MANCHESTER UNITED - HULL CITY PREVIEW

                                             




There's a paradigm shift in the way Manchester United are going about football business nowadays. The record English champions won its first away game of the season at the Emirates last Sunday and on Saturday, they play host to the tigers from Hull and the man that captained the red army to its first EPL title, Steve Bruce. The all action ex-centre back was one of the main guys in the 92-93 triumph. Now, he is a foe and this is not the first time.

Steve once hit 19 goals in all competitions from the back for Manchester United (in the double capturing 92-93 season) and is a club legend but all that will be put aside when hostilities resume on Saturday afternoon. The red devils who sit in fourth place, thirteen points behind leaders Chelsea, have won their last nine straight games v the tigers, including six in the league. On paper, they are heavy favourites to take all the points. However, Swansea hadn't won at the Theatre in 81 years until three months ago when that record was broken with consummate ease.

LVG will be happy to welcome Radamel Falcao back to the fold. Ander Herrera and Jonny Evans returned to the team on Tuesday evening when the reserves (U-21) hit five past Blackburn. The Northern Irishman returns after three months on the sidelines to shore up a defence that has seen at least eight different pairings since the start of the season. Those that have come in have shown a lot of courage and maturity. Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair were colossal in North London last time and may get the nod v Hull City. Robin Vsn Persie played a peripheral role at his old stomping ground and his form, confidence and dedication have all come under scrutiny since the beginning of the season. He has become a complete opposite of the ruthless predator whose excellent finishes led the club to its 20th title two seasons ago. Nevertheless, he is still a threat and will continue to start until LVG decides that enough is enough. There is James Wilson whose pace and directness can cause havoc anytime.

For Hull, they possess some quality footballers. Hatem Ben Arfa, Gaston Ramirez, Momo Diame, Abel Hernandez, Tom Huddlestone, Livermore, etc are top players who can turn the tide with their abilities. Momo Diame has been the star of the season but their form has dipped in the last five or six weeks. To regain the spark they had at the start of the season, they have to upend the hosts. Steve Bruce has had a difficult time trying to get one over his former side. A win tomorrow will be the perfect result for the former Birmingham City and Sunderland manager.

Wayne Rooney has found form again and when he does, he is devastatingly merciless. The England and Manchester United captain scored a beauty at Arsenal and has a fantastic record v the tigers, once scoring four past them in a sensational display four years ago. His selflessness on the field of play is a plus for any team. He's the band leader of the United orchestra. The head of the corner. Another thirty strikes and he leapfrogs SIR BOBBY CHARLTON into first place in the ,club's all time highest goal scorers hierarchy.

LVG has brought a lot since he took over the reins. The Dutch tactical genius is getting better each match day and will hope to continue the good run of form v HULL CITY on Saturday. The likes of Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Adnan Januzaj will be looking to return to the starting eleven after being left out in recent weeks. Ander and Juan especially. Belgian teenager, Adnan has been given opportunities which he has failed to take. He bossed the reserves game v Blackburn on Tuesday. Let's hope he can bring that form to Saturday's encounter.


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

PAYING TRIBUTE TO LA PULGA ATOMICA

Leo Andres Messi Cuccittini is TWENTY-SEVEN years old. The Rosario native affectionately called the atomic flea has done it again. In the space of four days, the diminutive football god broke the long standing scoring records of la liga and the European Cup held by Telmo Zarranonandia and Raul Gonzalez. It is not that both situations were unexpected, but what remained a mystery was how he was going to shatter the records and customarily, he did it the way only MESSI can. A treble on Saturday at the Nou Camp was quickly followed by another unique treble in Nicosia. No one else can use his weaker foot to score a hat-trick on a day when a record breaking feat was achieved. Only LEO MESSI can and he came to the fore.

Waking up this morning, I thought to myself 'What would have been if there was no CRISTIANO RONALDO?'. Perhaps, we would have been bored stiff by now as our beloved sport could have only boasted one ruler. Whatever be the case, this is the best era ever and I don't care what anyone else thinks. No era has ever been dominated by two men the way it is happening now and we have to continuously celebrate both of them because it is an honour watching them break and set records week in, week out.

Leo Messi, at 27 years of age, is now the highest ever goal scorer for Barcelona, greatest ever in la liga and predator in chief of the European Cup/UCL. It is astoundingly outstanding that one man holds the aforementioned accolades. Unreal stuff and there are still a lot more to decimate before he calls it a day. As a self-confessed CR7 fan, I cannot help but be in glowing admiration of what Messi has achieved in his career to date. He is insurmountable, He is the standard measurement of any awesome thing that has transpired in our beautiful game. Hate him or love him, you cannot take away the fact that he is probably now as good as Pele, Maradona, Garrincha, Cruyff, Di Stefano, Eusebio, Zizou, Ronaldo Da Lima, Beckenbauer, Puskas and Platini. He and CR7 are in this exalted company and head and shoulders above anyone else in this era.

Never has it been seen that TWO INDIVIDUALS dominated a sport such as this. We can point to great sporting rivalries like Frazier-Ali, Proist-Senna, Borg-McEnroe, Chamberlain-Russell, Rafa-Roger, Henin-Clijsters, Navratilova-Evert, Edberg-Becker, etc but MESSI-CR7 tops the bill unarguably and is going to be the greatest rivalry of all time when it finally ends. Meanwhile, let us enjoy every moment we are blessed with, seeing them slug it out time and time again.

My final submission is that MESSI is a better player than Ronaldo and I am the latter's biggest fan but the Portuguese hard worker is the most complete footballer of all time and is an all time great as well as Leo and this rivalry will have a lot of twists and turns in years to come.



Bonus......

Sergio 'Kun' Aguero was at it again, single handedly dragging Manchester City from the doldrums of defeat to the most unlikeliest of victories against Bayern Munich. The EPL top scorer had three shots on target and scored from all three. Perfection! Absolutely phenomenal achievement. He didn't feed off anyone's assist. He took it upon himself to claw his team back to reckoning. His heroics ensured that the citizens can still qualify for the knockout stages of the UCL if they earn a good result at the Italian capital v Roma in the next match day. With Aguero on a hot streak, this is very attainable.

Xabi Alonso also scored on his birthday last night but was at fault for one of EL KUN's goals. He ultimately undid his good work. Unlike the pass master but some days are like that.

Congratulations Porto and Chelsea who comprehensively routed their opponents last night to qualify for the next round. Schalke were totally outclassed at the Veltins Arena by the EPL table toppers. Didier Drogba registered his 50th goal in European Competitions, becoming the first African to reach the mark and the second non-European (after MESSI) to score 50 goals in European club football. Old but gold, the Ivorian.


Ohireime P Eboreime
Twitter @ohiskaka1990

ARSENAL-MANCHESTER UNITED...ALWAYS 'THAT' MATCH THAT THRILLS AND EXCITES.

Even without the great Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal v Manchester United still tops the bill in terms of great sporting duels. Saturday will be no different as Louis Van Gaal will want to test his might against one of the best managers and teams in the World. the Dutch tactical mind is no stranger to the big occasions but his entourage to tomorrow's gig has a lot of gaping holes. One of the fiercest battles in Premier League history goes down on Saturday and Arsene Wenger can be confident of securing victory this time around.

The Arsenal have not had it rosy against the red devils in recent years. Aaron Ramsey's winner three years ago (a day before Osama Bin Laden met his end). Before then, it was 2008. If the trend is to be followed, they should emerge winners on Saturday but football is not about permutations and United won't be easy pickings. Mesut Ozil is still out until the new year but the return of Olivier Giroud and Mikel Arteta is a welcome development for the Gunners.

Manchester United were dealt a heavy blow during the international break as Daley Blind did his knee in the match v Latvia. The defensive midfielder who has been one of United's stand-out players this term, will miss at least 10 weeks of the remainder of the season. So far, it has been one of the most unfortunate seasons for the 20-time Champions and the woes don't look like they are going to discontinue soon. Phil Jones, Rafa Da Silva and Jonny Evans will sit out the fixture that has lost its buzz in recent years. due to the rise of Chelsea and the strong emergence of Manchester City. Paddy McNair may likely line up alongside Chris Smalling in defence. Michael Carrick should be fit to play in Blind's place and Ander Herrera may return after sitting out recent games due to the commendable displays of Marouane Fellaini over the last month. LVG may go for a three man midfield...or not.

Looking back at events that have taken place in years gone by, Arsenal -Manchester United has always been a spicy battle, a great, entertaining contest between two of the very best teams in the Country. From the Winterburn-McClair incident the 90-91 season, to the pizzagate in October 2004 to the several Vieira-Keane scuffles, it has always been a feisty affair. We don't expect something similar on Saturday but a beguiling engagement is anticipated.

Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez will face-off again in another big fixture after consistently going up against each other in EL CLASICO and ALBICELESTE-LA ROJA match ups. The big money signings from Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, have lived up to the billing but it is the Arsenal man who has excelled more with his match saving and game winning strikes. The Chilean class act has become indispensable at the Emirates. If current form is anything to go by, he is the most potent threat for the home side. There's also the small matter of DANNY WELBECK. The ex-United man is now leading the line for the North Londoners in a summer twist that left some United fans bewildered. The England man has been on sublime form for club and Country and is joint top scorer in European qualifying with five goals. He will leave no stone unturned in his quest to prove LVG and his erstwhile club wrong. In truth, this has come too soon for those who are still reeling at the decision to let Welbeck go. His replacement, Radamel Falcao has been plagued by calf injuries since he signed the dotted lines but there is light at the end of the tunnel as his goal scoring statistics can comfortably stand side by side with the very best in the business.

Football cannot wait to witness yet another episode in this suspense filled classic. Let the game begin


OHIREIME P EBOREIME
@ohiskaka1990

ARGENTINA-PORTUGAL PREVIEW..............MORE THAN 'JUST' A FRIENDLY

                                                          

The 'two' best players of the last six years and two of the best players to grace our sport (football) lurk horns tonight at OLD TRAFFORD-home of MANCHESTER UNITED. The theatre of dreams has hosted some of the greatest matches in history. Tonight's should follow suit. It is no coincidence that the likes of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo return to a ground that shaped their careers in the right direction. Since then, EL APACHE AND CR7, who were remarkably born on the same day but one year apart, have gone on to become mainstays in the various clubs they have represented with the latter the more successful.

Tonight, 'EL PULGA' MESSI faces off against his greatest adversary ever in football parlance. The Argentine soccer god has not managed to keep up with his Portuguese arch-rival since 2012 and he is still reeling at the fact that CR7 ended his reign as the best footballer in the World for almost half a decade. His penalty (45th International goal) ensured that the ALBICELESTE beat Croatia 2-1. A goal which drew him closer to BATIGOL's goal scoring record of 58 for the 2014 world cup runners up. Elsewhere in Algarve, Cristiano Ronaldo was leading the SELECAO to a 2nd straight victory under Fernando Santos with a rather scrappy 52nd International goal. Not one of his finest outings but it made him the highest goal scorer in EUROPEAN COMPETITIONS (+qualifiers), thus shrugging off John-Dahl Tomasson, who he shared the record with prior to the match winning goal. The REAL MADRID hitman who has rammed in 20 league goals in just 10 appearances this term, is red hot favourite to claim yet another 'WFOTY' award. 

THE ONE

 MR UNSTOPPABLE 

CR7 has the upper hand in the duel of the two all time greats this season. Real Madrid turned on the style last month when they not only ended Barcelona's record of haven not conceded in the League but also shattered their unbeaten record in the same competition. It was one of those games that could have ended 12-1 but Javier Mascherano was not going to get disgraced. EL JEFECITO who was stripped of the armband by Sabella two years ago, is one of the most underrated footballers in the world but he keeps posting very impressive stats.

No one cares about DI MARIA, TEVEZ, QUARESMA, MASCHERANO, NANI, PEPE, etc. The match tonight is MESSI v Ronaldo on the latter's old stomping ground. Messi has enjoyed success in Britain but none in Manchester. He has spearheaded clobberings of Manchester United in the past and will want to cement his reputation as the 'widely regarded better of the two' by beating Portugal and CR7 on a turf where the Portuguese was nurtured and bred. Cristiano will want none of that though, The goal machine wore a face cap with the imprint 'BORN AND BRED' upon his return to OLD TRAFFORD. His first visit in almost two years. Indeed, it is at the Theatre that his first major career movie was shot. It is at OLD TRAFFORD he was first celebrated as the best footballer in the WORLD. He has gone on to score 275 goals for REAL MADRID in 5+ seasons at the Bernabeu. Raul's seemingly unbeatable record of 324 will be smashed come next season. The man is unstoppable. Among active players, only ROBBIE KEANE has scored more International goals than the red-hot Ronaldo. He will look to add to his tally tonight.

Nothing will be settled tonight, The significance of this match has only been heightened by the fact that LEO AND CRISTIANO are representing their countries. Beyond that, it is just another friendly. NO? We are set to find out in a few hours.

Ohireime P Eboreime

@ohiskaka1990

TWO GIANTS COMPETE FOR THE GERMAN SUPER CUP. BERLIN AWAITS BAYERN AND DOTMUND

Borussia Dortmund had a season to forget last time out. Bayern won the League with seven games to spare and they also lost the DFB POKAL (German Cup) final to the Bavarians. In the Champions League, they narrowly lost to Real Madrid over two legs. A far cry from the previous season's achievements. But they will take consolation from the fact that they actually won a trophy last season, even though it seemed to be swept under the carpet when judging how well they performed at the end of the 13/14 season. Die Schwarzgelben tortured Bayern from start to finish in last season's Super Cup clash, consigning the then UCL winners to a fourth defeat in nine of such finals. It was also Dortmund's third win in four finals v their greatest rivals. But the star performer that night will be absent from tonight's clash. German International, IIKAY GUNDOGAN is still nursing a persistent back injury that has kept him out for so long. The likes of Sven Bender and OLiver Kirch will do well to stiffen the threat posed by the World Class Bayern midfield.






As if the daggers were not drawn enough between both sides, Bayern Chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has added tension to the severed relationship by telling BILD that Marco Reus will be available for just 25 Million Euros next Summer. This hasn't gone down well with the Dortmund hierarchy with CEO, Hans Joachim Watzke accusing his Bayern counterpart of continuous interference in his club's affairs. He also added that KHR should be aware that this will only make the relationship much more tense. Jorgen Klopp has also spoken glowingly of departed Polish predator, Robert Lewandowski who hasn't put a foot wrong since joining Bayern but is determined to get one over his former player.

Both teams have not enjoyed pre-season so far. Dortmund were recently clobbered by Liverpool at Anfield and Bayern haven't exactly fared better. Beaten by the MLS all stars coupled with Pep's idiotic behaviour in the aftermath of the defeat, a lot has is left to be desired. Considering how they steamrolled the Buli last time out, a better performance will be required this time around. In league meetings last season, Bayern outplayed Dortmund at the Iduna and came out 3-0 winners. Typically, Dortmund repaid the favour by cruising past the Reds 3-0. Bayern then won the battle in the Pokal final and today, revenge will be on the minds of both for many reasons.


PROBABLE LINEUPS-

BAYERN MUNICH-

Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweini, Bernat, Muller, Robben, lewandowski

FC Hollywood sold Kroos to Real Madrid nad brought in Bernat. The likes of Hojbjerg will almost certainly feature more often this season. New signing, Robert Lewandowski ensured that Mario Mandzukic was sold to Atletico Madrid. The Pole has hit the ground running almost immediately and there seems to be no end to his scoring streak. Wioth Franck Ribery absent, Thomas Muller, now a World Champion will partner Lewandowski and Arjen Robben in attack.


DORTMUND-

Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Papastathopoulos, Schmelzer, Kirch, S.Bender, Jojic, Mkhitaryan, PEA, Immobile

Lewandowski's departure to Bayern was a double blow. First because he is one of the best strikers in the World and a vital ingredient. Secondly, he chose no other new pasture but the lawns of Bavaria. A slap across the face of Die Borussen. But they have gone past that. Ciro Immobile has been brought in from Torino to replace the ever dependable Pole. The Serie A hotshot and Capocannoniere (Highest goal scorer) is not Lewandowski but he can contribute greatly to the Dortmund cause. Adrian Ramos has also been lured from Hertha Berlin. The likes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (PEA) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also provide support in attack. Newly installed skipper, Mats Hummels will miss out through injury but fit again Neven Subotic should start in defence alongside Greek wall, Sokratis.


Tonight, bragging rights, pride and everything will be at stake when the two greatest sides in German football go head to head. Bayern have the edge for obvious reasons but no team has the winning formula v Bayern than tonight's opponents. Should be fun


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

REAL MADRID-SEVILLA PREVIEW-BLANCOS begin quest for SEXTUPLE

                                                                        



The moment we have all been waiting for, is upon us. The football season officially kicked off on Sunday with Arsenal bashing Manchester City in the Community shield. Now, it is the small matter of the UEFA SUPER CUP where two Spanish teams will lurk horns for the right to hoist the first major trophy of the 2014/15 campaign.

Fresh from having a rotten World Cup tournament, the nation of Spain are back to familiar territory, haven bossed both European club competitions which has resulted in Real Madrid (UCL Champions) facing Sevilla (Europa League winners). The merengues have bolstered their squad since taking everyone apart to finally hold aloft the 10th European trophy after it seemed it was never going to happen. It is no coincidence that was the season Gareth Bale was purchased that 'LA DECIMA' finally became a reality. The Welshman provided plenty and is set to even become deadlier as he's been training for two months now and is looking fitter than ever.

Since enjoying a beautiful and historic night at Eusebio's shrine (ESTADIO DA LUZ-LISBON) three months ago, the blancos have done some shopping in the close season and made a few adjustments. Zinedine Zidane has moved to the B-team to become head coach with his replacement being the great Fernando Hierro. The former Leader of the 'whites'  and Spain has joined forces with the club he scored 127 times for and defended with his life. On the field, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas have been brought in after a great World Cup tournament. The Colombian wonderkid was top scorer, Kroos-World Champion and Navas, arguably the safest hands in the competition. They have also let Diego Lopez join AC MILAN and the likes of Kehdira and Di Maria have uncertain futures at the club with the latter being subject of a bidding war between PSG and Manchester United although the french club have since pulled out of the race. However, both are still at the club and may feature tonight.

The Millennium stadium in Cardiff is set to host tonight's game and that means a return home for Gareth Bale. The Welsh forward has been tipped to have a greater impact this term than his senior colleague, Cristiano Ronaldo, thanks to better fitness and stamina. In his club's indifferent pre-season tour, he held his head up high and will be determined to excel in his own backyard. It is a dream come true for the ex-Spurs star. Playing in his hometown and defending the crest of the most successful European club of all time is something that was only a dream until ti all came to reality last year. Now, here's another chance to write history.

Sevilla and Unai Emery had to let go of talismanic playmaker, Ivan Rakitic, The Croat was coveted by Barcelona and he couldn't say no to their advances. Despite Denis Suarez being part of the deal, it goes without saying that the departure of Rakitic is a massive blow. Nevertheless, the firepower upfront can still lead the Andalusians to yet another triumph. The chance to become UEFA SUPER CUP holders for the second time will drive them on tonight. After defeating Benfica (on penalties) in the Europa League final in May, they put themselves in this enviable position to start the season as possible double European Champions.


Whatever happens today, Spain will be delighted that at least one of its teams will be crowned Champions of the super cup

 Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

DIE MANNSCAFT BATTER BRAZIL TO BITS AND PIECES IN BELO HORIZONTE IN A REVENGE MISSION OF RUTHLESS EFFICIENCY

The Samba boys of Brazil were left dismayed at the incredibly exemplary way the German machines tore them to shreds in last night’s historic affair. It was Brazil that started the brightest with Bernard, the chosen heir to Neymar’s throne, tormenting Benedikt Howedes in what was still early doors. Hulk also delivered a good cross that Manuel Neuer quickly came to gather. Then the 3-time World Champions ran amok.

With the speed of lightning, Germany opened the scoring. A Toni Kroos corner was left for the quest person you would ever leave alone and he duly dispatched with aplomb to put his team ahead in front of 70,000 vociferous, demanding and intimidating Brazilian fans. Tomas Muller took his World Cup goal tally to 10 overall and 5 for this tourney with a first time shot that was too hot for Cesar to even see. They hadn’t even left second gear yet. What was to happen next was simply ground breaking. On his 136^th International appearance, Miroslav Klose was given the freedom of the Garden City (nickname for Belo Horizonte) to register his 16^th World Cup goal. What that meant was that he repaid an old favour (Ronaldo broke ‘Da Bomber’s’ record in Germany) and went ahead of the great Luis Nazario Da Lima (Ronaldo) in the list of highest goal scorers in World Cup History. It was also his 71^st International goal. Something he is yet to achieve with any of the clubs he has represented. There’s something about Germans and World Cup records. Germany became hungrier and it wasn’t long until they found plenty of food. Toni Kroos turned from provider to scorer when he scored a trademark goal to increase the heart beat rate of every Brazilian. SIXTY-EIGHT seconds later, Sami Khedira put one on a plate for the aforementioned player and he made it 4. Khedira got on the act also, netting a 5^th goal for the Germans and condemning the SELECCION finally.

The second half started with Oscar and co testing the Mannscaft’s defensive resolve. Manuel Neuer, undisputedly the World’s safest hands, denied the hosts and down trodden team any lifeline. Andre Schurrle was brought in for record breaker, Klose and he got on the act ten minutes after his introduction. 6-0? Unimaginable. That was not all. Schurrle blasted his second of the night, third of the tourney and Germany’s 7^th to put DIE NATIONAELF in seventh Heaven. Oscar scored a needless goal in the 90^th minute to at least remove a bit of shame. The clobbering was confirmed. In the semi-final of the World Cup, a team defeated the HOST country and firm favourites by 7 goals to 1. Nothing of sort has never been witnessed and may never be.

The main protagonist in all of these was Sami Khedira. The man who prevented Michael Ballack from reaching 100 caps for Germany, was at it again. Fully fit and back in form, he bestrode the entire pitch like a Colossus and rampaged round in ways typical of a willy German shepard. The Real Madrid man totally outclassed Fernandinho and pocketed him and his replacement, Paulinho until he finally gave way for Schalke’s Julian DRAXLER to make his World Cup debut 14 minutes from the end of the annihilation. Khedira was MOTM for me.

The Selecao missed Captain, Leader and organiser, Thiago Silva. In his absence, the burden of leadership and organisation fell on the shoulders of his new club mate, David Luiz. The stand in Skipper fumbled, crumbled and collapsed under pressure and was subsequently punished for his failings. Dante Bonfim seemed lost beside Luiz and together, they inadvertently conspired to bring their country to a state of utter shambles. Luiz was foraging forward at times, but at the back, he was like a motionless effigy. Certainly, he wouldn‘t want to watch a replay of his lacklustre display ever again. Fernandinho was chasing shadows and seemed to be gasping for breath anytime the SCHWEINSTEIGER-KHEDIRA combination clicked and to be fair, there wasn’t a moment it didn’t.

Luis Felipe Scolari’s luck ran out of him, Haven scrapped through Chile and Colombia, the circle was completed. No amount of luck would have saved him and even if Neymar’s vertebrae was doubled, it would never have mattered. After that first goal, his defence went into slumber and boom, the German machine operated without any hitch. It remains to be seen whether the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) will still keep him.David Luiz went from the consoler (was there for James Rodriguez when Colombia lost) to the disconsolate/inconsolable in the space of four days. He was visibly distraught at the end of the match. I am sure he has never been confused all his life.

On the basis of this performance alone, whoever makes it through in the Holland-Argentina match may have to call upon the likes of Frank De Boer, Jaap Stam, Roberto Fabian Ayala, II Trattore Zanetti, etc to help the defence line because the Germans are unstoppable at the moment and very much want that 4^th WORLD CUP trophy. It’s been 24 years. The football gods may just listen to them this time.

Ohireime P Eboreime

@ohiskaka1990