A whole nation expects as Brazil search for an extraordinary World Cup triumph on whole soil. But, with emotions running high and challenges getting harder, it ponders the question – can they handle the pressure and go all the way?
BY NISAR KHAN
The magnitude of their challenge increases by the day. GETTY IMAGES
With a population of over 200 million, Brazil’s football fanaticism sees no boundaries, meaning a World Cup on home soil will bring only the highest of expectations. As a very young side, Scolari relies on the likes of Neymar to hoist those expectations upon his shoulders – and as we saw against Chile, Neymar could deal with the pressure to convert the penalty. We know that it’s been far from a steady course on Brazil’s path to home triumph. Marcelo’s own goal minutes into the opening game was a telling sign. Brazil were able to save themselves though, as Neymar and Oscar stood up to sink the Croatians. One reality must be considered however – that there are limits. Tears after tears were embraced by the Brazilians following their win over Chile, suggesting that the whole course is becoming more of an ordeal. For them to be so emotional after a last-sixteen game could indicate that they are on the brink. What’s most worrying for Brazil is that their Quarter-Final opponents are on an absolute roll. Colombia picked apart heavyweight South-Americans Uruguay on Saturday. Brazil will require much more structure and may be on the backfoot considerably more than usual. Through the eyes of their energetic fanbase, expectations have not been decreased despite their previous performances. Brazil surely now that not getting to the final will be unacceptable. There’s also the matter of the rioting and unrest in regards to the hosting of the tournament – will many sustain their motive to watch and support the tournament if the hosts are out? Many still have a lot to prove in the side. There’s a contrasting mixture of players developed and others with a few more steps to take. For instance, there’s Fred, who has been subject to a lot of criticism for his lack of movement and conversion as his forward role. Then you have Neymar, a 22-year-old who can carry the team. This contrast could lead to unrest. There’s just so much emotion fuelled by the heaps of pressure that make Brazil’s challenge so much harder. It looks like a long journey away from a World Cup trophy at the moment. GET INVOLVED with your opinions. Use the comments section at the bottom of the article, send us an email, Tweet us your views or post thoughts to our Facebook page. WRITE FOR US as we are now recruiting more writers. If you are interested in showcasing your sports writing / journalism skills, and have a passion in writing in our wide range of sports, learn more at this page.
There are eight years, 572 Blaugrana appearances and 43 national team caps separating the two, yet some are forecasting Cesc Fabregas to fill the boots of Xavi for the long-term future.
IMAGE COURTESY: AP
It would be unfair on both to suggest that Fabregas is an ideal fit for Xavi however. In a way, the pass master is irreplaceable, and Barcelona are unlikely to unearth such a perfectionist from their academy again. Xavi has immortalised his position alongside Sergio Busquets, and it will take a player only with an identical specification to replace him. Whilst there is no doubting Fabregas’ ability, it goes without saying that the two are very different players. If Tata Martino was to slot the former Arsenal man into Xavi’s position without altering Barca’s system, then the team would play in a different way. Fabregas scored 15 goals in his debut season at Barcelona, one more than Xavi’s personal best, recorded in that same year. Since then, Fabregas has comfortably outscored Xavi, and this is not primarily down to the difference in positions. The attacking prowess of Fabregas has been seized upon by national team boss Vicente del Bosque, who has deployed Cesc in a ‘false nine’ position in big games. Although not blessed with alarming pace, coaches have been able to work with Fabregas’ excellent positional play and incisive finishing to mould him into a deeper goalscorer, much like Frank Lampard in his prime. Contrastingly, Xavi has not been a regular scorer. He has the temperament and concentration of a wise, old sage – picking passes and keeping possession like a master. His contribution to Spain and Barca is as important as anyone else, but regularly goes unnoticed. It is an attribute that will be sorely missed when the time comes for him to retire. This World Cup will undoubtedly be his last for Spain, who must usher in the next generation as David Villa, Carlos Puyol, Iker Casillas and Alvaro Arbeloa similarly move into their later years. Fabregas has been around long enough to call himself a regular, but the prospect of replacing such stars is daunting. As we have seen at Manchester United, replacing the best can be an ugly, degenerative process. If Spain are to keep the same system, replacements more suited to Xavi’s role must come forwards. Asier Illarramendi, although not brought up through La Masia, would be a candidate, as would Javi Martinez. A potential partnership with Busquets, with the Barcelona passer pulling the strings, might be something del Bosque considers nearer to Russia 2018. Fabregas is a star in his own right, and does add youth to Spain’s ageing midfield. His international participation will continue for many more years, but in a position more similar to Iniesta’s. His attacking play is a greater asset than his discipline, which will give him the responsibility and pressure Xavi has dealt with in this generation. In spite of the differences in experience levels, it is arguable that Fabregas has had the greater impact on the world’s biggest stage, teeing up Andres Iniesta for the winning strike in the 2010 World Cup Final. What this suggests is that Fabregas can live up to the big occasion, like his counterpart who has been at his peak during the recent period of Spanish domination.
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In wake of the sacking to Manchester United manager David Moyes, the discussion of how much time managers should be given has aroused. Maybe, David Moyes did deserve the sack, but here are five managers who definitely didn’t.
Did Malky Mackay or Michael Laudrup make the list? Read on… BBC
David Moyes was sacked on Tuesday by Manchester United – the Scot, with big boots to fill from Alex Ferguson, departed just ten months into his six-year contract. After a string of poor results leading to the worst season for Manchester United in the Premier League era, change may be justified. While the sacking reigned in for a new era at Old Trafford, it also brought up a conspicuous debate on managers. As football evolves, its clear that times change – and the amount of time has drastically decreased for managers. Over the past five years or so, we’ve seen some changes that quite frankly, cannot be justified.
#5 • Michael Laudrup Swansea City parted ways with Michael Laudrup in February to cap off a drastic descent for the Welsh club, and their Danish manager, after a series of poor results. A year prior, Swansea thumped Bradford at Wembley Stadium to lift the Capital One Cup. Yet, at the time the decision was made to sack Laudrup, Swansea had lost six out of eight previous league games, finding themselves 12th place in the league table. 12th place? Doesn’t sound that bad? Think again. This has been one of the closest relegation battles in recent memory, in spite of being overshadowed by a thrilling title race. Swansea City had 24 points in as many games. Time should have been saved for Laudrup when he won the cup. He definitely deserved more time to turn the season around, and a re-evaluation could have came later. Results have been deteriorating, but after his acquisitions to the likes of Michu and Chico Flores. Swansea could have been battling for Europe if they kept hold of Michael Laudrup.
Michael Laudrup was initially signed till 2015 MIRROR.CO.UK
#4 • Harry Redknapp Despite leading Tottenham to their second top-four finish in three years, Harry Redknapp was sacked by the club after failing to agree terms on a new contract. Since then, Andres Villas-Boas has came and went, and now Tim Sherwood is in charge. But the North-London club should have never let go of Redknapp. Currently managing Championship side Queens Park Rangers, Redknapp began his managerial career at White Hart Lane in October 2008, where he took the club out of the relegation zone, including a thrilling 4 – 4 draw in the London Derby with Arsenal.
Video: Highlights from Arsenal 4 – 4 Tottenham in the North London Derby in 2008. YOUTUBE
Redknapp’s first season in charge was a huge breakthrough, where his side got to the League Cup Final, just losing on penalties. He oversaw his side finish with 51 points placed eighth in the table, narrowly missing out on Europa League qualification. Then, in his first full campaign in charge, Harry Redknapp finished fourth in Spurs’ most successful Premier League campaign to date. Winning Manager of the Season for his efforts, Tottenham were given the chance to gain Champions League qualification. Many English football faithful, of course with Spurs, watched on as Tottenham dramatically ascended to unbelievable heights, reaching the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League in a campaign that saw Gareth Bale’s tremendous standout performance against Inter Milan. Spurs qualified for the Europa League in the next seasons and Redknapp put them in firm Europa League qualification. However his tenure would come to an end in 2012. Harry Redknapp had changed the club for the better, setting ambitions on Champions League football.
Many believe Redknapp significantly changed Spurs for the better SKY SPORTS
#3 • Avram Grant After Chelsea’s controversial release of Jose Mourinho, a friend of the owner, Avram Grant, took charge of the club. With little, proven credentials, many fans did not take to him early, and this was increased further when Chelsea lost 2 – 0 to Manchester United in his first game in charge. After the loss, Chelsea went on a remarkable 16-game unbeaten streak which involved a historic 6 – 0 thrashing of Manchester United – a contract extension would subsequently follow. Grant lead his team to the League Cup Final where they finished runners up, but ended up finishing 2nd in the league like they had done the previous season. Chelsea beat Liverpool to progress to the UEFA Champions League Final, where they would lose 6-5 on penalties, after John Terry[‘s infamous slip in the rain. Three days later, a statement on Chelsea’s official website read that Grant’s contract was terminated with immediate effect. It was later revealed that Grant turned down the offer to return to his role as director of football, just like Mourinho had also done. Without losing a single home game in the Premier League, leading his side to two finals in the League Cup and Champions League, and finishing second, that’s not bad at all for the first season. Yet, Chelsea saw it another way.
Grant, like the others, deserved much more time
#2 • Malky Mackay Cardiff City sacked manager Malky Mackay earlier this season in one of the most infamous manager sackings in recent memory. The Scot managed his team to promotion in the season prior, sealing the Championship title, automatically qualifying them into the Barclays Premier League. However, promotion was tough and Cardiff found themselves in the relegation battle after Christmas, with owner Vincent Tan criticizing manager Mackay on the headlines for his signings, styles and results. In December, Tan gave Mackay and ultimatum – to leave or be sacked. Mackay was sacked after a loss to Southampton. He may have lost his job, but he gained the support of nearly every football fan. Promoted teams are just that, promoted. You can’t expect them to pick up right away, they are not likely to be safe till late in the season. Mackay’s sacking was an absolute disgrace. Vincent Tan forever etched a reputation of ‘evil’, described on all media outlets, after the sacking of the Scot.
A legal battle is ongoing between Mackay and the club HUW EVANS PICTURE AGENCY
#1 • Roberto Di Matteo Roberto Matteo was in charge as Chelsea lifted the FA Cup and Champions League final in May, but less than six months later, the Italian would be shockingly sacked by Chelsea. Di Matteo came in as the assistant manager for then-in-charge Andre Villas–Boas, before taking full responsibilities when Villas-Boas was sacked. Starting with three back-to-back wins, including Chelsea overturning a 3 – 1 deficit against Valencia in the Champions League last-16, the caretaker manager was ascending to unbelievable heights. In the FA Cup, after a 5 – 1 semi-final win over Tottenham, Chelsea would beat Liverpol 2 – 1 in the final to seal their first trophy in the season. His incredible triumph would come at the Allianz Arena, where Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich in a historic win to lift the UEFA Champions League. The remarkable feat described Di Matteo as “the greatest caretaker manager of all time”. Over the preseason Di Matteo was appointed permanent manager, and his league form skyrocketed with consecutive wins over teams such as Arsenal and Tottenham, although losing in the UEFA Super Cup and FA Community Shield. Di Matteo was sacked after losing 3 – 0 to Juventus in the Champions League. Following 10 months in charge, sealing Chelsea’s historic European Cup and the FA Cup, he had been sacked. It was another football manager travesty, Di Matteo had did in 10 months what no-one had ever done, yet was sacked.
Di Matteo had less than ten months in charge MIRROR.CO.UK
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Those are the top five managers who did not deserve to be sacked. It just shows the ever-changing, unforgiving nature of managerial jobs – not only in the Premier League but in World Football. Many more sackings will come, managers will depart, and things will change. Adaptation continues, but as these examples suggest, managers often deserve more time.
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Barcelona suffered another demoralizing setback in the Copa Del Rey Final culminating a drastic depletion over the space of the week for the club. With problems on and off the pitch, can they recover? Or is this truly the End of an Era?
Barcelona were eliminated from two competitions in one week
Barcelona once again pulled the short string in their hopes for silverware this season. Gareth Bale sunk the Spanish Giants with a last-gasp 85-minute winner to give Real Madrid an uplifting win over Barcelona and pick up some much-needed silverware. As for the Catalans it was another installment of a dreadful week, that included elimination from the Champions League to Atletico Madrid and a league loss to Granada. In the short space of a week, Tata Martino and his players let slip of an optimistic prospect to claim the treble to slim hopes of grabbing the title in spite of the fact that their other challengers in Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid look much stronger. Undoubtedly its a tough pill to swallow for the club as a whole. Runners-up, quarter-finalists and possibly third place is simply not substantial to facilitate the demands and expectations of such a sizable club. Problems On & Off Pitch The problems don’t stop on the pitch, either. Barcelona’s transfer problems have been well-documented in the press, as they were hit hard by the consequences of the Neymar transfer last year. Then came the transfer-ban. FIFA issued a 14-month sanction for the club as Barcelona allegedly broke the rules on singing International players under 18 years of age. This means that Barcelona can not sign any players for the next two transfer-windows, dating to Summer 2015 for their next transactions. With rumors of the aged midfielders departing, and while others seem inevitable, Barcelona’s shortfalls are coming prior to the effect of no transfers really hits them. Dejection After the Copa Del Rey loss, dejection was clear on the faces of Barcelona’s players. From Lionel Messi looking distraught, to Iniesta and others knowing that times are changing, Barcelona could be emerging into a dark era where success lacks for a long time. With the players morale low, it may only be a minimal projection of the emotions to follow.
Title hopes jeopardy A loss to Granada on the weekend came as a big blow to Barca’s title hopes. With a big fixture against Atletico to follow they can only hope that they’ll still be in the race for the title by then. In addition, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are on some good form, and it looks like they won’t be dropping points to smaller clubs anytime soon. Every game, is now really a must-win for Barcelona. They simply can’t afford to drop points anymore. Going into the final meeting with Atletico, they must put themselves in a situation where a win would seal the game.
An end to Barca’s glory days?
Lionel Messi, despite continuing a flow of goals, has been far from his best recently. His facial expressions as Barcelona lost epitomized what has happened to the club, dwindling prospects highlighted their malaise. Another sign of eras ending is Messi’s failure to win the Ballan d’Or. An absurd statement first, but then again, the individuals personify either club, and with Messi being outdone by Ronaldo, it has been portrayed by Real Madrid outdoing Barca. Its odd to watch things fold out, really. From a club that was on top of the World as early as last season, dispatching opponents at ease and winning silverware at will. Barcelona’s future does not look bright – their resources will become more and more minimal as their ban continues. Optimism now lies in an inspired run for the title, finishing strong. But even then, failure to capture any silverware will come as a massive disappointment for the club, and truly show that this is the end of an era for Barcelona. A team that once ruled football is on the brink of demise.
Will Barcelona win the title?
Yes
No
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Bayern Munich, although clinching the Bundesliga title, have been slipping as of late with back-to-back league losses. Can the German Champions get back on track for the Champions League semi-finals?
A shocking 3 – 0 loss to Dortmund at the Allianz Arena on Saturday came as back-to-back league losses for Bayern Munich, the first time this had occurred since November 2011. Marco Reus added a goal in the win, but where did he end up in this week’s power rankings? Read here » Their 53-game unbeaten run was ended by FC Ausburg, a mid table Bundesliga side who beat them 1 – 0 courtesy Mölders’ goal in the 31st minute. Although eventually moving to a state where they would cruise past Manchester United, they were looking vulnerable and parched of attacking urgency when they trailed them at the Allianz Arena. Of course, some sublime play from Arjen Robben and his teammates would help them fire past the English Champions. Pep Guardiola will be far from happy to see his side pick up back-to-back losses. Even though the season is wrapped up, poor league form to remain will blemish what was looking to be an impeccable season all round. In addition, as they prepare for a mouthwatering collision with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, they’ll need to be hitting some top form going into the two legs while Real Madrid possess plenty of firepower to keep the German giants on edge. “Harmless complacency” is exactly that, harmless, in the league. However, as Munich chase a historic back-to-back Champions League win, they’ll need hot form to tear through Real Madrid – it will be the best way to accommodate what has been a prolific season. Bayern Munich need to keep their untouchable form intact to finish the season, to make a real statement of their dominance – and leave this small dip in form behind. For many admirers of European football, and of course Bayern fans, they would have preferred Bayern to go unbeaten in the league at least, now they must finish like how they started – with domination week in, week out.
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Arsenal picked up a win of huge proportions over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, in a win that has put the Gunners in the driver’s seat for the race for fourth place.
Podolski delivered a marquee performance against West Ham, while keeper Szczęsny aided the Gunners’ FA Cup triumph GETTY IMAGES
Lukas Podolski scored a double, while Olivier Giroud added another in Arsenal’s important victory over West Ham at the Emirates on Tuesday. The Gunners came from behind to pick up the victory that has put them back in the Top Four. Arsenal are favorites over Everton for Champions League football simply because of their games remaining. Arsenal’s final four league games are Hull (A), Newcastle (H), West Brom (H) and Norwich (A), while Everton still have reserved fixtures with Manchester United, Manchester City and Southampton. After the vital win over the Hammers, Arsenal are back on a roll they need to tackle this winnable schedule. The Gunners have seen top players return too, and with them hitting form it will make a pivotal difference. The forgone conclusion is also based on Arsenal’s previous performances over sides of that caliber. After all, picking up wins over them is what helped them climb to the top of the league for the longest amount of days this season. Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, speaking to Sky Sports in their post match interviews, pointed out the importance of the date of the FA Cup final. It’s after the league campaign is finished, leaving the Gunners’ Champions League hopes at the centre-piece of their focus. Everton, despite being on a good run, can’t rely on that alone for the tough games. Manchester City is the biggest obstacle on their road – while Man United and Southampton will be far from easy meetings, Everton’s form and recent performances prove they are capable. Then again, Arsenal are under most pressure, surely? With much easier games putting the fourth spot in their favor, only razor-close-to-maximum will be tolerated. Described as a “fan-mandatory last resort” in one of my previous columns, the FA Cup at the end of the season will prove the summit-definer of Arsenal’s season, but knowing Wenger and his men, they’ll want to stay in their comfort zone by securing fourth, then going into the Wembley Final under much less pressure. Players like Mesut Ozil, whose form has yet to aid Arsenal, will need to make a contribution, just like his German compatriot did against West Ham as he added a double in their home win. Arsenal, although being under more pressure, should surely be able to get through the final four games unfazed while some odds are against the Toffees, if not, the FA Cup may not be enough to satisfy the club.
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Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will miss three of the Reds’ final four games this season after receiving a red card in Liverpool’s win over Manchester City on Sunday. The former Sunderland man has proved vital for this campaign, so how will Liverpool do in his absence?
Liverpool’s thrilling 3 – 2 triumph over Manchester City at Anfield was the latest in a ten-game win streak for the Reds, though a bittersweet feeling engulfed the emotion from the sending off to Jordan Henderson. After losing the ball, an enthusiastic albeit fatigued Jordan Henderson went in for the ball occupied by Samir Nasri – sticking out a high foot in the process. There’s no doubt that the young England International will be distraught to miss the final, vital games. Jordan Henderson has been one of the consistent picks along with Steven Gerrard throughout the season – and Liverpool’s reasoning for doing so is in full quality given his assets to the team. While the skipper, Steven Gerrard, has drifted towards the holding midfield position, Jordan Henderson has controlled the rest of the middle while Coutinho plays in the Number 10 to provide Liverpool’s attacking star power.
Skipper’s influence: Gerrard, Henderson two seasons ago. FOOTBALL 365
That can be altered slightly too when Lucas Leiva is on rather than Coutinho, which would usually see the Brazilian play holding and for Gerrard and Henderson to play further up midfield. Analysis of Jordan Henderson’s Opta stats would show how quickly he helps Liverpool turn defense to attack, which is why Liverpool have been so ferocious on the counter attack. Although his work of ball-winning, then thrusting it upfield towards the likes of Sturridge and Suarez, may sometimes go unsung, Henderson is vital for Liverpool. So, who can replace him? Rodgers’ rotations throughout the season could bring you to Joe Allen or Lucas Leiva – the latter of who would probably be favored more. This would, though, mean that Gerrard would surrender his holding role to the Brazilian though he could dictate things further up. Without Henderson, they’ll need more avid and encouraged ball-winning in the middle of the park – can they get this done? Obviously the majority have potential to adapt, but Henderson is on great form, moving from strength-to-strength in Liverpool’s title surge. An uncanny combination of defensive work and key passes make him a hybrid bridge for Liverpool to counter upon – without this, they may be slower taking alternative routes. There will need to be much more fluidity between the midfielders who will need to pass to one another rather than working on holding, attacking etc. individually. Philipe Coutinho may be impacted as a result also. In Liverpool’s win over Manchester City, Coutinho seemed pleased to get more play forward and help in the attack rather than just sitting about the No. 10. This was aided by Jordan Henderson. Now, without him, he’ll have to take up more midfielding priorities.
Jordan Henderson off the team for the next three games will be a slight hindrance to Liverpool, though their form – assembling a 10-game win streak – puts them in the driver’s seat, and making changes to become accustom will be vital. The worst-case for Henderson is to see Liverpool somehow lose grip of the title in his absence, he will be undoubtedly distraught. Jordan Henderson is scheduled to make his return for Liverpool when his suspension ends, meeting Newcastle at Anfield on May 12 in the final game of the season.
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Despite more prominence in the league, most fans have written off England’s hopes very early. MIRROR.CO.UK
As another World Cup passes by, it marks more time elongated from the glorious days that England once indulged in. Expectations have diminished in the run up to Rio, but the lack of pressure could very well translate to more success for the Three Lions.
Agony, despair and disappointment are the most potent adjectives to describe the torment that England fans have suffered over previous World Cups. Heartbreaks galore wherever the stage in the campaign have steadily built a big bank of criticism towards the National side. This has now lead to less expectations, and with a tough group, most have ruled them out of even progressing to the knockouts. England’s World Cup will be a tough ride from the outset. Uruguay, Costa Rica and Italy will battle them in turn for a chance to make it to the next stage. Costa Rica, easily underestimated, are the only team England have been confident of beating. With the likes of Suarez and Cavani, last time’s semi-finalists are a formidable side that will give England plenty of trouble. Then there’s experienced Italy, who knocked England out of the European Championships. Scrappy wins against the likes of Denmark, the most recent occasion, won’t do much in aim of turning heads either. Prior to that England lost to Germany and Chile. Their prospects may be performing well in the league, though that does not seem to be the case for both club and country. With the pressure off as many won’t expect them to make it to the next stage, England can leave it all out there in a bid to change their nation’s minds. They could well emerge as the dark horses if they emerge from the group stages. The only pressure is on them for the Costa Rica game, where everyone is expecting them to pick up points in an attempt to thwart Uruguay and Italy. That’s just from the vague, mentality perspective. Do England have the resources to really challenge? For sure, yes. Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney, if on their best, can create a striking tandem that would be able to match the likes of Cavani and Suarez. Midfield prominence, spearheaded by the veteran skipper Steven Gerrard and including the likes of Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson, could again make a system that will be able to challenge. But what will worry England fans is that they had plenty of talent against Denmark yet were only able to draw out the 1 – 0 win at Wembley. If they don’t gel, and lack the fluid football that other favorites have nailed, then more criticism is quickly on its way. When the phrase “Rio success” is used in the title, by no means is it looking towards lifting the World Cup for the first time since 1966. They’ll need more than a calm head and will need the all important consistency to get there. Though a valiant effort ending in the knockout stages is something that will be widely accepted by England fans, as long as humiliation is avoided. One thing must be for sure, England have the squad resources to escape any possible humiliation or big losses. England’s World Cup hopes are some of the slimmest in recent memory. Although this could suddenly change as the Three Lions spirit sweeps the England squad again. If pressure is off their shoulders, how will they really fare?
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The Premier League and La Liga title races are on course to go down to the wire, with a thrilling story unfolded out in Spain and England. In the remaining fixtures, three big games are set that will arguably determine the title.
There are three teams firmly positioned in the title race for the respective leagues. Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool jockey for position in the Premier League, while Atletico Madrid keep up with the bigger Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid for La Liga glory. While every game is important, the meetings between each side will be most definitive, considering the hot form that the teams are on. Although, as we know, stunners can come out of nowhere, just look back to Sevilla’s win over Real Madrid, handing them back-to-back losses. Liverpool vs. Manchester City Date: Sunday 13th April Location: Anfield, Liverpool Current League Positions: Liverpool (2nd), Man City (3rd) as of 28 March Positional Battle: Attack (Liverpool), Midfield (Man City) Prediction: Liverpool 2 – 2 Manchester City A tantalizing battle between two of the league’s most potent goal machines will deliver plenty of drama in front of a raucous Anfield crowd, one which will undoubtedly have title implications. Sergio Aguero could feature that will make the City tandem all the more ferocious, nicely matching up, though, against Liverpool’s star-striking duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, finding incredible success over the past season. Liverpool’s biggest problem in the game is their defense. They are most vulnerable to set pieces, as we’ve seen many-a-time, from the early, out-of-place home loss to Southampton, squandering a place to top the table in the first Merseyside Derby, and as recent as their Anfield win over Sunderland, were they held on for an anxious final fifteen minutes to keep up the pressure. Considering both’s form, something will have to give in the game – and that could be Liverpool’s defense. Or, low and behold, City have weaknesses. In spite of their vast backlog of attacking resources, in defense at times they can be left vulnerable, maybe not down central like Liverpool, but definitely on the full-backs. Manchester City’s full-backs play in more of the wing-back position, pacing forward and sometimes leaving voids at the back – voids that Liverpool could exploit. In addition to their home form and support, it can be a factor.
This is going to be one thrilling game of football. Manchester City won the first time round on Boxing Day last year, after Simon Mignolet’s mistake to concede Negredo’s chip, combined with Vincent Kompany, outweighed Phillipe Coutinho’s opener. However, the Reds were left with a bitter sense of injustice as clear cut goal chances were ruled offside – replays suggested otherwise. There’s plenty to prove this time round. Not only their certainty from the first tie, but if they can go on to hold up the Premier League trophy this season.
Skipper Vincent Kompany equalized for Man City in their Etihad encounter with Liverpool. FCBARCELONA.COM
Liverpool vs. Chelsea Date: Sunday 27 April Location: Anfield, Liverpool Current League Positions: Liverpool (2nd), Chelsea (1st)as of 28 March Positional Battle: Attack (Liverpool), Midfield (Defense) Prediction: Liverpool 2 – 0 Chelsea Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rogers have had big impacts upon their return, or start of their managerial reign on their respective clubs. Another entertaining encounter, like the one in late December last year, is definitely on the cards. Liverpool’s defense will be met up with a much more brittle defense all-round, while midfield prominence on the part of Chelsea could see them through. Samuel Eto’o struck the killer blow to Liverpool in their game last year, but it was the Reds – just like against City – who took the lead early on, but were unable to maintain it throughout the game. Once again, it was entertaining. Both teams matched well, and yet again there were possible arguments for either side’s cause of unjust treatment. More to prove, but more lies on the line. Chelsea’s midfield, along with Samuel Eto’o who’s gradually finding his stride, could prove a tough match for Liverpool – but with Suarez and Sturridge, along with the whole of Liverpool’s defense and attack on form, they could have cause for a victory. Liverpool surely will get a win at Anfield at one of the games, its more likely at this one because of Chelsea’s attacking weaknesses. Liverpool’s current run of form and home record will play a pivotal role in those games.
Eto’o gave his team a push upwards with his winner in December over Liverpool GETTY IMAGES
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid Date: Sunday 18 May Location: Nou Camp, Barcelona Current League Positions: Barcelona (1st), Atletico Madrid (2nd) as of 28 March Positional Battle: Forwards (Barcelona), Forwards (Atletico Madrid) Prediction: Barcelona 2 – 1 Atletico Madrid The La Liga title may be decided by one game on the very final day of the season. Now that’s one grand occasion. Barcelona won a thrilling Clasico over the weekend to keep up the pressure on the Madrid teams, and Real’s slip-up on Wednesday to Sevilla all but aided Atletico to keep atop the La Liga, as they beat Granada. Real Madrid’s losses to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona will come to cost them if they finish even. The head-to-head rule in Spain will take them out of the equation. With Real Madrid possibly sitting at third for the tie, although that will fluctuate leading up to the game, this game could be for all the marbles. It will be like a cup final, if it plays out right, how big would that be? Before that, we get two times to build up for the big game in the Champions League Quarter-Finals. There will be two legs of action between league challengers, as one could make ground on another. An interesting tie to say the least. More questions will be answered, but for now we can continue to speculate. Will David Villa be able to spoil Barcelona’s party at the Nou Camp – and with Diego Costa on his side, can he keep the form up? Or will Messi’s sublime run continue to lift yet another league title?
Stalemate: The two teams drew goalless when they met in January AFP
It’s Pivotal Liverpool’s home run will help them in the games and may play a big role, hosting Man City and Chelsea successively at home, along with an away trip in between. As for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, since their goalless draw in January didn’t provide many answers, we can wait till they meet in the Champions League Quarter-Finals for plenty more answers. Three games of big magnitude going into define the Spanish and English football leagues. With thrilling title races unfolding between our eyes, these games are the ones to watch closely.
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Manchester United suffered another home loss, and another setback, in their hopes of turning the season around. Edin Dzeko scored a double while Yaya Toure added a third goal to contribute to the filling bank of humiliation for Manchester City this season.
After losing to Liverpool at Old Trafford less than a fortnight ago, Manchester United showed signs of recovery, turning around a deficit to push past Olympiakos into the Champions League Quarter-Finals, and picking up a pivotal three points at Upton Park. Going into the fixture, Manchester United were the underdogs – a rare instance, although not a surprise, showing how vast the transition from Champion to chiseled has come about for the Manchester Reds. For the fans it came as more agony as they watched their team buckle against another big rival, and especially at home, where they showed no signs of posing a threat to Man City throughout the whole game. It comes as a clear indication that “Times Are A Changin'” in Manchester. Hurtful it may be for a team that has stayed at the top, but now its becoming a harsh reality. Patience is key, consistency is key, everything is key – but can United get it sorted? What comes as even more of a concerning factor is that Manchester United seemingly looked like a team settling for the minimum, not pressing up field and just settling for what they could. Maybe it spared some humiliation, with the likelihood of Manchester United being punished by City’s potent attacking force on the counter. Lacking pace and urgency, Old Trafford’s home fans found it another unbearable experience, witnessing a torrid recession of the club’s success. This setback may serve as one of many in their season. They cannot let it get to them or the consequences will be dire. Keeping it up and sticking at everywhere possible, wherever points come, its a must. And while people may laugh this off, they can still go further in the Champions League – although a fierce looking Bayern Munich stand in their way, thinking otherwise. Manchester United must stay resilient, the club as a whole. Its things like this that must be accepted. Another loss deals a great blow, but they will be defined by how they bounce back. Setbacks will come, and go. It’s United’s choice to react to them in the best way.
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