The reported departure from Arsenal of striker, Emanuel Adebayor, to AC Milan now looks a step closer as the Italian club have failed to land a number of their other targets. Adebayor was linked with a big move to Milan only a month or two ago and wouldn’t hesitate at moving because it has been clear that Arsenal are quite far behind other sides at the moment.

In some respects the deal would mirror the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid, the Arsenal front man was heavily linked to Milan last summer but he decided to stay on for another year. However, in Ronaldo’s case this was down to the manager’s persuasion, in Adebayor’s case it may have just been down to the fact that a deal could not be officially put together in time.

He would be a good signing for Milan who have also just lost Kaka to Real Madrid. For someone so big and tall, Adebayor seems to have a brilliant touch and score beautiful goals from awkward situations and at important times. This is what has made him one of the most sought after strikers in the world when a lot of high profile stars are going between clubs for millions of pounds.

However, Milan should not try and get their hopes up too much because there are rumours flying around in England that it is only a matter of days before Chelsea make an approach for the striker. It was after all Carlo Ancelotti that wanted to take him to Milan in the first place and he clearly admires his skill and technique as a player.

Adebayor may also prefer a move to England as he would not have to settle down again in another country and learn a new language. Chelsea also need to make bigger changes to their squad and someone that could come in and compliment the likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka would definitely be considered.

History has also shown us that loyalty is not such a brilliant thing any more in football. The whole saga of Ashley Cole moving from Arsenal to Chelsea could be copied and it has been clear ever since that move was completed that Cole has won more haters than admirers. However, Adebayor should not be too worried about this and he has to think about what is best for him and his football future.

Either of these clubs would provide him with a better opportunity of success on the European scene but the slower paced football of the Italian league could well help him develop as a player and even extend his career by one or two seasons. Chelsea would probably be the most likely move if bids were put in from both parties but this link is purely just speculation at this moment in time, where as Milan have actually tried to sign him before and if they put in another bid it could be an old link that comes good for a very under rated player.

The FA Cup final on May 30 may look quite one sided on paper but it is much more likely to be the opposite. Everton and Chelsea will go head to head in a match that seems quite refreshing to the football neutral. Both sides played well in their semi-finals but the fact Everton have emerged as one of the finalists creates a small bit of excitement.

Everton beat Manchester United on penalties in their semi-final in a match, which saw Sir Alex Ferguson field a greatly weakened side. However, this weakened side did play extremely well and Everton needed every bit of David Moyes’ tactical nouse to get them through the match and into the final.

It is always a lottery whenever such an important game goes to a spot kick shoot out, but it was Everton who held their nerve and always looked the more likely to come out of the tie on top. They will use this victory as inspiration and proof that they can beat the best side in the country, Europe and the world. What more do Everton need to know to prove to themselves they can win it.

Chelsea came through a much more gritty semi-final against Arsenal. Although the victory was in the end quite comfortable, it was a very physical encounter, one that showed all of the elements of why the sides and the fans don’t really like each other any more.

The West London side have not been at their best at all in this season’s competition, but they are backed through some harsh heartbreak. It was not too long ago that Andres Iniesta was smashing in a last minute winner for Barcelona, which knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League.

It is also set to be Guus Hiddink’s last game in charge of Chelsea, if they cannot convince him to stay. This could well determine the players to play their hearts out for the manager that came in and steadied a rocking ship, when he also had the small task of keeping an eye on the Russian national side.

Both sides have their reasons for getting their heads down and playing through the match, trying intensely to win it at a canter. Everton to show this is more than just a penalty shoot out bluff and Chelsea to show that they are still good enough to win trophies in England. Hopefully the match will be decided after a thorough performance from one or the other and not from a penalty shoot out, which is the harshest way big matches are decided in the current game.

The fiasco that has surrounded the issue of tickets being on sale for the match has seen both sets of fans for these clubs being offered fewer tickets than the numbers being given to corporate sponsors and other ‘friends of football.’ This could well mean the atmosphere is not as intense as it may be and could place the emphasis right onto the football as the fans will not be as audible as they could be.

This won’t matter one bit to the people going to the game though. Former professionals have often commented that they often were lifted by the noise any amount of fans can create and the factor of having the twelfth man on side could be the difference. It could mean that when both sides are tried and exhausted after playing however many minutes, they lift themselves for that all important moment and stab at glory.

Of course there is football to be played between now and then, so the selection of players available is at this stage unknown. However, both managers will pick their strongest possible elevens, which will see a number of key on field battles break out. These could go a long way in determining who comes out victorious.

Everton are likely to be soaking up a lot of pressure during the match. The likes of Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda should all start the match meaning Chelsea are not going to adopt an approach of sitting back and taking the pressure.

Whoever plays at the heart of the Everton defence will have to be on top form to make sure that these individuals can’t get a foothold in the match and give Chelsea an advantage. In recent times teams have adopted the approach of playing workman like wingers in order to peg back the Chelsea full backs, if Everton do this successfully then it will mean all of Chelsea’s play will be through the middle, which is a lot easier for any defence to deal with.

If Chelsea’s midfield controls the game then it could well be a matter of time during the match until one of the strikers gets a chance. Space could also be created if Everton sink too deep meaning that Frank Lampard or Michael Ballack could be free to fire in shots on goal without the threat of being closed down.

Everton’s attacking approach is likely to be simple, the counter attack. The toffees will be hoping that the defence works hard enough to soak up the pressure and draw in the Chelsea midfield. This would allow Tim Cahill to play in the middle of the pitch, pick up the ball and bomb forward with little resistance. However, Everton’s strikers will have to concentre for every single second as the one chance they get could end up being the only chance they get.

Ironically, even though it is Everton and not Manchester United in the final, a similar game could break out. It is unlikely to be an open end-to-end game with a million chances. Both teams will be nervous because this is their only crack at silverware for this season. It could appear a boring game for the neutral but the subtlest of tactics could be the deciding factor.

If you were a betting man you would not place money against Chelsea, but the point is Everton are capable of winning. You can’t back a draw so we are all going to have to pick a side to get behind but for now it is probably easier to get up on that fence and stay there.

Chelsea took their Champions League frustration out on Arsenal yesterday as they thrashed the Gunners 4-1 at the Emirates. It was a truly dominant display as Chelsea secured third place in the Premier League and looked to lay the ghosts of Andres Iniesta’s last minute winner to rest.

In a similar fashion to the defeat against Manchester United, Arsenal flew out of the traps and looked to get ahead of Chelsea within the first few minutes of the game. However, Chelsea more than weathered this storm and went ahead with a brilliant header from defender, Alex.

Former Arsenal man, Nicolas Anelka fired in Chelsea’s second before Kolo Toure turned the ball into his own net. Nicklas Bendtner looked as though he had stopped the rot before Florent Malouda struck with Chelsea’s fourth.

It really was a case of men against boys as Arsenal looked completely out of their depth on their own ground. Guus Hiddink will be pleased that his side reacted so well to last week’s defeat, putting the scenes that surrounded the game behind them. He said: “After the first 15 minutes at Arsenal the team reacted perfectly.”

“I am very proud of them and they have shown they are one of the best in Europe, tactically and mentally. I am very proud to work with these boys as they always react well.”

The game highlighted the problems that Arsenal are currently going through. They simply had no answer to Chelsea’ more physical, technical and better football. Although they may have come close with a couple of slick passing moves, it does not detract from the fact they appear to be a long way off the top three sides in the league.

Arsene Wenger is going to have to bring some big and key players to North London this summer if his side are going to have any chance of competing with the top three next season. On their day Arsenal are still one of the best sides in the game to watch, the build up for Bendtner’s goal was classic Arsenal.

However, the point is that this is not happening often enough and Arsenal are making it easy for sides to peg them back and then counter and dominate. The logic behind not starting two of the club’s most physical strikers yesterday is baffling and a decision I’m sure that only Wenger can explain.

It would have been a bitter match to watch for Arsenal fans who would have been looking for a similar reaction in their own players as to the way that that Chelsea played. The blues looked really fired up and determined to make a point to everyone. They still have the FA Cup final to look forward to and it could be a cricket score against Everton if the performance is anything like it was yesterday.

It was also very positive to see Didier Drogba go about his business in a business like fashion. The rolling around on the floor and the swearing at camera had disappeared. Arsenal have serious problems but this does not take away how good Chelsea actually were.

Barcelona will travel to West London tonight buoyed by a rampant 6-2 victory over Real Madrid last weekend. However, the Spanish side will need a big team performance if they are going to get past a Chelsea side determined to make up for their loss last year in Moscow.

Chelsea may choose to go with just Didier Drogba up top with Nicolas Anelka looking set to miss out. Ashley Cole is likely to return after being banned for the first leg, which ended in a 0-0 draw, and German, Michael Ballack, could step straight back into the side.

Thierry Henry is a doubt for Barcelona as he hobbled off against Madrid and missed training with a knee injury. Barca also have defensive problems with Carlos Puyol suspended and Rafael Marquez injured. A lot of pressure will be placed on former Manchester United player, Gerrard Pique, who will no doubt have to martial a make shift defence.

Barca go into the tie backed by a big and fearsome performance. It is unlikely that Chelsea will be fazed by this side’s result last weekend but if they go to London with a clear game plan and play any where near like they did against Madrid then it could be a long night for Guus Hiddink’s men.

Chelsea’s home advantage could just see them through. They will be disappointed not to have scored an away goal last week but they are in with a real chance. If they can keep Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi quiet all night then Barca’s main influences will be muted.

Guus Hiddink insists that his side are ready and not afraid. He said: “Their 6-2 win was a respectable performance but every game is different. Having scored six it will give them a tremendous boost, but I think this game will be a lot different.”

Chelsea will be looking to their big players to see them through the tie. Captain, John Terry, must lead from the front and make sure his defence is organised, compact and tight. This will allow Frank Lampard and the other attacking players to flow forwards and create space and time for each other.

However, they must be wary of the counter attack. Manchester United’s third goal against Arsenal showed last night how clinical this piece of play can be with the right momentum and players in the process. If Barca get any foothold in the midfield then they have the players necessary to dominate this area of the pitch all night long.

Ironically it has the pre-match feeling of an English cup-tie and could well end up being that sort of game in terms of play and atmosphere. Chelsea will need the fans to get right behind the team and make Stamford Bridge as intimidating as they can. If Barca are allowed to settle then this could be disastrous.

It is a very hard game to call and for now Manchester United won’t care who wins. Whoever gets their nose in front early could press on and take the match. For neutrals it would be good to see yet again two big English sides in the final but Barca must not be counted out. They could easily produce a display that none of us expect and something that takes our breath away.

Tonight Chelsea face an absolutely massive task in Spain that could see their European ambitions completely destroyed.

Guus Hiddink’s men face up to the favourites for this years competition in what promises to be a mouth-watering occasion. It will take a tremendous amount of team spirit, combined with quality and skill to get the two time Premier League champions through this tie.

The loss of Ashley Cole will mean Jose Bosingwa steps in at left back to try and counter the attacking influence of arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi. Otherwise, Chelsea look fully equipped to pack out the midfield and give Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka the best possible chance of scoring an away goal to take back to Stamford Bridge.

Both sides are packed with talent so it is difficult to work out where tonight’s game will be won. Chelsea have only beaten Barca on four occasions, as opposed to the Spanish side’s five victories.

Chelsea will be looking to dominate the midfield battles. The likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Michael Ballack must all dominate Iniesta and Xavi. The Spanish side will clearly look to play a quick passing game to breach the Chelsea defence.

The recent form of Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech, has come under increased scrutiny and as Barcelona will be looking to kill the tie in the first leg, the Czech international will have to be on top of his game.

The basis of Chelsea’s success under Jose Mourinho was Cech leading from the back, allowing the defence the time and movement to deal with attacking problems easily. If Barcelona look to exploit Cech then it could be one of the very few weak points in the West London side’s armour.

Leadership will also be vital. John Terry will still be hurting from the final defeat to Manchester United last season. Terry will need to pull out a big performance to martial his side through their most important game of this year’s campaign. Terry will also be paramount to stemming Barcelona’s attacking influence.

Hiddink will no doubt want to get one over on the club he faced during his time at Real Madrid. It is likely he is to be very shrewd with his tactics and considering the talent Barca will have on display, this is no surprise.

He has to deploy a clever system in order to impose his Chelsea side on the game. Sitting back and consolidating will knock work as it allows Barca to build up pressure and eventually pick off a goal or two.

As for Barcelona, the defence of the Spanish side has come under recent criticism especially the keeper, Victor Valdes, and captain, Carlos Puyol. Both of these players have been going through rough patches, but are likely to play as they are two of the most experienced players in the Spanish side.

The attacking combination that Barcelona go with is unknown, it could be Henry and Messi or it could be Messi and Eto’o, but the one thing that is guaranteed is that whoever plays, they are likey to give Chelsea a few headaches.

Chelsea will get through this one with vocal support from the fans and with a massive team performance. They have to keep Barcelona’s influences quiet, while at the same time imposing themselves on the game. If all of this unfolds then there is no reason why they can’t go back to the Bridge with a one or two goal advantage.

The Champions League semi finals kicked off today (April 28th) with Barcelona and Chelsea playing to a rather uneventful 0-0 draw in front of 95,000 fans at the Camp Nou in the Spanish port city. Barcelona had the best chances, especially in the last 10 minutes, but Chelsea held on. It was actually the first time all season that Barcelona failed to score in a home game. Chelsea didn’t really seem interested in trying to score and that shows in the statistics. Barcelona had 71 per cent of possession and had 19 attempts on goal compared to three by the Londoners. For some reason Nicolas Anelka was kept on the Chelsea bench until about the 93rd minute. It’s Man United vs Arsenal up next (April 29th) and let’s hope it’s a much better match than this one was.

Mexican striker Carlos Vela has rejoined Arsenal for the game after being quarantined for a day due to fears over the swine flu outbreak in Mexico. Vela was told to stay away from training after some friends from Mexico came to visit him. Over 150 people have died from the virus so far and some Mexican teams have taken to playing in empty stadiums with no fans to help control the disease. The CONCACAF Under 17 championships and a beach soccer championship have also been scrapped due to the flu.

Newcastle United took a step closer to relegation yesterday (April 27th) with a 0-0 draw at home with equally unimpressive Portsmouth. Newcastle sit in with games to go and it looks like they’re going to end up in the Championship Division next season unless they realize the desperate situation they’re in and start playing like they’re actually trying to win a game.

Thirty-five-year-old Manchester United star Ryan Giggs was voted English Premier League player of the year by his fellow pros. It’s about the only trophy Giggs hadn’t won yet in his career by the way. So far, Giggs has lifted 10 Premier League titles, two Champions League sups, four FA Cups and two League Cups.

Giggs received the award on April 26th and is still waiting to make his 800th appearance for United during Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal. Giggs didn’t play in the win over Spurs on the weekend.

While Giggs is and has been a great player, there’s no way he deserves the award on his play this season though. He has only started 12 games for United and it seems the award is basically being awarded to him to honour his excellent career. But even so, the players voted on it and that’s good enough for me.

The players also voted on the English Premier League team of the year and it looks like this:

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd), defenders Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), winger Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), midfielder Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), striker Fernando Torres (Liverpool), striker Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) and Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

Young, 23 was also fittingly named young player of the year.