The clouds hovering over Old Trafford this week as many hope for a Scouse helping hand
When you need a favour from an arch rival
Oh yes, Super Sunday, the weekend when the home of the BPL trophy will be decided for the next year. As much as it seems, it might be a straightforward tug-of-war between Manchester United and Chelsea, but when you throw in some red scouse scum from Merseyside, it is not as straightforward as it seem :)
The Scouse-ManC rivalry
Other than the fact they are both dressed in Red and are the top 2 English team in the domestic and European scene, 18 v. 19 English trophies, 3 v. 5 European Cups, but the differences between Manchester United and Liverpool goes way beyond the trophy cabinet.
The seed of rivalry goes back to the industrial revolution, when Liverpool were top dog. They had their ports and warehouses and even till this day, Liverpool Warehouse Co. still has it presence in Manchester. But their dominance in the economy were very much like their football dominance scuppered by the ManCs who decided they too could have their own ports, in came the dredging machines and waterways were crafted inland to Manchester. So yeah, the ManCs dug into the rice bowl of the Scouse and it was never gonna be the same again.
To make matters worse, one daring Son of Govan, not knighted then uttered the now infamous "knock them off their ****ing perch" and maybe now with hindsight might have a little sense of regret since Manchester United now needs Liverpool to not lose against Chelsea, as they say, karma does comes back and bite, and how true it is in this case :)
Outcome: Liverpool puts professionalism above personal sentiments. Manchester United beats Sunderland and Liverpool holds Chelsea to a draw, handing pole position to Manchester United in their quest for the 19th Title.
Bristol City (WHO???)-Cardiff City Rivalry
When in Rome, do as the Romans do is the saying :) As I am now in Cardiff, I started to indulge a little with the local football club, Cardiff City. They flirted with the play-offs last year, missing out by only ONE GOAL CONCEDED!!!
Bristol is a city just across the river Savern which separates England from Wales and being neighbours and colleagues in the Championship, naturally there would some form of rivalry.
Bristol is safe in the Championship for another season, with nothing to play, but they play Blackpool, vying for the final play-off spot and here's where it gets complicated, with Swansea, Cardiff's sworn enemy! If Bristol do not lose against Blackpool, and Swansea wins at home against Doncaster Rovers, then Swansea goes into the play-off which Cardiff has already secured! Terrific? No, Bloody is a more appropriate description.
Outcome: Bristol attempts to keep their neighbour in the Championship. Bristol beats Blackpool, Swansea and City makes it to the play-off final in Wembley which is a guaranteed bloodbath, what a treat for Bristol City fans :)
Roma-Lazio Rivalry
The Eternal City derby. Where 2 sets of Ultra fans notoriously known for their detest for each other.
Lazio entertains Inter Milan tomorrow, with 3 games to play, Lazio is 6 points clear of the relegation zone and still need points from this game to secure another season in Serie A. However, winning or even drawing, would sent the title swinging into the arms of Roma.
So much so, certain Lazio fans are supporting Inter this weekend and hope their team lose as reported here.
Outcome: Conspiracy at it's best. Lazio lose against Inter, Inter clinches the title ahead of Roma :)
Regards,
Ben Lai
No comments:
Post a Comment