EL DERBI MADRILENO.......EL CHOLO TAKING HIS TROOPS TO THE BERNABEU WITH CONFIDENCE

…ATLETICO IN THE MOOD FOR YET ANOTHER VICTORY…REAL WELCOME THE CHALLENGE

Diego Cholo Simeone has revived Los Colchoneros since he took over as manager. Three trophies in the last two years lay claim to the fact that he has done miracles with a team left deep in relegation waters by his predecessor. This season has been even more fantastic. The sale of talisman, Radamel Falcao to Monaco has done little to their lofty ambitions. David Villa was brought in to replace the Colombian, but it is the Brazilian-Spanish Diego Costa that has impressed the most, continuing from where he left off last season. The prolific hardworker leads the La liga scorers chart this term with 7 goals (tied with Lionel Messi). One ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. Turkish wing wizard, Arda Turan has put pen to paper on a contract extension and the likes of Raul Garcia, Mario Suarez, Tiago, Koke, Gabi, Diego Godin, Miranda and Thibaut Courtois have weighed in with their immense contributions so far. Not forgetting Filipe Luis, Juan Fran and others.

It is 14 whole years since Atletico last won any league match against their City rivals and more illustrious competitors. Not since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s brace at the Bernabeu have Los Rojiblancos managed a victory v Real Madrid until last season’s Copa Del Rey Final win which ended almost a decade and a half of pure agony. There ids no better time to add to that triumph as we all know who the in-form team is with Madrid stuttering in midweek and Atletico coasting all season.

Real Madrid only managed to secure all three points at Elche courtesy of some comedy refereeing by Cesar Muniz Fernandez who is no stranger to controversy. Gerard Pique opined that it was like a scene from the movies when a penalty was awarded to Los Merengues. Only the official saw that Sergio Sanchez wrestled Pepe to the ground when indeed they were both tugging at each other’s shirt. But Pique has no right to criticize a decision made by Muniz Fernandez. He was the man at the center when BARCELONA stole victory at the death v Sevilla and the Andalusians had a legitimate goal chalked off for handball. Arbeloa has since replied his national teammate’s trash talk.

The nine time European Champions must be at their very best to think of defeating a team high on confidence this evening at the Santiago Bernabeu which has been a fortress for a long time. But Atletico Madrid have shown that they can win there and they are no push overs. They fought Barcelona home and away in the Supercoppa meetings and only lost because they let Neymar score a tame header at the Calderon. Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino admitted that the matches were evenly contested. A winner had to emerge and that was why Barcelona carried the day in the end. Simeone’s men fear no one and have destroyed Zenit in the Champions League as well. In David Villa, they possess a man who has what it takes to hurt Real. Seven of his career goals have been scored against the 32-time La liga champions.

Gareth Bale is likely to make his long awaited, overdue home debut today and what a match to do it. If he does great, it will go down well with Madridistas at the Bernabeu and around the World. The headache for Ancelotti is who to replace Bale with. Is it the in-form Isco whose start to life as a Blanco has been nothing short of magical? Or the hardworking Angel Di Maria whose industry and selflessness gives Madrid something different?

Borrowing a few words from Rob Train, Diego Simeone has turned the Rojiblancos into a footballing battering ram with Diego Costa providing the blunt edge and David Villa the velvet tip. The perfect analysis. Villa might not have scored many goals, but his ability is not in doubt and it has shown this season. His intelligence and all round forward play have led to direct and indirect assists, leaving spaces for Diego Costa to work on and ultimately exploit. It is no accident that the Spanish Federation are considering the possibility of capping the aforementioned at International level. Vicente De Bosque has also put calls through to Koke and Mario Suarez and that has been down to what ‘EL Cholo’ has brought to the Calderon.

Sid Lowe stated that the Derby is no longer one sided and we can’t help but agree. The CDR victory on 17 May has gone a long way to remove the fear factor Atletico have when they face Real. Lady luck was on their side in that final. They won and that ended a run of 14 years without tasting victory in the Madrid derby.

The end result might come down to small details. Real have found it difficult to break down well oiled, well drilled defences this campaign as matches against Elche in midweek and Villareal at the Madrigal showed us. It is also common knowledge that Ramos and Pepe make a lot of mistakes as a pair and occasionally go into challenges rashly. Carlo Ancelotti might have to stock pile his midfield with ILLARRA-KHEDIRA which means no space for the creative excellence of Luka Modric. Isco to pull the strings from attacking midfield and Di Maria to work on Luis/Juanfran. The Real manager is aware that Atletico are far more physical and powerful. Although his team can boast of more quality individuals. Afterall, they have Cristiano Ronaldo whose 210 goals for the club have come in just 206 games. Thiabut Courtois has boasted that he knows how the Portuguese Captain executes his free-kicks. Might come back to hunt him.

Both teams know what to do. Play to your potential and limit that of the opponent. Easier said than played out. A great match in prospect.

Ohireime Eboreime

Twitter-@ohiskaka1990

LONDON DERBY..

…A TALE OF THE APPRENTICE AND THE MASTER GOING HEAD TO HEAD…

                                 

When Andre Villas Boas left the Mourinho camp for pastures new four years ago, little did we know that he will become one of the most respected football managers on the globe. Since forging his own path, the now Tottenham manager has followed in the footsteps of his mentor and teacher until he joined forces with Daniel Levy. Bad blood has existed between him and the man who is largely responsible for turning him into the astute tactician that he is today. We have often seen how partnerships and relationships in football turn sour. SAF and Beckham immediately comes to mind. There are many more like what has happened at Galatasaray in the last few days. It goes to show that nothing lasts forever.

Pre-match pressers have been lively and interesting and media gurus are enthused when a Mourinho comes to the press room as he always has the pressmen literally eating from his hands. The non-nonsense and very outspoken Portuguese managerial gem does not mince words. It was AVB who fired the first couple of shots, saying Mourinho didn’t want him to be too close to him and take his opinion and that since he left for Academica, the once sweet and great friendship between the two has collapsed and the damage is near irreparable. Football fans probably like what happens on the pitch but some of these tantrum throwing makes everything a lot more exciting. AVB is also very annoyed that Willian Borges was stolen right under the canopy of Spurs. The Brazilian had a medical in North London but ended up in West London as a player in one of the most bizarre transfers of all time. The Chelsea hierarchy also failed to listen to Levy and Baldini regarding the potential transfer of the maligned Juan Mata. The Modric situation has gone unforgiven and the Europa League holders are determined to add more misery to a Spurs side currently on a roll.

Mourinho has since hit back at AVB for making their relationship status a public affair and went further to say he doesn’t care what his compatriot and rival says or feels. He added that he is no kid to start talking about a personal feud between him and a former pal. He definitely likes doing the talking on the pitch and a nice victory at White Hart Lane today isn’t far from his thoughts. The pensioners won a very spectacular match there last season courtesy of a certain Mata. The man Mourinho wants to change his playing style or remain a sub or spectator.

The lilywhites whitewashed Aston Villa at Villa Park in midweek by four unreplied goals. Jermaine Defoe scored a brace to take his all-time scoring feat to 139 for the club. Nacer Chadli and Paulinho were the other scorers and the depth of the squad at AVB’s disposal is frightening to put it mildly. Defoe, Holtby and Chadli may not start this afternoon with the likes of Soldado, Sigurdsson, and Christian Eriksen taking their place. Aaron Lennon is on the road to recovery and a new Gareth Bale has been unearthed. Erik Lamela has as sweet a left foot as the departed winger and the number 11 jersey fits him perfectly well.

Chelsea also defeated Swindon in midweek and that was without a host of regulars. El Nino Torres and Ramires scored for the Blues who lost Marco Van Ginkel to a long-term injury in that encounter. A very bad situation for the young man who Jose so loves. They know quite alright that Spurs are a different proposition and are aware that the task ahead is herculean. Only Arsenal have defeated Spurs this term and the hosts are yet to concede a goal at the Lane this season.

The last gasp victory in Wales was greeted with joy and relief and Spurs it comfortably ahead of Chelsea in the early table. They know it is an unfamiliar sight and they want to make the most of it. The investments this summer is paying off and Vlad Chiriches made his bow in the Capital One Cup demolition of Villa. Eriksen looks the real deal and Sigurdsson is relishes the competition for places. Chelsea have won the last two games after losing two before then and scored four goals without reply. Mikel Obi even ended his 7 goal and 261 game drougth on a weekend where Rayo had more possession than Barcelona and still lost 4-0, Aaron Ramsey hit the back of the net for the 7^th time this season and the famed Rio/Vidic pairing was taken to the cleaners by Aguero and his gang of Blue moon ninjas. Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is yet to find his main eleven and this experiment might be tested to the limit by Spurs come tea time.

Roberto Soldado is yet to repay the huge investment made on him. Two spot-kicks aside, he has been woeful by his standards and should stand up and be counted. It is during the big games that big players or so-called, come to the fore and duels don’t come bigger/fiercer than Chelsea and Jose Mourinho.

Fireworks are expected on the pitch today as always. It is off it that will be most anticipated as Mourinho the Master and AVB the student go head to head in a match that is more than just a match. The ‘SPECIAL ONE’ delivered a sound beating on his master, Luis Van Gaal (now Holland manager) in the 2010 Champions League Final (Inter-Bayern Munich). Who says a student cannot topple his teacher?

PROBABLE LINEUPS-

SPURS-

Lloris, Walker, Vertonghen, Dawson, Rose, Dembele. Paulinho, Sigurdsson, Eriksen, Lamela/Townsend, Soldado

It is a straight fight between Andros Townsend and Lamela for a slot in the starting lineup which Townsend is currently winning. Lloris, Rose, Soldado and Sigurdsson will all return to the eleven. Aaron Lennon returned to training yesterday and should make the bench.

CHELSEA-

Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Oscar, Hazard, Schurrle, Eto’o

Knowing Jose very well, he must pick at least nine of the above listed players for today’s contest. Juan Mata and David Luiz haven’t satisfied him yet with their performances and should continue on the subs bench with Oscar, Schurrle and Hazard coming in. The Brazilian especially is Mou’s favourite player at the moment.

Who prevails? JM or AVB..It is left to be seen.

Ohireime Eboreime

Twitter-@ohiskaka1990

MANCHESTER UNITED-WEST BROM PREVIEW

                                           

Defending champions, Manchester United host the baggies in a match that is seen as a must win for the hosts after getting clobbered by neighbours, Manchester City in last weekend’s derby. Eliminating Liverpool out of the Capital One Cup in midweek took some of the heartache away. Nevertheless, United know there is no margin for failure forthwith.

West Bromwich Albion have had an indifferent start to the season unlike the previous one when they came out flying out of the blocks, claiming some astonishing results along the way. The Lukaku magic has since deserted them and gone to the blue part of Merseyside via the blue part of West London. Steve Clarke still made some notable additions to the squad in the close season with the likes of Stephane Sessegnon, Morgan Amalfitano, Victor Anichebe all lured to the Hawthorns. Scott Sinclair also joined from the Etihad alongside other names like La Celeste skipper and defensive rock, Diego Lugano.

The Midlands club was sent packing out of the Capital One Cup (on penalties) in midweek by a young Arsenal team. Making amends today will be the main driving force. However, Old Trafford is not a place where you harbor hopes of a smooth sail. To make matters worse, the visitors face a wounded Manchester United whose pride has been battered and bruised.

The red devils will be buoyed by the return to fitness of Dutch scoring machine, Robin Van Persie who needs four goals to equal Patrick Kluivert as the highest goal scorer in the Netherlands history. The main attacking threat for the Manchester Club was sorely missed in last weekend’s derby. Although, he would have done little to turn things in his team’s favour. We all know defending is not one of his strong points:). Wayne Rooney is also firing on all cylinders and nowadays, if he doesn’t find the net, he will definitely get someone to do so. The Englishman is like a man reborn and his 4 goals in the last 4 games has proved that he is still perhaps the most important player in the Moyes set-up. Class is permanent it seems. Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, the forgotten sharp shooter, sent a strong message to the United coaching team with an intelligent finish to down Liverpool in midweek. What that run and goal meant is that he does not deserve to be overlooked and if he is, it should only be because of Wazza and RVP and definitely not Danny Welbeck who has failed to deliver for a very long time. Four goals in the last one year is unacceptable for a striker who dons the famous outfit of Manchester United. In that dry spell for Danny, Chicharito has hit 19 goals in just 23 starts. Numbers and stats don’t tell the whole story they said.

Saturday’s encounter is another opportunity for David Moyes to win over more doubters. Despite the shaky start to his reign, he still has the best start of any manager at the club in 67 long years. That is saying something huge. 5 wins in 8 games is not too bad. Well, any kind of loss to Manchester City is synonymous to anguish for anyone who is associated with the MUFC crest. Moyes has said RVP will feature. It is whether he will throw him on from the start that is unknown at the moment. If the Dutchman doesn’t make it, there are capable replacements as Chicharito has shown quite often. Rafael Da Silva is also back after a spell on the sidelines and the Rio/Vida partnership, torn apart at the Etihad, must shore up a defence that has leaked 11 goals in the last 6 games. That stat is not for a team intending to defend one of the most difficult competitions in all of football.

Nicolas Anelka has yet to sparkle for the Baggies since his arrival. The well travelled Frenchman has been hit with personal problems in recent weeks and that must have played a part. We all know what he can bring to any team and he has nothing else to prove. His abilities cannot be overemphasized. Watching him closely is surely better than giving him acres of space. Shane Long has hurt Manchester United before. The baggies also possess players who can win games on their own. Record signing, Sessegnon quickly comes to mind.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER UNITED-

DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Fellaini, TonyV, Nani/Young, Roo, RVP/Welbeck

The big dogs are ready to return after being rested for the Liverpool clash. Carrick and Fellaini will most certainly be returned to their positions in midfield with Valencia taking his place on the right. Many United fans loathe Ashley Young as a result of his consistently poor outings for the club. He hasn’t stopped there. He has now resorted to cheating which has been strongly condemned by the gaffer. A lot of supporters don’t want to see him in subsequent starting elevens. Moyes may not see it that way. He might start today. Another guy who can be sure to feature from the start is Danny Welbeck.

WEST BROM-

Myhill, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Mulumbu, Morrison, Amalfitano, Sessegnon, Sinclair, ANELKA

The trio of Sinclair, Sessegnon and Anelka carry the hopes of Clarke’s men. If they combine to good effect, West Brom have more chances of at least claiming a point. Youssuf Mulumbu’s role is vital too. A heroic showing and then who knows?

The baggies are lucky to have been the last team Sir Alex managed the red army against and that day, the match ended in a 5-5 draw. The highest scoring draw in EPL history. But conclusions cannot adequately be drawn from that as SAF and Scholes have since drawn the curtains on their respective careers and ROMELU LUKAKU who hit a superb second half hat-trick is no longer a squad member. His presence and goals have been hugely missed. 17 in the League is the highest by any player in Brom’s history and that may remain for a long time yet.

Ohireime Eboreime

Twitter-@ohiskaka1990

THE MANCHESTER DERBY preview...

                                       





Match number 166 will be played out at the Etihad stadium between two of the best teams in the English top flight and city rivals. Manchester City are coming off the back of a very impressive European outing v Plzen in Czech Republic. The Doosan Arena witnessed one of the best goals ever. A sweetly struck curling effort from far out by Africa's current best footballer, Yaya Toure. Something truly special even by his high standards. That was the peak of the goals scored that night. The Ivorian's three goals this season have been simply breathtaking and he has more in his locker. Coach Manuel Pellegrini is learning the hard way in the Premier League after four games. Stoke could have won at the Weekend but for some inexplicably poor finishing by the likes of Jon Walters. The Chilean will however be buoyed by the fact that the Champions League campaign has got on to a flying start as they seek to slug it out with Bayern Munich for first place in Group D. Interestingly, the Bavarians are the next opponents on Match day two and it is billed to be a truly mind blowing encounter.. Etihad will be rocking that night.

Manchester United have turned things around in recent days. After the insipid showing at Anfield, the red devils have bounced back in vintage United style, claiming victories over Palace (in the League) and Sami Hyypia's Leverkusen (UCL0 in midweek. The major talking point is Wayne Rooney who claimed three goals in two matches and joined the elite 200-club for the English league Champions. Only Jacky Rowley (211), Denis Law (237) and Sir Bobby Charlton (249) have scored more for the Glazer(s) owned outfit. At this rate, no one would bet against him to at least match the goal scoring feat of the peerless Law this season. Donning his protective headband, the 27 year old superstar has shone like a million stars in consecutive matches this term and he's been all about threes. 3 goals, 3 assists, 3 MOTM awards already have gone a long way to assuage the fears of supporters that he has his heart set on the success of the club at least until his brain skips again. It is the best decision the United board ever took to keep hold of the talismanic footballer, rather than ship him off to Stamford Bridge which would have meant handing over the Championship status and badge to Chelsea. Despite an unbelievable miss on Tuesday night, it did little to spoil the night that was all set for him as soon as Donati and Spahic got entangled together, trying to defend a De Gea pull out..allowing the no 10 to send a great shot past Leno for his landmark goal. Robin Van Persie also missed a sitter when it was far easier to score. Although, his right foot volley when the ball was behind him, ensured that he was among the goals on Moyes' first Champions League night as Manager of Manchester United.

City won the last meeting between the two at the tail end of last season. The win was meaningless with regards to where the title was headed, but it was a slap on Manchester United's face. Kun Aguero held off several challenges to bury a thumping finish past David de Gea just as the match was seemingly going to end in a 1-all draw. It was the perfect revenge for MUFC's last gasp victory over the so-called noisy neighbours last December. RVP experienced what it meant to score in a Manchester Derby that faithful day. It was his free-kick deep into added time that secured the all important three points for the red part of Manchester after letting a 2-goal lead slip through their fingers. There have been some truly spectacular games and City have trounced their more illustrious foes 6-1 as recently as two years ago. There have been comebacks, red cards, feisty times and a lot of words exchanged. Welcome to the 166th INSTALLMENT OF THE MANCHESTER DERBY.

It draws a lot of attention and followers all over the World as it is widely believed that United are the most supported club in the whole Universe with a fan base of over 350 million. The 2010-11 F.A Cup Semi Final (Settled by a Yaya Toure goal) was said to have been watched by over 10 million people from around the World. A record. Since the first meeting in 1881 when they were called West Gorton and Newton Heat respectively, they have fought hard and tough for supremacy and the war has waged on for 132 years and counting. Manchester United have the upper hand with 69 wins to City's 46 and there have been 50 stalemates. The bad blood that exists between the two went up a notch in the 1973/74 season when United Legend, Denis Law (then playing for City) scored a beautiful backheel past Alex Stepney to condemn his old club to relegation. Results elsewhere meant that even a United win wouldn't have been enough to save their top flight status, but that Law goal from a Francis Lee assist will never be forgotten.

Joe Hayes and Francis Lee have both scored 10 goals for City against United in Derby meetings. Wayne Rooney can break another record on Sunday, if he scores at the Etihad. Any type of goal from him will make him the outright top scorer in Manchester Derbies as he is currently tied on ten with the two City greats. The retired Ginger Maestro, Paul Scholes, got seven. Last season's Caretaker boss/Current joint assistant manager and United/City Legend, Brian Kidd also scored eight goals turning out for both clubs. Sir Bobby with nine was United's highest goal scorer in derbies until a certain Wayne Rooney came along and stole the show. 50 more Manchester United goals and all Charlton's records with the red devils would have been broken. Giggs has since destroyed his appearance record and the Welshman's might take forever to eclipse. The evergreen Giggs has appeared in more Manchester Derbies than any other footballer alive or dead. Another on Sunday and it will be the 37th time.


PREDICTED LINEUPS-

MANCHESTER UNITED-
DDG, Rafa, Vidic, Evans/Rio, Evra, Fellaini, Carrick, Valencia, Giggs, Rooney, RVP

Barring any last minute mishap (we hope not), most of this players (if not all) should feature from the off. TonyV has rediscovered that form that made him so special in the 09-10 season. More of that and United might as well be coasting home to victory come Sunday. We know that the last two matches the R-R duo have played has resulted in 5 goals and a quality assist. No one would dare bet against one or both continuing that streak on Sunday. Rio should be rested. He made a few mistakes on Tuesday night and has a bad back. Evans may be called upon. Kagawa might have to make do with a place on the subs bench with the Old head, Ryan Giggs coming in. The Japanese has company. Teenage sensation, Adnan Januzaj is set o be part of the Squad after an excellent cameo last time out. However, the continued absence of Zaha worries a few. Nani should be back for the game.

MANCHESTER CITY-
Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Toure, Nasri, Navas, Dzeko/Negredo, Aguero

The game might be too early for the incomparable David Silva who has under performed in recent seasons, but still carries a huge threat. The very expensive City line-up has quality written all over it. From emerging talents to World class campaigners. Pellegrini is a lucky bloke.


Both managers are going to take part in their first ever Manchester Derby and none would want to remember it as a losing start. They are expected to go for it with all that they have. It might boil down to tactical acumen and/or individual brilliance at last. Who else cannot wait for SUNDAY?

Ohireime P Eboreime
Twitter-@ohiskaka1990