Football Food For Thought / Feizal Rahman / 12 April 2009 /

As the so-called Big Four of English football - Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea - all look to secure their passage to the Champions League semi-finals over the next few days, Feizal Rahman tells us why this is the biggest week of the season so far for all of them.

Aside from rainy bank holidays and the temptation to gorge on chocolate eggs, the Easter weekend also brings us a reminder that we have now entered the business end of the football calendar. With religious themes of death and resurrection also applying - metaphorically - to the Premier League's elite, the next seven days could define the season for all. Each of the 'Big Four' clubs have shown us their strengths and vulnerabilities over the past eight months but it is their performance in the forthcoming one that will leave a lasting impression.

Cruising along with arrogant ease for the most part, Manchester United have 'hit the wall' in recent weeks, struggling to kick on for the final furlong. Following their devastating win at Old Trafford a month ago, the momentum appeared to swing in Liverpool's favour and an air of invincibility wafted around Anfield thereafter. Yet, that was blown away on Wednesday night by a Chelsea side who have been revitalised under temporary manager, Guus Hiddink, leaving us to wonder just how many more twists there are to the story.

Perhaps most significant, however, is the re-birth of Arsenal, who were all but dead and buried two month ago. With key players returning to action for the run-in, other than looking to make their own impact in the Champions League and FA Cup, the Gunners could have a major influence on the fate of the title as they still have league encounters with each of the clubs who sit above them in the table.

Like a finely tuned Formula One car, the slightest tweak to the mechanics of these sides can have great consequence. The absence of Rio Ferdinand from the Manchester United backline has seen the PFA Player of the Year second favourite, Nemanja Vidic ([2.68]), lose all form and his club's miserly defence concede as many goals in the last month as it had done in the previous three - the champions now [1.4] to retain their title.

While Javier Mascherano's terrier-like presence was sorely missed by Liverpool in their 3-1 Champions League defeat by Chelsea in midweek, Michael Essien's inclusion for the visitors nullified the threat of Steven Gerrard. Meanwhile, having appeared toothless in attack in his absence, Emmanuel Adebayor returned to action for Arsenal with three goals in two games to give the side a welcome fillip for the coming weeks.

Although by no means out of it, both Manchester United and Liverpool look to be in a decidedly precarious position in the Champions League - out to [6.6] and [44.0] respectively to win the competition - though may find it a blessing in disguise as attentions can now be turned to the title race. United have an FA Cup tie with an in-form Everton next Sunday, but given their energy-sapped resources, may not be too concerned with a return trip to Wembley in May and David Moyes' men may benefit from this ([3.5] to make the final).

Sir Alex Ferguson has made no secret of his desire to match Liverpool's haul of championship wins and, having got so close, going behind by one more would no doubt rile him more than anything. If that was not motivation enough, Liverpool may feel it is finally their calling this year. Having waited nineteen seasons to win their 19th title, a first Premier League trophy at [4.3] would surely be the most fitting tribute to the memory of Hillsborough twenty years on.

Without openly relinquishing the title ([17.0] to win), it's evident that Chelsea's priority is now the Champions League. It's the one major prize that has eluded them and is reputedly that which owner Roman Abramovich covets the most. The bitter taste of defeat in Moscow last year still lingers and is sure to be what drives the team on.

Hiddink has a reputation as a Jesus Christ-like figure, moving around to help the weak and wounded of world football. Enabling the likes of PSV Eindhoven, South Korea, Australia and Russia to punch well above their weight in various competitions over the years, the next logical step would be to lead a healthy Chelsea squad to the zenith of club football. Still insistent that he will not stay beyond the summer, perhaps he feels there will be no need as with a Champions League win - at current odds of [4.5] - his gift to Chelsea will be delivered and how can he possibly better that?

Despite now looking safe for fourth spot in the the league ([1.12] a Top 4 finish), four seasons without silverware for Arsenal would not wash with fans at the Emirates, however much promise may be shown by theie fledgling squad. The Gunners are up against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi final next Saturday and have every reason to be confident of a victory ([2.1] to reach final).

Yet, expected to progress beyond Villarreal at home on Wednesday evening ([1.3] to qualify), they will also be bullish about their chances of a Champions League final spot should FC Porto oust Manchester United - having beaten the Portuguese side 4-2 on aggregate in the group stage of the competition. With their own experience of a final loss in 2006, the club may also be inspired by the possibility of revenge against favourites Barcelona in this year's final. The North London side are presently [6.4] to purge their demons and secure their first Champions League trophy.

What we have learned over the past few weeks though is that nothing is quite as it seems in football, and far from the once predictable outcomes of the past, this year's conclusion looks set to be the most thrilling yet.

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