Rafa Benitez may have made some absurd comments this season, but Liverpool football club played some high quality football over (if not right through) the last 9 months.

Be it shaking up the Madristas or drubbing the champions at their home, Stevie G and his troops sure had their moments. But what cost them most dearly, many feel, was the absence of a second striker, let alone a third.

Whereas Manchester United’s fifth striker, Kiko Macheda, brought home 4 points almost on his own, Liverpool could only watch. In a league where a moment of striker’s instinct could be the difference between end of season glory and gloom, Rafa Benitez HAS to BUY El Nino a striking partner (or two) to take Liverpool (back) to the promised land.

So, who are the options and what are their credentials?

David Villa:  He is, arguably, the best striker in the world. Already Torres’ partner for country, he is a manger’s dream. A wonderful eye for goal and all the necessary frills in place, he could make opponents hate coming to Anfield again. With his ability to play as a lone striker too, he is tailor-made for Liverpool’s requirements. Buy him now, when he is at his prime, and the champions may have to play a lot better than this season to reach number 19.

Carlos Tevez: Whether or not Liverpool fans truly admire him, this could give them plenty to talk about with their Man united fan friends. Purely on a footballing basis too, this buy has its merits. Carlos Tevez has a lot of attributes common to world class strikers- touch, physique, an eye for goal (especially late ones) and a champion spirit. Add to this his all round play, and you have a very very handy addition to Liverpool’s side, whatever be his price.

Sergio Aguero: Neither has he shown great enthusiasm in leaving Athletico Madrid, nor has he got the credentials of the above two. Though very promising, he would still be a gamble in the world’s harshest league. Add to it his playing style, and one doubts if he is the right man to partner Torres upfront. Keeping in mind the fact that he is not likely to come cheap as well, he would be a huge gamble for the future, but are Liverpool fans ready to ‘wait’? Much cheaper strikers are available, who would be safer bets for Liverpool.

Michael Owen: He may be a free agent, but nothing about his wage demands is alluring. Though he is a player with a proven track record, considering how Robbie Keane failed last season, Owen cannot be brought back to Anfield as the only acquisition upfront. It would be neither prudent nor a gamble, even. Having said that, he could be brought in as cover for Torres and someone else, though he is surely not the solution to the problem.

Samuel Eto’o: He may have a scored a bucket of goals just this season, but he is no longer prized possession at Camp Nou. A striker who gets the goals, he could be an inspired signing by Benitez if some of his other choices don’t come off. Though not too many years of guaranteed performance from him, he could still get Liverpool back to their winning ways. End of season slump notwithstanding, he is a champion player and they are a rare breed. If the price is right, this could be a pretty good acquisition too.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Verdict: Considering the competition, Villa may just be a bit out of Rafa’s hands. If he gets him, nothing like it. But as that looks very unlikely, I’d settle for Carlos Tevez. Hungrier than ever and proven in the premier league,  he could be Liverpool’s action hero on their way to glory next season. If Man City get in the way there,  then I’d plunge in for Eto’o while there are still some fish in the pond. Depending on who is bought, Michael Owen should be considered as a standby who could just come into his own in familiar surroundings. But whoever is bought, one thing is clear. Liverpool are short at the top, and they need replenishments there come next season.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Another season was won or lost, depending on which club you support, but there’s one thing in common for all football fans, come June. ‘It’s the time to transfer!’

Every tabloid has its own set of exclusive speculations, and if all of them were to be true, none of us would remain fans in a few years. But even though the absence of matches makes this an almost drought-like period of the year, transfer talk is a lot of fun too.

In a transfer window series here, I’d like to give my opinions on who should be out and who should be in, for all the top clubs. Let’s get started with the champions of England — Manchester United.

Though a comprehensive defeat versus Barcelona maybe considered a blip by many a United fan, I personally think it was a wake-up call for arguably the best club on the planet.

True, the last time Liverpool won the Premiership, I was in my nappies. And Chelsea are a shock defeat away from a 2 year barren run. However, I expect both those clubs to build their squads next season and improve on their performances. Arsenal, with Arshavin and a bunch of exceptionally talented youngsters all a year older, cannot be discounted too. If they let their Adebayor striker go, they will make a few useful additions as well.

So basically, United will also need to improve to hold on to their domestic crown and, as fans would bellow, stop Barcelona in Europe.

As a squad, I believe United have the most complete and dependable bunch of players in the world. Every position has at least two players who can do a job in the Premier League.

However, to be the force that their fans (and manager, undoubtedly) want Manchester United to be, I believe the time is right for a few strong decisions. A disclaimer before you proceed further down- this is all my opinion, and open to ridicule and disagreement. And commendation, if I might add.

The gaffer may not think Carlos Tevez is worth as much money as MSI believe him to be worth. But if Cristiano Ronaldo is on his way out, as I strongly suspect, then allowing Tevez to leave will mean two of ‘The Holy Trinity’ of the 2007-08 season will be out of United. Hardly the sort of continuity you would hope for in a champion outfit.

However, since he has been critical of his club’s distinguished manager on a couple of occasions alteast, I would let him go. Not every Argentine international will agree to be their club’s 3rd choice striker, and that is understandable. Instead of coming out with a temporary solution, I would rather solve the problem more permanently. In Wellbeck and Macheda, we have good 4th and 5th strikers. And since Rooney and Berbatov are the gaffer’s first choice strike pair, I’ll go for another youngster who is not much above 20 years old.

Also from Argentina, Sergio Aguero is a highly promising striker. His potential, along with Man United’s history of developing youngsters into finished products, makes me believe he is the man to fill Tevez’s boots. Since he didn’t have a great end to the season, I believe 20 million pounds will be more than enough for bringing him where his heart his (or atleast I got that impression from reading a few of his interviews).

If United manage to get around 70 million pounds for Ronaldo, the Aguero purchase means 50 pounds is still at the manager’s disposal. With this money, I’d bring in Ribery and Valencia, letting one of Park and Nani leave. There are strong arguments against both sales, but I believe Tosic has got good promise too, so one will have to go to generate money as well as to avoid unnecessary wide men in the squad.

Mamadou Sakho may not be a household name, but there are strong reasons to believe United havemore than just an eye out for him. Though Evans had a decent first season, he is not yet Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic yet. And with no other backup for that position, the prodigious 19 year old PSG captain should be a good buy, especially considering his versatility as a defender. Around 10 million pounds should be enough, though the figure may just stretch a little considering the other clubs interested in him.

Owen Hargreves, totally absent from the Red devils’ 2008-09 campaign, will be like a new acquisition for Sir Alex. His tough tackling and excellent workrate should make him a critical player in Champions league football, and his versatility and quality should boost United further, come next season.

Ultimately, this new squad looks somewhat like this:

Rooney and Berbatov up front centrally, with Aguero just missing out. Wellbeck and Macheda should keep all 3 (including Berbatov) on their heels.

Ribery and Valencia are both good wingers, one more established than the other. Along with Nani (or Park) and Tosic, they form a neat set of wide men. The first two should put up fine ‘performances’ and will do a good job if they can keep Wayne Rooney interested in the centre.

Owen Hargreaves comes back to a burgeoning United central midfield squad of Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Fletcher and Anderson. Excepting for a couple of them, all will be a year older and wiser.

Mamadou Sakho is inducted into a United defence with almost all areas covered, atleast on paper. Though essentially a long term investment, Paris St Germaine’s youngest ever captain at 17 years should make some immediate impact as well.

Under Sir Alex Fergusson, this squad has all the signs of a meaner, hungrier and slightly better rounded unit. Though Ronaldo and Tevez will be missed, playing Rooney in the centre should be a plus.

Also, Ribery and Valencia will certainly not be expected to be this team’s weak links. If they settle in reasonably quickly, Chelsea and Liverpool (need I mention Arsenal) fans better be ready for another season of non-stop jibing from the intolerable bunch of Manchester United fans (of which I am proudly a part of!).

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Follow Manchester United v Barcelona live on Soccerlens!

The stage is set for one truly wonderful team to ascend to heights attained never before. No Spanish side has ever done the treble in history. No side in the history of the Champions league has managed to successfully defend it.

Manchester United and Barcelona stand at the brink of imposing greatness. And while one will lift the trophy aloft amid a 73,000 capacity Stadio Olympico, the other will be inconsolable, despite winning the domestic league and a domestic cup. The stakes are high, but the anticipation and excitement in the air this time is much, much higher.

And who can blame the footballing world for it? Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry, Eto’o, Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov, Giggs, and Tevez—the list sounds more like a who’s who of European attacking talent.

And they will all be on display (for at least sometime, presumably) this Wednesday night on your television screen. Unless, of course, you are among the “chosen” few at the scene of action!

On the one side are a side who have scored more goals this season than many top clubs might have scored in three full seasons; a side with enchanting abilities and a newly found stomach for a fight. And on the other side are, well, Manchester United.

Barcelona Preview

From a Barcelona viewpoint, it is probably more simple to work out a strategy. Choose a holding midfield player to partner Xavi and Iniesta, as they try and feed Eto’o, Henry, and Messi. And then, alongside Yaya Toure and Pique at the heart of defence will be the experienced pair of Puyol and Sylvinho playing as makeshift wingbacks.

Looking more closely, most of Barcelona’s phenomenal attacking flair is expected to start. However, the lack of match practice for Henry and Iniesta might just be a factor to keep a lookout for. That said, these are two colossal players who might just find the electric, big match atmosphere invigorating.

Among the others, Eto’o may need to make better use of the chances on offer than as has been his want recently. However, a goal here and his manager will say he was saving his best for the big night.

Talking of the best, Lionel Messi may just look at this night as the night to silence all critics of his big match temperament. A magnificent dribbler with excellent vision, the little Argentine has definitely been the player of the season so far. A relative late season dip can be set right on the night he calls his “biggest ever.”

At the heart of midfield, you encounter Euro 2008’s Player of the Tournament, Xavi. Expect him to pull the strings delicately all night, and also look out for his dilligent ball winning. With his creativity and energy, he is Barcelona’s engine and should stand them in good stead on the night.

And owing to suspension and injury troubles, either Sergio Busquets or Seydou Keita will start alongside the “Fab Five.” Though neither is expected to hog the next day’s headlines, the fact that they just miss out on a place in this Barca lineup speaks about their quality.

Defense, however, seems to be the sole source of trepidation for the Catalans. Gerard Pique lacks big match experience, Sylvinho (who might have to take on Cristiano Ronaldo) is 35 years old and both Puyol and Yaya Toure will probably be playing out of position.

As a right back, Puyol may not have Dani Alves’ attacking velocity, but he is probably a safer and more conservative bet for the position. Winner of UEFA’s “Best European Right-back” award in 2002, the 31-year-old Barca captain will be pivotal to his side’s defensive success.

With his energy, expect him to support Messi whenever required.

Though neither is an experienced centre back, both Toure and Pique are tall and imposing center-backs with good defensive attributes. This being a one-off game, they are not the worst combination you will see in big match football.

However, if United are in inspired mood, there are other central defenders (even in this Barcelona squad) you’d rather have.

Sylvinho is clearly the man Sir Alex will look to target.

With his wealth of experience, he will still need to pray that United don’t see too much of the ball. He is neither a legendary tackler nor the possessor of electrifying pace. However, if he can be tidy and avoid errors, Barca’s excellent work rate may just cover his limitations. Or better still, he may not be required.

Manchester United Preview

Facing Barcelona, will be the defending champions.

If Rio Ferdinand is 100 percent fit for the clash (don’t read too much into the gaffer’s comments on this; he will play), then one of the meanest defences in world football should prepare itself for the acid test. John O’Shea will be tidy as long as he isn’t left one on one with Iniesta, Messi, Henry et al.

United’s central defensive partnership remain the key to glory in Rome for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. They have had another fabulous season on the whole, but both Ferdinand and Vidic will know that they will have to play their A-game, come Wednesday night.

Expect them to have a very busy night with lots of crosses to head away, many blocks to be made and some last ditch tackling having to be timed to perfection.

Patrice Evra, who has overcome an uncharacteristic spell of poor form this season (into which too much was read), will have to be at his inspired best against Lionel Messi. He has the pace, but positioning and guts will also be required against the maroon and red army.

The selection of the rest of the side, however, remains open to the manager’s fancy. Though a strategy of preventing a Barcelona goal for as long as possible, and hoping for a quick break or set piece to win United their goal and trophy may appeal to a lot of people, I am not one of them.

I would instead go in with a conventional 4-4-2 with Wayne Rooney upfront. If Barca go ahead, playing two strikers helps. And if United go ahead, looking for the game breaking second goal still helps (as Chelsea realized against a ten man Barcelona side at the Bridge).

With a central midfield of Carrick and Anderson, the defence gets adequate protection with these tough tackling midfielders playing in front of them. And with the ball, they have the ability to anchor the attacking ship efficiently.

If Anderson is told to play a restricted role without too much longitudinal scope, and Carrick plays his usual deep role to perfection, then United may not need to play another thirty year old central midfielder (one of Giggs and Scholes) to help out. What with Rooney and (yes!) Tevez also helping out centrally.

On the wings, I’d have Ronaldo and Park. With Anderson helping out Evra whenever needed, I’d have Park on the right to help O’Shea. However, Ronaldo may fancy his chances against Sylvinho and Messi may start to run rings around Evra; so the option of interchanging flanks is always there.

Expect Park to make use of all three of his lungs during this contest, but it is Ronaldo who will need to have a good outing. Against a makeshift Barcelona side, you will expect him to do well but a lack of possession may just frustrate him. If he keeps his calm and also a high morale, he might still just keep his Ballon D’Or too.

Upfront, and literally all over the park, I’d have Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.

To a Barcelona defence structured only for this game, the duo’s zest and quality should prove a stern test. Both quick and lethal on the counter, United should go in with both of them and take Barcelona by surprise just as they did Avram Grant’s Chelsea a year ago. Both extremely willing to help back, their work rates will be a huge fillip.

And when you need to make full use of the chances that come your way, playing two strikers doesn’t really hurt.

Playing Rooney out wide may seem tempting to Sir Alex and if he is convinced by that, then the No. 10 should swap roles with Ronaldo. Playing Giggs or Scholes instead of Tevez may be the expected roll of the dice, but expect the unexpected from Sir Alex.

Prediction

Finally, one hopes both sides are at their best and the deserving European Champion prevails. My heart says it will be United, but my instinct points to Barcelona.

And my brain is all fuzzy…

From Soccerlens.com - Football News