Its Football Jim, but not as we know it!

Watched the FA cup 1/4 final game last night between Chelski and Newcastle. Must admit, I was hoping Chelski would get stuffed (small chance).

As usual, the Blues won the game. They scored within 4 minutes, then the game just became one looooooong battle. I gotta say, I was not impressed. For a team that is running away with the Premiership, playing on a (finally) good quality pitch, the quality of their football is rubbish! Can't deny they are a hard-working, well-organised team, but whatever happened to the beautiful game?

The thought that the Chelsea power-play may rule the English game for the next few years is beginning to depress me! I'm just praying that Arsenal keep hold of Thierry and the rest of the team comes of age as soon as possible...football is a game of 3 components - craft, artistry and athleticism. Chelsea have proved the point that if you swap the "artistry" for "loads of money," you can be really successful - but at what cost?

I've got a headache....

3 out of 4 aint bad...

Well - almost got it right!

I predicted that Barca would get through against Chelski, Aresnal would see of Real, Glasgow Rangers would lose to Villareal and Liverpool would get through against Benfica.

Only got the Liverpool one wrong. I did say that Liverpool would be in danger of Benfica hitting 'em on the break and that's exactly what happened! So its the end of the road of the current cup holders and only one UK team left if the competition.

Doubt if Arsenal have the strength in depth to go all the way - but people said that about Liverpool last season. Can't see the same fairy story happening two seasons running though - having seen the Barca v Chelski game, I have to say that Barca must be favorites for the Cup, especially if Ronadhino remains fit; the man is a genius!!!

Who's gonna win the big mid-week battles?

European Champions League 2nd Round 2nd leg this week! Can't wait! Some biiiig battles for the UK teams, but who do I think will come out ontop?

Well here are my predictions:

1. Arsenal v Madrid - I reckon Arsenal could get a big scare here and might even get turned over. Let's face it they should have finished things off in the first leg. But I think, if Thierry is on form, they will do enough to scrape through...


2. Barca v Chelski - can only see 1 winner here. Cheski need to win at least 2 nil. And if Barca score - which is highly likely - Chelski will need to win the game and score at least 3 goals, or win 2-1 to take it to penalties. I predict lost more fireworks, but Barca to get revenge for last year's scandalous winning goal by the Chelsea cheats.

3. Liverpool v Benfica - hmmmm, the Reds were unlucky to lose a last-minute goal in the first leg. I can see a barnstorming, high-pressure performance from them at home, but the fear is that Benfica will hit them on the break...could go right to the wire this one, but I reckon the Reds will do it.

4. Villareal v Rangers - sorry Rangers, but this is where your season finally ends. At least you got further than Man U!!!

Anyway, wha'dya think folks? Let me have your own thoughts and we'll compare notes on Thursday