The Joker

Martin Samuel's on fine form today (I'm assuming he's a comedy writer... what? he's a sports journalist? not a comedian?  how odd that he's writes such humorous pieces then...).  First off suggesting that an FA Cup Final featuring Man City is somehow of more interest than our game against Blackburn; joker:

We presume victory for Manchester United now. Yes, a final point is needed with two games to go, but Ferguson will want to wrap the title up well in advance of the Champions League final and it was February 1, 2006 when Blackburn last defeated United, home or away. Since then the teams have met 10 times with United winning eight, drawing two and scoring 26 goals.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have not seen a trophy of significance since 1976, Stoke City since 1972; now, to the neutral, which is more interesting?

The Premier League have been too tricky for their own good here. In attempting to muscle in on the magic of Wembley, they have succeeded only in devaluing an achievement that deserves a stage to itself.

Of course Martin, of course.  It's all about the neutral.  The fans of the respective clubs will be watching the game featuring their own team, the neutral will have to choose.  Oh wait. They're on at different times, they'll be able to watch both (though not the FA Cup build-up from 10 o'clock in the morning I concede).  Though why they'd want to watch Man City Stoke is beyond me.  2 great footballing sides, should be a great footballing occasion lit up by many astonishing throw-ins...

Secondly, and here he's a master of comic timing, that was only the build-up to the main gag:

Liverpool for the title next season? Could be.

Indeed it is not unthinkable that the Premier League could boast a new one-two entirely if Liverpool and Manchester City continue improving at the present rate.

My sides have actually split.