How long have you supported Inter Milan for?
I have supported inter for around ten year now.

What are you expectations for the remainder of the season?
I think that the remainder of both teams’ seasons will depend largely on the outcome of the Chelsea – inter game, the team that progresses will most likely ride on the momentum of winning such a big game and will definitely have a better chance of taking there respective domestic titles, especially with the contenders in both leagues having a period of good form. I also believe that one of inter or Chelsea will reach the final of the Champions League if they do not encounter barcelona in their remaining games.

How have you enjoyed Jose as your coach since he joined you from Chelsea?
I think that mourinho has done a decent job since his arrival, I don’t think he reached the high expectations that were put forth for him by the media and the inter fans, but he certainly gave the team a new identity and there is never a dull moment at your club when jose is coaching.

In the first leg Didier Drogba was marked very well by Lucio, Do you think he can show a similar performance again at Stamford Bridge?
Lucio has done a great job marking drogba in the first leg, even though drogba was practically scoring in every game he played, and it seems that he hasn’t slowed down since the first leg as he scored two goals against west ham in the weekend, but i remain confident that lucio will do a fine job against dogba once again at the bridge, maybe not as good as the first leg but a fine job nonetheless.

Are you expecting Inter to come out and attack and get a crucial away goal or to sit on what you already have?
Inter and Chelsea fans know what kind of coach jose mourinho is, and i’m certainly not expecting any surprises in terms of his tactics, i think he will have the team sit back and soak up pressure trying not to concede an early goal while occasionally unleashing a quick counter-attack.

Who is your Favorite Chelsea player?
Michael Essien.

Finally, Your prediction for the game?
I can’t predict the scoreline of this game any better than anyone else, but my guess would be that inter’s goal advantage and strong defense will give them a slight advantage going into this game, 0-0 or 1-1.

Related posts:

1. Inter Milan – Opposition Views
2. Birmingham – Opposition Views
3. Inter Milan v Chelsea – Preview

Peter Harrell from hammerstv.com

How long have you supported West Ham United for?

Since birth (so 36 years) – It’s come down through the generations on my Dads side who grew up and lived in Dagenham. When we were younger we used to get to a lot of home games, but I’ve been living in Cyprus for 8 years now so getting to Upton Park is a bit of a trek!! Now it’s my turn to hand it down through my son Kyan who’s nearly 4. I’m hoping to get back for a couple of home games next season so he can experience the Boleyn Ground before the possibility of moving to a new stadium.

What are you expectations for the remainder of the season, and do you think you will stay above the relegation zone?

I think we will be ok, but more because there are other teams around us that are performing just as bad! At the beginning of the season, despite all the off-field problems, I think most of us were looking forward to a decent season under Zola-Clarke – unfortunately it wasn’t to be. I still expect us to stay up, but to be honest I am struggling to see why we are down there in the first place. Ok we are not going to be challenging for the Champions league, but we have enough quality to be sitting comfortably in mid-table. We have 2 hard away games coming up, but it’s our home games against the teams around us like of Wolves & Wigan where we should be able to pick up enough points to stay up.

How do you rate Gianfranco Zola as a coach and would you like to see him at West Ham again next season?

Personally I think the guy has great potential as a Manager and if he had another season with the club in a stable position financially, allowing him to strengthen the squad, then I think he will do well. He looks tactically unaware sometimes but that should improve over time. You have to remember that he has had to work under extremely difficult circumstances, as you can see by his rapidly receding hairline, and a steady ship should make things easier for him. However the only view that really matters is that of our new owners and personally I think they will look to replace him at the end of the season.

Who do you think will be the key players for West Ham in our clash on the weekend?

This is a tough one because against Birmingham & Hull there were some very good performances from a number of players, but against Manu U we folded to easily and against Bolton we were shameful. Carlton Cole has looked badly off the pace since he came back from injury, so we will be hoping that he ups the ante a bit against his old club. I would like to see Mido start up front with Cole to see how that works with Franco on the bench. We need Parker and Bahrami to have a good game in the middle of the park, maybe creating some set pieces around your box for Diamanti to take advantage of. But most of all we need Upson and Tompkins to be up for this one – both were shocking against Bolton and they are going to have their hands full with your lot this weekend. What we really need is a good team performance as that has been lacking the last 2 games. Hammers fans don’t mind loosing, we’re used to it, providing the players sweat blood for the shirt they are wearing.

Your Favorite Chelsea Player?

For me it has to be Frank Lampard. I know he isn’t the most popular figure amongst us Hammers fans, but putting that aside he is one of (if not the) best mid-fielders in the country and very consistent season after season. I’m sure if he was back playing for us tomorrow that ‘most’ West Ham fans would happily starting cheering him again (we’re not fickle you know)!

What do you think about Chelsea’s chances of winning the title?

I think Chelsea are in with a realistic chance, but so are Man U and Arsenal – this is probably one of the hardest years to predict because both you and Man U have dropped some vital points recently allowing Arsenal back into the race. Going on current form you would even go as far as saying that Arsenal are in the strongest position if they can keep their form up. They have certainly livened things up a bit. I would like to see either you or Arsenal get it as I would rather see it go to a London club (unless it was the Spuds of course).

Finally, your prediction for the game?

My brain is telling me we will get hammered and my heart is telling me we’ll go out there fighting and pull off an upset – winning 2-1 (Carlton Cole / Diamanti for us and Lampard for you). But, back on planet earth, if we can grab a point or two from our next couple of games I will be happy, so I’m going for a lively 1-1 draw!

Related posts:

1. Preston – Opposition Views
2. Stoke City – Opposition Views
3. Arsenal – Opposition Views

How long have you supported Stoke?
I’ve been going to Stoke since ’89, when the big fences came down after Hillsborough. That along with a slight lull in the violence around that time made watching Stoke safe enough. I was 9 at that time.

Expectations for Stoke for the remainder of the Season?
Well, we’re probably about six points away from ensuring Prem football again for next season, so i’m pretty happy with the way things have panned out. I’m not greedy, I’m pretty realistic as to what we can hope to achieve, any improvement on last seasons 12th place would be enough to keep me happy, but the FA Cup and Europa football for next season would be nice!!

Which Stoke players should we look out for?
That’s a tricky one, I suppose i’d have to say Ricardo Fuller on his day. The last couple of matches in the cup have been fantastic for us, Tony Pulis is not known for taking too many chances in the league, opting to play it safe especially away from home, so the cup’s been a joy, with certain players putting in some big performances. I think the match against Arsenal in the 4th round was about as good as i’ve seen us this season, second half we really tore them apart, then against Man City the other week second half and throughout ET we were by far the better side. Thing is, we don’t really have any one player who’s outshining all the rest, I have my favourites but they’re hardly the flare players you’d be used to down the Bridge! Ryan Shawcross is quality, but you’re not gonna be seeing him unfortunately! (think Fabio missed a trick not giving him a run out with JT on Wednesday, reckon his pace coupled with terry’s experience could well be a winning formula. We all know Rio’s shagged, and in my opinion Matty Upson’s too slow and no better centre half than Ryan) Watch Delap simply for the throw, although he did bag one at yours last season, also Tuncay’s lively but can run round like a headless Chicken sometimes! bit lightweight too.

Your favourite Chelsea player?
Of this Chelsea side I’d probably go with JT, he’s geting some real bad press at the minute, but he’s been a top centre half for long enough now. If he’s feeling unloved round your way I’d love to see him turning out for us! not that i’ve got many complaints with Robert Huth. As i’ve already said though, reckon he and Shawcross could be a solid pairing for England. Ha, the press would have a field day with that one! Of course we both share a love and respect for Alan Hudson and Mark Stein.

Chelsea’s chances of winning the title?
It would be nice.. I think we probably did you no favours losing to the Arsenal last weekend, there really wasn’t much we could do once we were down to ten men. Think you’re lookin’ at a three horse race with yourselves, Arsenal and Man Utd fighting it out. Out of the three it’s anyone’s guess yet, but i’m no fan of Utd and Wenger and Fabregas aren’t in the good books round our way just now! I’d like to see you turn things round in Europe too.

Your prediction for our upcoming FA Cup game?
Honest?? I think you’ll be too strong for us. I hate to say that as we’ve played well in the cup and we probably owe you one, on the backing of our last couple of meets in the league! But we’re a very different proposition playing away from home than we are at Stoke. if we were at the Brit then perhaps we could squeeze through, but it’s a big ask at yours. Think both sides are suffering some shitty press at the minute, i’m not sure how that’s gonna effect us yet but it’s told already for you boys in one or two games, it might not be the classic FA Cup tie we’re all hoping for but fingers crossed eh? I’ll be happy if we finish with 11 players on the pitch for a change!! Watch those long throws lads, and good look with the rest of the season. (that is bar our two games!)

Related posts:

1. Man City – Opposition Views
2. West Ham – Opposition Views
3. Preston – Opposition Views

Who Are You?
My birth name is Dave but I go by the username Tudor. I am the editor of Vital Manchester City, a site devoted solely to the Blues. In May 2010 I will have been at the helm for three years having built the site up from nothing. I have a couple of co-editors who help me out, all of which are devoted City supporters. The site devotes its time in bringing fans news via our front page articles, and of course we have several forums.

How long have you supported Manchester City for?
For as long as I can remember. My early memories go back to the early 70′s and the Colin Bell era so that might give you an indication of my age.

What are you expectations for the remainder of the season, and do you
think you will be playing champions league football next season?
At the beginning of the season we would have been happy with a Europa League place but now we think we might just nick a Champions League position. One of our problems is our run-in which has to be said looks horrendous on paper, beginning with your guys on Saturday. We still have to play Man U and Arsenal as well but i’m fairly optimistic of pulling off some fantastic results.

What are your thoughts on the John Terry and Wayne Bridge Scandal?
Wayne Bridge is known for being a private and reserved person and with all the media talk just recently I have a feeling its completely knocked him for six. Its a pity he couldn’t do something similar to John Terry behind a bike shed and have it done with and then move on. Pity he’s decided to count himself out of the England set-up but its his decision, one I respect.

Who do you think will be the key players in our clash at the weekend?
Tevez, just so long he’s not jet-lagged. Ade and Adam Johnson, recently signed from Boro. He’s a class act and is a joy to watch. As for Chelsea, well who isn’t a class act!!

Your Favourite Chelsea Player?
Frank Lampard. He’s been through a lot himself but on the pitch he’s a joy to watch.

What do you think about Chelsea’s chances of winning the title?
100%. The only other challenger are the Rags but we don’t mention them.

Finally, your prediction for the game?
I hate to say this but Chelsea will win by a two goal margin. There, I said it now!

Related posts:

1. Stoke City – Opposition Views
2. Wolves – Opposition Views
3. West Ham – Opposition Views

What are your expectations for the remainder of the season?
Serie A – We will win it. I think it will become tougher since we will drop some points now but in the end we will prevail.
Coppa Italia – We should win this too though we aren’t motivated for it.
Champions League – If we manage to get past Chelsea, then I would fancy our chances of winning it. But not very hopeful of it.

How many years have you supported Inter Milan for?
Around 8-9 years.

How have you liked our former coach Jose Mourinho since he signed with use?
This is an interesting and debatable question. We appreciate some of his management changes like having the youth team also train closer to senior team etc.

His man-management skills and constant standing up for Inter in the media are what we like the most. It’s very difficult since in Italy, Inter are always the target of the media irrespective of our good or boring play, irrespective of us winning or losing games, irrespective of the fact that Inter are always the victim of double standards. Jose isn’t the darling of the media here unlike in England. It’s something that has taken its toll on him.

On the other hand, tactically he hasn’t been up to the mark. I would grant him some concession on his first year since it was a new league and players for him. But even with a lot of changes and 1.5 years into the job; he hasn’t been able to find the right balance for us.
I would rate him 6/10.
Having said that, I would still like to stick with him for a while and see how far he can develop us. Another reason for that is the lack of managers out there who would be considered a big improvement over him.

Which Inter player should we look out for?
Ancelotti would be well aware of this. Sneijder is our creative threat and I am sure he will be tightly marked. 90% of our creativity comes from him.
Milito too has been very good and become a fan favourite in a very short while. But he isn’t the strongest physically. Chelsea are immense in that aspect.

Your Favourite Chelsea Player?
No favourite really, but I like Terry. I like defenders to show the kind of steel he does. I also think Drogba is a fantastic player. I used to like Deco and Ballack but that was 3-5 years back. I have hardly followed them since they moved to Chelsea. I would say that I prefer Chelsea to win the EPL since I can’t stand Manu or Pool. I am indifferent to Arsenal.

Finally, your prediction for our two Champions League clashes?
I think we will manage to score in the knockouts this season. Chelsea would go through on away goals. I would also mention that my replies were very moderate and not extreme in terms of fanaticism for Inter or against the opposite team.

Related posts:

1. Inter Milan v Chelsea – Preview
2. Internazionale – Opposition Views
3. Inter Milan 2-1 Chelsea

How long have you Supported Wolverhampton for?
I started supporting Wolves in 1966 after watching England win the World cup! I am therefore old enough to remember watching Wolves beat Chelsea 7-1 at Molineux!

What are your expectations for Wolves for the remainder of the season and do you think you will stay in the EPL?
My hopes for this season are purely to stay up, however we can do it.

Which Wolves players should we look out for?
Player to watch out for-must be Kevin Doyle, if he gets the service he will cause problems, Mad Mick decided to rest him at the Bridge. Also Jarvis our fast winger, he played well at your place and he seems to have found his feet now.

How do you think Michael Mancienne is doing this season? Would you like him to continue on loan next season?
Michael Mancienne won’t make a premier centrehalf in my opinion as he is too light weight, heis best attributes are his pace and ability to read a game. We play him as a defensive midfielder in a 4/5/1. His place on saturday will be taken by a new french kid who looks the biz and played great against spurs.
If we could loan him again I would have him ,whether Mick McCarthy is the best tutor is another thing though!

Your Favorite Chelsea Player?
Favourite Chelsea player would be Joe Cole although he hasn’t had much game time ,I hope he is okay for SA.

What do you think about Chelsea’s chances of winning the title?
I think Chelsea will come second to Man Utd this season, I feel you have better players but Manure seem to grind results out and you have stuttered away this year. Shouldn’t have got rid of the special one, Kenyon would have been a better choice to sack.

Finally, your prediction for the game?
Prediction for saturday, in reality you should win easily but you never know, 3-0 to you anything lower is a bonus.

Related posts:

1. Burnley – Opposition Views
2. Wolves v Chelsea – Preview
3. Cardiff – Opposition Views

How long have you Supported Cardiff City for?
Been supporting Cardiff for almost 20 years (christ that makes me sound old although Im just 27). First game was a 2-0 home win against Colchester 19 years ago with Carl Dale and Nathan Blake getting the goals that day!

What are your expectations for Cardiff for the remainder of the season?
With all the monie problems surrounding the club at the moment, it’s hard to really pick an acceptable target for us. We’re in 4th spot as it stands and are going well but I worry that due to us not having the funds to bring in even loan players, injuries and suspensions could take a real toll on the team so if we can crawl over the playoff line, I’ll be delighted.

Do you Believe Cardiff can get promoted to the Premiere League this season?
It’s doubtful due to the money but if we can get into the playoffs then anything can happen. It’s a two-legged affair so if we can keep it tight away, we are always formidable at home. If we get into the final…it’s a lottery so it’s anyones game there but you have to have faith that we can do it.

Which Cardiff players should we look out for?
Well it’s been well documented that Michael Chopra has continued to be a great striker this season getting 14 goals again so far and he will always pose a threat for any defender as he tends to play right on the shoulder of the last man and has caught out many defences trying to play him offside this year. Peter Whittingham is in the form of his career getting 13 goals himself and is very dangerous from set pieces and penalties. Jay Bothroyd is our target man but is currently rated 50/50 for the clash and although he may not have a big goal threat, he causes big problems with his height and always brings the best out of Michael Chopra.

Your Favorite Chelsea Player?
Well…..I think despite what has gone on recently – John Terry is a rock at the heart of the Chelsea defence and it will be a huge bonus if he misses the clash. I think that Drogba is pure class and if plays….will be huge test for Anthony Gerrard.

What do you think about Chelsea’s chances of winning the title?
I think it’s Chelseas title to lose. I dont think you can ever rule out Man Utd and they are bound to come back strong but I think that as Chelsea got through the “African Cup” period pretty un-scathed…they should have what it takes to close out the rest of the season now.

Finally, your prediction for our FA Cup tie this weekend?
Well I’d love to say that Cardiff are going to go to the bridge with our merry army of Bluebirds and cause what would be a huge upset but knowing our defending this season…..it could be a cricket score! We lost 5-1 away to Newcastle a week ago and although they are a good team, Chelsea are in a different class to them so I’m slightly worried. Maybe we’ll rise to the occasion but due to injuries etc, I’m fearful of watching and might have to watch it through the gaps in my fingers.

Related posts:

1. Blues Ease Past Cardiff
2. Everton – Opposition Views
3. Cardiff In The Cup

What are your expectations for Everton this season?
Pretty much a dead season due to us being way off the running for a top four spot and now out of our most realistic aim for a trophy (the FA Cup). That being said, we are on good form and are getting many key players back now (mainly Arteta and Jagielka to come) so hopefully we can push on in the Europa League and potentially cause a few upsets in that. Domestically I think top seven is our most realistic aim which could lead to another season in Europe for us if things go our way in domestic competitions.

Which Everton players should we look out for?
Before Saturday I would have said Fellaini and Pienaar who are both playing absolutely exceptional, especially Fellaini but due to both of them being out I’d have to say Saha. He has been a little goal shy of late but the lad is an unbelievable player who is packed with moments of brilliance, a bit like your main man, Drogba. If he is at it he is a test for any defence in the league so he is our main threat I’d say. Also I’d say Heitinga who is in fine form and has been since moving to centre half, made it his own and when Jagielka returns it’ll once again be the extremely solid defence we build our whole side around, I hope.

Do you have any memories of playing Chelsea in the past?
Bad ones yes. FA Cup final in particular last season was a killer. Brilliant day out for us though and taking the lead in the first minute was unbelievable – shame we couldn’t see it through. Also have a few others, I remember you coming here and winning 1-0 with a Mutu handball which again was a killer. I remember going to your place when we should have won, denied a Beattie goal in the last minute which would have given us a 2-1 victory and of course how could I forget Cahills overhead kick at the Bridge last season? Tremendous. Plus our 3-3 encounter this season at your place & that classic when Drogba scored from about 35 yards out to give you lot a 3-2 victory.

What Chelsea player do you fear the most?
Has to be Drogba doesn’t it? He is unstoppable and in the form of his career. Heitinga, for me is up against his biggest test to date in the form Drogba is in so it’ll be difficult for us to stop him. On top of that you could name Anelka, Lampard, Ballack, Cole, Malouda etc the list in endless, but Drogba stands out.

Your opinion of Chelsea?
Very good side who even in first gear are good enough to knock away half of the league we’re in. Class all over the field and simply never look like losing form unlike their main domestic rivals (Arsenal and Man United). I fully expect Chelsea, this season to go on and win the league and FA Cup and who knows if Drogba can stay fit and on form lift the main one for all Chelsea fans, the European Cup.

Your prediciton for the game?
We’re on good form but I don’t expect much. I think Chelsea will come here and roll us over as per usual at Goodison. I don’t think yous will have to play your best to get a result with us missing a lot of creativity in Pienaar and a lot of steel within midfield in Fellaini but it won’t be an easy game. I think it’ll be 0-2, with an early goal and despite it being a tight encounter – you lot finishing us off late on.

Related posts:

1. Arsenal – Opposition Views
2. Preston – Opposition Views
3. West Ham – Opposition Views

What are your expectations for the remainder of the season for both sides?
Expectations (or more high hopes): after our win on Sunday, Arsenal and Chelsea will be going neck and neck for the league title for the remainder of the season. Rooney will injure a knee in the next couple of weeks, so United will be stuffed. Arsenal will clinch it with a week to spare.

With your lack of strikers atm who do you think will lead your attack?
I really hope Bendtner is given the chance to lead up front. He has loads of potential and I’d really like to see him step to the next level. With van Persie crocked, Arshavin has done a mighty job playing out of position and with injuries. But that’s not where we want to use him. Eduardo has taken some time to return to his best and Vela is still a work in progress. So I think Bendtner should get his chance and I expect he would grab it with both hands.
Many fans are unhappy that the boss didn’t buy a striker in the transfer window. His reasoning was because none of the available options stacked up better than Bendtner when he’s fit. So we’ll see if he gets his chance.

Do you have any memories of playing Chelsea in the past?
Well there’s the horrible year of 1999. Chelsea suffered at the hands (or feet) of Kanu’s hat-trick and must have been gutted. But that was exactly how Arsenal fans felt watching Ryan Giggs waltz through our defence in the FA Cup semi. And the slashing shot for goal is still a dagger through the heart even today.
But Chelsea games are derbies, they’re always intense, and I expect Sunday will be no difference. To be honest, our boys need to really stand up and fight. You scored 3 against us at home this season, and United repeated the dose last weekend. Some of our guys give 110% every time, but there were some passengers last weekend, and Chelsea will punish us badly if anyone is not on their game on Sunday.

Your opinion on the John Terry saga and whether you think he should of lost the English captaincy?
You make your bed, you lie in it. Some people also say you wet your bed , you lie in it. Depends on how severely you rate his behaviour. I don’t think it’s appropriate he stays as England captain. Not because his actions can be directly related to his responsibilities in that role. That’s a never-ending argument. But I think if he remained, it would be a constant talking point through the World Cup and only be detrimental to his and the England team’s performance. If you look back at William Gallas last season, he messed up, but through his strength of character, actually came out a better player after he lost the Arsenal captaincy. I think a similar logic might apply to Terry here.

Your Favourite Chelsea player?
Gianluca Vialli. Currently, not Ashley Cole.

Your prediction for the game?
2-1 to Arsenal. Maybe that’s more of a wish. But we need to win, and ultimately any win will do.

Related posts:

1. Everton – Opposition Views
2. West Ham – Opposition Views
3. Birmingham – Opposition Views

What are your expectations for the remainder of the season for Burnley and Chelsea?
I guess in terms of staying in the premiership Burnley and Chelsea are worlds apart. Will Burnley survive? maybe just. At home we are a totally different force than away, as our home record will testify. I think Chelsea will see a very Different Burnley side than the one beaten at your place and I’d wager we’ll get something from the game. This said Chelsea are on fire at the moment and are my prediction for the title.

Which Burnley players should we look out for when we visit?
Burnley players you need to look out for at home are the entire 11 men on the field. As I’ve said we are a totally different proposition at Turf Moor.

Do you have any memories of playing Chelsea in the past? Memories of playing Chelsea?
Carling Cup last season amazing night for us winning 5 – 4 on penalties

Your opinion of Chelsea?
My opinion of Chelsea is pretty much like the rest of the premiership big boys in that teams like Burnley will always struggle. Our maximum wage bill per player is £15k compared to 100K plus for the top premiership teams, so competing on a financial level playing field and attracting the big players is always going to be difficult. This said it does make it all the more sweet when we beat the big boys at home. As a football side there is no doubt Chelsea are a quality team and am sure Burnley would happily take some of your reserves on loan and put then in the 1st team.

Your Favorite Chelsea Player?
My Favorite Chelsea player has to be Lampard, the man is pure class.

Your prediciton for the game?
Prediction for the game 1 – 1

Related posts:

1. Preston – Opposition Views
2. Burnley Preview
3. Arsenal – Opposition Views