. None could be louder than Sunday. The jamboree will be noisier than any that has ever been witnessed, but the mood will be down.

Players like Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa who signed just under a year ago will feel really upset by this development. Even the carousal of a premier League winners medal can't be enough to console them. Wilfried Zaha who has yet to kick a ball for his new club, will never get the chance to work under the Greatest Football Manager of all time. Something that must have swayed his decision to join the red army. Sometimes, what we propose, God feels the need to rearrange.

Sir Alex Ferguson embodies(d) everything Manchester United. The future without him is bleak at the moment, until proven otherwise. When he appears at Old Trafford for the last time on Sunday, even his worst enemies will be in awe and admiration of his infinite, all conquering physique and powers which he used to rule the English game for the best part of 20 years. The undisputed Numero Uno of British Football Managers is actually bowing out of a game he loved and excelled in for almost 40 years. Whatever his reasons are or might be, he must have taken them for the interest of himself and his family. Afterall, he had always put the club and supporters first for a long time now. His retirement U-Turn in 2002 signalled another push for that Historic 19th crown. The one most treasured by all United supporters. He told the media that his major aim was to knock Liverpool off their f*cking perch and they could go ahead and print it. He is the motivator in chief, the master tactician, the old dinosaur, and above all, the most trustworthy friend you could ever have.

Stern looking..Retirement has come unexpectedly.

The great Sir Alex has always treated everyone around the Club as one big family and held each person in high esteem from the groundsmen to the grand commanders. Sir Bobby Charlton was effusive in his appreciation of the fantastic job the Super Scot has put in at the club and stated that he made his job much easier because there was no need to reevaluate anything. Success has become part and parcel of the club since Mark Robbins scored that goal at the City ground in 1990. It is widely believed that the now Huddersfield managers' goal is the reason we celebrate the myth called Chapman.



Many of us, passionate fans, might NEVER get over this sudden, below the belt blow.....Except of course David Moyes continues from where SAF stopped----Competing for every Title on offer and winning a fair bit.

We cannot do more or less than to wish the PEERLESS, INIMITABLE, UNMATCHED, INCOMPARABLE, OUTSTANDING AND UNPARAGONED LEGEND OF THE SPORT a happy Life as he moves upstairs at the Theatre which he superlatively turned to one of dreams and miracles. He lived the dream...He made do his pledge of delivering Manchester United the 19th (2011) and the 20th on April 22, 2013....Liverpool are now 2 behind and we have the bragging rights. GRACIAS CAMPEON!!!!!!!!!!!!! Manchester United and indeed the entire World will indubitably and undoubtedly miss you. It might take eternity to actually come to terms with the fact that you will never be on the touchline again or sit in that comfortable Audi seat. WE WILL MISS YOU BOSS! Tears won't ever be enough. #THANKYOUSIRALEX

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990