Chelsea vs Manchester United: the long-running grudge which has defined English football’s Premiership for most of the winter (and last) could yet be extended to a fevered and passionate play-off decider in Athens on 23 May in the European Cup final itself. Travel agents are rubbing their hands and, doubtless, Greek policemen are anxiously fondling their truncheons and assessing the overtime rates. Mind you, the swish, steamy Athenian arena that night could just as edgily be staging a less insular feud, but one which could well have a sharper, more international focus: Liverpool vs Milan. Whatever, we shall see what we shall see: avert your eyes now or, at least, hang on to your hats. It is the first time three English clubs have, together, arrived this far, and the eventual outcome will be clearer after the dust has settled on the semi-final first-leg matches: on Tuesday, United play AC Milan at Old Trafford; on Wednesday, Chelsea brace themselves for Liverpool’s assault on Stamford Bridge.
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