Two mouth-watering FA Cup semi finals in prospect this weekend with all three of England’s Champions League semi finalists – Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal - all in action at Wembley after their aggregate victories in midweek.
CHELSEA v ARSENAL
Chelsea face
Arsenal tomorrow and Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger insists he was always convinced his young side would come good this season. Arsenal are now unbeaten in 18 Premiership games after an indifferent start to the campaign and the Frenchman said: “I was always convinced. But I was more worried about the confidence and belief of a very young side.
“It is mentally difficult when they do not win games because they are a bit more fragile than the guys who have a big history behind them and they have gone through difficult periods. But they have dealt with that very well and this group is mentally strong.”
Striker
Robin van Persie added: “The next six weeks are unbelievable. We have Manchester United three times, Chelsea twice or three times and Liverpool once. I can’t wish for more.”
GEORGE BERRY’S VERDICT
I just think Chelsea, the way they are playing at the moment, feel they can win every game and they certainly have the edge in terms of experience. But I also believe Arsenal are capable of scoring and I can see this one going the distance with the game finishing 1-1 in normal time and Chelsea coming through 5-4 on penalties.
SHAILY’S VERDICT
That’s a brave call from George and, whilst I can see it being a tight game, Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink seems to have the magic touch at the moment and I predict a 2-1 win for the Blues.
MANCHESTER UNITED v EVERTON
Manchester United were back to their resilient best in Porto in midweek after a difficult first leg at Old Trafford and manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not doubt be delighted to have
Rio Ferdinand back in tandem with his defensive partner
Nemanja Vidic.
Certainly
Wayne Rooney is well aware of the influence of his England colleague Ferdinand. “Having Rio back was a big plus and we looked solid again. The main thing at Porto was to defend well and try and nick a goal,” said Rooney.
“It was a brilliant goal from
Cristiano Ronaldo – one fit to win any game. No English team had beaten them on their own ground but we believed we could go there and win. We are so close to glory, but we also aware that one defeat could shatter our dreams.”
Rooney also held out an olive branch to those
Everton fans who have never forgiven him for swapping Goodison Park for Old Trafford.
“There is always banter between myself and the Everton fans but it doesn’t run too deep. It’s just a bit of banter. It’s always a bit strange when I face them because they’re the club I supported growing up and Everton is still the result I look out for first.”
GEORGE BERRY’S VERDICT
United will be on such a high after reaching the Champions League semi final and they will want to keep the momentum going. I can see Sir Alex Ferguson making a couple of changes despite that win in Porto but they can still come through 1-0.
SHAILY’S VERDICT
Everton have had a tremendous season under the astute guidance of David Moyes and they deserve their place in the last four. But, ultimately, United hold the aces in terms of firepower and I’m leaning towards a 2-0 United victory.
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