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

MANCHESTER UNITED-CHELSEA F.A CUP 6TH ROUND PREVIEW

Demons exorcism is what will firmly be on the minds of both teams as they square up at Old Trafford tonight for the right to join Manchester City, Wigan, Millwall or Blackburn in the semi-finals of the World's most famous domestic cup competition. Manchester United are still reeling from the painful and undeserving midweek Champions League quarter-final second leg loss to Real Madrid which ultimately brought their European campaign to a halt and diffused any treble dream they ever had. As it stands, Only Bayern Munich realistically, can win 3 major titles this season in all of Europe. Chelsea's Romanian sojourn ended in sadness too. Ros-Albastrii (the red and blues) were the victors at the Arena Nationala which gives the Blues of West London a mountain to climb when Steaua come visiting the Bridge in a few days.

Horrible decision (image via informationng.com)

Sir Alex Ferguson was enraged and disgusted at the turn of events five nights ago when Real Madrid emerged unlikely winners after 90 minutes of football which was emmeshed in controversy. The red devils had completely bossed proceedings until Turkish referee, Cuneyt Cakir decided to lend Los Blancos a helping hand. He did so by making one of the most appalling refereeing decisions of all time, sending off Nani for a challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa that even a yellow card would have been deemed as a little too harsh. The Turk sent off the Portuguese winger thirteen minutes into the 2nd half after he (Nani) had earlier created the goal that had out his team 1-0 up on the night and 2-1 on agg. The willy old Scot was left fuming from then on. His boys lost their shape and focus for the next 10-15 minutes and Mourinho in typical fashion pounced and two quick fire goals by substitute Luka Modric and old boy, Cristiano Ronaldo ensured that the night became a mare for the record English champions. Mou tried all he could to pacify the red army all to no avail. His post match comments, however soothing, did little to calm the fraying nerves all around the Theatre of Dreams. Mike Phelan did the post match presser in the absence of a 'DISTRAUGHT' Sir Alex. Something that rarely happened prior to that totally disastrous night all coupled with the fact that Wayne Rooney started the match from the bench, raising doubts about his long term commitments to the Old Trafford outfit.

Chelsea and Rafael Benitez have been at loggerheads since his infamous rant in the aftermath of the team's 5th round cup win at the Riverside a few weeks ago. Although the men at the top have come out to openly defend him to the surprise of many who expected the axe to be wielded in his direction. Despite the 1-0 win over West Brom, the former Valencia, Liverpool and Inter Milan manager in under immense pressure to deliver the goods. The task is made more difficult by majority of the Blues fans who want him ousted from the managerial hot seat at the Bridge which has proved too sweltering to handle for even former World Cup, Champions League winning and illustrious football managers. With the pensioners seemingly on the brink of Elimination from the Europa ;League in a tie that requires them to win outright at the Bridge, the F.A Cup presents the only chance of silverware this season. Rafa, more than anyone knows the consequence of failing to win a trophy even though he has repeatedly said that the TOP 4 is the primary aim this campaign. Chelsea's recent F.A Cup successes might galvanize them to go all out this evening at Old Trafford, but they face a wounded Manchester United side who also want to bury the demons that emerged from the crushing midweek European elimination. Fierce Battle on the horizon.

Probable Lineups-
Manchester United:--- DDG, Rafa, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Anderson, Valencia, Young, Wazza, Chicha

Chelsea:----------- Cech, Azpi, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Lamps, Oscar, Mata, Ba, Hazard

Sir Alex Ferguson will ring the changes this evening. The likes of Javier Hernandez (Chicha) who has a fantastic scoring record v Chelsea will be expected to feature from the start. Evans, Valencia and Ashley Young are also likely to be in the starting lineup. Of course, the Talismanic Rooney is certain to start. RvP is on a poor scoring run at the moment. The Dutchman has been flying all season, but has failed to find the back of the net since the Everton game. One goal since January 20 is a disappointing statistic for a man highly regarded as one of the most lethal marksmen in World football. This has seen Liverpool's Luis Suarez become the EPL's top scorer in his place. He can contribute from the bench if things get too tentative.

For Chelsea, Fernando Torres has found the net only once in his last 18 games and his 27 goals in 121 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit is an absolute calamity. For a 50 million pound purchase and 08-09 bronze ball winner at the Ballon D'or awards, it is unbelievably incredulous. Demba Ba has come in and done relatively well. Meanwhile, old warhorse Lampard is just four more goals short of becoming CFC's all time top goal scorer. His 199 goal haul is second only to Bobby Tambling who is on 202. A goal today and the landmark 200 will be reached. A Legend he definitely is. A certain Spanish playmaker has been Chelsea's best player in the last 2 seasons or thereabout. The brilliant and sometimes unreal Juan Mata scores and assists when he wants and has been a vital ingredient in the Blues sometimes breathtaking displays this season. Without the former Valencia man, the West Londoners look as ordinary as Stoke (with all due respect to Tony Pulis and the great job he has done). If he finds his A-game today, it will be a torrid night for Manchester United. Both clubs are ready to turn the tide after the midweek mishap.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

MANCHESTER UNITED-REAL MADRID PREVIEW...Fireworks expected at the Theatre of Dreams

                                     

The return leg of the massively anticipated battle between two of the World's most appreciated and successful clubs goes down tonight at the Theatre of Dreams. With the tie in the balance at 1-1, the war is expected to be keenly contested and excellently played out.

Time for WAR...(google images)

Visitors, Real Madrid have been unbelievable in the past week, comprehensively beating fierce Clasico rivals, Barcelona in two consecutive matches. Mourinho would have taken 1 win, 1 loss but his boys had other ideas and he himself was the master strategist. The Portuguese genius took his boys to the Nou Camp seven days ago and returned with a 3-1 defeat of Barcelona, sending them packing out of the Copa Del Rey in the semis and setting up a mouthwatering Capital derby final meeting with Atletico Madrid. He did not end there. Back at the Bernabeu for the League match, Jose rested 7 of the players who made him proud in Catalonia and brought in the likes of Castilla campaigner, Alvaro Morata and co. The soldiers were different, but victory was attained. Five of the regular starters remained on the sidelines with the exception of Angel Di Maria who was suspended for the game. The match ended 2-1 in favour of Real and it condemned the Blaugrana to their second defeat in about 67 hours to their great rivals. The Merengues also became only the 2nd team in the history of football to defeat Barcelona in the space of approximately four days since its formation. The win at Camp Nou was also significant. It was the first time in 10 months that they lost on their home turf, although the last time was also to Madrid in April of last year. In his press conference yesterday, Jose stated that his team would have been just as motivated to come to Manchester and win outright even if they had lost both games v Barcelona. That man.

Premier League leaders, Manchester United welcomed Norwich to Old Trafford on Saturday evening. The result was a battering for the Canaries who were soundly beaten 4-0. The spanking was sweet revenge meted out on a Norwich side that accounted for the red devils last defeat in the EPL till date. Japanese star, Shinji Kagawa came through, scoring a spectacular hat-trick to cap a fine day for Fergie's men. Wayne Rooney also scored a beauty at the end. After leaving Bradley Johnson for dead, he sent a screamer from all of 20 yards to leave the opposition keeper gasping for oxygen. This added to his two assists in the match showed signs that the English superstar is back to form just at the right time with important games coming in thick and fast for the champions elect. Treble dream still alive.

Tonight's encounter has all the makings of a razzle-dazzle affair. The match of ten years ago comes to mind. When a certain Ronaldo da Lima with revenge on his mind, came to conquer Old Trafford with his exceedingly magnificent footballing skills. David Beckham came off the bench that day in an attempt to spark a highly unlikely Manchester United revival. Hard as he toiled (scored two brilliant goals), he couldn't turn the aggregate scoreline in his side's favour, but he made sure the red army won the match 4-3 (eventually lost the tie 6-5 after losing 3-1 in Madrid) and restored some pride. Sir Alex will want none of that drama. He has set up his side in a way that they must look for a win, focus more on its strengths and care less about what Real Madrid and returning Legend, Cristiano Ronaldo will/can do. Being scared of the threat Ronaldo carries will do more harm than good according to the great Scot whose 26+ years at the helm have been nothing short of extraordinary. While defending to its maximum, the team must also attack well and take most if not all of chances created.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aviero is a familiar name in this parts. The Portuguese living Legend took Manchester by storm when he arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 to replace the equally Legendary David Beckham. After six years and 118 special goals, he left Old Trafford to seek pastures new. Quite rightly, he chose the beautiful city of Madrid to continue his football development. He left Manchester United with fantastic memories, most especially his elevation to the status of best footballer in the World in 2008. Since transferring to Real, he has seen Lionel Messi claim the award four consecutive times and he is not in the least happy about it. His scoring record for the Bernabeu side is incredibly phenomenal. 185 goals in 184 games including 20 hat-tricks explains it all. His goal against his former team three weeks ago was reminiscent of the one he scored for Manchester United v Chelsea in the UCL final five years ago. Fergie told the press after the match that he was critical of Evra at half-time on why he allowed Ronaldo to out jump him for that glorious goal. Well. after watching the replays, he had nothing more to say. CR7's knees were above the Frenchman head when he headed past David de Gea. A repeat might be consequential.

Wayne Rooney disappointed me in the first leg. I wrote about his importance to the MUFC cause and how the match would be decided by him and not RVP as most people felt. He was absent throughout the game and misplaced more passes than ever before. His shambolic display must have to be transformed to one that can cause the Madrid defence all sorts of problems. When he is on fire, his teammates come alive. RVP has to wear his scoring boots tonight . his scuffed shot in the closing minutes of the first leg hurt a lot of people. He usually puts those away.

Sir Alex announced during his presser that Phil Jones won't take part in the game as he hasn't fully recovered from the foot injury that has seen him miss the last two games. I wouldn't buy that. Mourinho decided to match Fergie wit for wit by stating that Iker Casillas is out of contention for the match as well. Mind games. If they both start tonight, It won't be a surprise at least to me. People might ask why Casillas should be thrown into the starting 11 in place of the very impressive Diego Lopez. Simple. San Iker is way more experienced than his Spanish counterpart. Experience counts more than anything in these type of matches.

Cat with 1000 lives...Ageless Giggs.. 'google images'

Ryan Joseph Giggs who started his Manchester United adventure 22 years ago, is set to appear in his 1000th official game as a professional tonight. It may have been better if he did it against Norwich at the weekend and it was against the same team he made his debut and on 2nd March as well which would have been a perfect historic achievement. SAF has explained that he feels the game against the 'whites' is the perfect time for him to reach the incredible milestone. Real Madrid fans rose up in applause of the Welsh Legend when he came on at the Bernabeu. This will be even more rapturous.  Whether he will start or appear as a sub is what Fergie has kept close to his chest.


Predicted Lineups-
Manchester United- DDG, Rafa, Rio, Evans, Evra, Jones, Carrick, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney, RVP

Real Madrid- Casillas, Arbeloa/Ramos, Ramos/Pepe, Varane, Coentrao, Alonso, Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria, CR7, Benzema

Ryan Giggs might have to make do with a place on the bench alongside his fellow veteran Paul Scholes who hasn't played for a while due to a knee injury. The ginger Maestro is back and his experience of these kind of games could prove vital. Remember his unstoppable rasping rocket of a shot that was eventually the difference between United and Barcelona in the 2008 semis. He hasn't lost that quality. Once a maestro, always the same. Rafa, Evans and Welbeck return to the starting 11. David de Gea has not conceded a gaol in 447 minutes of Premier League football and his form of late has been excellent. If he can put on a similar show like the one at the Santiago Bernabeu, then MUFC are as good as qualified.

For Mourinho's men, all the star names return after sitting out the Barcelona game. CR7, Ozil, Alonso et al are all set to feature from the start.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

Bayern Munich - Borussia Dortmund PREVIEW!

Bayern's NEW 'Mario' and Robben..ready to roar

The Allianz Arena co-Landlords are on a roll at the moment. 2013 has been flawless for them. Every match in all competitions has been won and dominated. Many goals have been scored and only a few conceded. Former player, Lukas Podolski, was the first player to score against the Bavarians in 2013 and that was on the 19th of February. At the weekend, a ruthless Roten army opened fire on Werder Bremen and the result was a 6-1 mauling of Thomas Schaaf's side. Despite resting regulars like Mandzukic, Schweinsteiger, Alaba, Kroos, Van Buyten and Muller, those that came in did a great job. Even Arjen Robben has found himself among the substitutes in the last 2 months. Such is the fantastic quality that the outgoing Jupp Heynckes has at his disposal. Last season's top scorer, Mario Gomez started  the Bremen match and scored 2 goals. The German striker is currently being kept out of the starting 11 by a very impressive Mario Mandzukic who has weighed in with 15 Bundesliga goals amongst others this term.

Rolls Reus and Mario-telepathic

Borussia Dortmund took European football more seriously than the German league this season it seems. Topping a group consisting of Real Madrid, Ajax and Manchester City with an incredible record of 4 wins and 2 draws. Both draws could have been wins if not for Mario Balotelli of MCFC and Ozil of Real Madrid whose last gasp interventions prevented a 100% record for Die Borusen. The League campaign has been regrettable and bad for the defending champions. Winning the last two championships must have taken its toll on the players and the loss of Shinji Kagawa who has been their best player of the last two seasons must have been too hard to take and the vacuum too large to fill. The Japanese has since signed for Manchester United, although he hasn't found his best form since his arrival. Marco Reus, once a foal, left the Borussia Park and Gladbach to pitch tent with the double champions of Germany. The Germany international whose 18 goals propelled Lucien Favre's men to fourth position and a place in the UCL qualifying rounds, decided to seek pastures new. It wasn't a bad decision. His 11 goals and superlative displays in all competitions this season have been crucial to the Dortmund cause. His return to the Park last weekend was not fruitful as his former club put paid to Dortmund's very slim hopes of catching an impeccable Bayern side in the race for the Bundesliga crown. Rolls Reus as he is fondly called, has linked up well with another aspiring great, Mario Gotze. The best show of their link-up play came two weeks ago against Frankfurt. Reus scored a fabulous hat-trick thanks largely to Gotze's sagacity. The draw v Gladbach made it virtually impossible for Dortmund to ever catch a relentless and trophy hungry Bayern Munich who are now 17 points clear of the chasing pack. Sincerely, the Bundesliga should be handed over to them, even though there are still some games remaining to play. Anything other than a Bayern ribbon on the Bundesliga trophy would be melodramatic.

'Okram' wants to leave on a high

Fohlen Legend, Jupp Heynckes is determined to retire in grand style. After painfully losing 3 titles last season (two to tomorrow's opponents), the Bayern Munich managers who is set to be replaced by Pep Gaurdiola next season, has set his sights on another treble winning chance. The Bundesliga title is a wrap it most likely seems. The Pokal was lost to Dortmund in Berlin last season. The performance was shabby and very unlike Bayern. The 5-2 drubbing laid down a marker. FC Hollywood want to make amends. The revenge mission will not be complete this season if Bayern don't put Dortmund in their place. Mainz and Hannover have both been served their respective revenge meals in the German top flight already. Dortmund avoided it in the league clash which ended 1-1. Die Roten however defeated their nearest challengers 2-1 in the German Super cup in August of last year, thanks to goals from Mandzukic and Muller. Lewandowski's goal ended up as only a consolation.

Vivacious and Vibrant..The Klopp of Dortmund

Coach Jurgen Klopp has said in the past that the Bavarians bring out the best in him. His coaching resume has been beefed up in the last couple of months. His impact in Europe has brought him more admirers than critics. He's currently one of the most sought after tacticians in World football. To lure him away from the Signal Iduna would be very difficult, but not impossible. This match will be taken seriously by the man touted to take over from Joachim Loew as manager of die Nationalelf. The Bundesliga race has been lost realistically, so it remains the UCL and the Pokal. He will be hurt that Bayern are set to reclaim the German title, but he'll be more pissed if they also take the Pokal away from his team. The central defensive partnership of Subotic and Hummels have performed extremely well when both are fit. Marcel Schmelzer is arguably the best left back in the German League and the attacking quartet of Kuba-Gotze-Reus-and arrow head, Lewandowski, need no introduction. Compared to the Bayern frontline, they have a strong case.

Dante wall of Munich

Goalkeepers Neuer and Roman Weidenfeller have been in good form since the start of the season. Germany's No 1 goalie has allowed only Poldy and Kev de Bruyne to score past him since the turn of the year. The Bayern rearguard can do no wrong at the moment. the Dante marshaled backline simply hate to concede. While Reus chose Dortmund over Bayern, Uli and KHR consoled themselves with the purchase of towering defender Dante Costa Santos from the Borussia Park for a meager 4.7 million Euros. One of the bargain buys of all time. The Brazilian has started every Bundesliga game so far and it is thanks to him that die Roten have been so brilliant at defending this season. His performances haven't gone unnoticed Internationally. New Selecao manager, Luis Felipe Scolari aka Big Phil called him up for the friendly v England. He went on to earn his 1st cap in the 2-1 loss at the new Wembley to commemorate the English Football Association's 150 years of existence. Klopp has repeatedly backed his goalkeeper for a national call-up which has fallen on deaf ears ever since. Rene Adler of Hamburg who was No1 three years ago until he unfortunately got injured, has been called up instead following fine performances for HSV.

Probable Lineups-
Bayern: Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Robben, Muller, Mandzukic

Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer, Gundogan, Kehl/Bender, Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus, Lewandowski

The six players rested for Bayern at the weekend are all expected to return for this crunch game. Meanwhile Franck Ribery is suspended after his dismissal in earlier rounds. Arjen Robben has been chosen to replace him. Gomez has to sit on the bench yet again as the other Mario returns to the starting 11.

For Dortmund, The return of Lewandowski is a timely boost for die schwarzgelben. Hummels who limped out of the Gladbach match is fit for this one. Kuba Blaszczykowski is match fit too and will feature. The returning Nuri Sahin hasn't featured as he would have envisaged. The on-loan Real Madrid midfielder who came back to his former home after unhappy spells at the Bernabeu and Anfield, is finding it difficult to break into this talent/quality laden Dortmund team. His thought? 'I should never have left'.

The match between Germany's two biggest clubs will be a great show case of talent and greatness. The two teams that produced more than half of the players called up by the national team management in their recent friendly v France lurk horns tonight. Happy viewing.

Battle Royale

The 'INFLATABLE BOAT' will host this awesome duel

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990