Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Hands up if you love football?


Well, what a week its been for Manchester United and Ryan Giggs. With the arrival of Arsenal on Wednesday to the Theatre of Dreams, its surely going to be a mouth watering week in Football. The stage is set for two scintillating games, as we prepare ourselves for the semi finals of the Champions League. Tonight, an on form Chelsea side visit the European Giants, Barcelona which promises to be an epic encounter. Both teams have regularly met in the competition in recent years and there is certainly no love lost between them. While I will be licking my lips at the prospect of another master class from the likes of Leo Messi, my attention will be on tomorrows all England encounter between Manchester United and Arsenal.


United who in recent weeks have struggled with results and with the loss of Rio Ferdinand to the side looked like they were slipping and not as invincible as some pundits were labeling them have now re found form after a beautiful second half performance against Spurs last weekend.


Arsenal who looked a very weak side early on in the season, have now re found their form under the fantastic leadership of Mr. Arsene Wenger and next to Barcelona look like the most clinical side in front of goal. Unfortunately for Arsenal they cannot rely on the genius of Andre Arshavin, whose performance against Liverpool was nothing short of pure brilliance. He is not eligible to play in the competition. Yet for Arsenal all hope is not lost as they still have many weapons in their armory. The likes of Cesc Fabregas and Nasri could be extremely dangerous and all Manchester United fans will painfully remember the way in which Nasri put them to the sword earlier in the season.


There is one Manchester United player though who is worth a mention and that is Ryan Giggs. Ryan Giggs who this week was voted Player of the Year by his peers is eagerly hoping to line out against Arsenal for his incredible 800 game in a red jersey. He made his debut for United way back in 1991, in the old first division against Everton. It is an amazing thing to 18 years later see him as a hugely influential player in Uniteds future success, but I truly do. Giggs is getting older and is probably not able to play as many games in a season as he would like to, however when he does play, he appears to be getting better with age. He has adapted so well to the role of centre midfield and I for one hope that he lines up in tomorrows fixture. In my opinion, he is the only one who can stop Fabregas from controlling the game.


On another note, Fergie has been in a recent battle of words with Liverpool Boss, Rafael Benitez and this has deflected some of the attention away from any battles with his old nemesis, Arsene Wenger. I am happy that both managers have put their little squabbles behind them and have focused on the football. Hopefully this continues, but I have my doubts as there is so much riding on this semi final meeting.


Anyway enough talk, now lets get down to football!

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