Man U Maintains Lead as Showdowns Loom
Well, the Red Wings have advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs (unlike last year) but I haven't been paying much attention. Instead I've been following the EPL (Chelsea chasing Man U) the FA Cup (Chelsea vs. ManU--May 19th), and the Champions League (barring upsets by Liverpool or AC Milan, also could come down to the Blues and Red Devils). While I will probably root for AC Milan when they play Man U*, there would be something satisfying about three seperate clashes between the two English giants. On the other hand, if three contests come down to these two teams won't the silverwear seem a little interchangeable? I mean, of course Chelsea would love to win the Champions League, because they never have before. But if they somehow manage to pass Man U in the Premiere League final standings, and they beat them in the FA Cup, so what if they lose in the Champions League? These contests, coming in rapid succession, if indeed they are between the same two teams, seem to run together.
Would a Champions League final over AC Milan be more meaningful for Chelsea than one over Man U? I guess what I'm getting at is that if all the top European teams are English then winning a championship over one of them in the Champions League doesn't seem that much more significant than doing the same thing in the FA Cup Final. Of course, the Champions League is a significantly tougher road. Nobody gets to play Watford there, or Blackburn, or Middlesborough for that matter. Tottenham Hotspur? Maybe someday.
(Middlesborough is quickly becoming my favorite team that I know nothing about, because they always seem to play Man U tough. Ronaldo crying at the end of their draw last weekend was a nice touch too. What? He was just sweating alot? Hmmmm....)
Incidentally, Middlesborough gave Chelsea the opening they needed to draw within striking distance of United, but Newcastle held Chelsea to a 0-0 score the next day. Opportunity lost.
I was getting spoiled by Chelsea's continual winning (albeit almost invariably by the skin of their teeth) and figured they would come through at Newcastle. Apparently Newcastle Away is a tougher fixture than i had realized, as they also drew Man U and beat Liverpool there.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also has Arsenal Away coming up, and the Gunners have lost only once at home all season. I'd probably be happy with a draw there generally speaking, but if the Blues are to catch United they really can't afford this. On the other hand, West Ham did manage to get it done, and recently at that, so what the heck. I suppose it would be best if Arsenal were not playing for a Champions League berth when that game rolls around.
Speaking of West Ham, it would've been nice to watch Chelsea's 4-1 win in at Upton Park. It seems like every time I turn around United reels off another 3 or 4 goal win, while Chelsea continually depend on last minute dramatics, or grind out tense, 1-0 victories. A not-so-close win occasionally makes me like their chances a little more.
As much as Chelsea has been wearing down playing in all competitions, it would seem that the best thing they can do to help themselves against Man U is to stay close and keep the pressure on. According to Sir Alex Ferguson Man U only has twelve healthy players at the moment. While Chelsea have sustained numerous injuries this campaign, they must be faring better than United at the moment. I am sure Sir Alex would love some breathing room for his club right now, so it is up to Chelsea to not give them any breaks.
Speaking of breaks, while I agree with Jose Mourhino's assesment that Liverpool can rest up and prepare only for their Champions League clash with Chelsea, I must congratulate the Reds for going out and winning their last two games. While they may seem to have Wigan outclassed, Middlesborough managed to draw Man U last time out, so I, with my thimblefull of knowledge, take them seriously.
I don't mean to make too big a deal of these wins, but the rate at which games have been getting tanked in the NBA this year has me thirsting for...something.
Anyway after their draw against Manchester City (had to mention that, right?), it was nice to see Liverpool at least making some effort. Don't want them too fresh this Wednesday against Chelsea!
*I don't believe I have ever actually rooted for Manchester United. On the other hand, Italy already won the World Cup, and the press for AC Milan could get REALLY nauseating....On the other hand, if it came down to Milan and Liverpool I suppose the big story would be about the rematch form the 2005 final....As long as we are talking matchups, what about Man U vs. Liverpool? While I want to see Chelsea win, and while fate seems to have made Chelsea and United into big rivals, from what I hear Man U and Liverpool REALLY hate each other. I'm not just talking about the teams here either. I'm talking about armies of Mancs and Scousers decending on Athens and completely laying waste to the place, at least until the local cops start beating the living crap out of them all....that one could get really ugly.
Would a Champions League final over AC Milan be more meaningful for Chelsea than one over Man U? I guess what I'm getting at is that if all the top European teams are English then winning a championship over one of them in the Champions League doesn't seem that much more significant than doing the same thing in the FA Cup Final. Of course, the Champions League is a significantly tougher road. Nobody gets to play Watford there, or Blackburn, or Middlesborough for that matter. Tottenham Hotspur? Maybe someday.
(Middlesborough is quickly becoming my favorite team that I know nothing about, because they always seem to play Man U tough. Ronaldo crying at the end of their draw last weekend was a nice touch too. What? He was just sweating alot? Hmmmm....)
Incidentally, Middlesborough gave Chelsea the opening they needed to draw within striking distance of United, but Newcastle held Chelsea to a 0-0 score the next day. Opportunity lost.
I was getting spoiled by Chelsea's continual winning (albeit almost invariably by the skin of their teeth) and figured they would come through at Newcastle. Apparently Newcastle Away is a tougher fixture than i had realized, as they also drew Man U and beat Liverpool there.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also has Arsenal Away coming up, and the Gunners have lost only once at home all season. I'd probably be happy with a draw there generally speaking, but if the Blues are to catch United they really can't afford this. On the other hand, West Ham did manage to get it done, and recently at that, so what the heck. I suppose it would be best if Arsenal were not playing for a Champions League berth when that game rolls around.
Speaking of West Ham, it would've been nice to watch Chelsea's 4-1 win in at Upton Park. It seems like every time I turn around United reels off another 3 or 4 goal win, while Chelsea continually depend on last minute dramatics, or grind out tense, 1-0 victories. A not-so-close win occasionally makes me like their chances a little more.
As much as Chelsea has been wearing down playing in all competitions, it would seem that the best thing they can do to help themselves against Man U is to stay close and keep the pressure on. According to Sir Alex Ferguson Man U only has twelve healthy players at the moment. While Chelsea have sustained numerous injuries this campaign, they must be faring better than United at the moment. I am sure Sir Alex would love some breathing room for his club right now, so it is up to Chelsea to not give them any breaks.
Speaking of breaks, while I agree with Jose Mourhino's assesment that Liverpool can rest up and prepare only for their Champions League clash with Chelsea, I must congratulate the Reds for going out and winning their last two games. While they may seem to have Wigan outclassed, Middlesborough managed to draw Man U last time out, so I, with my thimblefull of knowledge, take them seriously.
I don't mean to make too big a deal of these wins, but the rate at which games have been getting tanked in the NBA this year has me thirsting for...something.
Anyway after their draw against Manchester City (had to mention that, right?), it was nice to see Liverpool at least making some effort. Don't want them too fresh this Wednesday against Chelsea!
*I don't believe I have ever actually rooted for Manchester United. On the other hand, Italy already won the World Cup, and the press for AC Milan could get REALLY nauseating....On the other hand, if it came down to Milan and Liverpool I suppose the big story would be about the rematch form the 2005 final....As long as we are talking matchups, what about Man U vs. Liverpool? While I want to see Chelsea win, and while fate seems to have made Chelsea and United into big rivals, from what I hear Man U and Liverpool REALLY hate each other. I'm not just talking about the teams here either. I'm talking about armies of Mancs and Scousers decending on Athens and completely laying waste to the place, at least until the local cops start beating the living crap out of them all....that one could get really ugly.
posted by roQQ | 6:30 AM
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