Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Champions League Semis - First Round

So the football gods would appear to once again want to have another Chelsea v Manchester United show down for a major title.

Manchester United defeated AC Milan 3-2 at Old Trafford while Chelsea scrapped together a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge against Premier rival Liverpool. Both clubs head into the away fixture with a lead, however ManU has to beware of having given up 2 road goals to AC Milan.

I was able to watch the AC Milan v Manchester United match, and it is clear that unless Vidic and Ferdinand come back to form, the defense will again be tested by the speed and surgical passing of the AC Milan midfield. Manchester United are fortunate not to be heading back to Italy even or down to the Italians. The english defense was terrible yesterday, allowing devasting through balls all afternoon long.

I did not watch the Chelsea v Liverpool match, but from the accounts I was able to read, it appears to be a typical match of Premiership teams, cautious, defensive and at time brutish. I think that Liverpool will feel confident heading home, even thought they need to defeat Chelsea by 2 goals.

Predictions:

Manchester United 1-0 over ACMilan
Chelsea 0-0 draw with Liverpool....the football gods want another Chelsea v Manchester United match up...why I have not idea

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