18th January mid week games

Ok..so this is my first post...

I will write quickly about a few games that are on later tonight that are of interest to me.
First up is the Copa del Rey El Classico, the ninth times that these two sides have met each other within a year, so far Mourinho has only won once, and that was the in the final of this competition last season. Both coaches have been down playing this competition, but both also know that a defeat over these two legs could well hand the trophy to their opponents even at this early stage, such is the strength of the two sides involved tonight.

Personally I think that Barcelona will come through victorious again over the two legs, Mourinho has sharpened Real up so much since he has arrived that they lead La Liga, but Barcelona have Messi, who for me is the real difference between the two sides. Ronaldo is in fantastic form once again but Messi never lets his game drop, regardless of opposition or occasion, whilst he is wearing a Barcelona shirt.

The second game of interest to me tonight is the Italian cup game between Milan and Novara, as a fan of Milan I hope that this game is an easy victory but, as in most continental cup ties, the importance is high on the list of priorities, especially with the list of injuries that seems to keep growing for the Rossoneri, which has meant that midfielder Merkel has returned to the club on loan, only six months after joining Genoa in a co-ownership deal. Whilst it is unlikely that he or other new arrival, left back Mesbah, will be involved tonight it seems clear that it will be an understrength side that is put out by Allegri.

The final game that is of importance to me tonight is the FA Trophy replay between my team Lincoln City and complete part-time unknowns Carshalton Athletic. After a very very poor nil-nil draw at home on Saturday a positive result and performance is hugely important for the Imps tonight. Manager Dave Holdsworth has come in for criticism following poor results and what is perceived as negative tactics, despite only three months into the job at Sincil Bank. This is a great chance for him and his side tonight to go out and score a few goals and bring a bit of confidence back to both the team and the suffering fans.

I will be listening to the Imps 'performance' on the radio later as they are away hoping for a positive result. Whilst I will watch the match up between Real Madrid and Barcelona hoping to see a game of brilliant football and passion from the long standing rivals.