The FA Cup final preview
Posted on | May 29, 2009 | No Comments
Every year we’re reminded how many people across the world tune in to watch the FA cup final – heading for 500 million or so according to many estimates.
I’d love to know how many of them drift off at some point during those 90 minutes, because, let’s face it, it’s normally pretty awful and this year doesn’t look likely to be any different.
Our finalists for Saturday are London club Chelsea and Merseyside outfit Everton. The side from the north-west operates on a comparatively modest budget, has lots of big players and plays terrible football that gets results.
The team from the capital operates on a massive budget, has lots of big players and plays terrible football that gets results.
Both of the league meetings between the two clubs ended 0-0 and on their route to the final Everton got past Manchester United by holding them 0-0 and winning on penalties. They also beat city rivals Liverpool 1-0 in extra time along the way.
No prizes for guessing what their approach to the game will be then.
You might think that by now I’m erring on the side of Chelsea to win, but you’d be wrong.
Chelsea routinely spend tens of millions of pounds but still can’t produce decent football, even with a star-studded team of respected internationals.
Everton play such dour football because they have had to craft any success with the resources they have got. Chelsea have no such excuse.
The Everton approach is what I like to call ’second ball football’. That is, their entire approach is based on winning as many second ball bobbles, headers and tackles as possible.
The usual plan is then to shunt the sphere in the general direction of their massive Belgian midfielder-cum-striker Marouane Fellaini – pictured above. (Yes, that’s the one with the afro haircut that makes him look like he stumbled across the game on the way to a ’70s fancy dress party).
A header from that ridiculous bonce would be a great way to ruin Chelsea’s expensive and dreary party.
I never, ever, thought I’d say this.
But.
Go Everton.
Chris Breese
Chelsea V Everton will kick off at Wembley from 3pm GMT on Saturday.
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