Thank God for the FA Cup, for the chance to puncture the increasingly arrogant Jose Mourinho’s expensive bubble. On Saturday it’s the semifinals, where Liverpool can dislodge that cocky Chelsea sneer.
The fascinating match-ups on Saturday — Djibril Cisse vs Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard vs Frank Lampard, Jamie Carragher vs John Terry — are submerged beneath a growing feeling that Mourinho and the richer-than-royalty Roman Abramovich must be stopped.
The thought of both domestic trophies going to Stamford Bridge with a massive price tag attached appals us neutrals.
And in the other semifinal, what do we have? Alan Pardew’s shock troops, West Ham, versus Steve McClaren’s knock-out specialists, Middlesbrough, who are also through to the last four of the Uefa Cup and played on Thursday.
If Chelsea get past Liverpool to a one-sided final at the Millennium Stadium on May 13, they’ll humble an unimpressive bunch of Hammers or roll over a bruised Boro, who face nine games in 26 days to end their season. In summary: C’mon you Reds!
Meanwhile, in the league:
Arsenal vs Tottenham
It’s the biggest north London derby in years, with a Champions League place at stake. Watch out for Spurs’s tricky Aaron Lennon; he’s one for the future. I think Spurs can secure fourth spot and their first-ever Euro qualification — but, of course, if Arsenal win the Champions League this year, that means nothing. With brilliant Barcelona heading for the final after winning their semifinal first leg at Milan, that’s a significant if.
Verdict: Arsenal 2 Spurs 2
Bolton vs Charlton
Bolton finally ended their five-match losing run with a draw against West Brom, but they looked pretty ropey and have slipped out of contention on all fronts. So have Charlton, despite their late rally against Portsmouth. One thing’s for sure, Latics boss Alan Curbishley is on his way — to England or Villa.
Verdict: Bolton 0 Charlton 0, and don’t bother getting excited.
Everton vs Birmingham
Birmingham chairperson David Sullivan has assured manager Steve Bruce he still has a job even if they go down. With Everton thrashed 3-0 with an alarming lack of pride last week, Bruce may yet avoid ignominy.
Verdict: Everton 1 Birmingham 2
Newcastle vs West Brom
Glenn Roeder started with a bang as caretaker boss at the Toon after Graeme Souness’s departure. Then came a slump, but now they’re back on a four-match winning run and a Uefa Cup place is a possibility. Alan Shearer’s final chapter has been ruined by the knee-ligament injury sustained against Sunderland, but they should still be too much for Bryan Robson’s West Brom in front of their own magnificent fans.
Verdict: Newcastle 2 West Brom 0
Portsmouth vs Sunderland
Pompey’s escape act was hampered by Charlton last week, but Houdini Harry Redknapp must fancy this one. Sure, Sunderland nabbed a pointless point off Man U to spoil the championship race, but they were awful against Newcastle.
Verdict: Portsmouth 3 Doomed Sunderland 0
Fulham vs Wigan
One of the few meaningless end-of-season clashes left, now that the top seven go to Europe and the bottom three go down. Wigan have had a great season but won’t make the Uefa Cup, while Fulham are nearly safe. Their need is slightly greater.
Verdict: Fulham 1 Wigan 0