I think Barça are taking this idea of playing little men at the back too far. Messi in goal is totally preposterous, he's not complete enough!

Once the hobbits from Camp Nou beat the Orks from Manchester you'll be one happy Spaniard.

I think Barça are taking this idea of playing little men at the back too far. Messi in goal is totally preposterous, he's not complete enough!
--------------------------------------------------------
Sounds like Orc mischief to me.

Can't wait for this match tonight.

Hopefully it won't be a let down.

As much as i loathe Maureen, he is somewhat right and City, even sans Kun, have a helluva chance.

I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if City beat Barca over both legs. That being said, they have Messi!

I'd be surprised. I think Barca have been underrated quite a bit this season and written off in the CL due to their spanking last season.

They are still a class team and I'd expect them to overcome City over two legs.

Tonight's a good opportunity imo to see if Tata's idea of playing more directly helps Barça to hurt opponents on the counter.

Either way, I'd be surprised if either side wins comfortably. the only previous occasion I can recall where Pellegrini hasn't kept a tie against a top European side very close was when Villarreal lost 3-0 to Arsenal a few years back. Otherwise his sides' showing against the big guns has always been more than decent.

Think Barca will go through

Didn't Madrid beat Malaga 7-0 a few seasons ago?

I swear Malaga took quite a few pastings off Madrid under Pel.

I don't think Barca have been mediocre, i have use been unconvinced.

DTKF &IOAG, remember i stated a few weeks/months? ago that RM IMO were faces for La Liga as i felt RM were playing at 70% of potential and Atletico were at 100% and Barca in the high 90s.

And i think this City team - especially if Kun was available- to embarrass Barca's defence.

On the flip side, Barca's attack is demonstrably better than City's and for all Kompany's indomitability, pact, intelligent, tricky forwards trouble him and Barca have a surfeit of those.

A lot will depend on Pel's formation. I don't see two strikers producing much joy - or if he deploys two Strikers, one would essentially be the fifth midfielder because two up top would be a very risky tactic.

TRC, yeah that's fair.

I agree about Madrid as well. I've felt from the start of the season they'll do best in the CL of all the La Liga sides.

I meant pacy, intelligent forwards

faves, just....

Errr, i think my laptop forgot its medication.

I still think Barca will win La Liga, but I think Real will do better in the CL.

It's pretty tight between the sides at the moment, though.

@HotspurRelated: London Evening Standard believe Italian coach Cesare Prandelli wants the Tottenham job should Tottenham follow up initial interest. #THFC

Thoughts Darren?

I want him at United.

Would be a good appointment for Spurs I reckon. Will get your team playing some good football and is tactically adaptable.

I'd worry about your defence with him, though. Italy and Fiorentina have looked all at sea at the back under him at times, I thought.

2-1 city win

I would like Prandelli alone for his slick suits

I roll my eyes when people christen Guardiola as stylish with his spray-tan suits, skinny suits and coloured cardigan. For me, Guardiola looks as if he has outgrown his clothes.

Anyhow, Prandelli is obviously a good manager but if i had to pick an Italian right now, it'd be Conte.
Granted, Conte hasn't done much internationally but he has the X-factor about him and his handiwork in the revival of Juventus is impressive - plus i like the way his team plays.

Yeah I like Conte as well. Italy have some very good coaches. Carlo being the pick of the bunch, in my opinion.

Speaking of Italian coaches I saw that Lippi has said he'll retire from coaching club teams at the end of the Chinese season, but may look at coaching another national team, possibly even China.

The Italian national team will obviously have an opening available but I wonder if they'll want a return to the defensive teams that Lippi builds given what Prandelli has done with this group of players?

uppy is back

have you been in a cardboard box you scottisher

c'monnnnnnnnnn cityyyyyyy

cmoooooon schalke, I'll run naked at midnight if you roll over madrid

Come on Le Ar.se, annihilate the Bavarians.

If we are talking about upsets then come on United!

I would lo-oove it, absolutely loo-ve it, if Liverpool get fourth... provided we win the CL!