Some great match-ups today don't forget to set that recorder thingy.
*most games will be re-played a few times.

Tuesday
Milan vs Tottenham live game @ 2:30 ET/1:30 CT on FSC
Valenca vs Schalke delayed @5:00 ET/4:00 CT on FSC

Wednesday
Arsenal vs Barcelona live game @ 2:30 ET/1:30 CT on FSC
Roma vs Shakhtar Donetsk delayed @ 5:00 ET/4:00 CT on FSC

This is the round of 16, where in the past we have seen some great games. This is the best of the best in the world of club soccer.

http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/index.html

If no FSC then maybe try:
http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=football

Got my BetaMax recording over some of my best 'corn'.

This is the biggest spoenders of the wealthiest backers in world football more like. These clubs & the neuvo-riche like Man City live in a different world to the rest of us. The sooner they all sod off & form a European League the better.

Is it any suprise that only 1 club from outside of the big urban areas of Liverpool, London & Manchester has won the FA Cup in the last 23 years and went bankrupt doing it ?

Sand get in your panties again Doc?

Just stating it as it is, something real fans do.

In the recent manchester derby there was $ 650 million worth of players on both sides, kind of obscene when you look at the amount of poverty in the world etc don't you think ?

Yes, your right I would agree with you, but this thread was about some fun games to watch, not about saving the world and redistributing wealth.

I do understand sometime we all need to rant, so have at it.

Arsenal vs Barcelona
A little pre-game info:

http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/02/16/arsenal-v-barcelona-tactical-preview/

(always seems to help when you put the right link in... oops!)
*this is the correct link, but I had problems getting it to open this morning?

Facebook, Zonal Marking

The keys to the game today for Aresnal (in my mind) will be transitions, and attacking width.

Transitions will be important because the modern defense against a possession team that combines well is to stack the middle of the field. Once you stop their attack and regain possession then you will find space to the outside of Barca if you can get the ball up the field quickly (make Barca run more in the wrong direction, towards there own goal).

Q- How many times will Daniel Alves get forward effectively? = Never
Q- Where will Messi find his space today, will he stay inside, or drift outside/move back to the ball taking defenders with him? = He stayed inside

Q- Can Van Persie finish on the few chances he will have today? = Yes
Q- Will Walcott's/Nasri speed be used effectively to its fullest? = No

:0
Arsenal starts with a line of confrontation at the back of the circle.

What did I say about Walcott, a good chance on the counter for Ars
Chance 1 for VP is a no!
:10

Ars midfield line in the def 1/3 is not as tight as Inter's last year, a bit messy
Ars has changed it up to a highline with mids in front of the circle when not in possession

Big marking/tracking mistake on Messi's forward run by Koscielny almost gives up the first goal.
:20

Messi misses the chip from 10 yards. The defenders are losing him often while his in their line, looks like it's only a matter of time b4 Messi gets one today...

1-0 Barca, that's what happens when you watch Messi too closely, Villa scores.

We are seeing the good/great Barca play today...

VP misses his second big chance
:30

Nasri slow to pressure/exchange positions and is on the wrong side of the ball near the entrance of his def 1/3 for the second time in five minutes. Both plays end up near the goal??

Barca is defending well today, no desperate/lucky plays yet, and Arsenal is being forced to go outside around the well organized lines entering their attacking 1/3.
:40
:45

*After looking at the goal I would blame #20 Johan Djourou he was facing the play and was the defender that could see that Villa had moved into a central position and was starting a run. It's his job to make his CD partner aware of the run being made behind him. It did not look like Koscielny acknowledge the position of Villa, and never turned to take a look (ball watching). Both share in blame.

:45
:50

First 10 a snore...

Too long of a time not hearing Walcott's/Nasri's names while on attack in this important game!
:60

Why does the game Cat & Mouse come to mind?
:70

Barca needs to score again soon, or they risk giving up a game they've totally dominated... 1-0 is not a safe game.

By no means was it a good game for Walcott, or Nasri...

Third time is the charm for VP 1-1! Now we got a game again.
:80

WEEEEEEEEEE WEEEEEEEE LOL.... LOL
2-1 ARS
*Great finish by Arshavin (sub:68) from just inside the box!
A quick counter taken wide and deep by Nasri who got a look out front and then pulled back a beautiful pass right through the middle of the defenders to the top of the box where Arshavin was arriving alone unmarked. A classic goal.

How many times have you heard the words "Barcelona Blew It" lately?

Well it's not over yet, but...
:90

Now it is! Another great game!!

Arsenal 2-1

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Games (*2ed leg)
Another couple of great days of world class fun:

Tuesday
Arsenal vs Barcelona in Barcelona this time.

Games are all on FSC, this one starts at 2:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CT (game won't start until 2:45 ET)

*Game is replayed at 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT (for us working stiffs)

Also, AS Roma vs FC Shakhtar Donstsk
Starts at 5:00 PM ET/4:00 PM CT

Wednesday

Tottenham vs AC Milan
2:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CT

FC Schalke vs Valencia
5:00 PM ET/4:00 PM CT

The 2ed leg game I'm really looking forward to is not until next week:

Lyon vs Real Madrid
March 16, 6:00 PM ET/5:00 PM CT


* Also don't miss the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinal 1st leg game on March 15.

Real Salt Lake, USA vs Saprissa, CRC

10:00 PM ET/9:00 PM CT