Champions League Predictions: Let The Bands Do The Talking III

Its been awhile since we've asked some musicians to help out with Champions League predictions so here we go!

Barcelona - Chelsea

What does Chelsea need to do to Barca to beat them in the Nou Camp?



...and get on the outside - fast!

What does Barcelona need to do to hold off Chelsea's streaking Florent Malouda, the dogged determination of Frank Lampard, and the ever-dangerous striker Didier Drogba?




Prediction: Barcelona 3: Chelsea 1

Manchester United - Arsenal

How does ManU need to come out early to break the hot streaking Arsenal's confidence?





And how does the young Arsenal side need to approach this match against the Red Devils?



Prediction: Arsenal 2: Manchester United 2

Viola Take Roma Behind The Woodshed

The perennial fifth place Fiorentina sent a stong message yesterday that they want something more by embarrassing Roma 4-1.

My personal goal of the weekend (already) goes to the Viola's Peruvian ace Juan Manuel Vargas for his 6th minute crusher into Roma's net.

Watch it here:




Alberto Gilardino added two more goals for Fiorentina and Massimo Gobbi completed the butt whuppin' with a 73rd-minute tap-in. Roma's Julio Baptista grabbed a goal in the late going to prevent the shutout but the damage was done: 4-1 for the Viola.

Complete highlights here:

Edu Finding His Form With Rangers

LFV pal and guitar maestro Greg Seltzer has a nice piece on Maurice Edu's latest goal for 'Gers.

Ferrari Scores First Goal For Perugia

American striker Gabe Ferrari, on loan from Sampdoria, scored his first goal for Perugia last week in Serie C (Lega Pro) action.

In the match against a pesky Pistoise side, Ferrari scored in the 44th minute by converting a low bouncing free kick with a sneaky back heel. He also had two shots go just wide of goal in the Grifoni's 3-2 win.

Check out the action here (look for his goal at the 2:01 mark of the video).



This strong performance should earn Ferrari some increased playing time, starting with today's match against Arezzo. Perugia is currently in 9th place in Serie C1 with 36 points, 15 shy of a chance for promotion to Serie B.

Bernardo's Napoli Chances Looking Up

Napoli primavera striker Vincenzo Bernardo seems to be inching closer to a chance to dress with the first team in Serie A action sometime before the season ends. After practicing most of the season with the first team, the New Jersey native has been spending more time playing each week with the primavera (reserve) squad and but drawing more attention from the Napoli management and local media.

In today's primavera friendly match against Napoli's first team, (which normally ends 7-0 for the first team) Bernardo scored in a 5-1 losing effort for the youngsters, drawing praise from Coach Roberto Donadoni in the process.

Donodani has a history of experimenting with young players so the chance that Bernardo could suit up sometime this spring could be on the upswing.

Gladbach: Renewed Interest in Onyewu

Its been awhile since we've had some gratuitous transfer rumors about Standard Liege defender Oguchi Onyewu so let's fix that right now.

Kicker is now reporting that Michael Bradley's Borussia Moenchengladbach, which tried to acquire Gooch last winter, has renewed its interest in the 26 year-old Onyewu with a view toward picking him up on a free transfer this summer. Gladbach has already purchased Onyewu's teammate Dante, who just scored his first Bundesliga goal for the Foals.

Of course to land Gooch, Gladbach will need to do two very important things; beat the offers of other clubs seeking his services (PSG, Fulham, Marseille, etc), and manage to avoid relegation.

According to Express.de (quoting the Belgian Sportportal), Onyewu is ready to sign provided Gladbach stays up in the Bundesliga. So, my spidey sense tells me that until you hear such a statement from Onyewu himself, it means this one is far from being a done deal. I have strong sense that Onyewu would prefer to play in the Premiership but will settle for a good situation in France (where L'OM's Eric Gerets has him in his sights) or at Gladbach if England proves to be a bridge too far.

So, until you hear it from the Gooch himself, its all just speculation.

Dempsey Double Sinks City

American Clint Dempsey gave Fulham fans a nice Easter gift by helping his team to a 3-1 road win at Manchester City.

City took a 1-0 lead on a gorgeous shot from distance by Stephen Ireland in the 27th minute. Fulham looked to be on the ropes for the next 22 minutes before
Dempsey levelled to game at 1-1 by picking up a loose ball from Zamora in the 49th minute which the Texan easily stroked into the goal with his right foot.

Ten minutes later, Fulham's Dickson Etuhu gave the visitors a 2-1 lead pouncing on a ball just outside the area and slotting it in for his first goal for the red and black.

Fulham and City continued to trade attacks including a 61th minute Dempsey header being easily handled by Man City keeper Given. In the 83rd, Zamora laid off a beautiful ball for Dempsey who, now using his left foot, poked it high inside the near post to cement to lead at 3-1.

The win solidified Fulham's mid-table place in 10th with 40 points, two points north of 11th place Man City. Dempsey's 6th and 7th goals make him Fulham's leading scorer so far this year.