After the Champions League war between German heavyweights, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, the famous Wembley, albeit new, is set to host another blockbuster showpiece event. For everyone in love with football, these matches should be contested every day. It is the CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL and we are proud to be alive to witness yet another quest for prelation.
The disgraceful show at Brighton was not enough to deter Crystal Palace in the 2nd leg of their play-off semi-final. The show of utter shame led to the suspension of the Gus Poyet led coaching staff in view of his fury and displeasure of events before such an important game. Something that brought out the beast in the Uruguayan great. Whatever mess was discovered at the visitors' dressing room and whoever did it, must have thought it would frighten and distract the Eagles of South East London. Wilfried Zaha had other ideas, as he and Yannick Bolasie masterminded a great win at the Amex to secure passage to this afternoon's grand occasion. The Manchester United bound winger scored both goals to down the seagulls.
Watford had a more difficult route to Wembley. Nigel Pearson's foxes were worthy adversaries in the semi-final. A 1-0 win at the KP Stadium gave Leicester a slim, but precious advantage going into the second leg. However, the hornets had other ideas. Matej Vydra, on loan from Udinese and recently crowned Championship player of the season, showed why class is considered permanent, by scoring a sumptuous brace at Vicarage Road. Troy Deeney, who was sentenced to ten months imprisonment (cut to four) for affray last year, scored the deciding goal within 20 seconds of Anthony Knockaert's spot-kick fail. Manuel Almunia saved the penalty and immediately afterwards, Big Troy scored his 20th goal of a truly miraculous season to send Gianfranco Zola into delirium. It was one of the best climaxes that football has ever seen. The little Italian is heading to the 'pagoda' where he lifted two F.A Cup titles with Chelsea and also scored a fine winner for the Azzurri in a World Cup Qualifier 16 years ago. For Troy, the imprisonment, the loss of his father to cancer and all the travails he has encountered in the last eleven months can be put to bed if his team secure the final ticket to next season's English Premier League. From 'prison to the Premier League' will be the superlative headline for all tabloids the World over. It has been an amazing return to professional football for the lad and victory today will be the crowning moment.
Giampaolo Pozzo, the man who bought over the club a little under a year ago from Stanmore business mogul, Laurence Bassini, must have been disappointed by the final day drama that left the hornets licking their wounds instead of celebrating automatic qualification to the Elite League of British Football. Nevertheless, the way Zola and his team have regrouped is commendable and praiseworthy. When despair comes, euphoria can follow suit, depending on what motivates you and how you handle the situation.
PROBABLE LINEUPs-
CRYSTAL PALACE- (4-3-3)
Speroni, Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey, Dikgacoi, Jedinak, Garvan, ZAHA, Wilbraham, Williams
On paper, the team looks so ordinary. Well, it is the bulk of the above line-up that have brought the eagles this far. A return to the Premier League after eight years is something to literally give your life for. The campaign under Ian Dowie ended in calamity with 33 points garnered over 38 games and a return to the Championship almost immediately. If they win later today, the hurt can be erased with a good show next season. Zaha can propel them to victory and promotion to the Premier League and it will be the best parting gift he ever wrapped. The fleet footed, exciting wing wizard can be counted on to send the eagles flying even without wings. The absence of 30-goal hero, Glenn Murray (Championship top scorer), is a big blow to Palace's chances. His replacement, Aaron Wilbraham is goal shy and cannot be relied upon as his season performances have showed. Ian Holloway has an ace up his sleeves. On the bench, he possesses Yannick BOLASIE who has come on and provided the required boost more often than not. The Congolese who shares family ties with Kazenga and Lomana Tresor Lua Lua, is a good substitute as seen in the win over the seagulls at the Amex. Another man who waits for his time is the SUPER KEV. Top scorer in the EPL thirteen years ago with the black cats, he is always there to put one or two away when called upon. The well travelled excellent marksman shoots to kill.
Julian Speroni has been pure class throughout the season. Save after save at the Falmer's and Palace held hope and thrived on it. He can decide who plays among the big boys and who returns to fight another day. Danny Gabbidon and Delaney are not your everyday Maldini and Nesta combo, but they have been solid as a pair. Erratic at times, they have also put their bodies when/where necessary and can create problems for the Vydra-Deeney 40 goal partnership. Captain Mike Jedinak is optimistic as expected, that the eagles will fly safely today. The Australian agrees that they are the underdogs...who says underdogs can't win? We have been here before.
WATFORD- (3-5-2)
Almunia, Doyley, Ekstrand, Casseti, Anyam Chalobah, Hogg, Pudil, ABDI, VYDRA, DEENEY
The Pozzo family own three clubs-Granada (Bought in 09), Udinese (1986), Watford (2012). As a result of this, they brought in Vydra and Abdi from Udinese to bolster the Watford ranks and it has paid off. Eight other players came with them too.. However, the Czech and Swiss internationals have contributed the most to the hornets success. On loan Chelsea midfielder, Natty Chalobah has come in leaps and bounds too. The 18 year old Sierra Leonean has grown in stature and talent since his arrival. Long rangers are his stock in trade. He hits them with pace, power and precision most times. If Vydra and/or Tory decide to be quiet, he and Abdi can take over the mantle of responsibility. With 40 goals, Matej and Troy have proved they know where the goal is. One from both today wouldn't be a surprise.
Ian Holloway has been in this situation before. He succeeded with Blackpool, although the stay was short lived. He has another chance to make amends for an entertaining but failed season with the tangerines in 10-11. The outspoken and quote laden coach doesn't shy away from battles...in the press room or on the football pitch. His game plan might be ordinary, but he is far from foolish. Health problems haven't derailed him one bit. Crafty and quick witted he is. Let's see if he can use all his capabilities to swing the match in Palace's favour this afternoon.
Gianfranco Zola was one of the most fantastic footballers in his hey day(s). His managerial resume is not quite as resplendent. All that will change if he emerges victorious later on.
Bring on the most valuable football match in World football. According to Deloitte, it is worth a staggering 120 million GBP even if they go down as soon as they go up. It is departure day for Wilf Zaha...He can do that knowing fully well that he has given Palace the best of his playing days yet. Promotion is the aim...Anything other than that will be considered an exercise in futility.
Am a palace fan as the club is a stone throw from my place in London. Bus 468 to South Croydon (from Elephant and Castle) was always the transport implement whenever I had to watch the eagles play. One of the greatest moments of my life was touching the famous EAGLE which flies across Selhurst Park before any home game. I openly declare my favourites for the game. C'MON YOU EAGLES (COYE)......aye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ohireime P Eboreime
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