Defence – The Foundation of any Successful Football Team

Goals win games. There is no doubt about that. Without scoring a goal in a game, no team has any chance of gaining 3 points on the day or winning a trophy at the end of the season. Goals bring out the passion in players, which largely leads to chaos and wild celebrations (depending on the goal’s significance), as well as bringing a satisfaction to any person connected to the team. Without goals, success cannot be achieved. All the above may be true, but there is one crucial component that complements the attack, allows the goals to be scored and is equally as important to the balance of a team, and that is the defence.

Like any kind of structure, without a firm foundation and the clear establishment of its roots, it will ultimately be exposed, leading to a collapse. The same applies to a football team. I cannot stress the importance of the goalkeeper, centre back pairing and the fullbacks in a team. The goalkeeper needs to be vocal, commanding and able to make match winning saves when it matters most. The centre backs should be tall, powerful in the air and uncompromising in the tackle. The fullbacks should be able to cover for the centre backs, create space and provide overlapping runs for the midfielders and importantly, cross a ball. Together, this unit should work in unison, moving together and keeping a defensive high line.    

The best teams throughout history would not have won anything without a rock solid defensive foundation. The defence allows the attackers to express themselves, to venture forward and generally, take all the glory. This does not mean that midfielders, and even the strikers, are not part of the defence; they very much are, with wingers needing to track back, cover and support the fullbacks, and the centre midfielders need to provide support in the middle of the defence, acting as an additional defensive line or barrier.

The great coaches know this. They know the importance; and Jose Mourinho is currently the prime example. People criticise his team’s formation because they look too defensive and seemingly play “negative football”. I agree with this to a certain extent, but my point is emphasized about the need for a commanding defence. Sir Alex Ferguson is the same, producing and finding some of the best defenders in Europe which provided him and United with their most successful years.

Examples of recently successful teams with solid defensive foundations:

Inter Milan, 09/10, treble wining season.

The back 5 of Cesar, Lucio & Samuel and Maicon & Zanetti/Chivu were impenetrable, with Mourinho understanding the need for a great defence. That South American, uncompromising and fully committed attitude to die for the cause, allowed attacking players like Sneijder & Milito to play with freedom and score important goals.   

Barcelona, 08/09, treble winning season.

They are currently the best team on the planet. They boast an array of attacking talent with the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi just to name a few. However, at the back they have Pique & Puyol in the middle, accompanied by Alves & Abidal on the wings & Valdes in goals. Power, aerial prowess and tackling commitment, the CB’s play together for Spain and their stubbornness to protect their goals has allowed their front 3 to rip opposition defences to shreds. Alves’s pace and Abidal’s experience provide closure to the unit.

Man United, 07/08, double winning season.

The back 5 of Van Der Sar, Ferdinand & Vidic and Evra & Brown, were the cornerstone of the success which United achieved. In Vidic, arguably the best defender in the world, & Ferdinand, a ball playing and pre-emptive type of defender, United kept many important clean sheets, none more so than against Barcelona in the UCL Semi Finals over 2 legs, which paved the way for them to reach Final. Evra, a consistent performer for many years and Brown, the toughest tackler in the team, were essential to the backline.

  

Example of a team without the defensive foundation to support their attacking prowess:

Arsenal, every season since they last won a trophy, 6 seasons ago.

When will Arsene Wenger learn? Another season which, once again, promised so much but ultimately ended with very little – well not little, nothing! The main reason behind this collapse was due to the Gunners “Defence”. Looking with a little more detail at their back 5, starting with the GK, it is clear where Arsenal’s problems lie. Between the 3 GK’s used throughout the season, they inspired little confidence in the team and their lack of experience came to the fore when it mattered most – e.g. Szczesny in the Carling Cup Final. Their CB’s, in Koscielny (inexperienced in the Premier League), Squillaci (old and slow) and Djourou (weak in the air and clumsy), were unable to keep even the most average defences at bay. Sagna & Clichy are both consistent, but cannot function properly without commanding figures in the middle of the defence. Wenger seriously needs to restructure his transfer policy if Arsenal are to end their barren streak.

The evidence is there, that without a strong defence to match your attack you cannot achieve the desired success. The important, match winning work that defenders put in, including those last ditch tackles and goal line clearances, are often overlooked and forgotten when an attacker gets the winning goal. I have always been a firm believer that first and foremost, defence is the primary form of attack, and should never be underestimated.  

Passion Through Expression In The English Game

There are many derivatives of passion and one should not get confused. If you feel strongly about something which makes the hairs on your body stand on end and inspires you from inside, then you know it’s a good feeling, the right kind of feeling. But passion can also take control which could lead to trouble, when it gets the better of you in moments of intensity. With the recent pathetic attempts by the footballing authorities (the FA) to eliminate passion from the game by banning footballers who swear, I thought it presented me with a great opportunity to explore the different facets of the celebration, style of play and actions and moments driven by feelings. I have divided the categories and placed the most appropriate players and managers connected to the English game (as current as possible) into their respective categories. I’m sure I haven’t thought of everyone so any comments and additions are welcome! Enjoy.

The Screamers:

This bunch express utter delight and just let lose when they score or their team scores. There are no cruel intentions here, just pure elation. Yes, most players tend to scream when they score, but this lot seem to show it just a little bit more.

       

•   Wayne Rooney

The guy is simple. He loves football and just wants to play all the time. But he gets himself in trouble for over expressing his passion at times (I’m not exploring the swearing incident). However, one cannot doubt his true passion for the game, the ecstasy he feels when he scores a winning goal can be seen by this guy’s scream. He loves it. 

•   Rafael Van Der Vaart

A great singing for Spurs this season, VDV has scored crucial goals and contributed massively to the overall team performance. Every time he scores he loves it, grabs his shirt, shouts and screams with elation. Love to see it.

•       Jamie Carragher

This guy is Liverpool through and through, his undoubted passion and commitment to the cause is admirable and any young professional should look at him and learn. He is always happy to express his delight when his team scores, and loves a good scream (mostly at his own teammates). He never goes down unless he is really injured and even when he is, it takes a lot to keep him off the field. Respect. 

    

•  Gary Neville

Though now retired he is definitely worth a mention, this ex-United captain was hated by rivals, but loved by his own fans. He was never short of displaying his passion for his club, most notably when he was charged by the FA for over celebrating United’s last minute victory over Liverpool. He grabbed his badge in front of the away support and screamt with joy. The expression “United till I die” very much applies here.

The Dancers:

These two players prefer to express their passion for their goal celebration through dance, placing emphasis on structure and finesse. Enjoyable to watch and quite unique, they obviously love to dance.

      

•  Asamoah Gyan

A truly colourful character with only good intentions, Gyan has been a revelation for Sunderland, with his whole hearted performances and his goal scoring prowess earning him a very credible Premier League reputation. Let’s not forget his ability to celebrate those goals too! After each goal, Gyan manages to put on his dancing shoes for all to see. He means well, and is very entertaining.

•  Peter Crouch

Im digging a bit here and even though it was for England, the tall Spurs striker created one of the most awkwardly funny dances to have graced the football scene. The Robot. What a joke, I cannot take him seriously anymore since that dance. Hilarious though. 

The Badge Kissers:

Now this one is a touchy subject. We all know of the players who claim to love their clubs, have nothing but respect and want to spend the rest of their careers at that club. Mere months later, money, greed or just stupidity lures them elsewhere. This is hilarious, sad and disturbing all at the same time. It displays the fickle, selfish and greedy nature of footballers, with very few remaining with their clubs throughout their career.

      

•  Gary Neville (again) –  the right way

I begin this section by starting off with the now retired, this ex-United captain (again) who was hated by rivals, but loved by his own fans. Say what you want about Gazza, but he has passion alright; he loves his club and would never, ever, jump ship. He kissed, hugged, grabbed and bit the badge so many times I lost count. Untied through and through, Gary’s unrivalled passion cannot be matched by most.

•   Emmanuel Adebayor – the disloyal pig

While playing for the Gunners in a pre-season friendly in 2008, Adebayor kissed the Arsenal badge, which surely indicated his true love and respect for the club. A few months later into the season, he was quoted as saying: “I am happy AC Milan, one of the legendary clubs in the world, were looking at me. For me that must be something special.”  By the end of that campaign, all he wanted was a move elsewhere, with United or Chelsea his preferred choices. We didn’t want him; neither did the Chelski, so he went to City because they could pay his wages. Now is he at Madrid. No loyalty, no respect.

•    Wayne Rooney – unfortunately, a scouser at heart

As a United fan it’s tough to write this one but considering his recent contract saga, I believe the scouser qualities within Mr Rooney came to the fore. Back when playing for Everton’s youth side, Wayne Rooney revealed a t-shirt which read ‘once a blue, always a blue’. When United came knocking on the door, those loyalties flew out the window and he jumped at the opportunity. His actions did not go down well on Merseyside, with the fans of his former club singing “Die, die, Rooney, Rooney, die!” every time the teams meet. In response to all the abuse he has received, Rooney kissed the United badge at Goodison Park in October 2008. Then there was his transfer saga at United. Another story entirely, in short he ended up staying but his loyalty has come under scrutiny. 

•   Cesc  Fabregas – wants to go home to his boyhood club

At the start of the 09-10 season, Cesc kissed Arsenal’s badge amidst rumours he was going to leave for Barcelona. “Which player would not like to play for a team like that at the moment?” Fabregas had said that summer. “They are probably the best team that I have seen play in history and I have a lot friends there who are always telling me great things. Of course, you feel envy in a healthy way because of the way they play football. Everyone’s dream would be to play in a team like this.”If you are an Arsenal fan, how do you feel knowing your captain does not want to play for your club, his dream is to play for his boyhood club and its only a matter of time before he leaves? He may love Arsenal and he does respect them, but stop kissing the badge Cesc!

The Wise Ones:

These two are just top of the pops in my eyes. They have the drive, the motivation and the understanding to stir their teams into action and deliver powerful talks. Yes, the one has actually won trophies, but the other’s true passion cannot be questioned.

    

•     Sir Alex Ferguson

No article would be complete without the mention of the legendary character for the right reasons. He has been at the helm of one of the world’s biggest clubs for 25 years, won every trophy possible and at 67 years old still wakes up every morning with the same hunger, passion and desire to succeed. A true champion of the game, his legacy will stand the test of time. The infamous “hairdryer” treatment has been dished out on many an occasion to any star player, no matter how big they think they are, Fergie will never shy again from a good old tongue lashing.

•    Ian Holloway

I cannot describe in a short paragraph what I think of this true legend and character. Passion flows through his body, he means everything he says and always gives 100%. What a man! A straight shooter, blunt as fuck, calls it as it is, but it’s the way he says it which really gets me going. If Blackpool manages to stay up, I promise you it will be mainly due to him. I would love to hear his halftime team talks!

The Pigs, Psychopaths & Dirty Players:

We all know them; there are plenty out there, the ruthless individuals who care little for anyone else’s safety other than their own. Some of these guys are real pigs, some are just rough and some really are not right in the head!

       

•    Mario Balotelli

The biggest pig I have ever seen in my life. Never out of trouble (which he brings entirely on himself), this selfish money grabbing whore hurtful disrespectful kunt (and im being kind here) could not give less of a fuck about anyone but himself. A virus in that City team, I don’t know how his teammates handle him. Worst part of it all, Balotelli is a selfish wanker who does not care about his club (or anyone else); his actions after the final whistle in the cup game were done intentionally to inflict pain, hurt and anger toward opposing fans which mean they were for personal satisfaction. A deeply disturbed pig of note. 

•     Joey Barton

Where to begin with this one -his career and life have been marked by numerous controversial incidents and disciplinary problems, twice been convicted on charges of violence. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment for assault and affray. He once caused bodily harm to a teammate in a training session. One could say that Joey Barton is not the nicest guy in football.

          Other noteworthy mentions:

•       Lee Bowyer – most yellow cards dirty
•       Lee Cattermole – filthy dirty
•       Nigel De Jong – studs up dirty
•       Karl Henry – mistimed dirty
•       Patrick Vieira – old school dirty
•       Paul Scholes – unintentionally dirty
•       Craig Bellamy – disgracefully dirty
•       Robbie Savage – a higher level of dirty
•       Roy Keane – the dirtiest of them all (there’s only one Keano!)

The Tantrums:

This lot love a good cry, always moaning and groaning about luck, refs or just expressing their own selfish beliefs ahead of the team. They love pointing a finger at anyone but themselves.

        

•    Arsene Wenger

Loves the blame game. See this latest article to back me up (http://therepublikofmancunia.com/wenger-blames/). Never looks at his teams own faults, always shifts the blame onto someone or something else. Maybe that’s why the Gunners haven’t won anything in so long- it’s time to start looking at himself and his team.

•   William Gallas

When his team (Arsenal back then) had just lost a crucial game in the title race, instead of showing leadership qualities and rallying his troops, this selfish Frenchman decided to sit in the middle of the St Andrews pitch and sulk, like a little baby. He has thrown this toys out his cot on plenty other occasions, there was even talk of him threatening to score an own goal if Chelsea did not put him up for sale. Wanker.

•   Didier Drogba

Should we go back to the television rant old Drogba did in the Champions League? Known also as a diver, his guy is constantly moaning and putting on a show. Never happy unless he personally scores, Didier throws his toys out the cot on more than the odd occasion. “Fucking Disgrace”. 

•   Mario Balotelli

I refuse to give this pig anymore attention, he does not deserve it, but he most definitely belongs in this category.

The Facial Expressions:

Don’t you just love colourful characters, players whose feelings can easily be read from the expression on their face. These two love to make their feeling seen through personal expressions which makes it really fun.

      

•   Anderson

      

      Ando, he literally looks like he is going to cry every time he loses the ball! I have never come across someone with a more expressive face in football. A truly hilarious site, Ando!

•     Andrey Arshavin

This little Russian’s facial expression when he scores a goal is most times shown with disbelief, looking shocked that he has scored! Let us not forget his best moment in the league when he scored 4 at Anfield, swinging his hand past his face over and over again, looking shocked at what he had done! There is also the infamous “Shhh” finger over mouth sign which he actually shows to both his own fans and rival fans. Weird.

The Cry Baby:

       

•    John Terry

Do I need to remind everyone of which specific occasion I am referring to? Russia, Moskow, Champs League Final, Penalty Shoot-Out, Chance to lead his team to victory by scoring the penalty- ring any bells? The Chelsea captain cried like a baby girl after United eventually won. Take it.

The Memorable Celebrations:

Here is just a list of some funny/unique celebrations.

      

•   Nicholas Anelka

Anelka displays handcuffs towards the French Football Federation referring to the chaos that surrounded France’s pathetic World Cup 2010 campaign

•   Emmanuel Adebayor (again)

As mentioned in the badge kissing category, Adebayor is a disloyal prick who just wants to go where the money is. When the opportunity came for him to play for his new club against his old one, in one match he managed to kick Van Persie (his former striker partner) in the head, after which when he scored a goal he ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans after scoring, which resulted in a 3 match ban. What a disgrace.

•   Craig Bellamy

Facing allegations that he threatened his then Liverpool team-mate John Arne Riise, with a golf club, Bellamy scored in a match against Barcelona and celebrated by acting out a golf swing. This guy was never far away from trouble and this typifies the kind of bloke he is, a shit stirrer. 

       Other Classics Worth a Mention:

• Tim Cahill – The Corner flag boxing joust. Fighter.
• Robbie Keane – the infamous gymnastic style rolley-polley somersault. Airhead.
• Nani – Back in the day when he first arrived at OT, Nani used to celebrate goals by doing a backwards somersault. Fergie did not approve. The somersault is no more. Elimination.
• Robbie Fowler - celebrated his penalty against Everton by getting down to his hands and knees and miming the snorting of cocaine off the white touchline. Classy.
• Eric Cantona - famously celebrated a goal against Sunderland in the 1996-1997 season by  standing still, holding his chest out and presenting a blank expression. Legend.

The Swearers:

       

      Every single player to have ever played football!!

PFA Team of the Year Analysis

So the team of the year is out and on the whole happy to see a good portion of United players in it. I think this team is fair, even though there have been some players who can count themselves unlucky. However, what I found really poor was the decision to award Bale the Player of the Year award. I’m not going into the details (again) but stats, injuries and current form were obviously not considered and I find it an injustice that Nani was not even shortlisted. His 18 assists to Bale’s 1, his 10 goals to Bale’s 7 and his current form as well as injuries this season have been minimal. Young Player of the Year deservedly awarded to Jack Wilshere, what a talent! He will be gracing world football for years to come, his cool head and vision on the ball at such a young age is admirable, and it’s frightening to think he can only get better.

Analysis of team (2nd places are my personal opinions for runners up, not my preferred selections):

GK: Edwin Van Der Sar

A fitting tribute for this excellent goalkeeper, who this season, has defied the odds and shown his quality time and time again. Ever reliable, cool, calm and collected under pressure, able to kick with both feet and I take comfort in knowing that if he can reach it, he will save it.

2^nd place: Joe Hart.

RB: Bacary Sagna

A very solid defender and an able attacker, he offers the Gunners a lot of width on the right flank and works well with either Walcott or Arshavin. His experience has been a great help to the new, inexperienced centre backs at Arsenal, however they may still come up short come season end. Sagna can hold his head up high.   

2^nd place: Rafael

CB: Nemanja Vidic

There are not enough words to sing his praises. What a player, a leader, plays with his heart on his sleeve, committed to the cause, loves United and today stated he wants to end his career with the Reds. In my opinion, he is the best defender in the world, and one would struggle to argue otherwise. His solid performances at the back have been the foundation of United’s league title ambitions and Fergie’s decision to make him captain has definitely paid off.

CB: Vincent Kompany

A player that has grown from strength to strength this season, after starting out in midfield, he has made the centre back position his own. City’s defensive displays this season have been largely down to his personal performances, with his aerial ability and strength seeing them keep many clean sheets.

2^nd places: John Terry & Michael Dawson

LB: Ashley Cole

The world’s best left back. His attacking and defensive abilities are equally matched and his overall contribution cannot be understated. He provides Chelsea with extra offensive options on the left side, bursting into opposition boxes and he can whip in great balls for the strikers to feed off.

2^nd place: Leighton Baines

RM: Nani

By far the best player in the league this season, Nani has created 18 assists and scored 10 goals so far this season. If United win the league, he would have played a major role for us, popping up with crucial goals, breaking deadlocks and adding some much need class through his technique and general ability. He can shoot with both feet, spin defenders and he works hard for the team, never shirking his defensive duties. What a player he has become.

2^nd place: Ashley Young

CM: Samir Nasri

Been excellent all season for the Gunners, showing an Iniesta-type shoulder dropping ability when attacking opposing players. He has scored some great goals and grown into his role as a match winner on many occasions. Whether in centre of the park or on the wing, he is a huge threat to defences.

CM: Jack Wilshere

What a player of true class and ability at such a young age. This guy will be ever present for years to come. The calmness he shows on the ball resembles that of players with 15 years experience, and he has the vision and technique to back it up. A tough tackler, hard worker and another product of Arsenal and Wenger’s ability to produce young players, Wilshere is a pleasure to watch.

2nd places: Scott Parker and Charlie Adam

LM: Gareth Bale

A true talent, exciting to watch and blitz quick, he has the making of an all time great attacking winger. Bale has the end product to match the threat. He can put in a great ball and turn defenders on their heads. One on one there is no chance, with even the most experienced players (Maicon) getting the run around. I’m happy to watch him grace the Premier League and world football for years to come. ­

2^nd place: David Silva

STR: Carlos Tevez

The little Argie has proved his worth since he left United for City, scoring goals and working hard for the team. 19 goals so far this season, he has shown his class yet again and leads by example from the front. A match winner in every aspect, defenders struggle to keep him at bay and with the wingers available at City, he gets the service he needs to penetrate the defensive line.

2^nd place: Didier Drogba

STR:  Dimitar Berbatov

Finally, this has been the season he proves the critics wrong. He may have scored a large portion of his goals in short bursts, but his overall contribution to the team and his newly created work ethic has earned him his place this year. His hat trick against Liverpool, the overhead kick, the Blackpool double and the last minute winner against Bolton have been situations where he has shown his class. His touch and play making ability have been ever present and at long last his goals, all 21 of them, showing the quality player he really is.

2^nd place: Andy Carroll

PFA Player of the Year: Gareth Bale

PFA Young Player of the Year: Jack Wilshere

After A Mixed Weekend, What To Think?

So this weekend produced a mixed bag of results. This can lead some people to push the panic button and begin to dismantle our team. Yes, we may have be subpar in such a crucial game but believe me when I say that there are still good times ahead.

FA Cup:

After receiving the team news while waiting anxiously for the kickoff, I was slightly disappointed to see only one striker in Berbatov being played, although I thought Fergie would start the game off with a packed midfield due to City predictably doing the same. The back 5 had a familiar look about it and with a midfield of Scholes Carrick & Park, as well as Valencia and Nani on the wings, I was confident enough that would have enough to see off City.

     1.  Poor Performances

The obvious starting spot has to go not only to single players, but the team as a whole. We began the game brightly, dominating the first 25 minutes before City came back into it. In that time we had the better chances and should have taken advantage. We had enough firepower out there to break their defence but squandered the chances that came our way. The second half was a much less feisty affair, and after going a goal and a man down, we could not break the City defence which has been the strength for most of the season. Overall, even though certain players played a bigger role in our demise than others, we have only ourselves to blame.

Dimitar Berbatov. I have defended this guy time after time, and I still believe he has lots to offer and has answered many of his critics this season. However, there comes a time when his mistakes cannot be covered up. Two crucial misses in two minutes. Putting one of those chances away would have most definitely changed the outcome of the game. City this season have struggled to come back into games when they go behind. But he didn’t and I believe he must hold his hand up and take some responsibility. But I do understand that it’s difficult to play well in the big games when the manager never actually puts faith in you and you are only starting because someone else is injured. How can we expect him to have confidence in himself when the manager doesn’t? However, this is not an excuse as one needs to be professional, take your chance and show that you deserve it. He most certainly did not.

Michael Carrick. I’m so upset about this new setback for him because he is another player I have tried to defend for so long, and after finally showing some of his best form for United in almost 2 years, I’m afraid his confidence may have taken another knock. His poorly directed and easily anticipated pass which lead to City’s goal and ultimately our defeat, could see him struggle to shake this latest mistake off and come back stronger. I hope he does not revert back to his shy, uncreative, backward passing self.

Paul Scholes. Isn’t it ironic that the one time he actually speaks up and gives an interview pre-match; he manages to completely do the opposite of what he promised and was the consolidating reason for our loss. No one will feel sicker than him, but once his experienced head and creative ability was off the field there was only going to be one outcome. Unlucky challenge as both feet were raised, but the ref could have given a yellow. Now he will miss our next couple of games at least, and with Carrick losing confidence again, Anderson still not in form and Fletch still recovering from illness, we will once again have to rely on our 37 year old veteran, the ever reliable (Sir) Ryan Giggs, to fill in. Did someone say Wesley Sneijder?

      2.  Positives

Let me just say, don’t lose faith and don’t lose sight of the bigger goals. Before this game I said I would take us being knocked out by City and them winning the FA Cup for us to just win the league. That is the real prize and that is where our focus should lie. Number 19 is within touching distance and after Arsenal managed to mess things up (yet again) for themselves late into injury time, I feel we really have it all to play for and a win against Newcastle on Tuesday will be a massive 3 points. Considering Arsenal play Spurs the following night, which WILL determine the outcome of the league, the pressure is very much on them. Anything less than a win against their bitter North London rivals will surely be enough for United to see out the league.

      3. The Future

We have the chance to put this sickening defeat behind us and move on in style on Tuesday. Rooney will be back, I’m sure Giggsy will at least get a place on the bench and Chicharito should be back from the start. Let’s put them to the sword, put 4 past them, and pile the pressure on the Gunners!

Leaked Picture of Possible Away Kit 2011/12

Overview of Champions League Semi Final Match-Ups

SF1: Real Madrid vs Barcelona:

The semi finals of this season’s Champions League has delivered one of the most anticipated match ups in world football. El Clasico. Just saying it makes me get excited. Two of the best teams in world football, and most certainly in the Spanish league, have been paired against each other. These teams have delivered countless epic encounters throughout their long history of tradition and rivalry. It also matches up the world’s current top 2 players, Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo, against each other. Between the two of them, they have scored over 80 goals this season alone, with each surpassing 40 goals individually in all competitions this season. Then there are the suave, successful masterminds behind their respective teams, in that of Jose Mourhinho & Pep Guardiola. These two managers have been extremely successful throughout their coaching careers. We know what Mourinho did with Porto, Chelsea & Inter Milan and then there is Guardiola, the coach of possibly the best football team of my generation.

These games will have so much to offer and trying to predict a result in these games is nearly impossible because even though Barcelona are the team to beat, Mourinho in the UCL has a history of devising massive upsets and achieving the impossible. Trying to construct a best combined starting 11 between these two teams would also be one hell of a challenge! We now have four El Classico’s to look forward to over an 18 day period, starting this weekend, as they meet in the league, UCL & their domestic Cup competition - now that’s a privilege!

SF2: Schalke 04 vs Manchester United

I honestly do not know much about this German team. However, I do know that one should never, ever, underestimate any German team and United do not have a particularly impressive record against German teams at the knock out stages in the past. They will defend like Trojans with experienced German international Christoph Metzelder leading their line of defence. They should press high up the pitch and they also have a pretty lethal striker in the legendary Spanish master, Raul. Hats off to his type of player, having scored in both legs his team’s quarter final match against Inter Milan, and even though Raul may not have the pace of times gone by (although his game was never based on speed), he can still put the ball in the back of the net. Raul, Van Nistelrooy, Inzaghi - these are veteran strikers of the game, all predators inside the box with the ability to stick it away when an opportunity comes their way.

At this moment in time, United have the momentum and confidence to take on just about anyone. The Manchester Derby is coming up on the weekend which will represent a massive challenge to progress to the FA Cup Final and to deny City the chance of silverware for yet another year. However, I believe no matter the outcome, self-belief will remain high, with the hopes of securing both the EPL and UCL lying in our own hands. The return of big players from injury, the rediscovered form of Rooney and the rock solid defensive partnership of Rio & Vidic have placed massive assurance and poise into the team, with the squad depth coming to the forefront of our trophy challenge.

I do believe United will have too much for Schalke in midfield, and this is where the opportunity lies to dominate the game. If we can control the game as we did against Chelsea I see us progressing, with Carrick and Giggs forming a potent partnership in the middle of the park (excuse the pun). The German teams obvious lack of experience in Europe could also be a telling difference, with their best effort over the last few years being a quarter final against Barcelona which they lost in 2008. Also, their domestic form has not been great of late, with them currently sitting in 9th place. 


This tie is obviously pairs United with the “easiest” team of the possible 3 teams, however after disposing of the reigning champions, Inter Milan; Schalke will believe they can continue with the upsets and progress to the final. They present tough opposition but I’m sure Fergie knows that, as will the players, and I’m confident that we can book our place in Wembley against one of the other Spanish giants.

Fixtures:

• First Legs:

Schalke 04 vs Manchester United (Tues, 26 April)

Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Wed, 27 April)

• Second Legs:

Barcelona vs Real Madrid (Tues, 3 May)

Manchester United vs Schalke 04 (Wed, 4 May)