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FA Cup and the Wembley – still holds some excitement
Some of the shine may have been knocked off the FA Cup in recent years but 2009 is the year when the big clubs took the cup seriously again.
There is no doubt that the top clubs will still prioritize a league trophy or European silverware over the FA Cup but this year has seen the trophy roar back in style. This weekend's semi-finals are all taking place at Wembley Stadium and three of the big four clubs are in action.
The club just outside the big four places knocked the other big four team out of the Cup and are still in the hunt to be the 'best of the rest' in the English Premier League.
London Derby Takes Centre Stage
The first semi-final sees Chelsea, confident after a remarkable Champions League quarter final tie against Liverpool take on Arsenal, convincing winners over Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium to book their place in the last four of the Champions League.
The two London clubs meet in a tea-time clash for the benefit of TV viewers but no one is going to argue if they serve up half as much excitement as they have done in the past week.
Chelsea have scored 8 goals and conceded 7 in their last two matches so there is a high chance of goals when they are around and Arsenal thumped in four second half goals away to Wigan on Saturday which indicates they also have their shooting boots on.
Semi-finals can often be drab and dull affairs with the fear of losing being greater than the desire of winning but with the attacking talent on show, there may just be a chance that this game will break the traditional feel of a semi-final.
A few weeks back it appeared that neither side was going to win anything this season but a dramatic return to form for both London clubs has given their supporters new hope.
Chelsea may still be off the pace in the title race but they will have confidence about facing Barcelona in the semi-final of the Champions League.
It can be argued that Barcelona are the most exciting team to watch in the Champions League but with all of their attacking flair and endeavour, they leave some gaps at the back which players like Drogba, Ballack and Lampard may be able to exploit. The FA Cup semi-final will be a great opportunity for the Chelsea to prepare for the Camp Nou clash and also give themselves a boost of knowing they have reached at least one final this season.
Arshavin Fires Arsenal Back to Form
For Arsenal, their season was looking extremely poor and for a spell it seemed as though they would have to settle for a 5th place finish as they lagged far behind Aston Villa. Arsenal's return to form has coincided with players returning from injury, the debut of Andrey Arshavin and a collapse from Aston Villa which has seen the Gunners slip back into the Champions League qualification spot.
It may have taken penalty kicks to get past Roma but since then, things have been on the up and Arsenal have a good spirit about them which bodes well for the rest of their domestic campaign. Arsenal, although out of the title race will have some role to play in the deciding of the championship as they play all three contenders before the season ends. If Arsenal maintain their winning run, there are going to be some sleepless nights for messrs Hiddink, Benitez and Ferguson.
Can Toffees Give United Sticky Time?
And talking of Ferguson, Manchester United continue their all-conquering quest for silverware with their semi-final against Everton.
Everton are the only club who have had a spare midweek and boss Davie Moyes will be hoping his players have a freshness which will help them overcome United. Three goals in their last match against Aston Villa will indicate that Everton know the route to goal and given United's defensive struggles of late, this semi may not be as cut and dried as some people would consider. Everton defeated Manchester United in their last Wembley encounter and there is no reason why they can't do so again.
United Keep Bouncing Back
However, the media were quick to write off United before their trip to Portugal but a Ronaldo wonder goal gave the World Club champions a 1-0 victory and booked their place in the semi-final.
United will be back in London to face Arsenal in the semi-final of the Champions League but their next London trip is the most pressing at the moment. With a midweek match to follow in their pursuit of the English premier League, there may be a few changes to the United line-up for their Wembley showdown.
This is not necessarily an indication that they will be playing a weakened side but is more indicative of the strength in depth United have. Their opponent's Everton, when at full fitness, have a first eleven that practically picks itself but with United, it's impossible to predict the team.
One of the players that Alex Ferguson relies on in big games is Ji Sung Park and he may find himself restored to the starting line-up as Manchester United look to win everything in sight. There is even the chance that the goalkeeping position may be rotated possibly allowing Ben Foster another chance to impress on the Wembley stage after his Carling Cup winning performance back in May.
Some say that playing the semi-finals at Wembley devalues the final but with the cost of the new Wembley needing to be paid off, football fans should get used to the fact that the semi's are going to be played in the capital for a long time to come. For once, the semi-finals are featuring four of the in-form teams in the country so trying to predict a winner is a difficult task and fans can only hope this weekends action lives up to the excitement that London football fans on Tuesday night when Chelsea and Liverpool clashed.
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
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