Not Walking Alone

My favorite football (soccer) chants comes from Merseyside club Liverpool. Yes, it is awe-inspiring to see Anfield filled with fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" before every match.

But my favorite has got to be Liverpool's snide chant for Chelsea.

Fuck off Chelsea, you haven't got no history. Five European Cups and 18 Leagues, that's what we call history.

It's short and simple and really fucking awesome.

But the Reds haven't added to that chant in some time. The last major title Liverpool has won was the FA Cup in 2006. They were champions of Europe in 2005. But those 18 Leagues? That part of the chant hasn't been updated since 1990.

Liverpool is currently tied with their London rivals a top the Premiership standings. Liverpool is also undefeated in the Champions League.

Can it be? Are prospects high at Anfield? The European Double? Can they do it?

It sure looks like it. That expensive attack--Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel, Robbie Keane and of course, England's best, Stevie Gerrard, is finally gelling and looking to be an unstoppable force.

Granted, England's Big Four all have amazing offensive-minded individuals. But Liverpool is beginning to finally play like a unit.

However, it's a long, long time before we get to may.

But, If they keep this up, they'll be chanting "Fuck off Chelsea, you haven't got no history. Six European Cups and 19 Leagues, that's what we call history."

Match Day 1(s) Done in Champions League, Plus Bad Banks

So, did anyone else notice that Manchester United will be wearing a different Champions League patch on their sleeve than everyone else? Yeah, Man U, in its draw with the Yellow Submarine today, was seen wearing a black patch with something to the effect "2008 Cup Winners" (not exact, but something like it).

I've never seen that before. Maybe it's happened in the past, but I really don't recall. Of course, the Red Dragons think that their special and maybe that patch separates them out.

But the bigger news of the week was that of the logo on the front of their jerseys. AIG, who bought that little space on Man U's shirts, needed the U.S. government to bail them out. It's not the first time that a corporate sponsor of a sporting something has almost gone under. Actually, plenty of corporate sponsors have gone away (Enron anyone?). This Time story kind of explains sports aspect of all these banks failing, but not really.

Champions League thoughts:

• Speaking of Man U, not even soon-to-be-world-footballer-of-the-year Cristiano Ronaldo could help United gain three points over Villarreal at Old Trattford. And the Red Dragons play Chelsea on Sunday?! And Man U is in 14th in the Premiership?! No, it's not time to panic in Manchester. But the Yellow Submarine should have stolen that game today.
  
• Speaking of Man U's group, all four teams went scoreless with Celtic and Aalborg drawing nil-nil in Glasgow. Meaning that after one day, Group E stands pat with everyone with one point. Exciting or boring? You tell me.
• Okay, I'm convinced: Chelsea is pretty awesome right now, in my opinion. But their manager is pissed? Things do not look good for Man U on Sunday.
• Roma lost to who?
• Welcome back to the premiere club competition in Europe Bayern, Juventus and Atletico. And welcome back Stevie G, you're still way better than Frank Lampard.
  

The Draw for the Most Exciting Competition Outside of the World Cup

The Champions League qualifying ties are done, and the groups have been set.

I love the European Cup competition. I love seeing the different styles of football (soccer) from the competing nations compete against each other.

Some thoughts about the Champions League group stages, which begin next month.

• So the Scots are still squabbling over the proposition that an All-United Kingdom football side be fielded for the 2012 Olympic Games. Well, at least one Scottish side gets to be the hopes of tiny the nation as Manchester United and Celtic match up twice in the group stage.

• I am dubbing Group D this year's "Group of Death" Why? Well, we know Liverpool will advance through, but you pick between PSV, Marseille and Atletico Madrid.

• Barcelona couldn't have prayed for an easier six matches.

• Poor Juventus. Their first time back in two years and they draw Real Madrid and UEFA Cup winners Zenit.

• Is Chelsea really the top draw for this tournament? Please.