Champions League Matchday 1B Predictions

Welcome back Wayne, grab a goal for us today against Sporting will you?
I don't have much time today, so no smalltalk and straight to the predictions:

Rangers beat Stuttgart in an upset
Roma pound Dynamo Kiev
Inter Milan all over Fenerbahce
PSV beat CSKA Moscow
Arsenal and Sevilla draw at the Emirates
SHANK SPECIAL: Sparta Prague and Steua Bucharest draw
MATCH OF THE DAY 1:
Barca beat Lyon in a good one

MATCH OF THE DAY 2:
Manchester United get all over Sporting and win easily

Champs League Preview/Matchday 1A Predictions

After a long summer in Blogging purgatory, have no fear, Sam is here!!!!! Sorry for the vacation, but I had a summer abroad in Oxford and I met the most awesome girl ever, so I have been a little busy, but I am back and ready to give my two cents on the beautiful game.

I can see that Nani is raring to go against his former club Sporting Lisbon tomorrow, and he is heels over head that he is a Manchester United player now. I know that I do this every year, but I am predicting that Manchester United have the squad that will win Europe this year. The additions help their depth, and once Rooney and Tevez begin to mesh, it will be game over.

Now, it is that time of year again folks, the time where teams from regions that you would never dare visit lest you be ( here comes a common theme of this blog) shanked, come out of their caves to get humiliated by the big clubs. You might catch the occaional upset (heck, even Villareal made the Semifinals a couple of years ago), but it isn't likely. Here are my predictions for Matchday 1A:

Marseille over Beskitas in a match that will indeed involve fans wielding shanks.

Chelski (Chelsea) over Rosenborg (Whoop dee do)

Schalke and Valencia play out a draw in Gelsenkirchen

Lazio returns to the Champions League and gets a draw with Olympiakos

AC Milan grab a win over Benfica (sorry Mr. Adu and his apologists)

Celtic easily win over Shakhtar aka Shanktar (this team easily has the craziest, shank wielding fans)

Liverpool go to Portugal and grab a win from Porto

MATCH OF THE DAY:

Real Madrid win a barnburner over Werder Bremen, but watch out for Diego in this match.

"He's a Man Mountain in There."

Restraint on blog posts just wasn't to be. Too many feelings, you see, are floating 'round in late summer sunshine worldwide at the onset of myriad seasons. For the following reasons the end of August has captivated us peons: Nine months of footy to follow, More for La Liga, Title Races, teams uncomfotable in odd UEFA Cup places, Blackburn are on the map, Sven is back and walking on water. Sir Alex hasn't yet releaved what he stows beneath that coat and by winter we'll have sorted the men from the stoats. Ronnie and Rooney share the stage with Nanni and Carlito, Italy has the hopes of having a scandal free season, maybe mob violence will silence to reason, net-minders to endure the Catalan's Fantastic Four, Juventus offically in flight after scorer's delight, Lyon's roster is no more for an exodus was in store, living the dream newly promoted teams blacken their blades at night, some players seek better futures through last gasp transfer rumors, all whilst David Beckham is causing Beatlemania, outright hysteria. Yet, how and why is this good for the United States of America? Our world anticipates its footballing magicians taking stage. All at the fingertips, soon restored, now and forevermore.

Champions League Final Preview: AC Milan v. Liverpool

All I have to say about the FA Cup is that at least United won the Prem.

Here we go folks, Liverpool vs. AC Milan part deux. This matchup is a very difficult one to call. Both of these teams are loaded with talent and both are well coached, but one team is better coached. Rafa Benitez is one of the best tactical managers in the world. I think that he will have Liverpool ready for this game. Steven Gerrard is probably the most inspirational captain since the Roy Keane glory days. He could be the deciding factor in this game.

On the Milan side of things, Kaka, enough said.

Who wins? I think that the best player in the world will carry his team to victory today, and that player is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, or simply, KAKA. I said in an earlier post that I will never pick against Milan in Europe again and I meant it, but believe me, I am rooting for Liverpool. C'MON YOU REDS!!

FA Cup Final Preview: Manchester United vs Chelsea

Well, here we go. This one's for all the marbles. One team realizes its dreams, and the other has them dashed. There can only be one winner and one loser. The... wait a minute, that's one too many sports cliches. Sorry about that...

Anyway, today marks the final showdown of the season between the two best teams from the best league in the world. On the Chelsea side of things, they are without Ballack, Shevchenko, and Carvalho for sure, and Robben and Cole are up in the air. This will make things EXTREMELY difficult for them.

On the Manchester United side of things, two players (Saha and Neville) are out for sure, but that is no surprise as the two have been injured for most of the latter part of the Premiership campaign.

Who wins this clash of the titans? Well, it goes like this:

Chelsea have a strong squad despite their injuries, and this is the only trophy left for them to claim. Drogba has been on fire this season and was a very close second to Cristiano Ronaldo for best player in England. Unfortunately for Chelsea, I think this game rests on Frank Lampard's shoulders. When he scores, Chelsea typically do well. The problem with that is, well, Frank Lampard is a choke artist. Look at the world cup for example. The guy had 21 shots on goal and none went in. At times, Lampard couldn't hit a barn door with a machine gun. I don't think that he is capable of coming up big in this game, and that is one reason why Chelsea will not win this game.

The other reason is that Manchester United are just too talented and have less injuries. Cristiano Ronaldo is unstoppable, and Rooney has caught fire towards the end of the season. Alan Smith will most likely get the nod, and he has been brilliant since his return.

This game will end with Manchester United hoisting the FA Cup and completing a domestic double. If only things had gone different in the Champions League...

THE CHAMPS!!!!!!

Truer words were never spoken, "WE GOT OUR TROPHY BACK!" For the first time since the 02-03 season, MANCHESTER UNITED ARE PREMIERSHIP CHAMPIONS! So ... (to the tune Glory, Glory, Hallelujah, and with a re-written by Sam verse)

Glory, glory, Man United,

Glory, glory, Man United,

Glory, glory, Man United,

As the reds go marching on, on, on.

Just like the Busby Babes in Days gone by

We'll keep the Red Flags flying high

You've got to see yourself from far and wide

You've got to hear the masses sing with pride

United! Man United!

We're the boys in Red and we're on our way to Wem-ber-ly

Wem-ber-ly! Wem-ber-ly!

We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wem-ber-ly

Wem-ber-ly! Wem-ber-ly!

We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wem-ber-ly

In Two Thousand-Seven it was Wayne Rooney

Ronaldo, Giggs, Saha, and Paul Scholes-ee

And all the masses know just who we are

Chelsea played like they were stuck in tar

United! Man United!

We're the boys in Red and we're on our way to Wem-ber-ly

Wem-ber-ly! Wem-ber-ly!

We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wem-ber-ly

Wem-ber-ly! Wem-ber-ly!

We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wem-ber-ly

Glory Glory Man United

Glory Glory Man United

Glory Glory Man United

As the Reds Go Marching On! On! On!

Normal words could not describe the feelings I have about this glorious achievement, so I had to do it with the Manchester United fight song. Now, I'm not going to say I told you so, but I did predict at the beginning of the season that Man United would win the title. (Check the old blog) The best part about this is that on Wednesday, United get to play at Stamford Bridge having already locked up the title. This is going to be fantastic. I can't wait to see the look on Jose Mourinho's face when Manches... er excuse me... Premiership Champions Manchester United walk out of that tunnel onto the pitch at the Bridge.
As for next season, look for Manchester United to definitely add Owen Hargreaves and lose Gabby Heinze to Juventus and Louis Saha to someone. Now, these next two are predictions but, Manchester United will add two more players. One will be Southampton left back Gareth Bale, who will be 18 at the beginning of the season. The other will be... a striker. I don't know who this could be, but rumors say it could be anyone from Fernando Torres to Dimitar Berbatov. Whoever it is, you can be sure that Louis Saha is going the other way. Look out Prem, Man United are going to be strong favorites for next year!

Champions League Semifinal Review (Man Utd v. AC Milan) and Final Preview

Well, congratulations Liverpool and AC Milan; you've made it to Athens. It will be a rematch of the Istanbul matchup from 2005.
My team has been eliminated, and my heart broken. So I don't have a whole lot to say about this game other than Milan wanted it more, and I will never pick against them in Europe again. Manchester United will win the FA Premier League and the FA Cup, but the treble dream has been dashed. Kaka, not Cristiano Ronaldo, is the best player in the world. He will win the Ballon D'or, and the FIFA world player of the year.
As for the final, I already said it earlier. I will never pick against Milan again in Europe. As of right now, I pick them to win the final, but I will have a more comprehensive preview closer to the May 23 date.

Champions League Semifinal Preview: Man Utd v. AC Milan 2nd Leg

"Can anyone stop me?" I don't think so.

Today is the day that the Champions League final is set. Two perennial powerhouses will lock horns today at the San Siro. Manchester United have a slight advantage with a 3-2 aggregate from the first leg, but Milan have two away goals and home field advantage.
From the Milan perspective, Maldini is out, but Gatusso is fit to play. Kaka will be on a mission, and this team has more European Pedigree than anyone other than Liverpool or Real Madrid.
From the Manchester United perspective, it seems like they should be able to wrap things up. If they get a goal, they should be okay. With Ferguson as their manager, they never lost a Champions League game after winning the first leg. They also might get Rio and Vidic back. If this is the case (even if it isn't), United will move on to the Champions Leage final, setting up an all English Manc/Scouser matchup.

Champs League Semifinal Review (Chelsea v. Liverpool)

You are looking at the best spot-kick keeper in the world. Pepe Reina (along with Steven Gerrard) singlehandedly won Liverpool the FA cup last year, and he singlehandedly took Chelsea out of Europe. Do you hear something? Oh, it's just Jose Mourinho wining about how Liverpool were only playing for the Champions League and that his side were playing for 4 trophies. Well you got one (the Carling Cup... big deal), and realistically, now YOU are only playing for one trophy (the FA cup).
This is the worst I've seen Chelsea play all season. They looked like scoring once or twice, but it was apparent that after Liverpool scored that Chelsea were content to play for PK's. Bad idea, and Pepe was up for the Challenge. Back to Jose for a minute. Now that you are only playing for the FA cup, does that give you the advantage over Manchester United. Is Sir Alex Ferguson going to wine now because he may have to play in the Champions League final 4 days after that FA cup final? The answer is no because Sir Alex Ferguson is the best manager in the world and you Mourinho are a winy little (expletive)!!!!!!!

Champions League Semifinal Preview: Chelsea v. Liverpool 2nd Leg + Premiership Weekend recap.

Now isn't this the most fake-looking handshake you have ever seen. You could cut the tension between these two with a Twizzler.

Time for round two at Anfield. This game is going to be an old-fashioned barnburner. Liverpool are on high alert, and have to come out strong. They need to attack from the get go. Chelsea are going to be without Shevchenko, Ballack, and Carvalho. This will make things extremely difficult for them, and that is why I am picking Liverpool to be the first team to clinch their place in Athens for the Champions League final. This will leave Chelsea with only the F.A. Cup to play for because...

This weekend, Manchester United basically wrapped up the Prem, thanks to Sam Allardyce. His Bolton Wanderers side fought back from 2-1 down to tie Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In the mean time, Manchester United were busy coming from behind to beat Everton 4-2.In his post match interview, Sir Alex was asked if he would be calling his old friend Sam Allardyce. What was Sir's response? "He'll be getting a hug and a kiss. Maybe two kisses."
These results leave United ahead of Chelski by 5 points with 3 matches left to play, meaning that they only need 4 points from the last three games to win the Prem. Their remaining fixtures are the Manchester Derby at the City of Manchester Stadium, Chelsea at the Bridge, and West Ham at Old Trafford. This seems like a pretty easy end to the season, and if Chelsea don't beat United, I can confidently say that ManYoo will win the Prem.
In his post match interview, Sir Alex was asked if he would be calling his old friend Sam Allardyce. What was Sir's response? "He'll be getting a hug and a kiss. Maybe two kisses."
Speaking of Sam Allardyce, he stepped down as Bolton manager yesterday. The speculation behind this is that he is going to take over for Stuart Pierce at Man City upon season's end. Whatever happens to Mr. Allardyce, I say thank you. Thank you for helping my preseason prediction of Manchester United winning the Prem in tact. ONWARD TO THE TREBLE!

Champions League Semifinal 1st legs Review

This is a Wayne Rooney wallbanger. I have one on my wall. After the 90th minute stoppage time winner scored by Mr. Rooney on Tuesday, my wallbanger and I had a little celebratory sparring session during which I badly jammed my left index finger to the point of a nasty swell. But it was worth it.

AC Milan/Man U: This game was an instant classic. I think that in terms of the Ballon D'or (European player of the year) and Fifa World Player of the Year, Kaka has the advantage over C-Ron. The only reason I say that is, well, did anyone see the goals he scored against United? The first goal was a sheer showing of his lightning fast pace, and the second was just sheer brilliance. On the second, he took received a goal kick, flicked the ball over Gabby Heinze, and then proceeded to make the Argentinian (and Patrice Evra for that matter) look utterly foolish. The ball was bouncing between Evra and Heinze, and Kaka gives it a very slight touch with his HEAD and nudges it in between the two defenders. Evra and Heinze collide, and all Kaka had to do was push the ball past Van Der Sar.
However, this game was determined by the fact that Milan tried to be classic Milan and sit on the ball once they had the lead. United are too dangerous offensively to do that. Rooney equalized off of an audacious chip pass from Scholes. Then, in injury time, Rooney cast his stone in Old Trafford folklore. He hit a Giggs pass one time past Dida and into the net. This bodes veryh well for United to advance to the final in Athens.

Chelsea/Liverpool: Liverpool played relatively well in the second half, but were dominated by Chelsea in the first. I still have no idea what Rafa Benitez is doing by exiling Gerrard out on the right, but it renders him ineffective. If Gerrard is exiled on the right for the second leg, Pool are in trouble. The goal was extremely well worked by all parties involved (Carvalho, Drogba, and the finish by Cole). I still think Pool hold the advantage because of the home leg at Anfield. All I know is, I CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK'S SECOND LEGS!
Come back here for all pre and post match coverage next week.

Champions League Semifinal Preview: Chelsea v. Liverpool 1st Leg

OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been waiting for this one for a long, long time.

This is by far, the best rivalry in the Premiership. Both of these managers HATE each others guts. In the pregame interviews for this match, Mourinho said that Liverpool would try to injure Drogba. What was Rafa Benitez's response? "Drogba is a diver, a penalty hunter. This type of player needs to be eliminated from the game." Ouch.
As for the players in this match, Chelsea will be without Ballack. As for Liverpool, they have a virtually full squad. I think this match comes down to one man, Steven Gerrard. Simply put, he is one of the top 5 in the world. He can take control of a game and I think he will rise to this occasion. The result? Liverpool go into Stamford Bridge and rip Chelsea's heart out. Come back tomorrow for a wrap-up of the semifinal first legs.

Champions League Semifinal Preview: Man United vs. AC Milan 1st Leg

The double has occured, PFA player of the year and young player of the year. Was there even any question that this was going to happen. If it were any other year, Drogba would have claimed this award easily... however, C-Ron was around this year and he deserved it more than anyone else. He has been tearing up the Premiership all year; and no one, I repeat, NO ONE, can stop him, including Nesta and Maldini.

This brings me to today's match between AC Milan and Manchester United. This is almost too hard to call, but I have to give a prediction. United are all banged up, and it looks like it will be a tough one for them. On the AC Milan front, they are completely healthy. Kaka is on form, and AC Milan always play their best in the Champions League. Who wins? I give the edge to... MANCHESTER UNITED! They will win this one at Old Trafford because, well, they have to. If they don't win this one, then they are in for an uphill battle at the San Siro. I say United win this one off of an inspired performance from the newly crowned PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.

Messi (Impossible is nothing)

Getafe's coach had this to say, "I can't see the goal through the eyes of a spectator. We should have stopped him before he got to the area even if it cost us a yellow card. You can't afford to be so generous,''

Birthday Post to Delight the Most!!

Since today is the day that I was introduced to the world, I figure that today is just a good a day as any to give my 1st annual "STATE OF WORLD FOOTY" Address. I will do this by region.

England: Once again, the FA have proved to be morons. Steve McClaren has proved that he isn't worthy of being England manager. Maybe he will be fired soon, or maybe he will prove me wrong, but I strongly doubt it.
All is strong on the Premiership front however, as this will go down as one of the most memorable seasons in its illustrious history. We could see a treble from United, or maybe a quadruple for Chelski (I shutter to think). By far, the best league in the world. Overall Grade: B

UEFA (minus England): In shambles. Michel Platini, the new President of UEFA, is trying to change the Champions League format to include more crappy teams and take away better teams. His main problem is with 4 English teams getting in, but... 3 OF THE LAST 4 IN THIS YEAR'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ARE ENGLISH!!!!! I think that proves my point right there. Italy is just recovering from the match fixing scandal, and the Spanish League is on the up. Overall UEFA Grade: C+

CONCACAF: Footy in this part of the world has never had more potential to break out. The MLS is on the rise, and when Beckham comes over, things can only get better. As for the US MNT, only time will tell. Bob Bradley has the team going in the right direction, so now let's see how far he can take us in the Gold Cup and the Copa America. Looking away from the US, can any other team besides Mexico win anything in this region? Until the answer to that question is yes, then this league will still be crap. Overall Grade: B-

CONMEBOL: The South American International teams are doing great, Brazil and Argentina that is. I have no idea if the other teams are going to be good or bad. Ecuador is always either Great or Terrible, same with the other teams. Don't even get me started on the leagues. So , overall grade: C-

Africa: This is by far the most potentially great conference. They have the most talent ridden pool of players in the world. The African teams caused the biggest splash in this past year's world cup. If they can stay un-corrupted, these teams have great potential. On the club side, I have no idea if they even have clubs. So, overall grade: B+

Asia: Don't know and don't care. South Korea... yada yada yada, Japan... yada yada yada... However, Australia just joined this group, so they should be the new dominant team. Overall grade: Who gives a %#$@

So, in conclusion, the prospectus of Footy in this world we live in is great in some spots, and not so great in others. One of the big problems is the corrupt and greedy officials that run football, mainly Sepp Blatter. Until he either dies or something, football will always be in trouble. It's time for a revolution, Che Guevara style.

Champions League Quarterfinal Recap and Semifinal Preview

I had to pull this picture from the old blog (weknowfooty.blogspot.com) because, well quite frankly it's gonna happen again. Now, time for me to wax poetic again [see my post called "The Day that Man U won the Title (NO, NOT THIS WAY) for my first delving into poetry] on what I saw on Tuesday:

I thought I was in a dream.
Who is this glorious team?
They sent Roma back to the Eternal City,
with their egos worn down to the nitty gritty.
7 to 1 was the end result,
shots reigned in like from a catapult.
Rooney, Ronnie, and Smudge all scored,
but it was Carrick who enlightened the Old Trafford horde.
His play was reminiscent of another OT Legend,
was it the ghost of Beckham that did descend?
All I know is Devils be wary,
because next comes the Rosioneri.

The quarterfinals have come and gone, and the only teams left are Chelski, Liverpool, United, and AC Milan. That seems to be a very heavy English bias, and that's because it is. The Prem is by far the most dominant league in the world, and boasts the best team in the world. If anyone doubted Manchester United before Wednesday, there minds should have been changed by the most dominating performance in Manchester United Champions League history. I was a little shocked to see Bayern Munich lie down and get dominated by AC Milan, but then I realized that I am an idiot for picking against Milan in the Champions League with their backs against the wall. Milan are always around in the Champions League, and they will prove a tough test to anyone.
As for my predictions, I went 2-2 for the second legs. That brings my overall total of predictions for the Champions League (from the beginning) to 68-52 and my accuracy rate stays at 57%. Hopefully, I can nail the last bits of the Champions League and get it up to 60%.
Now for previews of the Semi-finals:

Chelsea v. Liverpool: oooooooh, sentilating, This tie is by far, THE MOST ATTRACTIVE MATCH-UP OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. All the marbles are on the line here. Win, go to the final. Lose, go home with your tail between your legs. Mourinho and Benitez hate each other, which makes this even better. This tie is almost impossible to call, as these teams always play each other as if it were the last footy match ever. Who wins? Come back to find out.

Manchester United v. AC Milan: This match-up is also very tempting. As you may or may not know by now, I am somewhat of a Manchester United supporter. Trying to be as impartial as I can be, I still see Man U as the favorites, but anyone who picks against AC Milan in the Champions League is an idiot. Who wins? Again, come back here to for complete coverage of...
THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!! (opera voice)

Champions League Quarterfinal Preview 2nd Legs Day 2

Alan Smith, and the rest of the Devils, achieved one of the greatest victories in the club's illustrious history yesterday: a 7-1 thrashing of Roma. Welcome back Smudge, you deserve all the glory you are basking in today. Also, full praise goes to C-Ron and Rooney (who I said would come up big in this game in my last post). They both played extremely well, but the player of the match was Michael Carrick. Out of no where, the pass-master became the Predator. Also, if you look back to my post from April 4th, you will see that I said that Totti has a tendency to not show up in big games. Yesterday, the Greater Manchester Police received a missing person's claim for a man named Francesco Totti, but I'll get into all of this more in my reaction of the Quarterfinals tomorrow. Now for my predictions of the day:

Bayern v. AC Milan: Now, I know from personal experience that German fans are crazy. I was one of maybe 2,000 Ecuadorians in the Olympiastadion in Berlin to watch the demolition job that Germany put on Ecuador. Now, what does that have to do with this game? Well, Bayern have the away goal advantage, and when those LOUD fans start to get under the skin of the Rosioneri; there will be no turning back. BAYERN advance to play Manchester United in the semis, setting up a rematch of the thrilling '99 final; where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won the game for the Manchurians in stoppage time.

Liverpool v. PSV: They don't even need to play this game. Liverpool already have 3 away goals. Liverpool advance to play Chelsea, setting up a rematch of the 05 semi final, where Liverpool one the first leg at home, and forced a draw at the Bridge.

Come back tomorrow for all the reaction from the quarterfinals and a preview of the semifinals.

Champions League Quarterfinal Preview 2nd Legs Day 1

"Ooh, maybe after getting doomped out of zee Champions League by Valencia, I'll feenish 2nd to Manchester United in zee Premiership. Zen, I'll eizer queet or be fired from Chelsea, and I will go coach Real Madrid, Barcelona, or maybe even zee United States national team. Who know's, but I am zee special one." Jose Mourinho

All joking aside, it's time to get down to business in the Champions League. We've got two matches tomorrow, and two more on Wednesday. Here is how I see Tuesday's fixtures playing out:

Chelsea v. Valencia: I see Valencia moving on to the semi-finals. They are playing at home, and they have an away goal advantage after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. So we say, Good Night, Chelski.

Manchester United v. Roma: I see the Devils moving on to the semifinals here. They are down a goal, but if they get a 1-0 result, then they go through on away goals. Look for either Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo to come up big and awaken the ghosts of the past who lurk in the rafters at the Theater of Dreams.

These games will both be interesting, and I will definitely be watching my Red Devils take on the Giallorossi. I just hope that Sir has the boys ready, because this is by far, their most important fixture to date. C'MON YOU REDS!!!!

How Do You Keep Your Sheets So Clean Robert Green?

West Ham stunned Arsenal, Wenger's frown and current losing streak growing, for their first home defeat! In a stadium filled with 60,098 only the travelling 4,000 Hammer's fans loved the April 7th fixture after ref Graham Poll blew his wistle thrice. Wenger's boys had a lion's share of the possesion but couldn't crack the back four of West Ham and the former Norwich man between the sticks.

Alan Curbishley had this to say, ""We've given ourselves a chance...we've got an arguably bigger game next week against Sheffield United and it makes everything a little more intriguing. Ourselves and Charlton are forcing the issue now. I'd like to think this is the start of a run. I think Sheffield United and Wigan will be feeling a bit nervous because they're being dragged into it."

Bobby Zamora, though suffering from a sore knee, capitalized on goods before halftime causing tiers of frustrated Gunners fans to boo their squad at the halftime break. Robert Green earned adoration from not only his manager but also his team as Curbs revealed, "When you play anyone in the top four you need your goalkeeper to get 10 out of 10, perhaps 12 out of 10 - and that is what Greeny has done today. All the players clapped him when he came in the dressing room. I'm learning more and more about the players as I've gone along." West Ham faithful, along with native East Ender Alan Curbishly, are learning more and more about the limits and rewards of pure faith.

Reaction to Champs League Quarterfinal 1st Legs

Yo Scholes, you have been known for your notoriously late and ugly tackles ever since the beginning of your career, but this was ridiculous. By now you should know how to keep your cool, and you obviously don't. You put your team in an abhorrent position, but luckily for you, a teammate put your team in a relatively good postion for the return leg.

The 1st legs of the quarterfinals of the Champions league were very interesting. I went 3-1 on predictions to bring my overall total to 66-50 and my accuracy rate up 1% from 56% to 57%. Now for some reaction for each team:

Bayern: You showed that famous German resolve. Van Buyten was at the right place at the right time for both of Bayern's goals. Bayern are favorites to advance out of this tie.

AC Milan: You got a penalty kick goal inside the last 10 minutes that you didn't deserve, and you still managed not to win the game. Dida looked like the Dida of old, nervous and indecisive, and without Ronaldo due to Champions League restrictions, AC Milan better be ready for the tie in Munich.

Liverpool: Welcome to the semifinals. This team is on fire, so watch out world, Liverpool could be on their way to Athens.

PSV: Done for , enough said. NEXT!!

Chelsea: Not in a favorable position to advance due to the away goal by Valencia. They better come to play at the Mestalla.

Valencia: Can put away Chelsea with a nil-nil draw at home, (The Mestalla is one of the best home field advantages in the world.) therefore, they are Favorites to advance

Roma: They played United just right, but they let Rooney grab the crucial away goal. I think that will be the crucial element in this series.

Man Utd: Because of Rooney's away goal, I think that they are still favorite to advance. They are going to have to play a perfect game at home, but I think they can do it.

Come back here before the next legs for complete pre and post game coverage.