Tuesday, November 06, 2007

UEFA Champions League – Judgment Night & Much More

For the next two days, the UEFA Champions League match day 4 will kick off which promises more drama, more excitement and certainly lets hope some great performance from the Albiceleste camp especially.

6th of November 2007

Liverpool FC vs. Besiktas Istanbul

It is a do or die situation of Javier MASCHERANO and Liverpool as it recent weeks the Mighty Reds have struggling to get back to their winning form. The latest setback was the goalless draw against Blackburn Rover over the weekend.

On the opposite end, things don’t look that different for the Turkish side, as they will be backing on the service of playmaker Matias DELGADO and Federico HIGUAIN, brother of Gonzalo.

FC Porto vs. Olympique de Marseille

Porto will rely on the inspiration of their captain Lucho GONZALEZ to spearhead their attack against Marseille. His movement and passes will be crucial to ensure that Lisandro LOPEZ will be able to deliver the goals. Mariano GONZALEZ, Ernesto FARIAS and Mario BOLATTI could some action along the way.

Olympiacos vs. Real Madrid

Luciano GALLETTI, being a former Atletico Madrid player, will play a crucial part when the Greek side entertains Real in Pireaus. Joining him will be Leonel NUNEZ, Christian Raul LADESMA and Rodrigo ARCHUBI.

Based on recent team selection, Gabriel HEINZE and Gonzalo HIGUAIN are most likely to be in the starting line up, while SAVIOLA and GAGO could come in as substitutes.

SS Lazio vs. Werder Bremen

The Rome side will be keen to get themselves out of the foot of the table against this unpredictable German side. We could be seeing Lionel SCALONI in action but not sure whether Christian Daniel LADESMA will some time on the field.

SL Benfica vs. Glasgow Celtic

Another crucial encounter on which both teams will certainly want to take the three points to stand a chance of progressing further. Will be keen to see Angel DI MARIA pulling some string in midfield along side Rui COSTA. Angel DIAZ and Gonzalo BERGESSIO are others to watch, should they see some action.

7th of November 2007

Barcelona vs. Glasgow Rangers

Barca are back in the groove after their 3-0 win over Real Betis. Here I am hoping for another sensational performance from Lionel MESSI to inspire Barca to another famous European night. Gabriel MILITO should start in defence.

Manchester United vs. Dynamo Kiev

The Red Devils must have been devastated for not getting a win over Arsenal during the weekend. Once again Carlos TEVEZ will most likely linked with Wayne ROONEY and Christiano RONALDO and lets hope this time, there will be a better outcome from him. Could possibly be goal festive match.

Sporting Lisbon vs. AS Roma

Leandro ROMAGNOLI will need to be at his best as he will be the midfield lynchpin for the Lions when they take on TOTTI’s Roma.

Internazionale vs. CSKA Moscow

Despite of his recent re-call to the National Team; Hernan CRESPO is likely to take a back seat for the on-form Julio CRUZ (based on MANCINI’s recent team selection and little does of my own opinion that is). Javier ZANETTI is still an ever present on the flanks. Esteban CAMBIASSO could start in midfield and Walter SAMUEL will be at center of defense. Nicolas BURDISSO might play at right back or maybe even at center. Santiago SOLARI, if lucky, could see some action as a substitute.

FC Steaua Bucharest vs. FC Sevilla

A new renaissance has arrived in Seville after the departure of Juande RAMOS. World Youth Cup winner Federico FAZIO will take on, either the left back or center back role.

For those of you who will be watching some of the games here (all these matches will played at around 3.30am!!! in Malaysia, so I’m not so sure yet), any latest news, comments, updates, results or even match threads for that matter, keep em coming in. Pleasant day everyone!!!

3 comments:

John said...

UCL News…

Lisandro LOPEZ was the only Albiceleste scorer of the night, netting the winner for Porto in the 78th minute, in their 2-1 win against Marseille. Surprisingly there was no Lucho GONZALEZ in the starting 11.

Javier MASCHERANO was in the starting eleven in Liverpool 8-0 thumping over Besiktas.

John said...

Some NBA News…

Manu GINOBILI 23 points wasn’t enough to stop the Houston Rockets from handling San Antonio Spurs (81-89) first loss of the season. In addition, Manu also posted 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and 2 block shots.

Fabricio OBERTO had little action after picking 3 personal fouls and only had 1 rebound & 1 block shot to his credit.

As for the Rockets, Luis SCOLA also had foul trouble early in the game and was very much out of picture for most of the game.

Walter HERRMANN only posted 2 points, 6 rebounds & 1 assist in Charlotte Bobcats 83-115 defeat to the Phoenix Suns.

Carlos DELFINO posted 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal as the Toronto Raptors loss to 85-112 to the Milwaukee Bucks

Andres NOCIONI’s Chicago Bulls suffered their 4 straight loss, this time to the Los Angeles Clippers 91-97. Chapu only had 4 points to his credit.

John said...

UCL News...

Sorry for the late post.

Lionel MESSI was involved in both Barca's goal against Glasgow Rangers. Assisting one and scoring the other.

Esteban CAMBIASSO was instrumental in Inter's comeback win over CSKA Moscow. Scoring two goals.

And finally, Carlos TEVEZ gets his first CL goal. He could have finished the game with a hat-trick.