Fa Cup Final

[Dublin12]

What's your predictions
I reckon Arsenal have hit top form and Man United are in a bit of a slump at the moment,can see a rout on the cards maybe 3 or 4 nil,I hope

[Eire06]

Not a hope Arsenal played against a pathetic Everton team last night anyone would have beat them while they were in that form..
It'll be a close match but I'd say 2-1 to United

[Hibs4Ever]

3-0 Arsenal

[aberharp]

1-0 man utd

[NeilMcD]

Well Ferguson seems to have it over Wenger in recent games as he has got his tactics perfect. Last season in the semi final they really frustrated Arsenal. Its a tough one to call but it will be close an neither side will win 3 or 4 nil.

[tonycuna]

I hope we'll can win, just this.. United made good things against us in recent matches, and that 2-4 at Highbury this year is calling for revenge.. So let's go to Cardiff and beat Fergie'sXI.. It will be a good season with FA Cup in our hands!

C'mon Gooners!

[Eire06]

Just get Keane to scare Viera again and theyre sorted

[Karlos]

hopefully Roy scares Vieira enough that he goes and scores the first goal AGAIN after 6 minutes. Paddy must have been frightened into scoring, that's a first!

[thecorner]

if the game goes ahead...united fans dont seem one bit happy about the take-over and could have something planned

[NeilMcD]

Roy Keane is relishing what he thinks could be an "explosive" FA Cup final against Arsenal on Saturday.

The United skipper admits hype surrounding cup finals often precedes an anti-climatic encounter, but is hoping for one the FA Cups great finals on Saturday.

"I know sometimes FA Cup finals can be a bit of an anti-climax," Keane said. "But I think this game will be pretty explosive.

"I like to think we get up for every game but, ever since I’ve been at the club, it's always been between ourselves and Arsenal. There is that bit of rivalry between us because we have been so close over the last few years. That will hopefully make it a great final."

The feisty history between United and Arsenal is founded on competing for silverware, but the rivalry has become somewhat embittered in recent seasons by spats in the tunnel and the usual 'war of words' from both camps - all whipped up to feverish levels by the tabloids.

Indeed, the thrilling encounter in February, which saw United beat the Gunners 4-2 at Highbury, was preceded by a confrontation between Keane and Patrick Vieira in the players' tunnel. That incident seemed to set the tone for a defiant United display and notched a third victory over Arsene Wenger's side this season.

Duel With Vieira
To make it four, Keane will resume his ongoing rivalry with Arsenal captain Vieira, one the Irishman enjoys but insists will stay on the pitch. Even the mention of the Arsenal midfielder brought a wry smile from Keane.

"I think this game will be pretty explosive. There's a rivalry between that will hopefully make it a great final."
Roy Keane

"I enjoy playing against any top player, and he [Vieira] is one of the top players," he said. "If people see that as an important battle then maybe it is. But I think everyone has a battle in positions all over the pitch. It’s 11 v 11, not one v one.

"The referee will need to be tough and hopefully the players won't get carried away. It's going to be a hard game, physically it will be tough. But I’m sure the referee will handle anything that might get out of control."

Keane will not be counting on United’s dominance over Arsenal this season as any indicator for the outcome of Saturday’s game. Asked if the 4-2 win at Highbury gives United the psychological edge, Roy said: "Only time will tell. We played very well that night. But we have to give Arsenal the respect that they deserve."

And just as the three wins over Arsenal carries little influence, the final is a chance for Ferguson's side to shed the nagging burden of a lack of goals that has plagued the Reds' campaign.

"We've been disappointed with our form this season," Keane says. "We’ve been inconsistent and we haven't scored enough goals. But all that goes out of the window on Saturday. It’s a one-off Cup final and we can’t wait for it."

Takeover 'Not Even Mentioned'
A poor season has been compounded by the distraction of Malcolm Glazer's takeover of the club, with Sir Alex Ferguson pleading for calm and unity among United’s supporters at Cardiff. United's players have remained silent on the issue throughout.

It was with little surprise, then, that Keane played with a straight bat questions of whether it had affected the team's preparations. The skipper even claimed the subject had "not been mentioned" in the dressing room.

"I enjoy playing against any top player, and Vieira is a top player. But everyone has there own battle. It's 11 v 11, not one v one."
Roy Keane

"We’re very much focused on the game," he added. "That's what we are paid to do as professional footballers. We have to focus on the game and on training each day before the final.

"You can see that focus in training. We're all looking forward to it and it can’t come quick enough for us. We're all desperate to get our hands on some silverware this season and this is our only chance."

The Reds skipper was unequivocal on the subject of United’s fans travelling to Cardiff. "Every time we play I expect United fans to get behind you," he said. "The supporters here are fantastic. They are one of the reasons why I signed for the club. I'm sure they will show that in Cardiff, just like they do every week."

Fifth Medal Record
This will be Keane's seventh FA Cup final. Typically, he can recall the lost finals more readily than the successful trips to Wembley and Cardiff.

Keane was part of the Nottingham Forest side that lost to Tottenham in 1991, and was again on the losing side in his only unsuccessful final visit with United - the 1995 defeat to Everton.

"The strange thing is, I seem to remember the two I've lost more than the others," he said. "Hopefully I won't be remembering Saturday too much."

Keane and Ryan Giggs could become the first players in 114 years to collect five FA Cup winners' medals. The last player to achieve that feat came in 1891, when Jimmy Forrest helped Blackburn beat Notts County 3-1. Forrest equalled the record previously set by Arthur Kinnaird (Wanderers and Old Etonians) and Charles Wollaston (Wanderers).

However, Keane will put personal achievements aside on Saturday, insisting the common cause is for the club to lay claim to a trophy this season.

"I'm not thinking about how many medals I have won," he said. "Hopefully we will win the FA Cup, and that’s what it’s about – the club winning a trophy. That's what we are focused on."

Report

[Macy]

I honestly don't care. More excited about the prospect of FC United.

[Karlos]

I care very much about the result. I think it's a good game for the neutral but not for me. The joy of winning is far outweighed by the prospect of losing. I've too many Man Utd friends who'll give me stick for the whole summer and while it won't be a disaster for the club, it'll be a mini one for me! In one way that's the best thing about being a football fan, those feelings and emotions you go through before,during and after a game you cannot influence!

I'll let you know 5.30ish on Saturday if it has been a good day.

[KR's Post]

C'mon you Reds!!! 2-0 to United.... Van Nistelrooy to open the scoring from a Ronaldo cross and Scholsey to settle it in the Second Half. Without Henry, Arsenal will flop. Roll on the Match, the early morning drinking and Most of all the CELEBRATIONS!!!

[Closed Account 2]

Glazer's programme notes:-

"Yo soccer nutz !

The World Series of Soccer reaches it climax in the all-star game this weekend in Cardiff, UK. Team Manchester line up against eastcoast rivals team Arsenal for the FA Play-off final. Tensions will be supercharged for this clash of the heavyweights, and Arsenal-London will be out for revenge having had two reversals at the hands of Manchester already, being shut out two-oh and four-two.

Expect Manchester to put pressure on the Arsenal endzone, and Rodney Van Nisteldorf could get a touchdown from short yardage. Weighing in at two-seven-five pounds Manchester's freshman turned MVP Dwane Rooney could be a contender for a triple score (our "hat-trick" as its known UK-side), with his strikes from behind the 30 yard line.

Manchester have a weakness in their goaltender selection, with no one knowing which goal tender will make the team. Rookie Tim "America's Own" Howard has a .561 save average in last four, but faces competition from Rory "Catcher" Carrol who will be gunning for his fourth consecutive finals shutout. Carrols two handling errors means Howard will likely start 1st quarter. The final Manchester player to watch out for is Chris "Machine Gun" Ronaldo, line-backer for the Reds. The rookie is hot shot of the season, with a double dribble turnover ratio of 7 to 1, and makes plays from the end line into center field. If the game isnt going Manchester's way expect head coach Ferguson to call a timeout and bring the goaltender upfield as he did in the last game versus Mid Boro.

Arsenal-London have multiple negative issues, with team super star and goal getter Thierry "tee-man" En-ray suffering triple leg wounds in Arsenal-London's 7-0 goal blitz on Everton-Marines. Key defense-point-guard Ashley "Hitman" Cole has enraged fans by requesting a draft to cross-town rivals Chelsea-London, the current semester conference champions. Arsenal-Londons dutchman Dennis "Veteran" Bergerking will have to travel to the game early Friday, on Interstate 4 via Wales Turnpike due to the dutchman's No-fly-Zone. Expect Arsenal-London coach, Arsenal Wenger to call a time out in 3rd quarter. He will switch the dutchman for tight-end and field goal specialist John "power-play" Reyes, and bring Cesar Franchescas on as middleman (quaterback) and attack Manchester via excess groundspeed.

Also keep a lookout for roughing, foul calls, and red sinbins betwen Patrick "the Hatrick" Vieria and Roy "Lethal Enforcer" Keane over Manchester defense-zone-marshall Gary "Hustler-Rustler" Neville"

[Stevo Da Gull]

C'mon you Reds!!! 2-0 to United.... Van Nistelrooy to open the scoring from a Ronaldo cross and Scholsey to settle it in the Second Half. Without Henry, Arsenal will flop. Roll on the Match, the early morning drinking and Most of all the CELEBRATIONS!!!

Go away you. I wont make any predictions, I'll save my talk till after

[Karlos]

Arsenal were dreadful

Utd were dominant

However, Performances don't win cups!

Patrick Vieira Penalties Do!!!!

[De Town]

Arsenal were dreadful

Utd were dominant

However, Performances don't win cups!

Patrick Vieira Penalties Do!!!!

Im sick

I wouldnt mind if Arsenal deserved to win but they could hardly string 2 passes together.

Story of Uniteds season though, not taking their chances

[hamish]

[QUOTE=cfdh_edmundo]Glazer's programme notes:-

"Yo soccer nutz !

The World Series of Soccer reaches it climax in the all-star game this weekend in Cardiff, UK. Team Manchester line up against eastcoast rivals team Arsenal for the FA Play-off final. Tensions will be supercharged for this clash of the heavyweights, and Arsenal-London will be out for revenge having had two reversals at the hands of Manchester already, being shut out two-oh and four-two.

Expect Manchester to put pressure on the Arsenal endzone, and Rodney Van Nisteldorf could get a touchdown from short yardage. Weighing in at two-seven-five pounds Manchester's freshman turned MVP Dwane Rooney could be a contender for a triple score (our "hat-trick" as its known UK-side), with his strikes from behind the 30 yard line.

Manchester have a weakness in their goaltender selection, with no one knowing which goal tender will make the team. Rookie Tim "America's Own" Howard has a .561 save average in last four, but faces competition from Rory "Catcher" Carrol who will be gunning for his fourth consecutive finals shutout. Carrols two handling errors means Howard will likely start 1st quarter. The final Manchester player to watch out for is Chris "Machine Gun" Ronaldo, line-backer for the Reds. The rookie is hot shot of the season, with a double dribble turnover ratio of 7 to 1, and makes plays from the end line into center field. If the game isnt going Manchester's way expect head coach Ferguson to call a timeout and bring the goaltender upfield as he did in the last game versus Mid Boro.

Arsenal-London have multiple negative issues, with team super star and goal getter Thierry "tee-man" En-ray suffering triple leg wounds in Arsenal-London's 7-0 goal blitz on Everton-Marines. Key defense-point-guard Ashley "Hitman" Cole has enraged fans by requesting a draft to cross-town rivals Chelsea-London, the current semester conference champions. Arsenal-Londons dutchman Dennis "Veteran" Bergerking will have to travel to the game early Friday, on Interstate 4 via Wales Turnpike due to the dutchman's No-fly-Zone. Expect Arsenal-London coach, Arsenal Wenger to call a time out in 3rd quarter. He will switch the dutchman for tight-end and field goal specialist John "power-play" Reyes, and bring Cesar Franchescas on as middleman (quaterback) and attack Manchester via excess groundspeed.

Also keep a lookout for roughing, foul calls, and red sinbins betwen Patrick "the Hatrick" Vieria and Roy "Lethal Enforcer" Keane over Manchester defense-zone-marshall Gary "Hustler-Rustler" Neville"





Edmundo - class.

[aberharp]

. fcuk it anyway

[tonycuna]

What a dramatic match!!

120 mins in front of tv, standing on two feet, with tons of fear...

But when Patrick scored the final penalty, i jumped around the room of my friend's home to put out all that fear! Incredible!! Absolutely incredible!!

We didn't deserve the win, but we kept our nerves strenght till the end, and penalties are always a story apart from the match..

Lehmann had his best match in the right day, and that save on Scholes was wonderful.. the shoot wasn't easy, and was very powerful!

I'm very very happy for our win!

Senderos and Lehmann, our best players today
Rooney and Ronaldo for them

Good Old Arsenal!! What a dramatic feelings you gave to me, today