Can the other ones be signed this summer?
Manchester United travels to Gelsenkirchen for the opening leg of its semifinal matchup with Schalke. Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to end his run of defeats at the hands of German clubs in the Champions League knockout stages. Manchester United has lost the last four times in similar situations.
The Red Devils will have to do it without leading scorer Dimitar Berbatov who is out with a groin injury. Never fear though as the English squad can take a frozen vegetable off the bench that is the second leading scorer for the club in Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez. The Mexican international has twenty goals in all competitions and four in Champions League play to lead the team.
With Wayne Rooney seemingly returning to decent form and having rested several starters over the weekend, United should be loaded to bear for the match.
Schalke however has been riding a tremendous wave of good play in the Champions League to reach the semifinals. Particularly with its poor showing in the Bundesliga. The club’s only chance of remaining in the competition next season will be winning it since it is currently solid midtable in German.
Schalke does have the all-time leading scorer in Champions League play in former Real Madrid superstar Raul. He has five goals in Europe this year.
Prediction: 2-1 United.
There is also a Stoke City v. Wolverhampton Premier League match today. Wolves look to get out of the relegation zone with a victory. The Potters on the other hand could just about secure safety with a victory hitting the 40-point threshold that generally ensures another season in the top flight.
TFA, you know how I feel about your reverse jinxes…
Hernandez playing for Mexico this summer scares me.
@Tno, repeat after me In Timmay We Trust
These European nights just aren’t the same without a “CHAAAAAAMPIONNNNS” from the WAG
@MP, or her sandwiches
@Brina: Naturally.
Now Manuel, that’s no way to treat your potential future club…
@MP: I thought Bayern were already out of the competition.
This is a bit more open than I expected so far
Man, Neuer is good…
@Keith: Don’t ruin my fun.
@Han – He’s clearly going to have to be
Jones just put Stoke up 1-0 16th minute
So odd the way opposing defenders scramble like mad when Delap has a deep throw-in, running about like chickens with their heads cut off.
Surprised someone didn’t run out of that box bleeding from the head with Huth throwing those high elbows.
Kenwyne Jones scores, and Wolves move closer to the brink…
Should’ve shot. Probably wouldn’t've scored, but shoot anyways.
@OM: Get ready for 75 more minutes of Huth throwing ‘bows and clutching opposition strikers/CBs on set pieces.
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/bitteraboutahomedrawattheweekend
@Han-ball – The Guardian’s MBM just called that “a most uncharacteristic attack of Arsenalitis.”
Great save
Etherington just grabbed the back of his leg and fell down without touch mid-run, not good for Stoke.
Impressed (and rather shocked) with our initiative thus far
Has it been a good game? Is it worth tracking down a stream while at work?
Neuer’s got 6 saves already? Rangnick needs to change out the midfield and get a more defensive-minded one in there before Manuel gets tired it sounds like.
LE: Not a ton of goal attempts, but each team is looking to attack when they have the ball, not just dink it around in their own half all day. I’d say do it.
This is getting ridiculous
Neuer a little out of position that time, good defending
Neuer again!
Ward just attempted his own Zidane moment; he was not as successful though with his shot.
That was nearly a perfect corner set by Stoke; Shawcross puts the Potters ahead 2-0 in 1st half stoppage.
CAMON UNITED!!!!
If this game ends without a United goal, we will have seen one of the best goalkeeping performances in a long while
My question is how much is ManU going to have to pay now, 15-16 million
That was a chance, difficult skill but still
Wolves can’t catch any kind of break. Pennant’s even scoring on them now. 3-0 Potters early 2nd.
@Brian: At least.
Oh no! I can’t bear the thought of a full season without the Mick McCarthy gif
@Orr: Also means Mick may not be calling into S1TV for a while.
FINALLY!!!!! GIGGS!!!
I have a sneaking suspicion that’s the same thing TSE says when he climaxes.
Let the flood gates open
@TSE: Just about the only player other than VdS I could stand scoring.
@TFA: I now need mind bleach to erase that image. Thank you.
Do you think the cameramen have a keen knack for zooming in on players right when they shout obscenities, or are they just always swearing?
Rout could be on here
and that is game, set and match. Man U v. Barca/Real Madrid at Wembley.
@TFA, I thought he always said Rooney since its his dogs name
Motherfucking fuck Shrek.
@Brian: now i need mind bleach.
Rooney’s passing has improved exponentially this season
Welp, got no more horses in this Champions League. Yay United!/vomits
From Gamecast: Schalke look stunned and Metzelder has just given the ball straight to Carrick. That’s what he’s been doing for Schalke all season–it’s why they’re 10th. The loss of Hoewedes in central defense appears to have been massive for Rangnick.
@TFA, You can thank me later
I am temporarily a huge fan of the away goal rule. Huge.
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Also, f*ck you, Berg.
From the Grauniad:
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74 min: My dinner will be Viking helmet-free.
Today I join the site’s many Arsenal fans in saying, fuck this sport. There are only villains in Europe (not the good Villains).
@TFA: You are correct sir.
@TPRU: Hey, even if the Villans do qualify for Europe, we just get bounced by Rapid Vienna anwyay.
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/Hasasad
THAT. IS. FUCKING. ALL.
glory glory Man United, bring on the Arse
Sports are fucking stupid.