UCL QUARTER-FINAL 2ND LEG......PREVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Real Madrid will be looking to finish the Gala job when they travel to the Turk Telekom Arena tonight. Fatih Terim and his boys will be looking to salvage some pride at least. A three goal deficit against a great team like Real Madrid is impossible to overcome. Although, impossible is nothing. They could borrow a leaf from the phenomenal Depor side under Javier Irueta who came from 4-1 down to dismantle an A.C Milan team comprising of Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, Seedorf, Sheva, etc by four unreplied goals at the famous RIAZOR stadium in La Coruna.  Juan Carlos Valeron ran the show that day. A repeat of that performance is highly unlikely. Meanwhile, Malaga and bereaved manager, Manuel Pellegrini travel to Dortmund with the sole aim of trying to qualify for the semi-finals. The Iduna will be made very uncomfortable for the Boquerones. Tomorrow, Paris St Germain travel to the Camp Nou, while Bayern Munich visit the home of the Old Lady of Italian football to complete the demolition job. Conte awaits their arrival.



 DORTMUND- MALAGA

The excellent Manuel Pellegrini is grief-stricken. The Chilean had to travel home over the weekend to be with his family as a result of the death of his father. It was looking increasingly unlikely that the Leader of the Malaga orchestra will be available for the biggest match of their history yet. The Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg  v Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund who couldn't find the net at the Rosaleda despite having many scoring chances. The Borussens relinquished their status as German Champions to Bayern Munich at the weekend and will be looking to get to the semi-finals in what has been a near impeccable Eurpean adventure. The 1997 European champions will rely on the firepower of Robert Lewandowski to guide them past Joaquin's Malaga. The Andalusians also have FrancISCO Alarcon to count on when the going gets tough. Julio' the beast' Baptista can also turn things around on his day. Labista Sevilla was marvellous at times in his career and can make things happen when it matters most.

Pellegrini is aware of the importance of the away goals rule and has underlined his ambition to take the game to Dortmund from start to finish. It can get all messy for the host if the first half ends scoreless. Pressure will begin to mount and they can buckle. Defensive rock, Mats Hummels and the energetic Kuba are doubts for this game. Not that it really matters as Klopp has alternatives to choose from.

Probable Lineups-
Dortmund:
Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Santana/Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer, Kehl, Gundogan, Reus, Gotze, Kuba/Groskreutz, LEWANDOWSKI.

Polish predator, Lewandowski, came of the bench to score in his 10th successive Bundesliga game at the weekend and will be looking to add to his 5 Champions League goals this term. Gotze has missed far too many chances in the last two games. He will also be determined to make amends for the number of chances that went begging in the first leg. Marco 'Rolls' Reus should be feared as always. Rarely puts a foot wrong and his partnership with the diminutive Gotze is on of the deadliest in World football.

Malaga:
Caballero, Jesus Garmez, Lugano, Demichelis, Artunes, Toulalan, Iggy Camacho, ISCO, Joaquin, Baptista, Saviola.

Los Boquerones will be without Weligton, who has been a rock in the center of defence and Midfield linchpin, Manuel Iturra whose play complements Toulalan's. Huge losses. But ISCO is fit and set to roar
.

-REAL MADRID

Selcuk Inan was overshadowed and outplayed by Xabi Alonso in the battle of the World's finest Deep lying playmakers at the Bernabeu. He wouldn't want to be dominated in his own home, even though Alonso is suspended for the game. Luka Modric is also a fantastic footballer and can compete with the very best in the business. Didier Drogba made his presence felt at the weekend with two fine goals in League play, but has done nothing for Gala in the European scene. If not for anything, he should at least chip in with a goal tonight.

Real Madrid will know better than to sleep on this game. If recent capitulations by A.C Milan are anything to go by, then 'never' is a word meant for the lame and tame hearted. Fatih Terim will throw all that he possesses at the merengues tonight for what it's worth. Jose Mourinho will not be able to call upon Roja Centurions, Alonso and Sergio Ramos tonight due to suspension. Pepe is a doubt after pulling up in training. French teenager, Varane is a certain starter and could be joined in central defence by the much maligned Raul Albiol if the Portuguese defender cannot shake off whatever ails him. Cristiano Ronaldo is the UCL top scorer with 9 and can add to his tally tonight to stretch his lead at the top of the chart over Messi and the suspended Burak Yilmaz who have 8 apiece.

Probable Lineups-
GALA:
Muslera, Eboue, Balta, Kaya, Riera, Inan, Melo, Altintop, Sneijder, DROGBA, Elmander

The crushing blow for the Turkish League leaders is that top scorer, Burak Yilmaz is unavailable for this game due to suspension. Somewhat needless and stupid. The Norwegian referee (Svein Oddvar Moen) in charge of the match at the Bernabeu wrongly booked the marksman for diving when indeed it should have been a penalty. Dany Nounkeu is also out. Too many yellows accumulated by the central defender. Hakan Balta takes his place.

REAL MADRID:
Diego Lopez, Arbeloa/Essien, Pepe/Albiol, Varane Coentrao, Khedira, Modric, Ozil, Di Maria, CR7, Benzema

The 'whites' made 7 changes to the team that spanked Levante on Saturday. Still the 5-1 result flattered Real who only started playing in the final stages of the match. San Iker is back after a 9 week layoff, but cannot unseat Diego Lopez from the goalkeeping position. It will be a travesty of epic proportions if that happens. The Pipita-Benz centre forward battle might likely be won by the latter. Coentrao is a more disciplined left back and should replace Marcelo in that department. Sami Khedira returns to shore up the midfield, while Luka Modric will get the nod in the absence of Xabi Alonso. Kaka likely to be on the bench yet again even after scoring a goal at the weekend. The Ozil-Di Maria axis will return to bolster the team.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

PREVIEW OF THE MANCHESTER DERBY!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           

Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City....That fateful day in October 2011 goes down in history as one of the most astonishing ever. The football world came to a standstill as Mario Balotelli and his friends unleashed immeasurable pain on neighbours, Manchester United right in front of despairing supporters at the Theatre of Dreams. The season ended with Manchester United pipped to the EPL title in the final seconds of the last match day. The stressed exclamation of 'AGUEROOOOOOOOOOO' cannot be forgotten in a hurry. The nimble Argentine scored the winner v Queens Park Rangers to secure his team's 1st title in 44 long years.

Sir Alex Ferguson is still anguished. The Old Dinosaur as Martin O'Neill calls him, was greatly angered when his side were denied of their 20th Domestic trophy and 13th under his reign. Like a boss, he took it in his stride and used it as a motivational tool coming into this season. The red devils have set the pace this season and currently sit 15 points clear of defending champions and City rivals, Manchester City. Robin Van Persie's 19 goals have come in handy for Fergie's men. Today represents a chance to put one over their so-called noisy neighbours and stretch the wide margin to 18 points.

Roberto Mancini hasn't hidden his anger and derision towards Manchester United. The Italian has consistently made it clear that the red army don't deserve to be ahead of his team. Utter balderdash! Manchester City lie a distant second behind United and fittingly so. On the basis of this season's performances, they don't deserve anything better to be fair. The Champions-elect accepted the challenge and thus raised the bar higher than any other team could reach. Their exploits so far have been exceptional to say the least. Records have been made and others torn to shreds. Twenty-five (25) of Thirty (30) games have been won and only 3 lost. Champions-elect indeed.

Tonight's match pitches current champions against Champions-elect. If Manchester City ever have the slightest hope that a repeat of last season's slump will resurface, they have another thing coming. Mancini has all but conceded the title to the red part of Manchester. He expects a win tonight to at least cut the lead to 12 points.According to the City players, they expect to beat Manchester United on their own turf to retain some pride. The task will be herculean. Sir Alex's men will be all guns blazing tonight as they attempt to exorcise the demons of the crushing defeat inflicted 18 months ago. That 6-1 demolition has to be avenged. What better time than tonight? It remains to be seen.

Sir Alex Ferguson himself expressed his surprise concerning the weaknesses and frailties of the Manchester City title challenge. In his words, he expected much more. He will be glad at the turn of events. The aim this season was to better the goal difference that determined where the trophy went last time. United have achieved that and even much more. FIFTEEN points and a goal difference of +10 over City is a massive improvement on last season's stats. The red devils have done extremely well and everyone agrees. Tonight, a lot of things are at stake and only a WIN will be seen as enough to soothe the nerves of both supporters. Manchester United for obvious reasons.

Probable Lineups-

MANCHESTER UNITED

DDG, Rafa Da Silva, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Young, Nani, Rooney, RVP

MANCHESTER CITY

Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy, J. Garcia, Barry, Y. Toure, Silva, Aguero, TEVEZ.

Carlos Tevez returns to a place he called home for 2 years and won the Champions League among other elite tournaments. El Apache has been in superb form for the Citizens and will be hoping to play a huge part in his team's quest to claim victory at Old Trafford. Yaya Toure recently signed a new contract and will want to celebrate it in style. Samir Nasri might be left on the subs bench. The Frenchman has been very poor and doesn't deserve to start a match of this magnitude.

Michael Carrick is the main man for United this season. His commanding displays in midfield have helped in no small measure to catapult the 12 time EPL champions to the top of the Premier League. This is best season of his career to date and he is enjoying it like none other. The man has been gigantic and excellent. Testing himself against Yaya Toure and Javi Garcia is a challenge he relishes and thrives on. Robin Van Persie hasn't scored in NINE (9) games. Holy Christ! Even though he tried to claim the Bramble own goal at the Stadium of Light. A player of his calibre should never find himself in this situation. Then again, it is only a player of his ability that can buck the trend. Tonight might be his night...Great players come to the fore in the biggest of games.  Class is PERMANENT.

Ohireime P Eboreime

ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

UCL Q/FINAL PREVIEW..MALAGA-BORUSSIA DORTMUND...REAL MADRID-GALATASARAY

If the excitement of yesterday's games is anything to go by, then today's should blow the roof away. Bayern Munich and Barcelona secured priceless advantages in their respective matches. Today, it is the turn of Real Madrid (RM), Galatasaray (Gala), Malaga, and Borussia Dortmund (Dortmund).

Let's take a look at both matches..............

REAL MADRID-GALA

After accounting for the exit of Manchester United in the previous round, Los Merengues are looking to make another giant step in their ambition to claim a 10th EUROPEAN CROWN---otherwise called 'La Decima' by the Madrid faithful. It is no secret that since the 9th title eleven long years ago, the biggest priority of anyone associated with the World's Greatest Club is to hoist the 10th. Managers have come and gone since then. Capello, Camacho, Queiroz, Luxemburgo, Renon, Schuster, Pellegrini, Juande Ramos, etc....but none seemed to have the right formula. Then came the 'Only One' Jose Mourinho who has led the 'whites' to within touching distance of the long awaited tenth triumph. Two consecutive semi-finals (the last was very close) is a s close as anyone has been in recent years. This season represents their best chance of winning the UCL for the first time in 11 barren European years. It was Mourinho who broke the 'Roundof16' hoodoo. No one can bet against him winning his 3rd Champions League title with three different clubs. Well, the Portuguese must remember what he said about Guardiola's 2009 and '11 wins. He stated that the 09 win was 'the Scandal of Stamford Bridge' and the '11 was 'the Scandal of the Bernabeu'. If he (Mourinho) wins this, it will be tagged 'The Scandal of Old Trafford' thanks to Cuneyt Cakir the Turkish 'c*nt'.

Fatih Terim's Galatasaray are not here by default. It is as a result of hard work and determination to succeed.  The Coaching Legend who is in his 3rd stint as Gala manager, has performed admirably well in this season's Champions League. The elimination of Schalke was down to good tactics and decision making. Now is the big one. A tie v the mighty Real Madrid. The Turkish League Leaders secured the services of Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands skipper) and Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast captain). Both of whom played major roles in their respective teams victory in the 2010 and 2012 Champions League campaign(s). The seasoned footballers were at the forefront of everything Inter Milan and Chelsea did on their way to glory. It is time to relight those amazing times. In Burak Yilmaz, the Sari Kirmizililar possess one of the best strikers in the World at the moment. His eight goals in the Champions League so far is only equalled by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The man is in the form of his life and can cause Real a lot of problems.

Jose Mourinho does not lack at all in talents department. The Head of that Department is Cristiano Ronaldo. The man who inherited Raul's No 7 shirt has scored 190 goals in 188 games for the capital club. Am lost for words. He is also the joint highest goal scorer in the Champions League and already has 44 goals this season (Only Messi has more-56). If Gala want to win, he must be kept 20km away from the 18 yard box, and that doesn't even guarantee anything. The likes of Mesut Ozil, Angel di Maria, Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric, etc ably assist their HOD in his duties. Pipita Higuain and Benz have been misfiring this season. Form has deserted them at the wrong time and the weight of leading the merengues to victory rests firmly on CR7's broad shoulders. He can bear the burden.

Probable Lineups-

REAL MADRID-
Diego Lopez, Arbeloa, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao, Khedira, Alonso, Ozil, Di Maria, CR7, Benzema

Di Maria, Ozil, Alonso, Varane and Khedira were rested against Zaragoza and will return to starting eleven tonight. Pepe is set to make way for the impressive teenage Frenchman. San Iker is still not match fit or so they say. So Diego Lopez continues in goal.

GALA-
Muslera, Eboue, Semih, Nounkeu, Riera, Altintop, Melo, Selcuk, Sneijder, DROGBA, BURAK YILMAZ

Drogba and Sneijder are set to face a man they love and respect so much as a person and as a football manager. Mourinho has repeatedly poured encomiums on the pair and will hope they are kept quiet tonight by his boys. Selcuk Inan is one of the best Deep lying playmakers in the business and will come up against his senior in the association of DLPs, Xabi Alonso. Battle of tact.



MALAGA-B.DORTMUND

Manuel Pellegrini is a candidate for 'Coach of the year' undoubtedly. The Chilean tactician has done a fantastic job for the Andalusian club, keeping them in the Champions League up till his point and fighting hard to qualify again for the esteemed European Competition despite the financial problems that have plagued them up till now.  The Owners sanctioned the sale of their best player then, Santiago Cazorla and from then on, everyone thought it will be a battle to even keep their status as a La Liga club. Things have turned out the opposite. Haven claimed the scalp of the much fancied Porto, it is Dortmund that stands between them and a previously unlikely SEMI-FINAL spot in the Champions League. The biggest of them all. FranISCO Alarcon has stepped up to take the mantle of leadership from the departed Cazorla who will probably sit at home or carry himself to a bar tonight when his former Employers take on the Borussens. The 20 year old (21 in eighteen days time) has been largely instrumental to all the success achieved by the Landlords of La Rosaleda. The reborn Joaquin Sanchez is not left out. Once considered one of the best wingers in the World, the 31 year has changed his game. No longer that flying winger, he has transformed into a playmaker/winger/second striker and he is an important piece of the Boquerones jigsaw.  Julio Baptista is back from injury and scored his 1st goal in more than a year last weekend. Javier 'little rabbit' Saviola and Roque Sanata Cruz have proved to be shrewd acquisitions alongside Lucas Piazon who is on loan from Chelsea. Weligton, Eliseu and Martin Demichelis have been ever presents in defence for the Spanish representatives.

Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund have been the most impressive team in this Champions League Campaign. The leap from failures to aspiring champions has not been easy. The Schwarzgelben have swept away the likes of Manchester City, Ajax and Real Madrid. Shakhtar bore the brunt of their attacking ruthlessness in the Round of 16 and this they did without their best defender, Mats Hummels. Felipe Santana has deputised superbly for the German star and he opened scoring for the Defending German Champions in their 3-0 rout of the Ukrainians. The attacking trident of Lewandowski-Gotze-&-'Rolls Reus' Marco spring surprises at all times. The Reus-Gotze partnership has proved decisive in many games already this season. If Malaga can contain the German pair, that would be something. Kuba Blaszczykowski is also very dangerous  and is an ever present in the Dortmund team when fit. Roman Weidenfeller has been excellent in goal for the Ruhr giants. He must put in one of his best performances tonight. The 1997 Champions are slight favourites to go through, but if they rest on their laurels, it will be their greatest undoing.

Probable Lineups-
MALAGA-
Caballero, Gamez, Demichelis, Weligton, Antunes, Toulalan, Iturra, Joaquin, Baptista, ISCO, Saviola

Jeremy Toulalan has been one of the reasons why the Malaga midfield has been so adept and consistent. The Frenchman who was brought in from Lyon has been exceptional for the Boquerones this season and with Iturra,displays have been solid. Willy Caballero is up there with the best keepers in La Liga at the moment. He will play a part tonight certainly. Regular left back, Nacho Monreal has since left for Arsenal, follwing Santi's footsteps. He too, will watch from the comfort of his home or pub.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND-
Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Santana, Subotic, Schmelzer, Gundogan, Bender, Kuba, GOTZE-REUS-LEWANDOWSKI

The Dortmund first eleven is scary. Neven Subotic is pure class, Marcel Schmelzer is one of the best left backs in the World and the midfield pair (Gundogan and Bender) are no pushovers. The front three? WELL....

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS PREVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today and tomorrow will be ace, particularly because some of the most talented players in the World today will be on show. The most prestigious club competition in Football returns with gusto. Teams like Malaga, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Galatasaray, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris St Germain, and Barcelona slug it out in a bid to reach the last four of the UEFA Champions League. The last eight teams standing all have what it takes to go all the way in this tournament. Managers, Jurgen Klopp (Dortmund), Jose Mourinho (RM), Tito Vilanova (Barca), Fatih Terim (Galatasaray), Antonio Conte (Juventus), Jupp Heynckes (BM),  Carlo Ancelotti (PSG), and Manuel Pellegrini (Malaga) know their jobs and have been there before. Success has been part of parcel of their exemplary careers to date. Between the 'CLASSY 8', European Titles, Domestic Titles and personal accolades aplenty have been garnered. Tito Vilanova has returned home after two months of intensive care and treatment. The Barca manager was diagnosed of Cancer some months ago and has since been in and out of the job. Barcelona whitewashed A.C Milan in the comeback of the UCL without their manager at the helm and will be even more dangerous with him in the dug out.

Let's take a look at what the teams have in store.............

PSG-BARCELONA

After that breathtaking performance against A.C Milan, teams will know better than to underestimate Barcelona. As if they were ever disparaged. Well, they were. Losing to the Milanese and twice to Real Madrid meant questions had to be raised as regards their form and tactics. The inability to provide alternatives when the initial plan has been mastered and toppled allowed doubts to creep in concerning their championship credentials. All that was put to bed when Milan were dismantled by 4 exquisite strikes. Other teams sat up on seeing that almost impeccable performance. Whether they have mapped out strategies to handle the Barca style remains to be seen. First up are the Paris warriors of the Parc de Princes.

Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, the mega rich le Parisiens have surprised everyone in no small measure. Granted, they brought in some of the best legs in the business, but they weren't expected to click almost immediately. There have been some loop holes....but generally, it has been a fantastic season thus far. 33 goal Zlatan Ibrahimovic is lightening the French Capital with some mesmerizing and elegant displays. True to type, the ex-Milan, Barca, Juventus, Malmo, Inter, and Ajax forward has been phenomenal this season. Even Carlos 'el goleador' Bianchi has stated that Ibra will have more success and break all his records at the French Capital. PSG are comfortably seated on top of Le Championnat and are through to the Coupe de France quarter finals. A Historic treble is within reach. Italian manager, Carlo Ancelotti, needs no introduction, or does he? The 2-time Champions League winning manager was brought in after his appointment was terminated at Chelsea where he won the League and F.A Cup. Since replacing Antoine Kombouare, the 2004 Serie A winning manager has revamped the QIA owned club and lured the likes of Ibra, Thiago Silva, Lucas Moura, GVDW, Ezequiel Lavezzi, etc. The league was lost last season, but this is their season for real. Facing Barcelona is the biggest test yet.

Almighty Barcelona arrive in Paris on the back of a 2-2 draw v Celta Vigo at the weekend. Lionel Messi, one of the World's greatest ever players, scored in the 19th consecutive La Liga game and thus created yet another record. What a football god. His 56 goals this season is 12 more than nearest challenger, CR7's total of 44. Betting against him this night will be worse than suicidal. His co-workers, Iniesta and Xavi also travelled with the squad despite fears that the latter will not be fit in time to face the parisiens. Jordi Alba has also been passed fit. Sergio Busquets, the ever present and reliable holding midfielder, will be key today.

PROBABLE LINEup---
PSG- Sirigu, Jallet, T.Silva, Alex, Maxwell, Matuidi, Beckham, Pastore, L.Moura, Lavezzi, IBRAHIMOVIC

Les Parisiens might cause some surprises when the teams walk out onto the pitch tonight. The big news is that David Beckham might feature from the start, with Marco Verratti the man to make way. Rumours they still are. It is up front that there will definitely not be any shocks, Former Barca striker, Ibrahimovic has the hopes of his club lying firmly on his shoulders and will lead the line alongside Pocho Lavezzi and Lucas Moura.

BARCELONA- Valdes, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Villa, Pedro.

The Blaugrana team picks itself sincerely. Only injuries can make us guess who comes in for who. Some things are just natural.

BAYERN MUNICH-JUVENTUS

Die Roten don't play around these days. The 9-2 demolition of Hamburg at the weekend sent messages of great fear around Europe. El Conquistador started the match in place of the MARIOS (Mandzukic and Gomez) and repaid the manager's faith with 4 goals. Arjen Robben added a brace. This result was achieved without as much as 7 regulars starting the match. If the Old Lady think they will have it easy at the Schlauchboot "Inflatable Boat', then they have another thing coming.

Conte's Juventus warmed for this crunch game in style, gaining revenge on old foes, Inter Milan at the Guiseppe Meazza. The Derby D;Italia, as matches contested between the two are called, ended 2-1 in favour of the League Leaders. Tonight's game will be much more difficult. Any game against Osram's Bayern  is extremely dicey

Bayern Munich have some of the best players in the World. Franck Ribery can stand toe to toe with the creme de la creme of Global soccer. Arjen Robben is my favourite leftie of this generation, and on his day, he is as dangerous as anyone on any football pitch. Bastian Schweinsteiger rubs shoulders with some of the best deep lying playmakers (DLP) of our time. He's too good a player anytime, any day. There are also World beaters like Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Toni Kroos, etc. Juventus also boasts of giants like Andrea Pirlo-the DLP supreme of this age. Arturo Vidal is pure class. Claudio Marchisio is no small fry, Gianluigi Buffon, the Goalkeeping Legend and others. It is their defence which is puzzling. Bonucci and Barzagli are not your everyday Nesta-Maldini pair, but they are very reliable and snuff out threats superbly. It is in that department that The Old Lady are very strong and rock solid. In attack, everyone complements each other, without one necessarily being a serial goal scorer. Matri, Vucinic, Giovinco, and Quagliarella share the goal scoring responsibilities and quite well too.

The Champions-elect of Germany and Italy face off tonight in the match of the Round unarguably. Gripping may be the best word to describe what is about to take place. Sit back and grab a beer...............

MALAGA-DORTMUND........REAL MADRID-GALATASARAY.......PREVIEW(s) will follow tomorrow...................Cheers!

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

CHELSEA-MANCHESTER UNITED..FA CUP 6th Round Preview!

            

If not for David De Gea, we wouldn't have the opportunity to even talk about this match, let alone watch it. It was the Spanish future Number one goaltender who kept out his compatriot, Juan MATA in the closing minutes of the pulsating game of two halves. Manchester United bossed the early exchanges and were deserving of their 2 goal lead at half time. Chelsea came out more purposefully in the 2nd half and made the home side pay for all the wastefulness of the first half. Eden Hazard, who came on in the 2nd half, scored the first before Ramires scored a beautiful equaliser. No more than the pensioners deserved. Tomorrow, the red army will have the chance to right all the wrongs of previous matches v the blues.

Fergie will lead out his troops at lunchtime tomorrow knowing fully well that a repeat of the collapse they have had in recent games v Chelsea will prove costly. In all 3 games prior to this, the red devils have thrown away leads and it has cost them twice and a Capital One Cup ouster. The Champions-elect will know better than to let this particular one slip.

Both teams come into the match with contrasting fortunes. Chelsea lost at Southampton on Saturday, while Manchester United moved a step closer to its 20th Domestic title with a hard fought win at Sunderland which has cost Martin O'Neill his job there. Chelsea were without Juan Mata and Gary Cahill for the match at St Mary's due to physical problems and ill-health. Both are expected to shrug whatever ails them and feature from the start. It is the Spanish playmaker SAF will be worried stiff about. When he shows up, he is almost unplayable. He, alongside Hazard and Oscar are ruthless at best.

The two Leviathans very much want to do well in the F/A Cup this term. It is difficult to say who wants it more. This is because Chelsea have won four of the last six trophies on offer and Man United last tasted victory nine years ago (d. Millwall) and are hungry to add to their record total of 11. Chelsea's season has been one of ups and downs. Only this and the Europa League represent the two chances they have of claiming any silverware. The come from behind performance on March 10 at Old Trafford was breathtakingly excellent. The United rearguard was run ragged by the brilliance and tact of the M-H-O trident.

On Monday at the Bridge, it will be a different ball game altogether for both teams. The home side are formidable at home and will be hopeful that home advantage counts when both teams lurk horns. Manchester United will welcome back a host of stellar names for this fixture. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs, Danny Welbeck, Jonny Evans and Luis Nani are all likely to be in the Starting lineup.after they were rested on Saturday. Sir Alex Ferguson will be very happy with the depth of his squad. The quality of players at his disposal is frightening.

The game can be won and lost in midfield. What Carrick, who has been gigantic this season, brings to the game will play a vital role in whether MUFC progress or not. CFC's main midfield man for the last two seasons or so, has been the Brazilian willing runner, Ramires. The ever imposing Samba boy scored the all important equaliser than secured the replay and is poised to even better that performance. He often shows up when it matters most. The problem for Benitez is his friend, Fernando Torres. The persistence/insistence of Roman Abramovich to always include the 'kid' from Madrid in the starting 11 is doing more harm than good. He has failed to repay the faith and his goal return has been worse than poor by his standards. Demba Ba isn't exactly firing on all cylinders. However, he is more of a goal threat nowadays than the beleaguered Spaniard. The theory is that the Senegalese will start since Torres got the nod at the South Coast. As for Man Utd, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez knows how to score against Chelsea. He has scored 5 in his last 6 games v the West Londoners and might line up alongside Rooney in attack just as it was at Old Trafford. Portuguese star, Luis Nani is back from injury and should replace Ashley Young or Valencia on the wings. Evergreen Ryan Giggs still has it in his locker. His experience will be key.

200 goal man, Frank Lampard is still looking for the 3 goals that will see him march past Bobby Tambling in the hierarchy of Chelsea's Highest ever goal scorers. He could move a step closer to that mark if he scores a couple tomorrow. Easier said than achieved. Wayne Rooney is also close to the 200 goal mark for Manchester United. 4 more and he's there. Four against Chelsea is a massively daunting task, but you wouldn't put it past the Englishman. The Premier League is as good as over with the red army comfortably on top of the table, 15 points clear of the the chasing pack. Chelsea fell to 4th after the loss to Southampton coupled with Tottenham's win at Swansea....although the blues have played a game less.

Rafa Benitez was lambasted for fielding an under strength team on Saturday. Even the introduction of Eden Hazard did not yield the needed result. Many felt he should have started Hazard since Mata was unavoidably absent. No one seems to see reasons with the fact that he has 6 games in 16 days and has to tinker the squad to negotiate through all of them successfully. Hazard could have been there and the result wouldn't have changed much.

We await the drama.................Tough one to call.

PROBABLE LINEUPS
CHELSEA: Cech, Azpi, Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Oscar, Hazard, Mata, Ba

MUFC: DDG, Rafa/Smalling, Rio, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Nani, Giggs, Rooney, Chicharito

There's still some doubt over the fitness and availability of Rafa Da Silva after he was pulled out of the Sunderland game with a hip problem. Smalling might come in for the much improved Brazilian right back. The Englishman has played very well for club and country in the last three games. Shouldn't be a problem.

Ohireime P Eboreime
Catch me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

SUNDERLAND-MUFC PREVIEW

                                         
                                      


What a welcome relief. The International break is well and truly over (at least for now). Focus shifts to club football once again. This is what the fans really care about, not some boring games all in the name of World Cup Qualifiers, although some games were hugely entertaining. Manchester United resume domestic affairs in a bid to win its 20th English crown. Their next adventure is at the Stadium of Light where relegation threatened Sunderland await the challenge.

It has been a bit of a surprise that the black cats are flirting with relegation this season. They lie in 15th place on 31 points, level with Southampton who are 16th. Although they are only 3 points behind 11th placed Stoke City (34 pts). Mathematically, all ten teams are not safe from relegation. From Stoke who occupy the 11th spot to lowest ranked QPR. The team is led by one of the most experienced managers in British football, Martin O'Neil, whose spells at Celtic, Leicester City and Aston Villa brought a lot of success. He was expected to replicate something similar at Wearside. It hasn't been as anticipated. Backed by Multi-millionaire owner, Ellis Short, they have spent in excess of 30 million pounds this season bringing in the likes of Adam Johnson, Steven Fletcher and ex-Swan, Danny Graham. Results haven't gone their way at all and their last outing in the Premier League ended in a 1-all draw v the yellow submarines of English football, Norwich. This is an even bigger test. The biggest of their season. Manchester United come to town.

Sir Alex Ferguson has still not forgotten his team's ordeal in the hands of the Sunderland fans when the announcement came through that Kun Aguero had scored an injury time winner for the Citizens of Manchester to effectively end United's hopes of claiming a 20th top flight domestic triumph. They were vociferous in their scorn and ridicule of the red devils who until the 91st minute, were champions of England. The Scotsman and his talisman, Wayne Rooney have repeatedly stated this term that they will never forget that fateful day and the latter also added that he now checks when his team plays Sunderland as soon as the fixture list is released. It was and still is that hurtful.

The Champions-elect come into this game 15 points ahead of closest challengers, City who have stuttered this season and failed to rise up to the occasion when it matters most. Fergie and his boys know that only a collapse even more tumultuous than the earthquake that struck Japan a few years ago, can stop the Premier League trophy from finding its way back to where it has stayed 12 times prior. During the International Break, the likes of Rooney, RVP and Chicharito were on song for their respective NTs. On a personal and collective level for RvP's Oranje, everything went as dreamed. 2 clean sheets and 7 goals scored with RVP contributing to 6 (3 goals, 3 assists) of the strikes. The Dutchman has now scored 34 goals for the Netherlands and is just 6 behind the Legendary Patrick Kluivert (40). For England, it was a relatively satisfactory performance with 4 points gained from two matches played. Rooney struck and assisted against the World's biggest minnows, San Marino and then added another sweet headed goal v Montenegro in Podgorica where he was famously red carded in a Euro 2012 Qualifier. With that goal, the Englishman joined Michael Owen as the two players who have scored the most goals in competitive games for the 3Lions-26. Javier Hernandez a.k.a Lil Pea made his presence felt in Mexico's game v Honduras. His two goals for the Tri were not enough to earn a victory as the opponents came back from 2 down to even the score. On a personal level though, his brace took him to an excellent 30 (in 46 matches) since his debut. SENSATIONAL! Antonio Valencia and Ecuador scored great wins v El Salvador (friendly) and Paraguay (WCQ) and Tony V made a telling contribution in each of them. Ashley Young was also among the scorers in the San Marino game and is in fine form.

Sunderland are without Steven Fletcher and Captain Lee Cattermole who have been ruled out until next season. A big blow to the black cats survival push. Fletcher was injured in the Scotland-Wales game and worst fears have now been confirmed. Connor Wickham is expected to fill the void over the next two months or so. The black cats have other options in midfield, but Lee's driving force and leadership qualities will be sorely missed in the run-in.

Probable Lineups-
Sunderland:
Mignolet, Gardner, O'Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Larsson, Vaughan, Sessegnon, Johnson, McClean, Graham

Stephane Sessegnon has been very poor this season. The Benin International has been well below par for the Wearsiders and it has been evident in results and performances thus far. This is where great players are counted and a good showing v Manchester United will assuage fears of relegation. Danny Graham must stand up to be counted as well. the striker has been here and there since his arrival and in the absence of Fletcher, he must carry the burden of scoring the needed goals.

Manchester United
DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, TonyV, Ashley Young, Rooney, RVP

Sir Alex Ferguson will definitely have one eye on Easter Monday's FA Cup Quarter-Final replay at the Bridge when selecting his team for Saturday. The Managerial great wants the domestic cup at all costs after missing out for the past nine years. The evergreen Ryan Giggs will be needed to steer the red army ship past Chelsea on Monday and should be rested for the trip to the Stadium of Light. Paul 'Ginger Maestro' Scholes is back after a long layoff and should start the Sunderland game. Northern Irishman, Jonny Evans will start one of the two upcoming games. The gaffer will choose the one best suited for him. Rooney and RVP will start as the team cannot afford any slip-ups and intend to be merciless.

The expected outcome should be a straightforward United victory, but who knows?

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

The Preview-MAN UTD V READING....OLD TRAFFORD

(Dailyfootballnews.org)

(myfootballfacts.com)

The royals come into this match on the back of 5 consecutive losses which has grossly blighted all the good work they put in two months ago. Their excellent recovery and ability to come from behind in more games than one saw dismissed manager, Brian McDermott named Manager of the month of January and his last card, Adam Le Fondre pick up the player's gong.  Anton Zingarevich, youthful owner and CEO of Reading FC fired Brian McDermott after the royals 2-1 loss at home to fellow relegation strugglers, Aston Villa. It was the last straw for the Russian Multi-millionaire who wouldn't want a quick return to the lower division of English football. Reading's poor run has seen them caught up by QPR who were 7 points adrift of safety four weeks ago. Both are now level on 23 points and this spells enormous danger. It is a situation the club and its supporters dreaded, but one they have to come to terms with and fight until the last game to ensure safety and a place among the big wigs next season.

Carra-Hoddle..(dailymail.co.uk)

Manchester United cannot afford to slip up at all in the title run in. Handing the title to noisy neighbours Manchester City last season still bites them till this day. That will serve as a timely reminder and motivation to go all out and hoist the 20th crown which they so badly crave. After throwing away a 2-goal lead to Chelsea last Sunday in the F.A Cup Quarter-Final, they have surely given themselves more work to do in the coming months as they chase a domestic double. The pain of exiting the Champions League is still fresh and evident. Sir Alex Ferguson will want nothing less than an outright win this evening when the Royals come to town. Perhaps more worrying is the form of main threat, Robin Van Persie. The Dutchman looks dazed and out of sorts at the moment. One goal in his last nine is testament to the fact that his killer instinct has waned largely. Wayne Rooney and Chicharito scored v Chelsea last weekend and Danny Welbeck refuses to add to a paltry total of 2 goals scored all season. It is something that will give Sir Alex a headache coming into this game especially if we consider the drama that played out at the Madejski last November. Michael Carrick continues to dominate in midfield and is expected to start this evening. The Englishman is in the form of his life and has been for much of the season. To crown it all, his assists ratio has stocked up in recent matches and all round play is a joy to watch. Carrick that is. Believe the hype. It is deserved.

Like Norwich, Reading have to be wary of the lustiness and hunger of Champions-elect, Manchester United. The 4-0 demolition of the canaries was a clear statement of intent that a repeat of last season's capitulation is only in the imagination of retards. The determination and unbridled quest to retain the EPL crown is one that has rarely been seen in any of Fergie's assemblages.

New man Dolan (getreading.co.uk)

Cancer Survivor, Eamonn Dolan is no stranger to adversity. Cheating death is the greatest battle you can ever win and he has achieved that once. What then is the prospect of beating the drop? A small fry compared to the cancerous situation he made past. He seems to be the right man to lead the royals to a 9-game survival fight which starts at the Theatre of Dreams this evening. The Irishman who took over the reins (in caretaker capacity) from the bald Brian, faces a daunting task today in Manchester. Only one team in Domestic Football has managed to topple the red army at home all season. Spurs did the unthinkable five months ago. Reading can if all things work in their favour and everything goes against Manchester United including a heavy thunderstorm. Adam Le Fondre could not do much when both teams met 26 days ago in the F.A Cup. He poses a huge threat when he is on song. Eamonn can rely on him to deliver the goods.

Wayne Rooney has been under the spotlight since SAF dropped him for the all important match v Real Madrid. He however came back last Sunday to score his 196th goal and go within 53 of Sir Bobby Charlton's all time scoring record for the red devils. Rumours that he is leaving have been undermined by Sir Bobby and Sir Alex. The latter has authoritatively affirmed that his star contributor is staying put and a new contract will be discussed when the time is right. The seemingly concerned and disillusioned Wayne can turn the royals inside out just to pass on a message to SAF and the coaching staff that he hasn't lost it.

Probable Lineups-

MANCHESTER UNITED----------- DDG, Rafa/Smalling, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Anderson/Scholes, Young, Giggs, Wazza (Rooney), RVP

READING-------------------------- Taylor, Kelly, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte, Leigertwood, Akpan, McAnuff, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, LE FONDRE

Robin Van Persie is again expected to lead the line despite his poor record in front of goal since January. His strike partner is most assuredly Wayne Rooney. Paul Scholes hasn't played for a long time and should be in contention for a place in the starting eleven. The other positions virtually pick themselves except Fergie decides to rest either Rafa or Evra who he described as worn out after playing regularly for the last two or three months. He might also rest Rio Ferdinand (who was surprisingly (not for football reasons) selected by Roy Hodgson for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers) and bring back Captain Nemanja Vidic into the starting 11. Antonio Valencia has been a disappointment in the last 12 weeks. Giggs in his place will not be a shock. It might be 1001 appearances for the Welsh evergreen Legend.

For Reading, Nigeria's Hope Akpan has been excellent for them despite their many losses. Adam Le Fondre might be chosen ahead of Pavel and co to lead the line with Robson-Kanu and  the MACs (McCleary and McAnuff) supporting him.

The royals need something more than supernatural to emerge victorious today. Hopefully for them, it won't be the belting others have received when they visit.

Ohireime P Eboreime

ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990