UK Football

Sure, there are other matches this weekend, but the one that matters most is Sunday’s fixture, Chelsea v Manchester United.  Chelsea, a team in form, but also at about the same spot where they began to sputter last season.  United, a team struggling to find their form, but who doesn’t know the danger of writing off the Red Devils by now?

For me the match comes down to some key battles.  The first and most prominent in my mind of course, United’s defense.  All reports indicate that Vidic will be available for the match, and that means the Serb is going to have to have a great match if United stand a chance.  The only time United can play their best is when Vidic is a rock in that defense. 

But if United can’t organize, and they haven’t been able to for some time, Drogba and Anelka are going to expose them horribly.  Evra takes too many chances, Drogba will relish the space he’ll leave by attacking too frequently.  Who do you partner Vidic with?  Brown is more of a physical presence, whereas Evans is more solid but definitely slower.

The biggest threat to Chelsea is going to be the midfield battles, and set pieces.  Chelsea have been punished on numerous occasions from set pieces this season, and that will continue if they can’t organize.  Especially with Fletcher available for United.  If anyone can score from a set piece in a big game, it’s Darren Fletcher. 

I’m still not sold on Ancelotti’s diamond formation, and Chelsea have paid the price when it hasn’t worked effectively against some of the ‘lesser’ teams.  Lampard just looks clueless in the middle with the new system, and Ballack and Deco are inconsistent battlers.  Essien will always win balls for you when the other team attacks, but he isn’t much of an attacker himself.  If Fergie is smart and plays Fletcher and Anderson to favor pace over experience, Chelsea could have their hands full.

But from open play John Terry has been an absolute rock this season, and their only real defensive worry is Petr Cech himself.  I’ve never seen a goalkeeper chase balls that he has no business going after as much as Cech this season.  In fact I recall a certain Villa goal that Cech was responsible for, helping hand Chelsea their second loss of the year. 

But let’s face it, he’s not going to have as much work to do now Ronaldo has left United.  Valencia just isn’t the sort of player you can count on to take on defenders and make plays.  United have plenty of good hard workers, but not enough playmakers.  That’s going to hurt them when Chelsea’s solid defending kicks into full force.

My verdict, Cheslea will edge United out 1-0 or 2-1 if things get hectic.  United just haven’t replaced the goals yet, and Fergie will play Berbatov when he should be playing Owen.  Owen would be a constant threat and would force Chelsea to hold a lower defensive line.  Berbatov is too slow for Chelsea’s defenders to worry.  This is a match made for Owen, but he won’t feature, and United will lose for that. 

Never leave Old Trafford before the whistle blows.  That has to be the rally cry after United’s breathtaking late display to secure qualification to the final 16 in the UEFA Champions League.  CSKA Moscow had a brilliant display, going to Old Trafford determined to get results, and three times on the night they wouldn’t be denied.

But more so than United’s heroic comeback, inspired by newfound father Rooney, who only just became a father the night before,  United’s defensive shortcomings were on full display.  Remember, the next match for the defending Premiership champs is at Stamford Bridge, against in form Chelsea.  If there is one thing Chelsea have shown this year, it’s that they can score goals.

Chelsea have an incredible, and uncanny ability to score, sometimes at will, against any opposition.  United have shown that despite having a squad rich with talent, some days they can’t score a goal to save their lives.  They’ve struggled to get on the score sheet against lesser clubs, even from the comfort of Old Trafford.

Stamford Bridge pummels the most confident opposition, and I’m betting the midfield battles will be very different, given that there will be no Owen Hargreaves present this year.  United’s defense really needs to be assessed, because nobody looked confident against CSKA, or Blackburn for that matter.  Even the usually spectacular Van Der Sar looked off the pace.   

Something needs to change here, or United need to try some different tactics if they are to have any hopes of avoiding three losses this early in the season.  A good start on tactics changes might be giving Obertan more opportunities now that he’s healthy.  When United went down 3-1 and the instant change was always going to be Rooney, Macheda was converted into a left winger.

Sure Obertan has some issues with calming his nerves, as evidenced by a few of his touches in all three of his first team appearances.  But that will calm, and he’ll settle in, but United don’t have a better left wing option.  Nani keeps turning in awful performance after awful performance, and while Giggs has been a revelation, he just doesn’t carry winger pace anymore.  

photo: Aleksandr Mysyakin

What a spectacular match.  It wasn’t the best football we’ve ever seen played, but my god did it have plenty of heart.  I remember before the match thinking there’s no way Liverpool even have a chance, considering they would have to score three goals without allowing any from Chelsea to outright win the match on aggregate.  And then boom, I was completely shocked when Cech’s uncharacteristically horrible keeping allowed Aurelio to score in the 19th minute, and then not ten minutes later Alonso delivers from Liverpool’s penalty award.

For a moment there Chelsea looked set to give up a 4-0 match, as has become a characteristic result for Liverpool this season.  Especially with Chelsea looking shaken and broken in their defending, showing just how much Chelsea captain John Terry means to the squad.  Nobody looked confident in that back four, Cole, Alex, Carvalho and Ivanovic all looked like amateurs from the youth squad that had been forced into the starting eleven.

And I don’t think anybody out there saw a way out for Chelsea until Drogba found the back of the net in the 52nd minute, showing us all that the Ivorian still has plenty of Premiership life left in him.  Quickly followed by a superb strike from Alex in the 57th minute, and Chelsea had all but put away the match when Lampard walked in an easy but well earned close range effort off a Drogba cross in the 76th minute.  Making practically everyone believe that Chelsea had put the match away, until once again Liverpool came back on their counter attack to score two late goals by Lucas and Kuyt in the final ten minutes of full time.  Leaving us with a tense and cagey few minutes until Frank Lampard took it upon himself to save the day with a strike that bounced off both posts before heading into the net in the 89th minute.

And like that a 4-4 thriller was over, and despite a courageous performance, Liverpool were sent tumbling out of the Champions League.

But no doubt the pressure is on United doubly strong now, as in their Champions League campaign United face FC Porto today in Portugal, and no English side have beaten Porto in Portugal, and United have to win to advance after a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.  Now the defending champs will also have to continue fending off a Liverpool side with only one trophy left to play for, the Prem.  

Guus Hiddink has revealed that he plans to stay on at Chelsea in some capacity, come seasons end.  Hiddink most likely will not remain as manager of the club, as no doubt it would be very difficult to manage a Premier League club’s entire season, as well as the Russian international squad.  But rather Hiddink could take on the role of a club consultant, helping Roman Abramovich decide which players to bring in, as well as finding the correct choice for a more permanent manager.

And honestly, I don’t see any reason why AC Milan wouldn’t be open to selling him, sure Ronaldinho almost always performs well, but the team is so spoiled for talent I guarantee they wouldn’t miss the Brazilian star at all. 

photo: James Adams

The UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup draw took place today, and finally we know exactly how the quarterfinals are set up to play out.  The next two legs of the Champions League will take place on April 7/8 and April 14/15, and will feature:

• Manchester United v FC Porto
• Liverpool v Chelsea
• Arsenal v Villarreal
• Barcelona v Bayern Munich
  

The UEFA Cup ties will take place April 9th and 16th, and will feature:

• Manchester City v Hamburg
• PSG v Dynamo Kiev
• Shakhtar Donetsk v Marseille
• Werder Bremen v Udinese 

Now that we’ve got that news out of the way, back to the Premiership…

Theo Walcott has found himself injured once again, after the 20 year old England hopeful was finally back in training, after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained while away on international duty back in November.  Walcott injured himself in training with Arsenal, well actually Walcott was injured walking from the training pitch to the dressing room, when the winger took an awkward step and locked his knee, possibly causing cartilage damage. 

photo: Wonker

Walcott will need proper scans before any word on how long Arsenal’s fastest attacker will be out of the squad.  And all I can think is, what horrid luck Walcott is having this season.  The boy starts out as a revelation for England and Arsenal with his attacking fury flying down the right flank, having his best Premiership season yet.   And then the shoulder injury puts him out for five months, and now when Walcott is finally ready to return, he injures himself walking after training.  Unlucky.

Though only time will tell if Redknapp can fix the many mistakes that are still very evident at White Hart Lane.  

Aaron Lennon is set to become Liverpool’s number one transfer target this summer, and I can’t help but think that this move is going to end up being remarkably similar to Liverpool’s last Tottenham signing failure, with Robbie Keane.  Aaron Lennon is having a fantastic season, he’s been a revelation through pace and his ability to take on defenders on the right or left flanks, but I still don’t think Lennon is ready for a club like Liverpool because of his inconsistencies.

Aaron Lennon can’t deliver a decent cross to save his life some matches, and that will make Lennon practically useless for Liverpool.  Lennon needs a little bit more seasoning, and Tottenham aren’t going to let a player with that much potential go cheaply, which means that ultimately right now, he just isn’t worth the money.  Aaron Lennon has the skill to be a great, but has yet to show himself completely able to deliver the way a great player should.

Dave Kitson has found himself back at Reading after his time at Stoke found the striker playing less than convincingly.  Although it’s fair to say Kitson clearly gave his all in every one of his 18 appearances in a Stoke shirt, but failing to score when you’re expected to play as a dedicated striker is pretty much unforgivable.

photo: Robwingfield

But good news for Reading, as they’ll get the man that helped them so much with their run in the Premiership, not to mention the way Kitson has always helped Doyle to play up to his full potential.  And considering Reading’s place in the table now, and the reacquisition of one of their finest stars, Reading have to be almost assured promotion come the end of the season.

And finally, Jose Mourinho is now vehemently denying reports that claimed the Portuguese manager had voiced his interest in managing Manchester United.  Which is probably best for all parties involved, considering Jose Mourinho isn’t the right fit for United, and the move would probably turn out to be almost as unsuccessful as his time at Inter Milan is becoming.  If Mourinho really want’s another Premiership job, he should try and rebuild the burned bridges at Chelsea, as they’re bound to need a permanent manager after this year, no matter how Guus Hiddink functions.  The way I see it, may as well be Jose Mourinho, the man who made them the club they are today.

David Beckham apparently really wants to stay in Milan.  According to a report by Mirror.co.uk David Beckham has taken it upon himself to make sure his loan deal in Milan is extended, reportedly by paying most of the loan fee out of pocket.  Which means Beckham likely paid well over half of the proposed £12million that the LA Galaxy were asking for to allow the English midfielder to remain in Italy.

The new deal means David Beckham will be staying in Milan until the end of the season, upon which he will resume his services for the LA Galaxy starting in July and running until October, after which Beckham will again return to AC Milan for most of the 09/10 season, starting in November.  I for one am incredibly happy to see Beckham finally make a real return to meaningful football, because I’ve pretty much always been a fan.   Beckham has been a revelation at AC Milan, rejuvenating his career to the type of form properly befitting a former England captain, and hopefully he’s still got a few years left in those legs to spend on Serie A.

photo: Mark Freeman

Ashley Cole got arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct, sparking Guus Hiddink to have what BBC Sport reports as a “firm talk” with the defender.  But the main issue here is what sort of discipline could the Chelsea players possibly have, if during the season Ashley Cole is so drunk he gets himself arrested?  That speaks volumes about the situation going on in Chelsea’s management at the moment, and the reason for their underperformances this season.   Not to mention the club as a whole just look less than inspired, and pretty much deflated, since Jose Mourinho’s departure.

At this stage of the season Hiddink needs to keep his side focused on trying to halt Manchester United, and on keeping their fitness level as high as possible.  Somehow failing to inspire your players to avoid getting drunk and insulting police officers just doesn’t seem like a winning strategy.

And finally, speaking of Chelsea, Paulo Ferreira is the latest in a string of Chelsea players to suffer a season ending knee ligament injury, joining Joe Cole and Michael Essien on the anterior cruciate ligament injured list.  However Chelsea won’t really miss Ferreira considering how the Portuguese defender has failed to really find his form this season, only earning himself one league start this season, opposed to his 18 starts last season.

Cold John Terry actually be set to leave Chelsea this summer?  So far the England captain seems to be out of favour with the Chelsea bosses, after having publicly voiced his support of Scolari and also criticized the decision to fire him, Terry has been linked with possible transfers ever since.  And usually the rumour mill is always in some way correct, if not always 100%.

The newest to enter the fray?  Manchester City of course.  That’s right, the richest club in the world is planning on making a bid for England’s captain this summer, and for anyone to be tempted it’s going to have to approach Kaka territory, because John Terry is world class.  You put Terry in your squad to keep the defence incredibly solid, as well as put a new dimension into your set pieces.  Terry alone could fill almost all of City’s defensive weaknesses, and turn them into that top four competitor everyone expects they should be.

The LA Galaxy bosses have pulled rank on David Beckham and refused the former England captain’s requests to make a permanent move to AC Milan.  And that just goes to show how stupid the Galaxy are.  You can’t stop a player from leaving when he wants to, and Beckham has a clause in his contract that will allow him to depart in November for free, which he’ll no doubt do.  The Galaxy should have taken the money AC Milan were offering, that way at least they would have some sort of a profit off the failure of bringing Beckham to America.

What they were thinking, or even what Beckham was thinking by going to MLS I’ll never know.  Beckham is the sort of player that makes good players into fantastic players, you buy him to bolster your squad, you don’t build a squad around Beckham.  His talent doesn’t work that way.  The Galaxy don’t have anyone for Beckham to make better, because they’re all awful, the dregs of football society.

The Galaxy should have just cut their losses and taken the cheque Milan would have handed them, and no doubt they’ll regret the decision to turn down Beckham’s move when he just leaves for free later this year.

And finally, Hull must be very angry about how their most expensive club transfer in history has gone so far.  Jimmy Bullard only played 37 minutes for the club before re-injuring the knee that has troubled him for years at Fulham, and now the England man will require another surgery to repair the damage, the same sort of surgery that put him out of the Fulham squad for a year and a half.  Kind of funny though when you think  about it, Hull finally decides to spend the money it takes to be successful in the big time, and then it all goes so wrong.

Despite his announcements to the contrary, Sven Goran Eriksson remains Portsmouth’s number one target to replace the recently fired Tony Adams, as club manager.  David James weighed in on the possibility of having a former England manager at the club, “Having a former England manager as manager of Portsmouth I’m sure is something that the fans would never have envisaged

“Somebody of his calibre would be a tremendous acquisition for us.”

Whereas Eriksson himself hasn’t been as excited to accommodate Pompey’s wishes, stating that he plans to see out his contract with the Mexico National Team, which runs out in 2010 after the World Cup.  And I have to say that finishing his international contract would be the smartest move for Sven, because otherwise it looks really bad to have you abandon a national team on the verge of a World Cup to go somewhere else.  No doubt that could come back to haunt his career somehow.

But maybe Sven should do the same sort of deal the Hiddink has with Chelsea, manage Mexico and Portsmouth,  no conflict on interest, and international managers get so little time with the players that Mexico should be almost entirely unaffected.  But seriously, when is Mexico even going to qualify for the knockout stages, let alone win a World Cup?  Sven is just wasting his time.

In form old man Ryan Giggs signs a new one year deal with Manchester United, which will see him at the club at least until he’s almost 37, unless of course United extends his contract again next season.  With Giggs incredibly fit and still in top form at 36, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had yet another season beyond next in him.  The definition of living legend.

And finally, Chelsea want Carlo Ancelotti to become the permanent manager at the London club next season.  Although Ancelotti denies any interest in managing the blues, and has made his intent to see his current contract through to 2010.  But I don’t understand why Chelsea want him anyway. . .I understand the greatness Ancelotti exhibited in the past, but what’s he done lately?  AC Milan didn’t even qualify for the Champions League last season, and their performances last time they graced Europe’s finest football competition were less than convincing.

I don’t think Ancelotti is the right man for Chelsea, and I think if he does fall victim to Abramovich’s chequebook, than Scolari won’t be the last manager to be booted out of Chelsea after only a short period in charge.

photo: Paul Blank

Guus Hiddink officially takes over as Blues boss, and I couldn’t disagree with Roman Abramovich’s decision more.  Chelsea  need stability, a club becomes divided when they continually lose their managers after a short time period.  Not to mention the fact that every manager needs their grace period in which they players have to adjust to a different scheme.  And Hiddink just doesn’t have what it takes to make it week in and week out in the Premier League.  Abramovich has put his foot in it by firing Scolari, and if Chelsea’s season was in trouble before, I don’t know that they can recover now.

Apparently I’m at least partly right about Chelsea’s internal strife considering captain John Terry’s vocalizing his support for Scolari, and the fact that he’s confused by Abramovich’s decision.  John Terry said of the incident “He had my full support. I’m sure two or three of the other players would say the same.

“I was shocked by what’s happened. I have sympathy for Scolari. He’s a great man but we weren’t playing well and that unfortunately falls on his head.

“Maybe it should have fallen more on us the players.”

Guus Hiddink’s term as manager is only temporary at the moment, and will only last until the end of the season.  Hiddink will also resume duties as the manager of the Russian national team.

Scolari on the other hand won’t walk away from the incident any worse for wear, considering the severance package the Brazilian will receive from Abramovich and co.  Scolari only served as manager for seven months, and will now walk away with £7.5million for services rendered.  Not a bad deal, but one that makes me wonder how great it is for Chelsea to be wasting such a massive amount of cash during these horrible economic times.

To have to spend £7million to fire a manager who wasn’t doing that bad a job, and then to spend another reported £4million to get someone to take his place for a few months is obscene.

And finally, speaking of managers, Joe Kinnear may not be fit to manage Newcastle United any longer, Kinnear was unable to attend Newcastle’s match with West Brom because of illness last Saturday, and now will face heart surgery on Friday.  Meaning Newcastle may again be out of a manager, as it was Joe Kinnear’s previous history of heart illness that caused him end his term at Wimbledon, and forced him out of football for years.