Guardiola Arsenal, Mourinho Man Utd, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Was disappointed that Barca won 2-0 at Madrid last night.

It means the final at Wembley will probably not be as exciting.

Man Utd v Real Madrid had lots of potential with two even teams.

Man Utd v Barca is likely to be a repeat of the 2009 final when Utd struggled to get the ball.

I think there is something in what Mourinho had to say about Barca and refs: They do seem to favour the Catalans. If, as likely, it is Utd v Barca at Wembley you're better off putting your money on which Utd player Alves and Co are likely to get sent off....probably in this order...1. Rafael (if he plays) 2. Rooney 3. Vidic. 4. Evra.

Barca are hard to play when it is 11 v 11. Hopefully the Wembley ref will have the guts to stand up to their play acting. Sure, they are a beautiful team but they are also no angels. Like Mourinho, they are masters of the dark arts - only they are more subtle in how they employ them.

Mourinho v Guardiola is shaping up into the next big battle of the bosses for the next decade.

Just as we had Ferguson v Wenger for many years, so the Mour/Pep rivalry could come to dominate English football for the next decade.

I can see Mourinho taking command at United and Pep continuing Wenger's good work at Arsenal.

Brilliant Beatles book by Martin Creasy

If you're looking for a top-notch book to read why not try Beatlemania: The Real Story of The Beatles UK Tours by Martin Creasy.

It is the No 1 Beatles book of the moment - both in chart placings and quality - and I can thoroughly recommend it.

Creasy delves behind the headlines to bring a wealth of minute detail and previously unknown facts about the Fab Four.

And the boy has certainly put in the leg work! I understand it took him THREE YEARS of interviews and research to get the book together and it shows. Meticulous, entertaining and definitely one of the best books of the year so far.

You can get it from -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beatlemania-Real-Story-Beatles-Tours/dp/1849386595/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302784404&sr=1-1

Giggs v Raul

The enduring talents of Ryan Giggs and Raul are likely to decide who faces Barcelona or Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Giggs, 37, and Raul, 35, have been the star men in both Manchester United's relative cruise to the semis and Schalke's surprise arrival there.

Looking at it on paper, you would say United were lucky - that they got the easiest route to the final with Schalke rather than Barca or Real.

But the Germans are no one's fools and could pull off another shock if Utd are not at their very best, or if Giggsy gets injured beforehand.

I still go for United to triumph with maybe a 2-1 win in Germany and a 1-1 draw at OT. United's record against German teams (apart from 1999 of course) does leave a lot to desire, and they will have to overcome that particular 'jinx' if they are to go on to Wembley.

In the other semi, I know Barca should win, but who can write off Mourinho? He has set up a disciplined, hard-to-beat and yet attacking force and they could just upset the odds.