Whilst the rest of the nation is leaping through the streets, shouting “snow! It’s snow! Everybody look - SNOW! OMG SNOOOW!”, because there’s been a bit of snow, hardened football journalists have their eyes fixed on the horizon, wondering just exactly what’s going to go down in January.
According to today’s Independent, one possibility is that the robed gentlemen at Man City will look to bolster their defence by fishing in rather warmer waters - namely, Barcelona ones.
The big talk recently has all been about a tussle with Spurs for Matthew Upson’s autograph, but other names on the Man City wants list are said to include Barcelona’s should-be shampoo model, Carlos Puyol. And their token French defender, Eric Abidal.
As everyone knows, you can’t beat a French left back. Wayne Bridge, beware.
With Lescott screaming and clutching his leg in a nearby hospital, and Toure off to win the African Cup of Nations, they are in dire need of a man at the back. Puyol seems very unlikely, however.
Athletic Bilbao/Barcelona, Copa del Rey Final, 9pm BST
There couldn’t be a more fitting final to this year’s Copa del Rey- the two most successful teams in the competition’s history vying to become the first to win it 25 times (if you count 1902 as a Bilbao triumph, that is).
If you were looking forward to the prospect of thousands of Catalan and Basque fans jeering both him and the Spanish national anthem, however, you may be disappointed. Despite showing most of the group stages, Sky have opted not to show the final in the UK, as tennis, cricket and Wigan’s mauling at the hands of Manchester Utd have been given a higher priority.
Barcelona are missing Rafael Marquez, Eric Abidal, Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry, and are struggling with fatigue ahead of their 12th match in 40 days. Here’s why Athletic Bilbao may be worth backing at a generous 7.2 with Betfair:
» Bilbao are hitting form at the right time having won three and drawn one of their last five, killing off any danger of a relegation battle.
» They also have a massive fitness advantage having played four games less than Barcelona since the start of April.
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