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A triple Sunday of derby delights!
Published by Ian John on November 28, 2009
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Well, football fans across the world are going to have three of the finest and most keenly contested derby games to watch this weekend, two from the English Premier League and one from the Primera Liga in Spain which will account for most sane soccer armchair fans Sunday afternoons and into the early evening and the action begins just a few miles away from where I write, across the river Mersey at Goodison Park, the home of Everton who take on local arch-rivals, Liverpool.
Both Merseyside giants have had something of a tepid start to the season. Liverpool’s woes, including their 2 wins in 10 games streak at present, have been well documented. Everton however have also struggled this season with manager David Moyes skeleton squad beset by injuries to key players, such as Yakubu, Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka. It’s been a tough week for Moyes outfit, their plans for a new ground in Kirkby have been rejected meaning an uncertain future and the club lies just 4 points above the relegation zone after their 3-2 defeat to Hull during the week and the manager has admitted this week to the press that he fears becoming embroiled in a relegation battle. While that looks unlikely, especially when their key players return from injury, it does not hide the fact that it has been a terrible start to the season for all of Merseyside.
The action then shifts to the Emirates stadium where Arsenal face off against London rivals and league leaders Chelsea in a game that Arsene Wenger’s charges must see as a ‘must win’ game against Carlo Ancelotti’s in form Blues. Wenger’s side however have been struck by the injury curse, especially in attack where Robin Van Persie’s absence will be keenly felt, as will that of the man who is soon to become a self-proclaimed worlds top five player in Nicklas Bendtner. Much will hinge for the Gunners on whether Eduardo can recapture his best form as it seems certain that Arsenal’s midfield should create chances against Chelsea. However more will hinge on how well Arsenal’s fragile defence, now possibly even weakened further with the news William Gallas may not be fit for the game, copes with Chelsea’s strong and powerful attack. Chelsea meanwhile have Frank Lampard missing, but should otherwise be at full strength ahead of this potential title decider.
Then shortly after the London derby, the worlds attention will turn to Spain and to the Nou Camp in Barcelona where the hosts will take on the 2009 version of Real Madrid’s galactico’s for the first time in what is arguably the biggest club game in world football today. With Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly on his way back to full fitness and both sides almost at full strength, it looks like being an intriguing clash between the two super-powers of Spanish football and the two clubs that occupy the top slots in the Primera Liga.
What an afternoon for the football fan and to make life a little more interesting…here is how the games are going to go.
Everton v Liverpool : With both sides lacking form, key players and needing the win for varying reasons, this is going to be a typical derby game. Full of passion, thunder and blood and guts. Somebody will be sent off. My money is on either Fellaini or Cahill for Everton or Lucas or Mascherano for Liverpool. The game will be untidy initially and I fancy Everton to go in at the interval in front, probably from a Cahill header from a set piece. Liverpool will rally in the second half and level from a disputed penalty and then Everton will snatch victory in the final minutes when Liverpool once again fail to mark up at a set piece and Yakubu will pounce to give Everton the victory. Everton 2 Liverpool 1
Arsenal v Chelsea : Arsenal will start the game in wonderful style, their passing and movement cutting Chelsea apart time and time again, but they will not make the breakthrough. Just before half time, Drogba will power his way into the box and cross for Anelka to score against his former club. Arsenal will try and come forward again in the second period but Chelsea will once again catch them on the counter, easing into a 3-0 lead before a late Arshavin goal and Fabregas strike gives the Gunners hope, but it will be too little too late. Arsenal 2 Chelsea 3.
Barcelona v Real Madrid : Home advantage will prove vital here as Barcelona push home the advantage early on. Messi will set up Ibrahimovic for the opener early on before Real’s gain dominance in midfield with Kaka slotting in Raul to level. Ronaldo will be introduced at half time but all to no avail as Barcelona thanks to Thierry Henry and Messi wrap up a 3-1 victory and confirm their place at the top of the table. Sergio Ramos will also be sent off, but that isn’t a surprise as it tends to happen most weekends anyway. Barcelona 3 Real Madrid 1.
Now let’s see how utterly wrong I am!
Image Courtesy of ***StewieD*** on Flickr.com
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