EL GRANDE CLASICO..IN FORM REAL MADRID LOOKING TO EXTEND LEAD AT THE TOP OF LA LIGA

                                                      


THE CLASICO takes center stage this weekend. As always when this match comes upon us, it is usually the biggest of any weekend's set of games. The most followed, most anticipated football match in all of football. Even the World Cup Final will not gather as much people. It is the Numero Uno in European Football by a country mile.

On Sunday at the Bernabeu, Barcelona come visiting the Merengues on the back of a 7-0 demolition of poor Osasuna at the Nou Camp last weekend. A match that saw Leo Messi become Barcelona's highest goal scorer of all time (including friendlies). 371 club goals for a man not yet 27 is something no one ever thought could be achieved. He has rewritten virtually all the history books and there are a few left to be turned upside down. He has set his sights on becoming EL CLASICO's greatest ever goalscorer as he is currently tied with Alfredo Di Stefano on 18 goals. He has broken his compatriot's record in La Liga and is willing to break the few remaining scoring records left. Only that PELE's 1289 might stay for eternity.

Real Madrid also boast one of the greatest footballers in History. In Cristiano Ronaldo, Los Blancos know that they possess a goal machine. Someone who has already registered 41 goals this season. His 13 Champions League goals is one short of the all time record set by Messi two years ago. That is almost certainly going to be dismantled when the Dortmund fixture comes calling. The Portuguese footballing Legend has scored 12 goals in Clasico affairs and is ready to lead Real Madrid to another victory on Sunday. Incidentally, since losing to Barcelona at the Camp Nou last November, the merengues have stayed unbeaten through all competitions till date. This is certainly a very important match for them. Win and La Liga is almost a wrap. Lose and the momentum will swing the Catalans way.


PROBABLE LINEUP-

REAL MADRID-

D.Lopez, Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Alonso, Modric, Di Maria, Bale, CR7, Benzema

BARCELONA-

VV, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Messi, Neymar

Both lineups are predictable, especially when they don't change much week in, week out. Karim Benzema should be fit to face Barcelona and Jese will miss out after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the Schalke game. A big blow for the kid and his clubside. Xabi Alonso's midfield excellence will be very much needed as he knows how Xavi and co roll. Diego Lopez returns between the sticks as has been the case for the best part of two seasons now. Alvaro Arbeloa cannot play again this season and is a doubt for the football festival in South America later in the year. Dani Carvajal will of course fill the right back slot. Rafa Varane has been featuring of late but it is more likely that Don Carlo will pick Ramos and Pepe. Experience over youth. Gareth Bale has to do very well as he cut a forlorn figure in the reverse fixture. Although, one could argue that he wasn't fully fit then. ADM may likely return to the starting eleven as he is a hard worker and has done great this season. Carlo Ancelotti, in midweek, became the first manager in UCL history to take FIVE different teams to the last eight of the competition. The current unbeaten streak he has at Real is the longest of his managerial career to date and all Madridistas hope that it is just the start of better things to come.

Tata Martino is under a little bit of pressure. Third in La Liga is not a position the cules want to see their beloved club in. Something has to give and he doesn't want it to be his job. He has done some good things since his arrival in Catalunya and that includes defeating Real Madrid and advancing to the knockout stages of the UCL. Victory on Sunday will ease 80% of the pressure on him at the moment and that is the aim. The Argentine manager has to factor ways to send Diego Simeone's Atletico out of Europe next month, but the small matter of the Clasico is the priority at the moment. A moment of pride and honour for Barcelona.
Leo Messi is undoubtedly the best footballer of the last five years. His 31 goals this season still makes for some staggering statistic, considering how long he has been out for. The very brilliant Rosario native has something against Real and he has set sights on scoring against them yet again. Pedro Rodriguez has been left out in recent time amidst cries and yearnings by Barca fans that he should start more games. Not that he doesn't deserve to, but the likes of Neymar and Alexis have done very too. Prior to the Osasuna match, the Chilean CR7 was Barca's highest goal scorer in La Liga but Messi hasn't found that stat funny. He has leapfrogged him and that is that. The Spanish foursome of Cesc, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets have their positions locked in. Their performances have been outstanding although Mr Iniesta has to score more goals. 48 goals in his Barcelona career that has spanned over a decade is abysmal to say the least.  In defence, the Pique-Jefecito combo is good. Carles Puyol, the trojan of Catalunya has announced his departure from the club at the end of the season. The CLUB CAPTAIN has been plagued by injuries of different types in the last five years and his decision is better for him and the team. Jordi Alba has asserted that RM should be more afraid of Messi than Barca of CR7. We will see how that goes on Sunday.


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

WEST HAM-MANCHESTER UNITED PREVIEW

                                             


Manchester United bounced back in some style from the 3-0 reverse v Liverpool. The 3-0 (3-2 agg) win over Olympiakos buried some demons of the last few months. It has been one hell of a rotten season for the red army and qualification to the quarter-final of the Champions League has eased some pressure on Moyes and company. It hasn't been plain sailing for West Ham either. After four straight wins, the hammers have lost the last two and find themselves just six points above relegation. Victory on Saturday evening will put them closer to safety.

Robin Van Persie will almost certainly sit out the encounter because of a knee injury he suffered during Wednesday's all important match v newly crowned Greek champions, Olympiakos. However, his hat-trick was enough to see the red army through to the last eight of Europe's most prestigious club competition. He should be fit for Tuesday's Manchester Derby. Portuguese off and on winger, Luis Nani has been put through the paces in recent weeks but Saturday's game may be too soon for him. Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are doubts too. Although the former may make the match day squad. Nemanja Vidic has been accumulating red cards this term. The Serbian war horse has been banned for the next two games after getting sent off in the Liverpool mauling.

The Hammers have been very unlucky with injuries this campaign. Sam Allardyce  has rued his luck and rode it at the same time. The gum chewing tactician has warned his players that they are playing for their future and that only the very best will do if they are to have any chance of defeating United. Well, these days, you really don't have to be at your best to beat the defending English Champions to be honest.

Wayne Rooney must have read Mark Ogden's piece for the Telegraph on the eve of the vital game on Wednesday. He rose to the occasion and made his presence felt with some raking passes and all round masterful display. With SEVEN assists this season, the Englishman stands alone as the highest assist maker in the Champions League. Nevertheless, it is in the League that he must prove his mettle. Already on double figures in both goals and assists this season, a performance reminiscent of three years ago will be very much appreciated. The outburst in front of the cameras of course should not be part of it. In the expected absence of RVP, the burden of leading the team to victory firmly rests on his broad shoulders. He has done it several times. Undoubtedly, he can do it again.

PROBABLE LINEUPS-

WEST HAM-

Adrian, Demel, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney, Noble, Taylor, Downing, Nolan, Jarvis, CARROLL

The East Londoners will be happy with the fact that Carroll is back to scoring ways. The Englishman broke his duck at the Britannia last weekend in a 3-1 loss. He has caused United so much headache in the past with his giant frame and good hold up play. A repeat performance will be sweet. Mark Noble and Matt Taylor can try to dominate the much criticized MUFC midfield which only shone when 40-year old Ryan Giggs returned.  Kev Nolan has scored big goals against the red army in the past and he is in terrific form. Left wing Jesus Downing will be hoping to provide the much needed width on Saturday.

MANCHESTER UNITED

DDG, Rafael, Jones, Rio, Evra, Carrick, Fellaini, TONYV/Adnan, Mata, Welbeck, Wazza

Rafa Da Silva was very lucky to be on the pitch for the duration of the Liverpool match on Sunday. The young Brazilian's erratic display was one of the disappointing aspects of the game. But he rebounded in midweek to produce one of those showings we have come to be accustomed to.  The 'warrior extraordinarie'  Antonio Valencia played through an excruciating pain to his left eye. That eye was covered all through the period he spent on the pitch. The Ecuadorian winger put Manchester United before his health and safety and his continuous refusal to be subbed epitomized his unbridled loyalty to the club. Only if that eye injury has been made worse will he miss the party at East London. Marouane Fellaini should return to the starting eleven after such a fine cameo in midweek. Juan Mata must be reeling at his inability to play in Europe because he is cup tied. The magical Spaniard should return to the Starting eleven. Danny Welbeck has scored 9 goals in 19 League games. A good stat considering his poor run in front of goal last term. In the absence of RVP, he should make his presence felt.

It is a good time to play West Ham and even better on the back of a much needed morale boosting victory on Wednesday. The reward for hard work is more work and Bayern lie in wait for the red army in the Quarter-final of the UCL after the draws were made.

It is time to separate the cats from the pigeons

Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

MANCHESTER UNITED-OLYMPIAKOS PREVIEW

It is the proverbial 'days of gloom' at Manchester United at the moment and it couldn't get worse. Disgraced by Liverpool on Sunday, the only thing that can stop the bleeding temporarily is if the players stand up tonight and deliver a special one.

                                              


                                             
Manchester United face a daunting prospect of overturning a 2-goal deficit tonight at the Theatre of Dreams where impossible used to be nothing. However, tonight, Uche Jombo's state in the movie, 'Holding Hope' is the best scenario to describe Moyes and his faltering boys at the moment. Rafa Da Silva looked shell shocked and star struck on Sunday as if he was playing against the likes of Garrincha, Stanley Matthews and Enzo Francescoli. Nemanja Vidic's heart and soul seems to have travelled to the Meazza already and Robin Van Persie is dreaming of something more important that winning more trophies for Manchester United. It has been an utterly terrible season and that is putting it mildly. There is nothing more hurting than seeing one of the best teams in History being taken apart week in, week out by rivals and amateurs. The team is beyond mediocre all thanks to the attitude of the players and the tactical ineptitude of 'Dithering Dave'. It is now a full circle.

Steven Gerrard almost scored a hat-trick of penalties against Manchester United on Sunday, before my very eyes and on my birthday. Things haven't been this tragic and there isn't any chance that better days are not far ahead. Even when United went three seasons without winning a League title, they still mounted a serious challenge on all fronts. We are seeing a complete reversal of fortunes at the moment. Beaten and bruised by Liverpool at Old Trafford surely must be the height. Well, for now.

Olympiakos come into this encounter with a huge advantage. It is not often that you see a Greek team (with all due respect) holding a comfortable lead over a European super power but as it has been the case this season, United are rewriting history for all the wrong reasons. Alejandro Dominguez must have thought he was in his living room three weeks ago when he effortlessly put the red army to the sword in a battle that was one sided from start to finish. For a moment, I thought Juan Roman Riquelme had signed for the Greek team before the game. Arsenal's Joel Campbell even had time to score one of the most beautiful goals in this year's competition, that night. All this and more have been difficult to bear by fans that aren't even on the pitches. It is disturbing and confusing at the same time that the players and manager don't seem to care. The Mitro-gol less Greeks will aim to finish the demolition job tonight.

David Moyes has the support of so many people but himself. The man is in unfamiliar territory. Handling a club as big as Manchester United has been an arduous task for him and the results show that. Imagine the defending champions losing 9 of the first 29 League games and languishing in a distant 7th position in the League. Yet, the duty of the fans is to stand by their new manager, no matter what. He has another chance tonight to right one of his numerous wrongs.


PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER UNITED

DDG, Rafael, Jones, Smalling, Evra, Fellaini, Carrick, Young/TonyV, Giggs, Rooney, RVP

Juan Mata is ineligible for tonight's encounter. It isn't such a big miss. He hasn't done much since he arrived. Maybe next season will be the perfect time for him to find his form. TonyV should be brought in as United are chasing a lost cause and have to throw everything at them. Ryan Giggs is one of the most experienced heads in the game. He has to be included in the starting eleven. Robin Van Persie is on a mission to destroy the good work he started last season. The old man is sulking and that has contributed a lot to his poor form. At the moment, the only bright spark at the club, the only thing of joy is David De Gea. The rest are pipes.

OLYMPIAKOS

Roberto, Salino, Marcano, Manolas, Bong, Maniatis, Ndinga, Dominguez, Campbell, Fuster, Valdez

Michael Olaitan hasn't played for Piraeus since he collapsed a few weeks ago in the defeat to Panathinaikos. He is expected to sit out this important fixture. Old timer, Nelson Valdez should get a look in from the start in his absence. Alejandro Dominguez is the playmaker of the team. He should come good, knowing fully well that MUFC pose little or no threat nowadays.

Today's match is a classic case of 'let's attempt to reach the top of the mountain even though we have no clue where it is' for Manchester United. Only time will tell how long Moyes can keep piling up bad results and still retain his position as manager.AGAIN, the duty of the fans and supporters is to stand by their new manager, come rain, come sun............


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

ATLETICO MADRID-AC MILAN PREVIEW

                                                                 


An Antonio Di Natale goal at the Fruili ensured that AC MILAN left Udinese empty handed. The evergreen Zebrette legend scored his 184th Serie A to tie Gabriel 'Batigol' Batistuta's haul. This new development has cast doubts over Clarence Seedorf's ability to recapture the spark the Milan of old had. A Rossoneri he was an integral part of. Since assuming the hot seat at Milan, the 'Senator' has had a mixed start to his career with Milan taking 13 points out of a possible 24 in the League, dumped out of the Coppa Italia and take a 1-0 deficit to the Vicente Calderon tonight.

Atletico Madrid haven't found it easy too. The once treble chasing Madrid based side have capitulated under pressure since posting jaw dropping results at the beginning of the season. Diego Simeone's men are second in La Liga, haven bossed it for so long. They have also been dumped out of the Cup by arch-rivals, Real Madrid but have the advantage coming into tonight's encounter. Even without Diego Costa, los Colchoneros still found a way to defeat Celta Vigo last weekend, thanks to David Villa'a quick fire brace. With Barcelona losing to lowly Valladolid, the Rojiblancos are 2nd in La Liga-three points behind leaders, Real Madrid.

Diego Costa is ready to return to the starting eleven after sitting out the Celta game. His partnership with  'El Guaje' Villa has been very productive.

AC Milan have nothing to lose tonight at the Calderon. Atletico are still mourning the loss of the great LUIS ARAGONES, but they know victory tonight will move them a step closer to history. The Italian outfit have the likes of Mario Balotelli and Ricky Kaka to call upon but it has been an appalling season by all standards. A good performance later today can assuage the fans' fears.

PROBABLE LINEUP

ATLETICO MADRID-

Thibo Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis, Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Villa, Costa, Arda

MILAN-

Abbiati, Abate, Rami, Zapata, De Sciglio, NDJ, Taarabt, Essien, Kaka, Barwuah, Pazzini


It should be a straight forward win for Atletico but this is European football. When Deportivo ran rings around the AC MILAN team that had so bamboozled them at the Meazza, the result was a 4-0 pummeling at the Riazor and that was just 9 years ago. Diego Simeone will not write off a wounded Milan side. Despite their fall from grace, they still have in their arsenal, some of the Globe's finest weapons. On a day when the greats of of the past converge, something never experienced before can take place.

Milan have some veterans in their side. Kaka, Essien, Mexes and Abbiati have chalked up many appearances in European competition(s). That could count in their favour. For Simeone, he knows that the 7-time European Champions are there for the taking. One of those splendid displays and it is game over. Diego Ribas has gone in and out of form since his return to the Calderon. The Brazilian hasn't performed well so far. He has to up his game if he desires to be a mainstay in the ambitious Madrid club.


Ohireime P Eboreime
Twitter-@ohiskaka1990

BAYERN MUNICH-ARSENAL PREVIEW

The stakes have never been higher for Arsene Wenger. Not since he stepped foot on North London soil has there been match of greater importance. Tonight, the gunners must call upon all their fighting spirits, including the great Hebert Chapman, if they are to have the slightest chance of overturning a deficit inflicted upon them by the World's deadliest club at the moment.


                                                 

Pep Guardiola is a constant nightmare for the 2006 finalists. From Catalunya to Munich, he has never allowed Arsenal a moment's rest since being squared against each other in recent Champions League seasons. The Barcelona Legend, both on and off the field, has taken the Bavarians from the top to the very top of the beautiful game. There's no stopping them at the moment and no one dares to even try.

But Arsenal being Arsenal have defeated all the top European clubs on their home turf in years gone by. The very best of those performances came at the Guiseppe Meazza on that incredible night in November 2003 when Thierry Henry let out his rage and the result was an unbelievable 5-1 bashing of the blue and black. The gunners left the entire World stunned by the sheer ruthlessness they brought from London to deliver an almost perfect game. Real Madrid, AC Milan and most recently, Bayern Munich can also testify to this fact. Last year, Arsenal grabbed an unlikely 2-0 win at the Allianz after throwing the first leg away at the Emirates. It was too late as they crashed out yet again in the Round of 16.

Guardiola will know better than to write off Arsenal. He has warned his team that the tie is not over yet and it is very true. Another lacklustre display like the one that saw them lose last season will be a great disappointment. For Die Roten, they are currently unbeaten in the Bundesliga and can wrap it up in two or three weeks, as a result of the big margin between first and second. They were last beaten 49 games ago in the League and last weekend, Wolfsburg were on the wrong end of a 6-1 mauling even after the home team scored first at the Volkswagen Arena. It has been a phenomenal run for last season's treble champions since Guardiola took charge. The aim is to become the first team to win the European Cup back to back since the new format started in 1992. Not many people are betting against them.

Arsenal geared up for tonight's encounter in scintillating fashion. Everton were taken to the woodshed by a reinvigorated Mesut Ozil, who hasn't been himself since he failed to convert from 12 yards v Bayern Munich and his beloved pal, Manuel Neuer. He will seek to make amends as not many people get the chance to right their wrongs almost immediately. Bayern may boast of some of the World's finest footballers, but they are well aware who the boss is, when it comes to affairs involving the German National Team. He has to prove himself today or face a barrage of criticism from the Media again. The likes of Clark Witney and Ralf Honigstein did all they could to defend the German superstar, but it is what happens on the pitch that matters. In fairness, Ozil has been vastly non-existent in the big games. He can change all that in a few hours.


PROBABLE LINEUPS-

BAYERN MUNICH

Neuer, Rafinha, Dante, Martinez/Boateng, Alaba, Schweini/Lahm, Thiago, Kroos, Robben, Ribery, Mandzukic

ARSENAL

Szczesny, Sagna, Kos, Per, Vermaelen, Arteta-Flamini, Ozil, Cazorla, Roiscky, Grioud


Javi Martinez is an indispensable player. The monument of a player can play in central defence, defensive midfield and central midfield and he slot into the roles effortlessly well. His combination with Bastian Schweinsteiger last season clipped the wings of some of the World's most revered playmakers (Pirlo, Xavi, Iniesta). Even the self-proclaimed World best Central Midfielder (Arturo Vidal) was pocketed by the duo so comfortably. Toni Kroos touches the ball more than 160 times every game ans his pass completion accuracy, rate and percentage sends shock waves down football watchers' spines. His well taken curling shot was the highlight of the duel at the Emirates. Betting against him today would be one of the most idiotic decisions ever made by anyone. As for Thiago Alcantara, Barcelona made one of the dumbest decisions of this age to let him go. Since arriving the Arena, he has lit up every occasion and  brought the best out of all his teammates. His no-look pass to Muller last Weekend exemplified why he is one of the best midfielders of this generation. A Class apart. We know how the rest roll. The 'ROBBERY' gang is back. They way they switch wings, mesmerise wing/full backs cannot be over elaborated.  Mario Gotze, fantastic as he is, might have to make do with a place on the bench. Thomas Muller-perhaps the most dependable footballer out there, may also watch from the subs' bench. Let's see what Pep thinks of tonight. The Croatian predator, Mario Mandzukic notched his 50th Buli goal for the Bavarians v his former club. He leads the scorers' chart in the domestic League. This is perhaps his final season as a roten. Robert Lewandowski is coming to town next season. Philipp Lahm has been labelled the most intelligent player to have ever worked under Pep by the man himself. This season, he has played in midfield more than his customary right back role, leaving the vacancy for Rafinha to fill. The exSchalke man has taken his chance with both hands and done very well up till this point. He may likely continue at right back with the fitness of Schweini questionable.


Arsenal possess two of the best centre backs in the World and they have proved beyond doubt that they can continue in that regard. Save for a few calamitous performances, Per Mertesacker and Luarent Koscielny are stalwarts and have so far prevented some of the World's finest players from scoring in recent time. Although, they were nowhere to be found when Thomas Muller stole and guarded a sumptuous Philipp Lahm pass past Lukasz Fabianski to seal the first leg, their performances this term deserve praise and encomiums.  Gibbo is unavailable tonight and that may provide an opportunity for club captain, Vermaelen to start from the off. Santiago Cazorla will be hoping to create his own history and Tomas Rosicky's experience and technical brilliance will be very important. Ozil has to sand up and be counted and Giroud must put away his domestic problems and continue scoring the vital goals. In all of these, the vital area for Arsenal to dominate this night is central midfield. Arteta and Flamini have to come up with various ideas/strategies to stiffen the threats of the Bayern midfield. KROOS-THIAGO especially. If they can do as much, then there is a big chance that a miracle will suffice.


Ohireime P Eboreim
Twitter--@ohiskaka1990