April 2009 - Posts

• Will Barca beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge?

  Barca have made it hard for themself again by only managing a draw with Chelsea at home but at least the Premiership side did not score an away goal. If the game is more open then that will suit Barca's attacking game but it is going to be a tough match with Chelsea having the backing of the home fans. It will be a game in which individuals like Messi and Iniesta an win the match for Barca. Posted Apr 30 2009, 01:51 PM by Tim with 11 comment(s)

• Barca become Champions League favourites?

  Last season Barcelona crashed out of Europe by a single goal against Manchester United in the semi-finals and now a year later surely this Barca team with Pep Guardiola's Dream Team inspired philosophy is ready to emulate the side of 2006 and win the Champions League. Looking at Barca's opponents at the moment the clear threat appears to be Chelsea who are much stronger now under Guus Hiddink and especially since the return of Michael Essien to the midfield after injury and their potential was seen by the way they beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield. But Barca as well as possessing the passing game and rhythm to cut through Chelsea have a forward line led by Messi which has no equal in world football. At times Messi may look to beat a player too many or drift out of the game but that is excusable when you are talking about a player with the capacity of Messi as at his best he is unstoppable. It could be argued last year that Ronaldo deserved the World Player of the Year as Manchester United won the Champions League and the Premiership but surely this year there is no question that Messi is the man. The credit for the turnaround this season has to be given to Guardiola though as he has ended the down turn which set in after Barca won the Champions League and the desire to win more was lost. You only need to take a look at the players who left to realise that. Ronaldinho should never be forgotten for what he did for Barca but sadly he will never be the player he was and now Milan are suffering the same problems that Barca went through with Ronnie neither injured or playing. Similarly with Deco, after a bright start with Chelsea when he appeared to be motivated, his form has dipped dramatically Posted Apr 09 2009, 04:40 AM by Tim with 4 comment(s)