WEDNESDAY Delight....A PREVIEW OF TONIGHT'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q/FINAL

'Osram' Heynckes and his German assassins won their 23rd German title on Saturday at Frankfurt. One down, two to go for the Bavarians. It was a great performance last time out at the 'Inflatable Boat' in Munich which saw Juventus put to the sword. Now Bayern Munich take a 2 nil lead to Turin. In the other match, Paris St Germain will attempt to achieve the almost impossible task of defeating Barcelona at the Camp Nou and progress to the semi-finals.



                                                  

Unenviable as it is, Le Parisien will do everything within their powers to eliminate Barcelona even if it is at the Nou Camp. Everyone knows how daunting it is to beat what is regarded as the best club side in the World. Carlo Ancelotti and his boys have what it takes to go all the way in the competition and that they will try to go a step further in a few hours. The big story before this great match-up surrounds the possible absence of Leo Messi from the squad. The thigh injury he sustained at the PdP last week still ails him, although he trained well yesterday. It has been widely spread that he will most likely start the game from the bench. The doctors have advised that he takes his place among the substitutes to avert any relapse. The Blaugrana have shown that they are more than capable of coping without the little Legend. In matches he hasn't featured at all this season, Barca have scored 10 goals and conceded none, winning both games convincingly. The most recent is last weekend's thumping of Mallorca. Cesc Fabregas who's the automatic choice for the false nine position, scored a lovely hat-trick with Chilean, Alexis Sanchez helping himself to a brace.

Runaway leaders of Le Championaat, PSG, warmed up for the most important match of their season with a gutsy 2-0 win at Rennes with Ibracadabra and Jeremy Menez scoring the goals. The latter, a world class goal worthy of gracing any pitch. The hopes of the Parisian club rests on the big shoulders of the towering Swede whose 35 goals this season sums up the reasons why he is so so valuable. He wasn't at his best last week, but he still scored one and assisted the other as his side fought to earn a deserved draw. The absence of Puyol and Masch will be an added boost to the Strikers department of the french club and Ibra can make the four time European Champions pay dearly. Ezequiel 'Pocho' Lavezzi has scored five goals for PSG this season and will be relied upon to deliver the goods.

Probable Lineups-
BARCELONA-
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Adriano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Alexis/Pedro, CESC, Villa/Tello

Tito Vilanova's depleted side have to do without Captain Carlos Puyol and Jefecito Mascherano which means the centre of defence is shaky and bereft of first choice regulars. The versatile Adriano who's fit in time for this encounter might slot into the hole with Pique providing the needed experience and skill.  David Villa is a doubt and Leo Messi will most likely start from the bench.

PSG-
Sirigu, Jallet, T.Silva, Alex, Mxwell, Beckham, Verratti, Chantome, Lavezzi, Moura, IBRA

Blaise Matuidi is the reason the Parisiens are still in this tie. His last gasp equaliser secured a 2-2 draw and a chance to qualify for the semis of Europe's most prestigious cup competition. He will be missing from tonight's crunch game through suspension. A great loss to the team. His absence in midfield will seriously be felt. The young Verratti, the veteran Becks and Clemente Chantome have to play the game of their lives to keep Xavi and Iniesta quiet, while creating chances for Ibra and his cohorts. Only Becks is used to these kind of situations. However, age has caught up with him  and he isn't the player he once was. His displays last time made a huge impression on the football public and a replication of that will definitely help his team.



                                           

With the League wrapped up, die Roten will hope to complete the job started on the old lady. The Champions of Germany have been spectacular all season, destroying every obstacle on their way. The aim is three titles and with one secured, the next objective is to go further in the Champions League. Tonight at the Juventus Stadium, it is make or mar for both sides and the Juventini have it all to do.

Gianluigi Buffon has been widely criticized for the two goals conceded in the 1st leg defeat by Bayern's honourary President, Franz Beckenbauer. The Germany and Bayern Legend called the Azzurri Captain a Pensioner for failing to keep out Alaba's long range shot and his inability to hold a weak shot that led to the 2nd goal. He has since apologised, but maintained that Gigi should have kept out both goals. The great Italian goalie agreed that he was poor in the match, but chose not to respond to Beckenbauer. He said 'When you are the hammer, you hit....when you are the anvil, you stay put'. The most important thing is to stay focused and perform better in the next game. He is one of the best goaltenders of all time and will be expected to prove that beyond any doubt tonight as his team tries to overturn a seemingly insurmountable deficit. The Old Lady will be aware of the huge threat Bayern pose. The 4-1 defeat a few seasons ago is a reminder of the quality of the Bavarian team. Andrea Pirlo never showed up at the 'Schlauchboot' last week. The best DLP in the World must sparkle if Juventus harbour any ambition of getting past Bayern later tonight. Mirko Vucinic scores his goals once in a blue moon. His brace v Pescara last weekend helped Juventus to gain all three points...However, he is not a potent striker. Quag, Matri, and Giovinco don't score often, but it is the unity of the team that has brought them were they are at the moment.

Bayern Munich cannot afford to lose concentration this night. Granted, they hold a 2-0 lead. Juventus will come out and throw even the kitchen sink at them in an effort to push them out of the UCL. It will be one of the great comebacks of European football, but like we saw in the Dortmund-Malaga match yesterday, impossible is nothing, especially in Football. The likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger who helped to keep the imposing Pirlo quiet, Thomas Muller-the footballer who never lets you down, Philipp Lahm-Captain composure and guile, Arjen Robben-one of the best wingers of his generation, Franck Ribery-star man, Dante-defensive rock, Manuel Neuer-Goalkeeper supreme, etc are hungrier than ever to make up for last season's disappointment where they fell at the last hurdle (lost to Chelsea on penalties). Die Roten won nothing when they within touching distance of winning a historic treble. This season is one of making up for the lost time. Since the Bundesliga is a wrap, the other two competitions will be given greater priority.

Probable Lineups-
JUVENTUS-
Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pardoin, Pogba, PIRLO, Marchisio, Peluso, Vucinic, Quag

The Old lady of Italian Football will be without Stephan Lichsteiner and powerhouse, Arturo Vidal for the visit of the Bavarians. Paul Labile Pogba will come in for the suspended Chilean and Conte might deploy a 3-5-2 formation. Federico Peluso will be the preferred left wing-back as Kwadwo Asamoah is painfully out of sorts at the moment. Pirlo and Buffon, over to you guys.

BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba, Schweini, Martinez, Robben, Ribery, Muller, Mandzukic,

All is well and good for the Reds as they file out tonight. We all know Osram's picks for Bundesliga and European games, so there should be no surprises. The only one is Robben for Kroos which is enforced.

Get a beer and some groundnut then..................it's ACTION time......

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

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