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The Frisky Boys of Chelski
The knock-out stage of this season’s Champions League got off to a thrilling start with the AC Milan versus Manchester United match in the San Siro Stadium. Five goals and a red card should be enough for any fan.
It has certainly upped the ante for the second week of knock-out fixtures. Yes, the second week as Uefa has decided to make the knock-out process a much more drawn out affair. This is undoubtedly to suit the TV coverage which means fans and clubs cannot moan too loudly. Only a few teams have a genuine chance of lifting the Uefa Champions League. For everyone else, it is about bringing in vital funds and increased TV income will do just that for all of the other clubs involved.
As you would expect, there are some big teams involved and they don’t come bigger than the reigning Champions League holders Barcelona. It seems like a lifetime but it was only last May that the Catalan side defeated Manchester United 2-0.
The opening goal-scorer was Samuel Eto’o but he is long gone from the Camp Nou. However, Lionel Messi remains at the heart of everything that is good about the holders of the big cup in European football. He may be small but his talent gives him the stature of a giant. Messi was rightly named World Player of the Year for 2009 but the Argentinean needs to be at his best again in 2010.
Barca Can’t Replicate Last Season’s Glory
Barcelona are already unable to replicate their treble success of last season as they have slipped out of the Spanish Cup. They remain sat at the top of the Spanish league but injuries are starting to take their toll.
Barcelona have a devastating attack but when they are missing players, they can struggle like any other side. This was shown when they recently lost in Madrid. Not to bitter rivals Real Madrid but to Athletico Madrid, a team who are usually tricky opponents for the Catalan side. The cultural differences between Madrid and Barcelona ensure that any clash is taken seriously and a 2-1 home win was greeted rapturously. Barcelona have to bounce back and the Champions League offers them a fantastic opportunity to get motoring again.
Stuttgart Hoping to Battle Barca
Stuttgart will provide stern opposition but you would have to say Barcelona are the favourites over the two legs. The first leg takes place in Germany and you would think that Stuttgart will have to take a lead to Spain to stand a chance of progression. Keeping a clean sheet would also be nice but that can be easier said than done.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s form may have shaded in recent weeks but he has been a success for Barcelona so far. One man who hasn’t hit the heights this season is Thierry Henry but he has hit the headlines for other reasons.
Henry A Cheat
There will be those who want to put the whole affair behind football but others are not so forgiving. Thierry Henry is likely to be hounded as a cheat for the rest of his playing career for what he did against the Republic of Ireland. This is a shame as the career highlights of Henry will be a joy to watch but it has all been blighted. Henry’s form has been poor for Barcelona this year and it is likely he will be moving on in the summer. It is not very often that the Champions of Europe are overshadowed but the Wednesday night games have an added edge.
Inter Milan welcome Chelsea to Italy and, as usual, Jose Mourinho will be at the centre of attention. The Special one has the special knack of grabbing the headlines but even he has been eclipsed of late by his former captain John Terry.
What’s Happening at Chelsea?
England may not want John Terry to be captain any more but the Chelsea management and fans still see JT as their man. Your opinion of Terry will depend a lot on your own moral beliefs and ideas but he is not a role model for youngsters. However, his lovely looking wife, Toni Poole (a posher Sienna Miller) appears to be willing to accept him back so who are we to comment? Apart from adding that there may be a parallel to teams craving the Champions League money.
Back to affairs on the field as opposed to of the heart and this has the chance of being a monumental tie. Inter Milan are far and away the best Italian side but look somewhat short of being a major European side. Time for the Special One to remind everyone how special he is and re-ignite the Champions League.
Mourinho Has the Beating of Ancelotti
Inter fans will take some comfort from the fact that Mourinho had the beating of Ancelotti when he was the boss of AC Milan. Ancelotti now has a better squad at his disposal than he had at the Rossoneri and Chelsea will start favourites. A large reason for this is the firepower that Chelsea have.
Yes, Samuel Eto’o can be explosive in front of goal as his strikes in two separate Champions League finals have shown. However, and this is not an insult to Eto’o, he is no Didier Drogba. Then again, very few players are.
Drogba has been on tremendous form this season and is in with a shout of the player of the year in England. He may eventually be pipped by Wayne Rooney but Drogba could be the man who picks up the team trophies in May.
Chelsea appear to be a stronger team unit than most of their big rivals and this is likely to be a factor. Strong team ethics provide the platform to win matches but sometimes you need an individual touch of magic to turn a tie in your favour.
Chelsea - So Many Great Players
Chelsea have the team work but also have players like Lampard, Deco, Ballack, Anelka and Drogba to grab a goal out of nowhere.
Chelsea will however be without left back Ashley Cole who is injured but he may unavailable after his wife Cheryl gets her hands on him. You have to wonder what they put in the water at Chelsea’s training ground? If it is not bad enough that John Terry is up to no good behind his wife’s back but their left back is doing the same!
The Chelsea fans will be hoping that their players will be able to keep their minds on the job and will have the energy left to finish the Italians off.
by Andrew Reilly
for The Silver Circle at www.footballtip.co.uk
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Dear Greg,
I've been a member since July 2003, maybe one of the first to join the Silver Circle.
2004 was a good year but I really enjoyed the long run we had in, I think, July 2005. It was exhilarating! 2006-2007 was not as exciting although still quite profitable and so far 2007-2008 looks quite good. I'm wondering if we're going to hit a long one again soon. Anyway, it's been a pleasure as always with your service, Greg. Armstrong and you are one of the few people I trust on the internet. You have made my retirement so much more fun and financially happy!
Best Wishes, Trent Wrayford, Sidney
