ARSENAL V MAN UNITED..RVP returns to the EMIRATES as a CHAMPION and a GUARD OF HONOUR awaits him and his teammates

                                              



Rewind to the early 2000s, it was all about Arsenal and Manchester United, later Chelsea came into the equation. Fast forward to 2013 and all you see is an Arsenal decline. The team which used to compete for all the top domestic honours have been reduced to mere challengers for a place among the top 4. The transformation has been astounding even for the neutrals. Now what they created is coming to bite them hard on Sunday.

When Robin Van Persie departed the Emirates, he had only won the F.A Cup and that was 8 long years ago. The last time Arsenal fans ever saw their team celebrate a cup success (except the Emirates Cup is now massive for them). Tomorrow evening, the Dutchman who struck 30 League goals in the Premier League for them last season, returns as Champion of England. Something last achieved by the INVINCIBLES who have all jumped ship. Arsene Wenger let his then Captain leave for 24 Million Pounds. Now he returns to his former home with 24 League goals and a winners medal (although not yet given).

CHAMP20NS (via yahoosports)

The red devils won their 20th EPL title six days ago with a convincing 3-0 win over relegation threatened Aston Villa. Fittingly and acting according to the written script, Robin Van Persie struck a finesse laden hat-trick in 33 minutes-the fastest in the League in nine years. The 2nd was reminiscent of the one time volley he hit v Everton at the Emirates last season.  Finally, he is a Premier League winner. Something that eluded him in his 8 years as a gunner. Just one year as a red devil, he is about to hoist his maiden trophy. Man United also helped Michael Owen add a winners medal to his collection two years ago. Steven Gerrard could be next....who knows?

Arsenal come into this match on the back of 5 wins from their last six games in the League. Only Everton have taken a point off them in that spell. Nonetheless, it is the Champions who are in town. A team they haven't done well against in recent fixtures. They won't forget in a hurry how they got thumped 8-2 last season and 2-1 in the reverse fixture. It was 2-1 again at Old Trafford earlier this term. Arsenal's last win over Manchester United came in May 2011 when a sweetly struck Aaron Ramsey goal was the difference at the Emirates. A repeat of that will be appreciated by Arsene Wenger, but the scorer should be someone else..lol. The North Londoners are going to be pumped up for this crucial game. They are locked in a London battle with Chelsea and Spurs on who gets the automatic slot for next season's Champions League Campaign. It is a wonderful experience for those who support neither outfit. The tension soaked affair is expected to drag on until the end of the season. An Arsenal win tomorrow will put them in a great position to at least finish fourth if third is beyond their reach. Traditionally (at least since 2006), they always come good during the tail end of the season to end it on a high. Consolation for not fighting for the EPL title. Something they last managed to do in 2008...and eventually fizzled out when it became fierce.

Overrated Englishman, Jack Wilshere has been hampered by injuries yet again this season. Despite his limited time on the pitch, he was surprisingly chosen as a YPOTY (Young Player Of The Year) nominee. Among the six (Hazard, Benteke, Lukaku, Bale, Welbeck and Jack), he least deserved such recognition. Even though he gets much more praise than the effort he actually puts in, he does play with his heart on his sleeve and when fit, is one of the best young players in the World. He seems ready for the big time. A good performance tomorrow will go a long way to assuage the doubts people have about him. Santi Cazorla, perhaps one of the best midfielders of his generation and by a country mile, Arsenal's best player this season, was unfairly overlooked for the POTY award. That hasn't deterred him one bit. The Spanish footballer hasn't been too effective in the last couple of weeks because he has been featured on the left side of midfield where his performance will be restricted. Arsenal's qualification for Europe depends largely on what he does right. Starting from tomorrow, the gunners have four finals to play. To win all of them, Santi must be at the forefront of everything Arsenal do right.

The 20-20 Big hug (via Stretford-end.com)

Now a Champion..(via the dailymail)

Robin Van Persie is the happiest man in football right now. A hat-trick to seal Manchester United's 13th Premier League title and his first was an excellent conclusion to a fabulous season. He will walk out of the tunnel as a Champion. The major reason why he made the move to MUFC. The 20-20 Marriage has blossomed beyond his imagination. When he joined, he said the 'LITTLE BOY' in him told him to switch allegiance. That 'kid' has been vindicated. He added that he chose the  NO 20 shirt because he wants to help his new team claim their 20th Premiership crown. That again has been achieved. It is a dream come true for the Dutchman and everyone attached to the red army. Despite the disappointments of elimination from the Champions League and the FA Cup, this has been celebrated like none other and May 12 will be like the last day at school for each and everyone at the CLUB. Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the contribution of the Dutchman this season and even likened his impact to that of King Cantona. I can't agree more and others have concurred. 24 league goals (one for every million pound spent on him) and 8 assists have been nothing short of extraordinary. Now he is going to walk through a GUARD OF HONOUR made up of his former colleagues at a club where he spent eight years with one of the greatest managers in History as his tutor. He thoroughly deserves all that he will tomorrow evening and as SAF said in his pre-match presser yesterday, he wouldn't be disturbed by chants, boos and abuse from supporters who once hailed him as the best in the business. How the cookies crumble.

PROBABLE LINEUPS-
ARSENAL-
Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta/Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Poldy, SANTI Walcott

Lukasz Fabianski is still nursing the rib injury he sustained three weeks ago, so Wojciech continues in goal. Oli Giroud starts his three match suspension tomorrow, while Mikel Arteta is a doubt after feeling something at Craven Cottage last weekend. If he doesn't make it, Wilshere will sit deep, with Rmsey-Rosicky-and SANTI ahead of him. Poldy will support Walcott in attack to make up for the absence of the Frenchman. Arsenal have shipped in 21 goals at the Emirates this season and have failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 of their 16 home games already. Their away form is better in this regard...only 14 goals conceded is the best in the Division. Arsenal have taken the least points (4) from fellow members of the top 5 this season. Others have taken at least 6 more. Arsenal were the last team to win the Premier League with 4 games to spare. Their last triumph in this competition in 03/04.

MANCHESTER UNITED-
DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Buttner, Jones, Cleverley, Kagawa, Nani, RVP, Chicharito

There will definitely be changes to the line up on Sunday. With the Title sealed last Monday, the mighty reds of Manchester will make alterations to the team. Carrick and Evans will be rested after playing through pain last time out. Cleverley has played for a while. So are Nani and Chicharito who have had limited time on the pitch. The little pea has been unfortunate this season. He has still scored 16 goals and made his presence felt. RVP could have been rested, but I feel and think Fergie will even make him captain for tomorrow's encounter just to rub it in more and make it spicier.
Wayne Rooney has scored landmark goals for Manchester United against Arsenal. His first ever League goal was against Wenger's men in 2002. he also hit his first for MUFC in the League against tomorrow's opponents. His 100th in the League was also against Arsenal at the Emirates. He just loves playing against them, doesn't he? He might be rested alongside Valencia and Evra. Anders Lindegaard is 2 games away from reaching the mandatory 10 appearances in the League to be eligible for a medal. Fergie will decide when to field him. Ashley Young is out for the season....he will get a medal though.




We wish all the nominees GOODLUCK  at the PFA POTY AND YPOTY Awards ceremony tomorrow night.....GO FOR THE KILL....

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

THE CAPITAL DERBY...ATLETICO AND REAL IN A STRAIGHT SHOOT-OUT FOR 2ND PLACE

                                                                   


EL Cholo Simeone has done great things at the Calderon since he took over in 2011. The ex-Argentine Midfielder succeeded Gregorio Manzano in December 2011 after a poor run of form that saw the capital club flirting with relegation at some point, going winless for long stretches. He steadied the ship and brought joy to the faces of avid colchoneros when he delivered two European trophies in 3 months. First, the Europa League in May (thrashed Bilbao 3-0) and then the European Super Cup in August (annihilated Chelsea FC 4-1). Colombian marksman, Radamel Falcao was the star of the show on both historic nights, scoring a brace in the first and a well taken hat-trick in the second to hand Simeone a dream start to life as manager of Atletico Madrid. However, one thing still ails the Colchoneros. A win against their great rivals and neighbours, Real Madrid. The 32 time La Liga Champions have not lost to the defending Europa League Champions in 14 years, winning the last nine encounters on the bounce. This, they intend to stop today.

The task has been made easier with the absence of 51-goal Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese has been omitted from the squad that travelled to the Vicente Calderon because of a leg injury and most importantly, adequate rest for Tuesday's very essential Champions League 2nd leg tie vs Borussia Dortmund at the Bernabeu. It has taken some shine off the much talked about battle, but it will do nothing to diffuse the tension and anticipation. In Falcao, Los Colchoneros possess the best centre forward in the game. He has shown time and time again why he is so revered. 25 League goals this term, including crucial strikes in the Copa Del Rey show the stuff he is made of. Brazil's Diego Costa has also been an able ally, providing the much needed support for the Tiger from Santa Marta.

This affair is seen as a dress rehearsal for the Copa Del Rey final on May 17. However, it is much more important than that. With three points separating both sides, second place in La Liga is up for grabs and today's duel will go a long way to determine who's favourite to claim it. Jose Mourinho and his side were dismantled in Germany on Wednesday. Die Borussen inflicted one of the most disastrous defeats of the Mou era on the merengues, with Robert Lewandowski shinning like a million stars. His four goals were expertly taken and the 'whites' were put to the sword. The almost impossible feat was accomplished in Ruhr with some of the most breathtaking displays you will ever witness. The 'Only one' as he chooses to be known as, is looking to turn around the tie in three days time when the German, well drilled machine comes to town. A 4-1 deficit may seem unassailable, but if you remember what happened at the Riazor nine years ago, you will know that impossible is nothing, especially in football. Jose will be without CR7 and is also expected to rest some of the big guns for this particular game. La Liga is lost. Although second place is far from guaranteed, the task ahead holds more substance for the Spanish giants whose chase for LA DECIMA continues in midweek.

PROBABLE LINEUPS-
ATLETICO MADRID-
Courtiois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis, Garcia, Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Costa, FALCAO

Atletico's rise in La Liga has been phenomenal and it wouldn't have been made possible without the brave efforts of Belgian youngster, Thibaut Courtois. The 20 year old has been a revelation since his arrival at the Calderon. The on-loan Chelsea goaltender was part of the reason why the Colchoneros performed so well in Europe last season. He has carried that marvellous form this season. Only 25 goals have been conceded by him and the Miranda-Godin marshalled rearguard. The lowest in the Spanish top flight. This has seen Miranda earn call ups for the Brazilian National team and the team in general has earned rave reviews.With Falcao and Costa in front, and the industrious Gabi in midfield, Diego Simeone is fast building a squad capable of competing for top honours in the near future. They are certainties to feature in the Champions League next season....most probably without the Tiger's roar.

REAL MADRID-
Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Albiol, Nacho, Modric, Kaka, Di Maria, Callejon, Benzema, Morata

The 4-1 thumping of Real Madrid was Jose Mourinho's biggest margin of defeat in 106 games as manager in Europe's biggest club competition. He was dazed at the Iduna after the match. Just like Champions, his wards are prepared to bounce back from that devastating blow and register a morale boosting win later today at the Calderon. Assistant coach, Aitor Karanka has confirmed that CR7 is OUT of this encounter. Other regulars may be forced to sit out, thus channelling their attention to Tuesday's showdown. The likes of Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varanae and Ozil may be rested. Iker Casillas may return.....Diego Lopez may sit out this game as well. The Merengues haven't fared well away from the Santiago Bernabeu in recent time. Only one win from their last four away games in all competitions is a bad run. Against Atletico, they will be hopeful that this can change. The home front has been defended with gusto by Atleti. Only one loss all season. The task is herculean for Real.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

It is GERMANY V SPAIN for the 1ST LEG SEMI-FINALS OF EUROPE'S ELITE TOURNAMENT

                                           


Bayern Munich have turned things around this season in grand style. It has even been said that Pep Guardiola might have nothing left to achieve by the time Jupp' Osram' Heynckes quits the Bavarians. News coming out of Germany this morning say that Mario Gotze is switching allegiance next season. His next destination? The Allianz Arena to join his Nationalelf teammates, Neuer, Muller, Lahm, Schweini etc in what will be perhaps the best squad of players even assembled in Munich. The 6-1 mauling of Hannover 96 at the weekend was too good to be true. The Roten have scored for fun from the beginning of the season and only Arsenal have beaten them since the turn of the year. Against Wolfsburg in the Pokal Semis, Bayern also scored six and conceded one-a beauty from Deigo Ribas. These goals galore have been done without the bulk of their first team players. The likes of  'EL Conquistador' Pizarro who has been described as the best '3RD STRIKER' in the World by many, Jerome Boateng who has dropped to the bench since the start of the season, Xherdan Shaqiri, the diminutive Swiss winger, Arjen Robben who has found himself among the starters recently because of Toni Krooss' layoff, etc have come in and done a great job. The Bundesliga champions are battle ready for any team. Even Barcelona do not scare them considering the form they are in presently.

Barcelona are one of the favourites for Champions League glory. But before they secure a Wembley date against either Real Madrid or Dortmund, Bayern Munich must be stopped. However arduous it seems to be, the Blaugrana are unfazed by the challenge in front of them. A late 1-0 win over Levante nonetheless, the Spanish champions-elect have the ability to unsettle any team. Tito Vilanova and his coaching staff are sweating over the fitness of star man, Lionel Messi. The Argentine has been sidelined for the last three League games and only came on versus PSG because it was absolutely expedient. Whether he can feature from the start today is something the management have kept close to their chest. If Messi does not play, the task will be made all the more difficult. Barcelona have stars like Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Villa, Busquets, and Pedro, but without Messi, they are not so special. Forget the 5-0 success over an already condemned Mallorca. Carles Puyol and Javier 'Jefecito' Mascherano are currently sidelined through injury. That leaves gaps in the Catalan rear guard which is likely to be filled by the returning Eric Abidal whose story has been one of greatness and determination. The Frenchman completed 90 minutes against Levante on Saturday. His height and balance will give him an edge over Adriano because of the giant nature of the Bayern point men. Marc Batra can also line up alongside Pique if Abidal is not trusted enough to carry the responsibility.

PROBABLE LINEUPS-
BAYERN-
Neuer, Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Muller, Ribery, GOMEZ

Lahm and Schweini return to the starting eleven after being left out of the team that won emphatically at Hannover. Mario Mandzukic is suspended for this fixture, so the other Mario, Gomez, will step in his shoes. Javi Martinez has been vocal in his praise of his Spanish friends at Barcelona. Paying homage to Xavi and Busquets especially. He must perform every well to also earn their eulogies. Arjen Robben has a point or two to prove tonight. His mistakes cost Bayern dear in last year's final. He must make amends to get back into the fans hearts in a positive light. Bastian Schweinsteiger as usual, has a big role to play tonight. The German machine kept Andrea Pirlo quiet in the two matches against Juventus. A similar showing is expected of him when Xavi steps foot on the Inflatable boat in a few hours. Lahm, Gustavo and Dante will all miss the 2nd leg at the Nou Camp if they are cautioned in this game.

BARCA-
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Batra/Abidal/Adriano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Villa.

For all Christian Tello's runs, goals, and assists in the last couple of weeks, it is unlikely that he will start tonight. The experienced heads of Villa and Pedro will be preferred to the youthful exuberance of the pacy winger. Messi could return to the team and Sergio Busquets has shaken off a hernia problem to face the Bavarian giants. It is in defence that the problem lies. Batra, Adriano or Abidal? The answer lies with Tito and Jordi Roura. Gerard Pique was uttering some annoying things against Germany in the build up to his great game. He was do the talking on the pitch tonight.




                                                


The Schwarzgelben might have shot themselves in the foot with strong rumours making the rounds that Mario Gotze is set to join arch-rivals, Bayern Munich in the summer for 37 Million Euros. However tempting the offer may be/or have been, Germany's Lionel Messi who says he'll rather be called the CR7 of DIE MANNSCAFT, should not be allowed to go for any price. The Signa Iduna Landlords are becoming a major force in Europe and to move further, their best players must stay put. That is beside the point. Some of immediate greater importance is before them. The visit of high flying Real Madrid who are so willing to win their 10th European trophy popularly called 'LA DECIMA' by the Merengues faithful. Borussia Dortmund do not give a hoot about Real Madrid's quest to win the Champions League. they harbour their own ambitions too. The Borussens have relinquished their Bundesliga crown to Bayern already and are looking for silverware this season. A 2nd European triumph, 16 long years after the first, will be a fantastic accomplishment. Jurgen Klopp has been bullish in his assertions that BVB can do the impossible this term. No one can doubt the quality they possess. Robert Lewandowski cannot stop scoring. If the Pole scoes in his next 5 League games, he will break Gerd Muller's long standing record of scoring in 16 consecutive League games  Mats Hummels has returned to full fitness and is poised to start alongside Neven Subotic in defence, leaving Felipe Santana on the sidelines. The Brazilian will be infuriated by this..afterall, it is because of him that Dortmund are in the semi-finals. Rolls Reus scored against Real at the Bernabeu in their group encounter and can repeat the same feat if given the opportunity.

Real Madrid have a few injury problems. The war against Betis was won not without a few casualties. Benzema and Modric picked up minor injuries, while Marcelo was stretchered out of the pitch following a hamstring issue. Varane, Coentrao and Sergio Ramos are all likely to return to the starting 11 tomorrow. Di Maria and Xabi Alonso are also set to take their places in midfield and Pipita Higuain will lead the line with CR7 as usual, carrying the team's hopes and aspirations. Jose Mourinho has to decide yet again if Iker Casillas will return between the sticks or continue with the very impressive Diego Lopez. He wants to win the Champions League at all costs after three consecutive semi-final appearances. Dortmund stand in the way, just like Bayern last time out and Barcelona two seasons prior. The Portuguese is set to leave the Spanish Capital at the end of the season. What better way to sign off than with a record breaking 10th UCL title. Real will not look beyond this game despite the Capital derby showdown at the weekend which will go a long way to decide who finishes as La Liga runners-up. The'whits' must do better than their last showing in Rhine-Westphalia. The 2-1 loss was deserved by the Ruhr giants and they almost won at the Bernabeu until a late Ozil free-kick sealed a 2-2 draw for the hosts.

Tomorrow night, both sides will attempt to get an early goal and ultimately secure an unassailable advantage before the 2nd leg in Spain.

PROBABLE LINEUPS-
BORUSSIA DORTMUND-
Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer, Bender, Gundogan, Kuba, ROLLS REUS, Gotze, Lewandowski,

Lewandowski has shaken off a minor problem to play in this game. Despite Gotze's imminent departure, the playmaker will do everything humanly possible to destroy Real Madrid. Captain Sebastian Kehl who just signed a contract extension will start on the bench with Bender taking his place.

REAL MADRID-
Lopez, Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao, Khedira, Alonso, Di Maria, Ozil, CR7, Higuain

The back four will feature Ramos-Pepe and Varane from the start for the first time this season in Europe. Mesut Ozil and Sammy Khedira return to their adopted country. This time around, not to represent them, but to stop one of its leading teams from emerging victorious tomorrow. CRISTIANO RONALDO is the top European goal scorer this season with 11 goals..2 more and he will reach the 50-goal milestone in the Champions League. He has 50 already this season in all competitions and 196 in Real colours.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990