Manchester United And Chelsea Continue On Search For Immortality

The season 2006-07 could become remembered in the history books for many a year, should results pan out appropriately.

Article by Nick Dines

Wednesday 11th April 2007, 11:28

Manchester United's 7-1 demolition job on Italian defensive misers Roma, along with Chelsea's last-gasp 2-1 victory over Valencia, guaranteed two English teams European Cup semi-final positions.

Liverpool tonight battle for the second leg against Dutch underdogs PSV Eindhoven with an already enviable 3-0 lead, therefore, surely it will be no surprise to wake up Thursday morning with three English giants dominating the Champions League.

Having faced years of rightful boasts from the Spanish and Italian's over claims of having the best league in Europe and possibly the world, this campaign has seen the English Premiership deservedly take the crown thanks to one of the league's most exciting endings.

As we approach the middle of April, notoriously the Easter weekend makes and breaks teams hopes. Title, European and survival aspirations can be revived or crushed in a few minutes of madness. Portsmouth's unlikely victory over Manchester United and Chelsea's narrow yet annual victory over London rivals Tottenham heightened the interest in the closing stages of the season.

Despite the lack of title competition, the three point cushion between Alex Ferguson's team and Jose Mourinho's provides breathtaking cat and mouse action. With the pair still to lock horns at Stamford Bridge, the intensity brings added 'Keegan-esque' jibes off the pitch.

The two could potentially face each other on three stages over the next month in ferocious league, FA Cup and European Cup encounters, with Manchester United chasing a second treble and the billionaire Kings Road clan after a quadruple.

As we move down to the Champions League qualification positions, Liverpool should sew up the third position in the coming weeks, adding to their yearly improvement under the astute coaching of Rafa Benitez.

However, it's the fourth and final slot that has an interesting few weeks ahead. Arsenal's demise since they went out fighting in the Carling Cup Final defeat to Chelsea has been frightening. With a severe lack of confidence and finishing, Arsene Wenger's men face stiff competition from Bolton and Everton.

Should the FA receive the dream FA Cup Final with Manchester United and Chelsea defeating their respective Semi-Final opponents, Watford and Blackburn, the European place will go to the Premiership and open up 7th place as a route to foreign terrain.

The Uefa Cup qualification positions have the disappointed fall-out from that dream fourth spot but also Tottenham, Portdsmouth and new-boys Reading dream of adding to their passport stamps.

Spurs will hope to continue their European experience and add to the impressive English representation across the water. Martin Jol's men will look to overturn a narrow 2-1 deficit against Spanish high-flyers Sevilla to continue their successful season.

The fight to stay in the Premiership has never been so exciting with potentially seven teams still dicing with Championship death. Watford, despite recent brave efforts, seem destined for the drop, however, West Ham and Charlton's amazing resurgence has turned the whole episode upside-down.

Aston Villa, Fulham, Wigan and Sheffield United have been showing worrying signs of inconsistency at an important stage of the season. The recent television deals have proved just how vital Premiership existence is; therefore the need to remain in the top flight has never been so imperative.

Usually mid-table mediocrity strikes several standard teams, leaving a morbid end to the season for their loyal fans, however, this season the limited few of Newcastle, Blackburn, Man City and Middlesbrough could still realistically become embroiled in European and relegation scraps.

With around 6 games to go domestically, cup competitions approaching Semi-Final stages and personal clashes of ego, the beautiful game has returned to our shores. Football is life; the rest is just detail.

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