Champions League Rematches

If you like rematches, no, sorry, redemolitions, then this Champions League draw is for you. At first glance, Barca vs. Arsenal is an intriguing encounter. Sure, the two sides will provide beautiful football and Barca is likely to provide the joy they did when hosting Real Madrid but is there any question of who will win this tie? Now, if Arsenal pull off a shock, I'll look like an idiot for saying this, but, they should provide the Catalans with the least trouble of anyone Barca could have faced. An AC Milan fixture, for example, would have left Barca trying break down one of Europe's best defenses. Arsenal, though will try to beat the Spaniards at they're own game. Unless Arsene Wenger decides to make a shocking change of tactics, his side has no hope. Here are my grades and predictions for these fixtures:

Valencia vs. Schalke 04

Grade: B-

Prediction: Valencia 2-1 Schalke 04

Neither of these sides interest me with their quality but the talent levels here are very similar. They should provide an even encounter but the Spanish side will look to start well at the Mestalla.

AC Milan vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Grade: A

Prediction: Tottenham 5-4 AC Milan

These sides are so different yet so similar in quality. Spurs will need to keep up with Milan at the San Siro and get at least a draw or else the Italians will pack it in during the return. However, if Spurs can keep up in Italy, Milan will be susceptible to the speed of Bale and Lennon on the flanks if they go for the win.

AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Grade: C+

Prediction: Roma 4-0 Donetsk

Shakhtar had a nice group stage but this is where luck runs out for the Ukrainians. Roma is far better as they showed against Bayern Munich. A 3-0 win at home will put this one to bed before half-time of leg 1.

Arsenal vs. Barcelona

Grade: A-

Prediction: Barca 7-1 Arsenal

This will be beautiful but not competitive. Arsenal will be edged at the Emirates before being horribly exposed in Spain.

Copenhagen vs. Chelsea

Grade: B

Prediction: Chelsea 4-1 Copenhagen

The Blues should have no trouble here unless their poor form is permanent. The Danes could keep it close at the Parkon Stadion but Ancelotti's triple threat should do them in at the bridge.

Lyon vs. Real Madrid

Grade: B

Prediction: Madrid 4-2 Lyon

Lyon is a good side and Madrid have 2nd round issues but the new class of Whites should do away with the side that disposed of them a year ago. 2-1 in both legs.

Marseille vs. Manchester United

Grade: A

Prediction: Marseille 2-1 Man United

This is my upset pick. The French side is very talented and could take a lead to Old Trafford. If they do, they can hold out.

Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich

Grade: A+

Prediction: Bayern 4-3 Inter

Munich will not pass up this chance for revenge. They might fall behind in Italy but they should make everything right in Germany by putting Inter back in their place at the Allianz.

Now that you've read my predictions, make yours!

A Disgrace to Football

Before I start my rant about you-know-where, I will congratulate Russia. They put in a very good bid and are an increasingly football-crazy country (or continent, if you prefer). They went to the semis of Euro 2008 and are creating a wealth of new talent. This shows by the fact that they actually had a FOOTBALLER (Andrey Arshavin) representing their FOOTBALL World Cup bid in Zurich on Thursday.

Well, come to think of it, every country in 2022 did too--Lucas Neill (Australia), Landon Donovan (US), Ji-Sung Park (South Korea), and Keisuke Honda (Japan). That is, except for you-know-where. If the 10 reasons that I'm about to list for why you-know-where shouldn't host the World Cup, this one should be good enough. An obscenely fat oil-rich guy with a hideous mustache and crooked, yellow teeth who pays under the table bribes to another obscenely fat rich guy from Switzerland (Sepp Blatter) does not, in any way, represent the beautiful game.

Oh, and here are the 10 other reasons: 120-degree weather, ridiculous promises (see edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/12/02/qatar.world.cup.stadiums/), a country that has badminton on their TVs instead of Holland vs. Denmark in the World Cup (I was there), a football team ranked 113th that has never come close to qualifying for a world cup, the worst striker in the history of football (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfWJdjUvonU&feature=related), no real domestic league, the country is a dust bowl, it's the size of Connecticut, the airport has no hope of handling 1 million tourists, and the people are surly.

Sure, the US probably wouldn't have been that great of a choice, but how can you pick Qatar over the Aussies (hint: bribes)? Look out for a failure in 2022.

The European Situation

After 4 months of football all over Europe, some things are becoming clear and I can evaluate the situation in the Champions League as well as the EPL and La Liga. We start with the Champions League and it's Spanish dominance.

Group A: Tottenham and Inter Milan are through in this group but what does the future hold for the duo? Well, the winner will most likely face a side they will be favored to defeat with the exception of a possible fixture against Arsenal. The runner-up will face a much sterner challenge against a club from Europe's elite such as Barcelona, Man U, Chelsea, or Real Madrid. However, first place is a toss up as the two sides are only separated by a goal difference of 3 in favour of Tottenham. Both sides are away, where neither have found a win. However, Inter faces last place Bremen, who they should beat. Spurs could draw at the Dutch champions, Twente. My prediction:

1. Inter-13 pts

2. Tottenham-11 pts

3. Twente-6 pts

4. Bremen-2 pts

Group B: Schalke and Lyon are in control of this group despite Benfica having a chance. The Portuguese outfit need a win while hosting 1-point leaders Schalke. However, my prediction is a draw. Now, this doesn't mean Lyon will win the group. Expect a resurgent Hapoel side to surprise the French at home while fighting for a Europa League berth. The Israelites have 4 points from their last two after losing their first 3. Meanwhile, Lyon have back-to-back losses (both away from home, though). My predictions call for a 2-0 Hapoel shocker in France:

1. Schalke-11 pts

2. Lyon-9 pts

3. Hapoel-7 pts (-1 GD)

4. Benfica-7 pts (-4 GD)

Group C: This group looks straight-forward, barring a Valencia upset at the Theatre of Dreams. These aren't even predictions, just stating the facts:

1. Man U-16 pts

2. Valencia-10 pts

3. Rangers-8 pts

4. Bursaspor-0 pts

Group D: BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! That is the direction this group is headed, despite two away draws from the Catalans. Second place would be interesting but Rubin Kazan, who trail Copenhagen by one point have an assured death in a week in a half--a.k.a: a trip to the Camp Nou.

1. Barcelona-14 pts

2. Copenhagen-10 pts

3. Rubin Kazan-6 pts

4. Panathinaikos-2 pts

Group E: This group is the classic no-draw 12-9-6-3 group. 6-point Basel would be in with a chance to overtake 9-point Roma but they have a killer fixture at the Allianz while the Italians face Cluj-Napoca. My predicitions:

1. Bayern Munich-15 pts

2. Roma-12 pts

3. Basel-6 pts

4. Cluj-Napoca-3 pts

Group F: This group is over, nothing is left here. Because of this, though, expect some exciting football. With Chelsea's poor run of form and 4 points from a possible 15 in the EPL this month, Marseille could pull a shocker while hosting the English champions. Sorry, Zilina, no shocker for you. A drubbing at home is on the cards for the Slovaks.

1. Chelsea-15 pts

2. Marseille-12 pts

3. Spartak Moscow-9 pts

4. Zilina-0 pts

Group G: This is another case of "over". Madrid 1st, Milan 2nd, Ajax 3rd, and Auxerre 4th--because they're facing Madrid.

1. Madrid-13 pts

2. Milan-9 pts

3. Ajax-5 pts

4. Auxerre-3 pts

Group H: In Group H, we have competition. An epic collapse from Arsenal has cost the Gunners 1st place and maybe even a spot in the elimination stages. Their last 2 games, both away, have ended in 2-1 and 2-0 losses to Shaktar Donestk and Braga respectively. 3 points behind Shaktar, 1st place is nearly out of reach, but, due to goal difference, advancing is in the Gunners hands. Luckily for Arsene Wenger, his side will play at the Emirates, where they boast a 11-1 advantage in the UCL. Also, they host point-less Partizan Belgrade. Meanwhile, Braga would be out even with a victory if Arsenal win.

1. Shaktar-13 pts

2. Arsenal-12 pts

3. Braga-10 pts

4. Partizan Belgrade-0 pts

Now that we have looked through the Champions League, I will quickly review the situation in Spain after el Classico.

Barca look simply unstoppable in La Liga. The Catalans have fended off every tough opposition until they face Valencia in March. Perfect in the league since early October, there is no doubt the Catalans will finish in the top 2. Also, as they proved with a stunning performance in a phenomenal 5-0 thrashing of Madrid, they will most likely see off the Whites for the 3rd year running. At this point, I wouldn't bet against the best team in the world.

In the EPL, we have an interesting race developing with the failure of Chelsea in November. 4 points from 15 while Man U were 11 from 15 in that stretch thanks to 5-goal Berba, who joined the likes of Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, and Jermain Defoe as EPL strikers who have found the net 5 times in one match. Arsenal stay in third (only behind Chelsea on goal difference) because they haven't taken advantage of the Blues the way United have. The Gunners have only taken 9 points from the last 15 due to being profligate at the Emirates. Luckily, Fulham should give them 3 points before they face Man U and Chelsea in December. Even Man City are in with a chance (5 points back) and Spurs (6 points back) have a shot, or at least according to Harry Redknapp.

Torres Rescues Arsenal

Fernando Torres has saved Liverpool and Arsenal, along with aiding Manchester United. The out-of-form striker scored two beautifully worked goals for the Reds as he single-handedly gave Chelsea it's second loss of the campaign. His 11th minute goal was courtesy of a delightful chip over the top from Dirk Kuyt. The Spaniard then brought the ball down to his feet as if his Adidas boots had magnets on them and volleyed on the bounce over Petr Cech. Torres' second was perhaps the more impressive as Raul Meireles took advantage of an Ashley Cole slip and played a ball through to the Liverpool number 9 on the edge of the penalty area. Torres then cut Branislav Ivanovic before curling a stunner off the far post, leaving Cech with no chance.

This result leaves an interesting situation in the EPL title race. Man U have been given a great boost thanks to Ji-Sung Park's heroics against Wolves while Arsenal and Chelsea find themselves just the same as they were 3 days ago. If Sir Alex Ferguson's men keep winning, they will be within a match come the holiday season. The Gunners, meanwhile, are still in the running, thanks to Chelsea being stopped by Fernando T. It is very likely that the North-Londoners won't drop points in the next month but they didn't look like title contenders today and they must improve their form if they want to win their first EPL at the Emirates.

Also, after Chelsea's loss coupled with Mario Balotelli's heroics, we can't count out Man City. After another week of football we all have Fernando Torres to thank for a wide open title race.

Can Chelsea be Caught?

We have 28 matchdays left to enjoy this campaign. However, a question soon arises when you think about this. Are we wasting our "TV time" or can Chelsea be stopped? The Blues next 6 games shouldn't trouble them as their toughest match looks to be at St. James' Park, where they face 7th placed Newcastle. 18 points there and the blues could have up to an 11 point lead over Man U and Arsenal as the Red Devils visit Villa Park and the City of Manchester while the Gunners also travel to Villa Park as well as hosting Spurs. As long has Chelsea hasn't run away from the pack, an important stretch of matches follows during the holiday season as the top 3 enjoy a round-robin-like fixture list. The trio matches are as follows:

Chelsea Arsenal Man U

Dec 11-12 @ Tottenham @ Man U vs Arsenal

Dec 18-19 vs Man U vs Stoke @ Chelsea

Dec 25-26 @ Arsenal vs Chelsea vs Sunderland

First let's look at week one. The Blues travel to the lane, clearly the hardest match not in the round-robin. While Arsenal and United have near-certain 3 points when hosting Stoke and Sunderland, respectively, Chelsea could easily drop points. Spurs haven't lost to the Blues at White Hart Lane since August 27, 2005. Arsenal's trip to the theatre of dreams is vital towards their title challenge. If Chelsea drop points at Spurs, the winning side in Manchester will be within a game of the Blues. Unfortunately for United, the next week could end their season as Chelsea's home form has been immaculate. Barring an upset at SW20, Arsene Wenger's men will face a must-win at the Emirates, a ground where the Gunners haven't beaten their rivals since 2007. Depending on the results during this holiday stretch, the title race could be on or off heading into the climax of the campaign.

However, the question is still the same: Can the Blues even lose?, because the truth is, they need to.

Gunners Gone?

Are the Gunners out is the question that arises in North London after Chelsea's undeserving victory over Arsenal. The Blues fully deserved their lead at the break as Sebastien Squillaci fell asleep on the job with the ever-clinical Didier Drogba waiting. However, the Gunners were far more enterprising in the second period as Jack Wilshere looked lively, dropping a lovely return ball for Marouane Chamakh in the 58th minute, only for the ex-Bordeaux man to enter dancing with stars, losing out in the final to Ramires. The Moroccan then went to Hollywood but his acting was not good enough for Mike Dean. The Gunners really should have been level either then or when Samir Nasri's stunning run ended in a defense cutting through ball. However, Chamakh was again to blame as he let up on the ball allowing Petr Cech to gather way too easily. Arsenal were still in with a fighting chance though until Alex ripped a 30-yard free kick to the left of the wall with a level of spin capable of sending the T-90 into the upper right corner a.l.a Roberto Carlos. The clueless Pole Lucasz Fabianski looked clueless as ever as he watched the Brazilian's rocket. So yes, the question arises, and my answer is, unless they grab some points against the Blues, United, City, and Spurs, yes the Gunners are gone. 

Meanwhile, the question for Roy Hodgson led Liverpool is are they gone? By that I mean gone from the Premiership. After the shock defeat at the hands of Blackpool, some would say yes and they have a point. The Reds are sorely lacking attacking options. They've got the attacking midfielders in Babel, Kuyt, and Gerrard but those guys aren't showing the goals. Gerrard and Torres used to combine to be a scoring a machine but Stevie G isn't much without his pal. They have virtually no hope of the Champions League--mid table is the place for the Reds. 

After Spurs' convincing 2-1 win over Villa they look very likely to take that 4th Champions League spot as the Villa-O'neill-Houllier debacle doesn't look Champions League worthy. Meanwhile, City look very worthy as they look solid against troubling opposition. It is the way they treat lesser opponents that worry's me. They've got to put Blackburn and Sunderland away and Mancini needs to prepare the Citizens for everyone equally. So the big 3, Spurs, and City look set to challenge, Blackpool's lively start will end up like Hull in 08-09, and West Ham is all but relegated--in October (that's Derby like).

See ya after Euro!

Premiership back in action, World back to normal

Well, the world is back to same old, same old for 46 months--that is with the exception of Blackpool. Hardly anything has changed--Chelsea started where they left off with Drogba grabbing his hat-trick and the Blues made 14 in their last two at the bridge. 

Bolton and Fulham provided yet another dull 0-0 draw as Spurs and City had the same score in a far different encounter. The Londoners dominated as they looked worthy of once again hitting cloud 9. However, the Citizens proved you need heart (or perhaps Hart) to compete. 

Birmingham and Sunderland provided a mistake-ridden affair with an own goal and a red card as both unfortunate men were included in my cellar-dweller fantasy team. Stoke and Wolves provided much of the same as everyone other than free-kick genius David Jones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WenS5Z9dMb8) bored the supporters at the Molineux. 

Tim Howard did something that was very reminiscent of his opposite number on June 12. He dropped the ball right on to Nikola Kalinic's boot as he gifted Rovers 3 points and the Serb his first goal of the campaign. The toffees then dominated but it was not enough on Bolton Road as Blackburn beat Everton 1-0. Meanwhile, Rob Green himself was on hand to gift Aston Villa 3 goals (including James Milner's last in Claret and Blue) as West Ham find themselves in the bottom three early on. It was just a bit north at the JJB where the Tangerines of Blackpool found themselves atop the Premier League for the first time since 1957. Journeyman, Marlon Harewood was happy just to have an employer a month ago, now he is on the EPL top scorers list.

On Sunday, Roy Hodgson took the Anfield chair for the first time and he couldn't have been pleased when summer signing Joe Cole was sent off late in the first half. However the old Fulham boss must have been thrilled when David N'gog put the Reds in front with his ferocious strike. Despite being a man up it wasn't until stoppage time when Marouane Chamakh chested off the post and Pepe Reina fumbled into his own net that the Gunners got things level. After the goal, Laurent Koscielny got himself a debut red as the Gunners head back to the Emirates with a point.

That's it for this week (unless your interested in Man U's what will be demolition of Newcastle tomorrow). See ya next time!