Cup football dominates in Britain this weekend with semi finals of the FA Cup and Scottish Cup being played on Saturday and Sunday. Watford’s chances of putting one over on United might come down to United suffering a hangover from the 7-1 annihilation of Roma. The news that Ronaldo has signed a five year contract extension is great but not unexpected news for United fans.
Watford and Manchester United have only met three times in the FA Cup, with Watford winning the last meeting 1-0 in 1982. While United have faced Premiership sides each step of the way, Watford have only come across top flight opposition once and that was West Ham. Three of Watford’s four wins have been 1-0’s.
The other semi has Chelsea facing rugged Blackburn Rovers. On the face of it Chelsea have a more difficult task than Manchester United although Rovers’ form since reaching the last four has been pretty awful. However, Blackburn have only conceded one goal in five Cup games and in Brad Friedel they have a goalkeeper who is capable on the day of stymieing the best of teams. Chelsea can look to three wins over Blackburn this season, all achieved without a goal being conceded.
In Scotland Celtic are looking to make it to their 4th final in 6 years. First Division St. Johnstone (currently trailing last season’s Cup runners-up Gretna) are the opposition. These teams have met 5 times in the Scottish Cup with St Johnstone’s only win coming 71 years ago. St Johnstone have never appeared in a Scottish Cup Final and if they are to cause an upset it will likely be on account of ####mp;T international Jason Scotland who has scored 25 goals this season.
Hibs fans don’t need reminding that they last won the Scottish Cup in 1902 and are looking to make their second trip to Hampden Park for a final this season – they beat Kilmarnock in the CIS Cup Final a few weeks ago. The opposition is Dunfermline who finds themselves in a similar position to Watford although there are signs that the Pars may conspire to escape the clutches of relegation. Dunfermline beat Hibs 2-0 in the 1965 semi and went on and lost to Celtic in the final.
With United and Chelsea on Cup duty it is relegation match-ups front and centre in the Premiership. The biggest game is West Ham playing Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. West Ham are on a roll although it may still turn out to be too late. They have won their last three Premiership game including two away from home against Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal. On the other hand Sheffield United have lost three league games in a row, have only picked up one point in their last five games and face Manchester United and Charlton after this game. Without Rob Hulse who has contributed nearly one third of United’s goals it is difficult to see where United’s goals are going to come from.
Everton and Charlton are two of the hottest team sin the Premiership at the moment and are both unbeaten in their last six games. Charlton have had four consecutive clean sheets – 5 in their last 6 - and have reached a position where by they no longer have to hope that other results go there way in order to avoid the dreaded drop. However, remember that Charlton still have only one away win this season at that came at Portsmouth.
Other matches with relegation implications have Wigan at home to Spurs and Reading at home to Fulham who will have new manager Lawrie Sanchez in charge.
In MLS Kansas City make their 2007 league debut at DC United who lost their season opener last weekend in chilly (this is coming from someone in Winnipeg!!) Denver. DC looked very uninspired and perhaps suffering from their Champions League exertions against Chivas Guadalajara.
KC Wizards signed former Boro midfielder Carlos Marinelli although he is unlikely to see action for a couple of weeks because of fitness concerns. Marinelli, who is now 25, made his Premiership debut as a 17-year-old against Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day 1999. In 43 starting and substitute appearance in the Premiership the Argentine midfielder scored three goals.
Other notable games include Toronto FC away to New England, and two teams that won their seasons openers play in Denver – Colorado Rapids and Chicago Fire. For Toronto fans it will be a second look at their new team and particular attention will be paid to the effort over the full ninety minutes. The promise of last weekend’s first thirty minutes against Chivas only flattered to deceive as the side wilted badly in the last 2/3rds of the game.
Inter Milan are looking to continue their march to a second straight Serie A title when they face a badly slumping Palermo. Palermo are struggling with the loss of striker Amauri through injury and have taken only ten points from a possible thirty-six. A win over Palermo, and another against second-placed AS Roma next Wednesday, would bring the title for Inter with six games left.
Spain has some mouth watering encounters this weekend. After rolling over and dying in midweek against Chelsea, Valencia desperately needs to beat Sevilla in order to stay in contention for the title. A loss for Valencia would leave them at least 8 points behind the leaders with 8 games to go. Valencia have taken just four points from a possible 12 and will face Real Madrid away next week. In turn Sevilla must play Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on May 6.
Racing Santander versus Real Madrid has two of Spain’s form teams going head-to-head. Santander are coached by former Real Madrid reserve team coach Miguel Angel Portugal and are on a seven-match unbeaten streak with ex-Real player Pedro Munitis (4 goals) and giant Serbian Nikola Zigic (10 goals) proving to be a handful for opposition defenses. Santander have also moved into contention for a UEFA Cup spot
Real Madrid, despite so many drab performances, are very much in contention and continue to apply heat to league leaders Barcelona who find themselves 11 points off of last season’s pace. Barcelona leads Sevilla by a single point with Real Madrid a point further behind. Of the top three teams Barcelona looks to have the easiest run-in with a trip to Atletico Madrid (their bogey team) the most difficult challenge.
Enjoy the weekend action and feel free to comment!
I also think the Valencia, Seville game is going to be a blast. Supsrised to see that Bobby didn't mention the Arsenal/Bolton game as one to look for this weekend, or is Arsenal playing so bad that you've simply forgoten about them.
H14, where did you get the quote from Wenger? From what I read, he was trying to brush off speculations. But I think a takeover will be a good thing if the new owner gives him money to buy players. I don't believe he honestly thinks every one of the current team is good enough.
Facing Watford, ManU may rest some players and still get a result. However, Chelsea still have to field most of their "untouchables" to confront Blackburn. It'll be tough for them but an upset looks unlikely to me. However, I think Charlton has a good chance of beating Everton, whose latest good form is due for a dip.
I'm looking forward to a Blackburn-Watford final ;). As for MLS, I hope my guys can put the loss behind them and get the three points Saturday night at Estadio RFK. I think they will.
This may well be the weekend when Milan reach fourth place in Serie A. They are a point behind Palermo (with a game in hand) who travel to play Inter, while earlier on Sunday Milan are at Messina.
A couple of great matches coming up in Spain. A Santander win will really make things interesting in the fight for European spots, and Valencia simply must stop the bleeding and cannot afford to lose again especially since they travel to the Bernabeu next week.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on April 13th at 5:36 PM.
I was going to post this nice unbiased piece saying saying "deciding which of Serie A, La Liga, EPL is best is like comparing beer, wine and and single malt whiskey. Each league has its own style. I can appreciate them all."
Then I thought about this. The league I prefer the best is the champions league. Bobby do you think that the the influx of money and and the prominence of the UCL has made the old chestnut of a European Super League get closer? The (say) 16 teams could still play in domestic cup competitions.
What really killed it in the past? Was it the potential collapse of meaningful domestic competitions, unsolvable relegation issues, travel, cost or just lack of interest?
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on April 13th at 11:18 PM.
... oh and yes thanks Fox for carrying my game on Sunday so I don't have to do PPV like the ManU fans. I wont even have to travel 37 miles like those poor Blackburn fans. I wonder how many would turn up if it were at their own Ewood Park stadium?
Bobby. do you think having the semis at Wembley next year actually diminshes the final a little? In any event it seems to be a massive help to London clubs if they get that far.
I tend to agree, it's just that there's a lot of talk coming from England this week that the EPL is the greatest league in Europe and so on, from distinguished sources like Sir Alex, Mourinho, C.Ronaldo, etc, something which, like you, the rest of the world find rather arrogant yet amusing and typical. Kinda of like when they beat Jamaica 6-0 before the World Cup and practically self-proclaimed themselves tournament favorites. This is the third time in eight seasons that there are three teams from the same country in the UCL semis, it happens.
Starting in 1989, Italian clubs were in all but one UCL final for 10 straight years, and 10 of 11 straight UEFA Cup finals winning eight in that span. The Serie A also managed a few Cup Winners' Cup finals during that period including a couple of titles which added up to an incredible haul, all with a maximum of 3 foreign players per team. They went about their business year in and year out just as clubs like Milan do today without trying to tell people how great they are. Man Utd had an impressive win against Roma, and there are three English teams in the semis, one of which will probably win the title and that's great for the EPL. The EPL has made great strides in the past few years, but they have no reason to get carried away quite just yet.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on April 14th at 8:05 AM.
The top 10 league`s
1.England
2.Germany
3.Spain
4.Scotland(Rangers and Celtic,anyway)
5.Italy
6.Argentina
7.Holland
8.MLS
9.France
10.Brazil
I`m not saying they are the best in that order,but that`s the order I would watch them in,given the choice.
One of the subtexts of Paul Parker's posting, I believe is "where do the best players in the EPL come from".
That's what VVV referred to in an earlier posting.
As EPL fans know, a lot of the best players in the EPL are foreign.
Now if you enjoy watching the EPL most, good on ya'.
I most enjoy La Liga or Serie A for player skill and tactics. I do watch the EPL just as much and enjoy it immensely.
Kudos to Manu, Chelsea and Liverpool for making the CL semis.
BTW-Those are the leagues I have seen over the years on FSC/FSW,Setanta or in person(EPL/SPL,although in my day it was The Football League,not the EPL)!
Everyone knows that the UK press invents and circulates their own garbage and rumors. That won't change. What gets me is way both the BBC and Setanta refer to them in their gossip columns when it's blatant lies. I usually get my match reports and latest news from the BBC Football pages but I think I've had enough. They just perpetuate and stir up the muck, often implying truth when it refers to multiple collaborating evidence from discredited sources. They should know better. I'm going to boycott and stick with Sky and Fox.
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on April 14th at 11:49 AM.
I like to follow the careers of Argentine players, such as Bordeaux's Cavenaghi, Porto's Lisandro Lopez, Lazio's Ledesma, etc, but I don't follow those leagues very much. I just keep an eye out for their names in articles and such.
Yes ,MLS stands for Major League Suck-err,it`s No8 because I`d rather watch it than Ligue Une,the most boring,low scoring league there is,or the Brazillian league.
I dont know if you saw the Brazillian league on FSC a couple of years ago,but in my opinion it was un-watchable.
Stop-start,stop-start,foul,foul,fou l,and argue with the ref EVERY time he made a decision(worse than rane looney)!
The beautiful game,it was NOT!
I am listening to George Galloway`s"The Mother of All Talk show`s" on Talksport as I write/type this.
If you ever want to hear the truth from an honest politician(yes,I know that`s an oxymoron)!
You could do a lot worse than listen to George Galloway.RESPECT
Again,just my opinion!
Last word from me,for good media coverage of the EPL,try The Times or The Independant,also Gab Marcotti writes in several newspapers and features on Talksport,He speaks a lot of sense on all leagues.
Best leagues... to watch.
1. EPL- by a mile
2. La Liga
3. Germany
4. Italy- sometimes the video feed is so bad and the crowds so far away it doesn't even make the top 10.
5. France-Ligue 1 is awesome, it is like a who's gonna be who. Skill and pace, a little light on the tackling though.
6. Holland- can be really good.
7. Portugal- only seen the tournament teams and hi-lights but it looks great.
8. SPL- never see it, I like the Rangers-Celtic games and the crowds are great but I never see it.
9. Argentina
10. Brazil
-I will be glued to the TV when Becks comes, though.
-Ringo, I know of and like very much George Galloway, it was fun to watch him verbally tear to pieces all of the American Pundits last year, they won't have him back b/c he commands the language so well and he speaks honestly. Those Scots sure can talk.
I'm amazed (and envious) that you guys follow so many different leagues to the extent to which you can rank your top ten. I follow Serie A closely and enjoy it very much, then watch one or two La Liga and EPL matches every weekend and the occasional Bundesliga match which I also find to be of excellent quality. I have never managed to force myself to watch an entire MLS match, but you guys should rank your own country's league highly. I too have always been surprised that I never found the Brazilian or Argentine leagues to be very entertaining even though the quality is obviously there.
Well if it's lists you want, not counting the UCL, here’s my list based on my recent viewing stats:
1. MLS (it overran till 7.03pm when I tuned in for FSR tonight. Accidentally watching even 1 minute was like finger nails on a blackboard)
2. EPL (I was “Fabr-agahst” to see Arsenal win, luvly goal from Tonge )
3. EPL (Early games)
4. EPL (Late games and Tivo)
5. Any EPL replay or classics
6. EPL reserves league on Chelsea TV
7. La Liga *
8. Serie A *
9 Championship League
10 Bundesliga *
11. EPL training sessions (you know, that stupid Adidas commercial with Frank and SWP)
* FSR highlights only unless no non-Arsenal EPL games on.
I hate the Wops! Their league is so boring and who wants to watch a game thats already been bought and paid for?
La Liga would be the best league if its players could stand on its feet for more than 3 seconds.
EPL is good quality its just that its too top heavy. Liverpool is the greatest team of all time. Steven Gerrard is the greatest player of all time. Well definitely most clutch player.
MLS is like going to your kids soccer game. You want to hold the players hands after the game and show them all the mistakes and missed opportunities.
LACF-Are you a Chelsea supporter or an Arsenal supporter? You seem to be a bit confused....
That's some strong language LGB. But, I guess the first amendment in this country guarantees you the right to insult minorities in the media, or maybe not.
Football leagues in various countries tend to develop styles of play which appeal most to their respective fans. Same with major sports in this country. Unfortunately the MLS is a long way from embracing traits to which most sports fans in this country are drawn, and therefore will continue to struggle.
Mornin' Ringo. Finally Joe Cole is being played in his best position ... behind the strikers, though he should have converted his chance. Very nice goal. Just love it. Really pleased that he picked the team that he did. They're really starting to click.
Hey LACF: You could've scored on the chance Sheva somehow bungled up, right!? Must be something in the water.
Did you catch up with Eugene Tenenbaum this week in your home town, who repotedly was over there having an informal chat with Klinsy?
ps. thanks, RINGO.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on April 15th at 9:17 AM.
Not necessarily luck, but, yes, there was some doubt at one point I think. Chelsea are really starting to look good, probably as good as ever under Mourinho's watch. I think their UCL win this week did more for them than Man Utd's did for SAF's bunch.
I would watch Boca/River/River/Boca,but I`m just too wound up right now!
There`s only one thing for it.....
Sex Pistols,Clash,Jam and Stiff little Fingers at full volume !!
Well, we made it. That was too close. I think that MGP needs to play for a better team (like Liverpool). Chelsea seemed to just give up the initiative. I don't think JM did his cause any good by subbing Sheva rather than his beaten up warhorse (Drogba,. Though all the subs did well. It was an odd kind of last hour but then Blackburn didn't quit the way Valencia did.
The resurgence of Rooney is making me wonder about the run in. It seems like Ferdinand injury is not serious. OK ... bring on West Ham who must be in the dumps after the Sheffield game.
The only TV I watch is football and movies, and with the DVR recorder it can be a full time job, but I don't watch all those leagues. I only watch EPL, Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and the occasional MLS. I used to watch the Eredivisie and Ligue 1 when it was on FSC. I could never get into Argentina and Brazil leagues. I don't have Setanta, but i will get it soon when I switch to Dish, there is no way I will miss the Rugby world cup this summer, that is a great event. Whatever happened to the old foxsportsworld, I really liked that format, I even began to like Aussie rules.
-That DC-KC game yesterday was entertaining, the passing at times is simply awfulin MLS.
-Chelsea are really starting to flow, I think they play very entertaining football, they are so strong you can feel it. Mourinho almost blew it with that substitution at the free kick. Sheva looked out of sorts today, but he moves so well w/o the ball he still fits into the team well. That miss really ticked Jose off.
-LACF- as much as I love Maka, when Mikel is in the hole that is their best team.
That Buffalo guy must be of Italian descent. That was a moronic thing to say, but even so, VVV, I don't think Italians can be considered minorities anymore, they are pretty much considered white Europeans.
-Arsenal cinched up 4th in the EPL, which doesn't look so bad considering that the top 3 are in the last 4 of champions. I am starting to agree with whoever said(I think H14) that Wenger should use Kolo in the midfield. I think he should use him like Jose does Essien, they are very similar: rocket shots, very strong, super pace. He is sometimes lost at center back as I think he wants to drift forward.
Wow, what a finish to the Everton, Charlton game. Plus the earlier Wigan/Spurs game. How can you not love the EPL? Just heart-stopping stuff for the fans and all the other teams locked into results.
We're really are so lucky here in the US to get all the great coverage. ... and now for the icing on the cake ... Valencia and Sevilla. Game on!
PS MasMaz. Agree 95%. JMO may not be quite there yet on position, blocking and when to tackle but he has extra element to his game. Very cool on the ball. Maka's looks like he's done. It comes to all unfortunately.
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on April 15th at 12:26 PM.
MasMaz: We're all citizens of the world, right? The guys at work call me wop all the time, I don't care; really just wanted to start an argument with him, but I guess he crawled back under his rock.
Well, Palermo are beating Inter 0-2 at the San Siro at halftime, what a surprise!!
Big win for Atleti - winning ugly is definately is a good sign for any team. They needed that after Santander won yesterday.
Chelsea match was definately an entertaining affair, classic English cup game, starts off nice and organized, then the tempo starts rising and before you know it, all tactics & schemes go out the window, and it's just end-to-end stuff. Definately not for the faint of heart.
VVV you shouldn't care. Ironically, he sounds the kind of person who has never travelled and is probably "WithOut Passport" himself, which is the actual origin of that ugliness.
BTW, I hope ManU beat you in the semis, Athens is only a ferry and bus ride away from your fans I you could be favorites, should Chelsea and ACM make it.
LACF (and ringo):
You guys have about the toughest schedule to finish a season, I think I've ever seen. Four week span starting with the UCL semi, you play in order: Liverpool (UCL), Bolton, @ Liverpool (UCL), @ Arsenal, Man Utd, Everton, Man Utd (FA), UCL final. How do you like Chelsea's chances of getting on an incredible run, beating Man Utd possibly three times in two weeks and finishing off the quad!!??
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on April 15th at 1:14 PM.
Yeah, a big win for Atleti after Santander's win yesterday. At the same time, nothing made me happier than reading the news about Re*l's misfortunes during that game! Comedy gold, that.
Last edited by atleti_female on April 15th at 1:25 PM.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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