Well the next two days will be most interesting viewing. The time has come and gone for words, the threats and promises manager and player alike have made now have to turn into results. That doesn’t mean we can’t look at what is being said ahead of the Champions League to come.
The big war of words is a return bout between Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. Mourinho is quick to remind everyone of 2004, quicker to say he’ll do it again. In a return to the Mourinho everyone in England remembered so fondly, Jose claims he does not fear United. In fact, Mourinho is gloating that he should get all the credit for turning Manchester United into what they are now.
Sir Alex has been a bit restrained in his comeback, going out of his way to goad Mourinho into a bit of comfort…saying Jose is one of the best. I can understand that, as he’s more worried about who will be in defense as he sweats the fitness of John O’Shea and Jonny Evans, knowing Rafael Da Silva didn’t make the trip and Vidic is suspended.
Jose and Fergie have different ideas on how this tie will go. Jose thinks nothing will be decided in Milan, Fergie thinks there is plenty on the line at the San Siro. James Lawton of the Independent feels that Sir Alex will win the war, despite Jose’s best attempts at winning the battle. Tomorrow night, we’ll find out.
The other Premier League club in action tomorrow is Arsenal as they host Roma. Wenger isn’t in too much of a good mood about the fact Andrei Arshavin is not eligible to play. I understand his beef, but hell rules are rules. But instead of dwelling on it too much, Wenger is just happy to be back playing Champions League football, football he says is more positive in its approach. Does Wenger not realize it’s Roma he’s playing tomorrow? I guess when Wenger’s spent some time dealing with Ferguson’s latest remarks about his side, maybe not.
John Arne Riise is looking forward to facing Arsenal, but Francesco Totti and Cicinho are facing late fitness tests. With those two out, Roma could be in serious trouble.
Other News
Mikel Arteta’s season is over. Not what Everton need as they push for a European place for next season. No word yet on how long Victor Anichebe will be out.
Petr Cech continues the campaign that there has been no unrest in the Chelsea dressing room. I wonder if David Blaine’s magic has fixed all of Chelsea’s problem.
Wilfred Bouma is getting closer to making a return with Aston Villa. It looks like his first game will be a reserve match against Chelsea on March 2.
The last thing Middlesbrough needs is an injury to a key player. Well Didier Digard will be out of action for the next twelve weeks thanks partial rupture of his quad. Ouch!
And finally, bookies forgot to take Weymouth’s fixture against Rushden & Diamonds off the board after the first team walked out. The result, they had to pay out over a million quid.
One of the most interesting Battles will be Evra Vs Maicon. It will have a big impact on the final result.
Man Utd defense problems will have an impact on the fluidity of their offense as well. Not sure how secure Evra will feel to make his runs on the left with the fragile defense he will leave behind.
I will not be surprised if Sir Alex played more a 4-2-3-1 tactics in this game.
For the injury crises they have in the squad, this will turn to be the most complicated games for Arsenal this season. CL is their only remaining shot.
Ramzi, I think they’ll cancel each other out. Both are world-class both in defence and attack, I see none of them wqinning their battle. More interesting will be the duell between C. Ronaldo and Maxwell, and Ibra vs. Ferdinand. If I were Ferguson I would apply the same tactics as in last year’s semi final in Barcelona – 4-3-3, with the whole team defending like hell.