For United Supporters

10:20 PM // by Amogh // // 1comments
Something For Manchester United Supporters . Chin UP !
Well everybody is going Gaga Over Uniteds Loss ., And I know all the world is going against us . The UCL final Was not United - Barca . It was United Vs Rest Of the World ! And All of your Non- Manc Friends are teasing you that United couldn't win . But Who Gives the F*** at it ? I mean Why to. We have reached Finals They Haven't Isn't this it ?

Barca Played well this season , in the Match, They won it they Deserved it , but does it mean you all will forget what our players have done for us , for Matt Busby , for Manchester United ?

Its Not A childs play to Compete for seven cups . And Winning 4 of them ,Reaching Semis of FA cup, Reaching Final of Super cup , And of course Back to back Finals of UEFA Champions league a feat that no-one has achieved since the new format of the cup !
Do you know how lucky are you to support Manchester united ? the Last three seasons have been the best in My Life as a Manc . We have won more trophies in 3 seasons than Chelsea have ever won !


After three dull years and having won nothing , United were going to bounce back , They had to . And They did it .in '06 - '07 . Coming from behind We won the Premier League when Chelsea failed to beat Arsenal and League Cup's 4-0 Thrashing .


In 2007-08 It was the a pretty special season for us , 50th Anniversary of Busby Babes . Though we lost twice against Man City , We made them proud . A double winning season , With retaining premiership And Winning Champions League Was just Awesome . he Charity Shield was just another addition in the cabinet !


The Year Of 2008 was a big one , Premier League , Champions League , Community Shield , World Club Cup . It looked like there is only one club in England :| [ Yes I am Arrogant , You can F*** off If you don't like it !] , We had the WPoy , Ballon d'Or


Even This season has given us so much , 4 Trophies , And The premiership being our 18th And completing a second hat-trick , Again no club has ever done it . Knocking Liverpool off Their f***ing perch . Wasn't it Just too much to take
And not A single member i 200 K community on Orkut expected us to retain CL this season at the start ,

Ref :- [http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=2939&tid=5233620497201994511 ] And we reached the Finals Isn't this more than we expected ? No other club could even dream of quintuple , We were as Close as anyone could get in another century !
Then Why sudden sadness in the community ?
Cheer Up Lads , Next season is going to be bigger and better .
We can get Nineteenth title .
Chin Up Feel proud of our team !
They Have done a LOT for you this season !


PS. I know This is the place for football discussions ,
But you coul give it a read even if you are not a manc!
From a Manc,
Amogh Gokhale

THE LAST BIG MATCH

10:19 PM // by Aditya...TrUe bLuE!!! // // 2 comments



















FA CUP FINAL :

CHELSEA FC v/s EVERTON FC
Date: Saturday, 30th May , 2009
Time: 15.00 BST / 19.30 IST
Venue: The New Wembley, England.
Capacity: 90000
Telecast: Match will be shown live on Sony Pix.





Here we are …Counting Down to the Final Event for THIS SEASON..!!
Yes, I m talking about the FA CUP FINAL..!!!
CHELSEA and EVERTON are the TWO teams who have worked REEAAALLLY hard to get into this Final…Both of them deserve the CUP but as the LAW stands, We will have only ONE winner..!!! And to Assist you in getting to know this Fixture better, I am providing a full fledged PREVIEW!!!! the effect of FC BARCELONA lifting the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE wears down from our minds, lets have an ANALYSIS of both the teams.


Firstly we will analyze the so called “STUBBORN” EVERTON side.


EVERTON FC
Under the guidance of the ever so SUPERB DAVID MOYES, this EVERTON team would love to round off their GREAT season by lifting the COVETED CUP for only the 6th time in their HISTORY. This team has played Good football all over the season (Have no doubts about that..!!! Though they might not play as BEAUTIFULLY as ARSENAL do, but their style has its own Beauty..!).

Probable Eleven:

Tim Howard, Leighton Baines, Joleon Lescott, Joseph Yobo, Tony Hibbert, Phil Neville, Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman, Marouane Fellaini, Louis Saha,
SUBS: Jo, James Vaughan, Dan Gosling, Da Silva, Nuno Valente, Jose Baxter, Jack Rodwell.


This Everton line-up looks pretty strong with the likes of Yobo and Lescott. It has got the experience coming in with of Neville, Saha and Cahill whereas Osman, Fellaini and Baines bring in the Freshness and creativity. Their bench contains many SUPER-SUBS who have won them games that they would have otherwise Drawn.

Tactical Point Of View:
EVERTON would surely go for a 4-1-4-1 line-up considering CHELSEA’s attacking prowess, with Phil Neville sitting just in front of his Defenders to assist them to cope up with CFC. Cahill and Fellaini would take turns to go forward with Saha. On the other hand, Osman, Cahill / Fellaini and Pienaar would bring a lot of energy in Mid field with their High Work rate. Also, David Moyes has brought in to the side a great ability to get Compact as a Unit which makes it difficult to break them down..!!

STRENGTHS :
The main strength for Everton would come from Set Pieces(OBVIOUSLY..!!!). With the Aerial presence of Fellaini, Cahill, Lescott and Yobo, you could bet on them to score from a set-piece..!!! They would also be pretty happy to rely on Tim Howard who proved his goal-keeping abilities against MAN UTD in the Semis.

WEAKNESSES :
Their main weakness lies in their inability to cope with a swift Counter Attack. And with
Chelsea looking very sharp while Counter-Attacking, Everton will have to watch out..!!

INJURIES :
Phil Jagielka, Ian Turner, Mikel Arteta, Victor Anichebe, A Yakubu.
This is probably the WORST injury Crisis that manager David Moyes might have had over the years. You can clearly see THREE BIIIGGGG players in Jagielka, Arteta and Yakubu sitting out of the team when the manager needed them the most..!!!!

GOAL SCORERS :
Osman, Lescott, Cahill, Arteta, Fellaini, Saha and Gosling have scored 1 goal each..!

ROAD TO GLORY :
3rd Round
Macclesfield Town 0-1 Everton

4th Round
Liverpool 1-1 Everton
Everton 1-0 Liverpool

5th Round
Everton 3-1 Aston Villa

6th Round
Everton 2-1 Middlesbrough

Semi Finals
Everton 0-0 Man Utd ( Everton win 4-2 on penalties )


TRUMP VISION :
Louis Saha seems to have found his Goal-scoring touch almost just at the Right time and Mr.Moyes would expect him to Deliver the Guns against CFC as well..!!!












Now, let us have a look at the mighty CHELSEA side..!!!


CHELSEA FC
Under the Inspired guidance of Interim Manager GUUS HIDDINK, (“GOLDEN GUUS” as they fondly call him..!!) this Chelsea side are surely more than a Force to reckon with. And this being Hiddink’s last game in charge of Chelsea FC, the players would surely want to bid him a HAPPY FAREWELL..!!! CFC have found a New Life ever since Hiddink took over. Also as all of us football fans out there agree that CHELSEA should have made the trip to The Stadio Olimpico (and WON it as well..!!!) for the UCL finals rather than FC BARCELONA, there will be a lot of FIRE in the minds of the players. That itself could provide enough inspiration for a win, Let alone everything else..!!

Probable Eleven:

Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Alex, Jose Bosingwa, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba.
SUBS : Salomon Kalou, Branislav Ivanovic, Ricardo Carvalho, Jon Obi Mikel, Franco Di Santo, Deco, Juliano Belleti.

This is such a strong Chelsea line-up that you can bet your life on them to win. There is Experience all over the team in which the youngest player stands at 26 years..!! ( and for those who din’t get it, its Petr Cech..!!). All the players in the starting Eleven could be termed as Match winners..!! Their bench is also stashed with Millions of Rupees worth of Match winning Talent.


Tactical Point Of View:
Chelsea will certainly play with a 4-2-3-1 line-up which has been so very successful ever since Hiddink took charge. Essien could be handed the responsibility of shadowing Tim Cahill, a job which he performed very efficiently against STEVEN GERRARD in the 1st leg of their UCL semi final. Lampard would join Anelka and Malouda forward with Ballack holding Midfield alongside Essien. Drogba would be the lone ranger up front but as we all know that on his day he can give even the best of the defenders Sleepless Nights..!!

STRENGTHS :
Chelsea’s main strength lies in their Attack. They have an attacking force which could wreck havoc in the opposition defence. Alongside, Hiddink has added to it a Swift Counter Attack..!!! That surely does make a deadly combo..!! Chelsea also boast of great Aerial presence in the form of Drogba, Alex, Terry and Ballack. And that coupled with the Superb deliveries of Lampard, makes a deadly Strike Force. So, don’t be surprised if you see CFC scoring off a Set-piece..!!

WEAKNESSES :
Chelsea’s main weakness lies in the fact that they themselves are VERY Vulnerable against Set-pieces. Maximum no.of goals conceded by Chelsea have been through Set Pieces. With Everton looking Very Strong on Set-pieces, the Chelsea players will have to be very Careful..! Another Surprise entry into their Weakness list is Petr Cech. He had a horrible game against Sunderland last week and Everton would be hoping that he goofs up at the big event as well..!!!

INJURIES :
Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira (Does this guy even play for CFC now???!!!), Joe Cole. Big name players out injured for Chelsea but Hiddink has struck gold with the available players and he wouldn’t mind playing the same..!!!

GOAL SCORERS :
Anelka has scored 4 goals, Ballack has scored 3, Drogba, Lampard and Kalou have scored 2, Alex and Malouda have scored 1 each..!

ROAD TO GLORY :
3rd Round
Chelsea 1-1 Southend
Southend 1-4 Chelsea

4th Round
Chelsea 3-1 Ipswich

5th Round
Watford 1-3 Chelsea

6th round
Coventry 0-2 Chelsea

Semi Final
Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal


TRUMP VISION :
This definitely has to go to Michael Essien..!! He has been in fine form scoring STUNNING goals in important games and he will look to bring in that Midas touch with him into this all-important finale..!!





The game will be refereed by….
(CFC fans can RELAX…its not Tom Hening Ovrebo..!!)
Mr.Howard Webb.


This is gonna be one CRACKER of a game guys..!! And though the bookies would favour Chelsea to win it, nobody would even DARE to write Everton off it..!!!

And as I end this Preview (…FINALLY…whew..!!!), I am leaving you with some Mouth Watering Facts about these two teams..
• Everton have won the FA cup 5 times in the past whereas Chelsea have taken the trophy home 4 times.
• Everton last won the FA cup in 1996, beating Man Utd 1-0.
• Chelsea last won it in 2006, beating Man Utd 1-0..!!!
• The last 3 fixtures between these two have ended in GOAL LESS DRAWS..!!

Waiting for a great game and anticipating a nervy finish to it..!!!
My Prediction – Chelsea 2 - Everton 1 (90 mins..!)
I don’t think Everton will roll over but Chelsea certainly seem to have too much for Everton to contain..!!!

True Spirit Of The Game

5:59 PM // by Gaurang // // 0 comments







Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has sent a private letter to his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex following the a car crash involving his grandson. 10 year old Charlie Ferguson and mother Nandine, ex-wife of Darren Ferguson were hurt in the crash. The youngster had to undergo a 6 hour operation. They are currently in the Alder Hey Hospital.

A Liverpool FC source said: "There is an intense football rivalry between them, but that's all it is - a football rivalry. Everything that has been said has been designed to gain an edge on the pitch.

"But when it comes to matters like this, Rafa is a family man who understands exactly what Sir Alex is going through. He wants to help any way he can.

"Rafa knows how difficult it must be, and he feels for a fellow manager who he respects as a person and a family man himself. Rafa wanted Sir Alex to know that if he or his family needed anything while the youngster was in Liverpool, they only had to ask."

The Final Showdown

1:10 PM // by Amogh // // 0 comments


We all have been waiting for this one , 27 Th  May And another European season will be over . You can't predict the winner , But one thing that you can assure is This one will be hell of a match . They all say The Champions League Finals are Boring , But Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped this one to be a cracker to say the least .
The European Campaign this year has seen some great matches . Bayern Munich Beating Sporting Lisbon on an aggregate of 12-1 over two legs in the Knockout Stages . The Legendary Semifinal  Between Liverpool and Chelsea . Liverpool Knocking out Real . It has been Fantastic .



Team Mentalities :- 

Manchester United :-  Sir Alex Ferguson Must have his team in Mind , Who will play Who will Not , 10 out of 11 pick Themselves , With a toss between Tevez and Berbatov .With Fletcher Not playing due to Stupid , Stupid refereeing . United will play Anderson to Hold the Midfield and Provide a bit of Energy . But United's trump card  will be Counter Attacking Football . 
 All it takes a few seconds to score a goal . 
I predict  that united Will Play a 4- 5- 1 Formation .


Barcelona :-  barca Sure have  Some Defensive Worries , With Abidal Sent off against chelsea . They will have to play  ageing Slyvinho against likes of C.Ronaldo which won't do any tricks for them , But now advantage with Barca is their three pronged attack , and more attacking Midfield . And of course the Lethal Weapon L . Messi . If They use the same strategy as United employed against chelsea last year , Playing Ronaldo Against Essien . And If they play Messi Against O'Shea . He could do some damage . One of Their Trump cards will be Xavi . He can keep the ball , Pass it well and united will have to do something to stop him . Barca Like to keep the ball and play with the Ball , Whereas United have one of the best counter attack. United would like to grab the ball as soon as possible and not allow barca with their fanatics ! 

Men To watch 

United :- 
C . Ronaldo :- The World Player Of the year can Run Barca Rigged With his step overs , All he needs to do is score one like he did against Porto .

Nemanja Vidic :- Undoubtedly the Best Defender in the world  this season .

Wayne Rooney :- I bet my last penny He will try and Hold Messi Rather than Go On Attacking , After all as he says " Anything For the team , Gaffer " 

Barcelona :-  
L. Messi :- If United have World Player of The year , Barcelona have the strongest contender for next WPoY award .

Xavi :- He can hold their Midfield well as well as Run forward to grab on opportunities  !


C. Ronaldo Vs Messi  Will it be  ? 


 



Read it Up .

This article Surely Underestimates the two of them , but Everybody is going Gaga over Ron And Messi . No Its not C. Ronaldo Vs Messi . Its Manchester United Vs FC Barcelona 


Injuries And Suspensions :- 

Hargo , Brown ( Long Term Injuries ) , Foster ( 9 Weeks ) , Fletcher ( Stupid Red Card ) 
Ferdinand ( Will be Fit , SAF says that )
Marquez , Milito ( Long term Injuries ) , Alves , Abidal ( Suspended) 
Iniesta :- Back On Track
Henry :- No updates now , but Would , And Would Nots are doing Rounds 


Referee :-
With some of the " Worst " Decisions in Champions league Semi Finals This Year I expect UEFA to look into the matter , And After Striking out Some of the possibilities , We are Left with Mr. Busacca Massimo The Most Probable guy to referee the Final, Switzerland . Who Refereed the Second leg of Porto - Manchester United at Dragao .  
 


Match Buildup :-
I have predicted many a things , But in Football and in particular CL final You cant Predict anything . Did Anyone predict Liverpool to win at Istanbul in after Being 3-0 Down ?
Did Anyone predict United to win In one of the Greatest of Comebacks , Scoring twice in Added time  ? 
All 22 Of them are going to play their Hearts Out , Its not Everyday you get to play in champions league final . You Just have to go and enjoy the match . United Want to prove that they have been the  best And they want to seal it off by wining their fourth European Title , And Barca Want to take their tally to 3 titles , With playing beautiful football whole season long . With Their Four of their best attackers . 
Both The teams have a point to prove their . 
Rome was not bilt in one day , But it will be Shocked in few hours . 


Where Can You watch the match ?

  1. If you are Lucky enough and have the tickets you can watch the match at Stadio Olimpico .
  2. If you Live in Mumbai , And Don't want to watch the match alone at  your home , You can attend MUFCM ( Manchester United Fan Club - Mumbai)Screening at Dadar , Avon Ruby . [Call me on or before 25 th If you are really Interested 9773568677 )                            
  3.  Home Sweet home , Tune in to your TV channels , Streamings on 27 Th may 11.30 and enjoy the Coverage .
 
My Predictions : -  FC Barcelona 1 - 2 Manchester United ( 90 Minutes ) 
 However close it may be , I think United will overpower barcelona With strong counter attack     and at the same time Barcelonas weak defence . United Will overpower them . 
 It will be " Glory Glory Man United " heard at Rome 

Battle For Survival!

8:46 PM // by Gaurang // // 2 comments
Finally it has arrived - the final day - The D-day of the Premiership and now that the premiership winners have been decided all eyes will be on Relegation battle at the foot of the league. Desperation Time!
We have a look at the various scenarios this weekend. West Brom have already been relegated after the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool so that leaves them out of the equation.

Here is a quick look at the bottom of the table moving into the final week of the Premier League:


Let us have a look at the fixtures involving the teams at the bottom along with the refrees incharge (as they DO have a say in recent games!:D)

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United (Chris Foy)

Hull City vs Manchester United (Alan Wiley)

Sunderland vs Chelsea (Mark Halsey)

West Ham United vs Middlesborough (Howard Webb)



Gareth Southgate's team were extremely unlucky last week after conceding to a John Carew goal - those 2 points might seem BIG now..But that has been the probelm with Middlesborough this season - on the defensive front! Sunderland got themselves dragged into the relegation mess after loosing a 1-0 lead at Fratton Park. Newcastle United failed to take advantage of the position they had placed themselves in after the win over Middlesborough, losing last week to Fulham at St.James's. Hull after drawing against Bolton at the Reebok capitalised on that mistake and have got themselves out of the relegation,for now...
Hull City and Sunderland have arguably got the toughest fixtures among the lot.However there seems to be a catch to the situation - both Manchester United and Chelsea have got something to play for at the end of the season - UCL and FA cup finals respectively. But it is likely that Manchester United will field a weaker squad than Chelsea on Sunday with Sir Alex having one eye on Thursday night's CL final in Rome. But it doesn't account for a lot since the strength in depth of both these teams is outstanding to say the least!
Saying that getting anything from Villa Park as well as Upton Park isn't that easy!

Survival Conditions:
1] Sunderland Pts.36 GD.-19

A draw would just about ensure their survival regardless of other results.
Alternatively they would need to match Hull City /Newcastle United's results


2] Hull City Pts.35 GD.-24

They need to match Newcastle United's result against Aston Villa


3] Newcastle United Pts.34 GD.-18

It's always complicated with Newcastle isn't it?
A loss won't do!
A draw and Hull loss would ensure survival on GD.
A win would put Sunderland/Hull City in their shoes depending on their results.


4] Middlesborough Pts.32 GD.-28

This situation is very bleak
They simply HAVE TO WIN to have faint hopes of survival - Anything less than a win for Boro and it's an entry pass to Championship Football!
However even after a win they would need other results going their way
Newcastle should loose and Hull City must loose by a minimum 3 goal margin against United!



It's certainly been a great year of Premier League football and one of the best relegation battles we've seen.The climax to a high paced,drama filled relegation battle is coming to a end.
Make sure you don't miss it!