First off, Barcelona. This is a team who do not know how to defend. Their current style of play is the best example of 'attack is the best defence'. Reminds me of how Argentina plays during the 2006 WC. However, their formation is like the Brazil during the Ronaldo-Rivaldo-Ronaldinho 's time. There is no established wingers. The wing plays are controlled by the full-backs, esp the Right-back of Dani Alves. Chelsea on the other hand, has adopted the Dutch's total football play. Guus Hiddink has once again proved he is sort of a miracle worker, bringing unity and cohesiveness into the Blues' play.

The vital match-up will be the person whom marks Messi. Although he operates on the right wing more, I suspect that Michael Essien will be utilised to man-marked him throughout, just like how they did with Gerrard. And Lionel Messi is well worth that effort, to sacrifice the overall play of Essien to control the miracle footballer of Messi. However, there are other playmakers in Barca. Henry, Xavi, Inesia. If Messi can trust his midifielders enough to allow them to dictate play, he can play 2 types of roles here, one is as a decoy to bring defenders away from Eto and Henry. As Essien is marking him, he will be more effective running into on-side positions. This allows him to become a decoy. the second type is to swap positions with Eto. Messi is very dangerous cutting inside. however, Eto can do the same. So if Barca can design plays to let Eto run onto Messi's flicks, then it would be Barca's night. However, Chelsea cannot be under-estimated, esp when they are away from Stamford bridge. Their form away from Home seems to suggest that they can attack and defend, just like they did in Anfield. The partnership of Drogba to the midfield, mainly, Lampard will be the key to their success.

My prediction : Barcelona to win by an odd goal, and dun be surprised if Chelsea sneaks in an away goal.

Man U - Arsenal
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Old foes, new playground. This is probably one of the more exciting and most look-forwarded Semi match since the Qtr-final draws. Both teams advanced, Man U with some difficulties, and Arsenal with ease. Their form book are like 2 roller coaster, meeting at a cross-function, one going up (Arsenal), one going down. Many might argue Manure's 5-2 win over Spurs. But have you guys sent the "penalty"? Arsenal on the other hand, has been on form, with the return of the star players, they are playing flowing football again. Even without forwards like Van Persie and Ade, they still manage to play good football in Anfield and drew 4-4.

The critical match-up will be both manager's approach to the game. Why do I say that? Tactically, I think Liverpool's loss to Chelsea in the Q-final partly, has to do with the referees. THis is when the complication with an all English match-up on european competition brings. Typically, english referees are more tolerate to physical plays but not european ones. However, in the Pool-Chelsea game at Anfield, the refereeing style and play is like an BPL game. Pool tried to get foul calls, but failed, thinking that Chelsea will play into their European advantage. If the referee tomorrow allows physical play to go on, the Manure will stand a higher chance winning.

Prediction : A possible goal-less draw. With Man U's recent erratic form, Wenger would like to bring the game back to the Emirates and finish them there.

My prediction :