Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg Preview
The attention being given to Liverpool v. Chelsea tomorrow has left some believing this is the final as a couple of other teams that are set to face each other on Wednesday seem all but forgotten. Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho have stolen the spotlight with their recent interviews. Rafa referring to the Anfield fans as the true "Special Ones" and Jose saying a bit tongue in cheek that the crowd should applaud him on Tuesday night for the respect he has shown Liverpool. No off the pitch happenings can hide the fact that Stamford Bridge is reeling right now. The weekend draw against Bolton saw them fall 5 points behind Manchester United. Plus, the injury list now includes Michael Ballack, Richardo Carvalho and Andriy Shevchenko.
Ballack has not exceeded expectations since arriving from Germany and Sheva's absence won't cause much of a stir. However, Carvalho is one of the most underrated defenders in all of Europe. This puts a dent in Jose's plans as Michael Essien may not be able to push forward in as great an attacking role as he would like. Essien could be the best right back in England when asked to play that role, but Chelsea need him dangerous in an offensive mode for 90 minutes tomorrow. This puts more pressure on Joe Cole and Didier Drogba to jump on any opportunity that comes their way. Arjen Robben will be back, but we shall see in how effective of a role.
Liverpool gifted 3 points to Portsmouth over the weekend by putting out a very weak side. Gerrard, Carragher and Crouch were given the day off. Steven Finnan returns to the lineup and that could be the difference maker. With Finnan playing look for Liverpool to be much more dangerous in the attack - and considering they have to score I think Peter Crouch will get the start along with Dirk Kuyt as that has been 'Pool's most potent combo this season.
I feel that there is just a cloud hanging over Chelsea right now as they have to feel their EPL crown has been ripped away from them. If this match were at Stamford Bridge I think it would be Chelsea's for the taking. Instead, I think Chelsea are for the taking.
Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea -- Liverpool advance on aggregate 2-1
So, there is this other match being played at the San Siro on Wednesday. Bottom line here: Manchester United are quite the team right now. Down 2-0 on the road Saturday they rolled Everton to the tune of 4-2 and all but claimed the English crown. They pulled off a remarkable 3-2 win against AC Milan in the home leg of this tie and despite going in to a sold out San Siro, this is United's season. Milan will not go silently. In fact, I look for them to take an early lead. But once United starts hitting on all cylinders they are just epic.
With one trophy within a fingernails grasp, I think Sir Alex will have this team well prepared to take a step towards a European title. Milan's biggest problem is that Ronaldo is cup tied and that puts too much of a burden on Kaka. Gilardino is non-existent this season and I don't know if Inzaghi will be given the opportunity to step up and provide the offense.
This will be a tight match the entire time. The atmosphere is going to be amazing. I just have a feeling right now that United are about to do something great.
Manchester United 2-1 AC Milan -- Manchester United advance on aggregat 5-3
Ballack has not exceeded expectations since arriving from Germany and Sheva's absence won't cause much of a stir. However, Carvalho is one of the most underrated defenders in all of Europe. This puts a dent in Jose's plans as Michael Essien may not be able to push forward in as great an attacking role as he would like. Essien could be the best right back in England when asked to play that role, but Chelsea need him dangerous in an offensive mode for 90 minutes tomorrow. This puts more pressure on Joe Cole and Didier Drogba to jump on any opportunity that comes their way. Arjen Robben will be back, but we shall see in how effective of a role.
Liverpool gifted 3 points to Portsmouth over the weekend by putting out a very weak side. Gerrard, Carragher and Crouch were given the day off. Steven Finnan returns to the lineup and that could be the difference maker. With Finnan playing look for Liverpool to be much more dangerous in the attack - and considering they have to score I think Peter Crouch will get the start along with Dirk Kuyt as that has been 'Pool's most potent combo this season.
I feel that there is just a cloud hanging over Chelsea right now as they have to feel their EPL crown has been ripped away from them. If this match were at Stamford Bridge I think it would be Chelsea's for the taking. Instead, I think Chelsea are for the taking.
Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea -- Liverpool advance on aggregate 2-1
So, there is this other match being played at the San Siro on Wednesday. Bottom line here: Manchester United are quite the team right now. Down 2-0 on the road Saturday they rolled Everton to the tune of 4-2 and all but claimed the English crown. They pulled off a remarkable 3-2 win against AC Milan in the home leg of this tie and despite going in to a sold out San Siro, this is United's season. Milan will not go silently. In fact, I look for them to take an early lead. But once United starts hitting on all cylinders they are just epic.
With one trophy within a fingernails grasp, I think Sir Alex will have this team well prepared to take a step towards a European title. Milan's biggest problem is that Ronaldo is cup tied and that puts too much of a burden on Kaka. Gilardino is non-existent this season and I don't know if Inzaghi will be given the opportunity to step up and provide the offense.
This will be a tight match the entire time. The atmosphere is going to be amazing. I just have a feeling right now that United are about to do something great.
Manchester United 2-1 AC Milan -- Manchester United advance on aggregat 5-3
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