Neil

And I will. That's delusional paranoia.

For all their fantasy football though, the performance against Chelsea wasn't that different to the 2 against Man Utd last year; and I'd say in broad terms that comparison is valid. If Chelsea are defensively on their game, Barca will find it difficult to carve out clear-cut chances. Again - I hope that isn't the case. Man Utd actually had a few chances (with the penalty being one) whilst Barca's best chance was an Eto'o shot that wasn't close. This year, they had a lot of chances and I think on another day, it's 2-0 or 3-0 pretty easily. You had Eto'o's 1v1, the Bojan miss, the possibly penalty. This wasn't Chelsea totally shutting Barca out. This was Barca missing a few chances coupled with lots of last-ditch tackles. Nothing like the semi last year where Man Utd's defense truly shut down Barca. I admit I'm making some of these judgements with a bias because I truly, truly want to see Barca win. They're just incredibly fun to watch and I'd hate it if their style of play proved to be unsuccessful at the highest level. That's the main reason why I am and will be supporting Barca against any other team in football. I think their trio up front is also much better than they were last year. Messi's put himself up on a level that hasn't been seen since maybe Zidane 6 or 7 years ago, Eto'o's much sharper and he looks like he's enjoying himself and for once, Henry's fit which means he's awesome. Last year you had Eto'o still undecided on his future, Messi suffering niggling injuries and Henry adapting to a new league and recovering from injuries as well. This year they've got a perfect storm up front and that's probably why all three of them have been so prolific in the league. I think if they play Man Utd in the final, Man Utd will be on the defensive because they won't be able to get the ball off Barca and aren't capable of passing the ball around Barca, but their defense is good so they'll have a shot. It's probably 60/40 imo in favour of Barca if they and Man Utd end up playing in the final. On the other hand, I think if Arsenal get in we'll see a much better football game. I think Arsenal can pass it around pretty good as well so they'll create chances and maybe score, but Barca will win that match easily. Absolutely, re: the bit in bold. It'd be a great shame if Chelsea's attritional style (yes they have quality players, but they know fine well to beat Barca they'll have to wear them down with physical power and defensive solidity) overcame Barca's fantasy style. That's not to say Chelsea wouldn't necessarily deserve to go through. All I want to see is at least Barcelona play the sort of football they do 90% of the time, and see if they can turn that into a good result. Re: the final, the idea of a Barca-Arsenal final sounds particularly mouth-watering, but I'm not so sure - is there a chance the 2 styles could actually cancel each other out, and both teams just pass it short too much instead of being a bit more direct? I think though overall there's a better chance of a Barca-Arsenal final being exciting than a Barca-Utd one, albeit the latter would still likely be a game full of quality, albeit perhaps not as much aesthetically pleasing football as the former.

For all their fantasy football though, the performance against Chelsea wasn't that different to the 2 against Man Utd last year; and I'd say in broad terms that comparison is valid. If Chelsea are defensively on their game, Barca will find it difficult to carve out clear-cut chances. Again - I hope that isn't the case. Being good defensively against Barca is more or less getting all of your players back defending. Chelsea need to attack (unless theyre aiming for Pens), and in doing so will play into Barcas hands. This stuff about having the job done at the Neu Camp is f***ing laughable, as many of us have said. They need to attack yes, but it's not like they're having to go all-out. They only need to win by 1, something that I believe they can do without leaving heaps of space for Barca to attack. The likes of Essien, Mikel and Lampard are all athletic and will make up a lot of ground both offensively and defensively. I just have this nagging feeling Chelsea will just perform a very slightly more attacking version of what they did at the Nou Camp. And aye absolutely - the presumption that Chelsea will shut out Barca just because they have done it once. 2-1.

And the contenders are: 1) 2) 3) 4) and 5) :harry:

For all their fantasy football though, the performance against Chelsea wasn't that different to the 2 against Man Utd last year; and I'd say in broad terms that comparison is valid. If Chelsea are defensively on their game, Barca will find it difficult to carve out clear-cut chances. Again - I hope that isn't the case.

The win will no doubt be an extra confidence boost for Barca (if they needed it, that is) ahead of Stamford Bridge, but otherwise, it only served to prove what we already knew: against a side who try to play Barca at their own game, they have the potential to rape them, Pardew style. Factors such as the style of La Liga football, differences in defensive quality should be taken into consideration though. I still think Chelsea are favourites IMO, and if they can have a solid start defensively, I can see another clean sheet. I hope not though tbh, would love for this crop of Barca players to show their quality against an English side.

I like Hiddink - refreshingly honest about how they played, win lose or draw.

Motson actually makes me angry. Completely ignored the fact Cech should have kept the shot out. Drogbaaarrrr. Anelka scored just because they were playing 2 up front. Just seriously, John, retire. Now.

Doubt he'd be doing that if Arsenal were chasing the title or unsure of their 4th place, but his honesty should be applauded. Really impressed by Arshavin; not because of his undoubted quality, but how much of an impact he's having on games.

Errr, yes Alves is doing badly but wtf is the commentator on about? Very unprofessional blabbering on saying anyone could have done better, etc. Did MOTD cheekily edit out his stamp on the Boro right back btw?

Now he's doubled his tally for the season, that makes Giggs' season better than Messi's, I think. World Player of the Year.

I don't think anyone has denied he's good domestically, so I don't know what point you're trying to make.

Not really a typical defensive mid IMO, pretty technically sound as well.

Oh bore off you humourless fart. Just trying to spread a bit of light relief amonst all the doom and gloom.

'Everyone hates Newcastle'

And Gibson... gives his managers such time He's so adorable.

Don't agree with you Yorkie mate. For me it was an even game, you managed to create the better quality of chances, but Pompey spurned a fair few good situations themselves, a few of which were very dangerous indeed. Don't take the "they played for a 0-0" rubbish.

Is there anything that David f***ing Pleat doesn't like to see monopolised? The game itself just struck me as a replica of the Barca-Man Utd semi last year. Man Utd going there to stifle Barca's attacking threat, Barca just trying to pass through the eye of the needle. Chelsea, unlike most Spanish teams, can actually defend. And on their day, defend very well indeed. Iniesta impressed me, him and Xavi are almost identical in their style of play. Unfortunately that style of play didn't quite click tonight. And btw, I haven't seen that much live La Liga football this year, but has Puyol been in good form? Didn't look particularly confident when he came on.

Surely it's best for you if Chelsea make the final I guess so but in footballing terms, I want Barca to play at their brilliant best.

Hope Barca roll over Chelsea tbh, and play the sort of stuff they've been playing all season. Beating an English side is one of the final challenges for them this season, coz they've pretty much dicked on everyone else.

Eff why pee.

Tell you what, what will happen if Pompey think "f*** this, we're gonna go for it as well"?

It wasn't a guess whatsoever. Honest.

Will be in the Goose for this one. Wish your lot all the best, could be an extremely tense game. Owen to score in the 56th minute and be lauded as a hero

Yup. The whole system is flawed.