IMO, Barca's interest in Mascherano was originally used to force Yaya Toure into staying. From what I understand, he only signed a one year extension to his deal, right? If so, I'd expect a similar situation to arise this summer. Am I right in saying Henry is out of contract this summer, or is it next? Either way, I think Pep has wanted somebody for that left side since he came in. They've been interested in Silva and Ribery amongst many others over the past year or so, Robinho would be a decent signing.

I do worry with how Barca will develop under Guardiola, they look class but I dunno, I worry about the ego's of certain players at the club. You seen what happened with Rijkaard.

If we do sell Mascherano, well, it will be for more than we sold Alonso for.

My gut feeling is that Henry will leave when his contract is up.
Who do you have in mind when you talk about the 'egos of certain players'?
The three that were known to be difficult were shipped out asap by Guardiola; Deco, Ronaldinho and after a year Eto'o.
I can't think of any current players that could be said to be a disruptive influence at the Camp Nou.

It's hard to explain. I don't think there are any players at the club who are difficult around Guardiola, however, I didn't think the likes of Ronaldinho and Eto'o were difficult with Rijkaard until the fallings out happened. If you have a dressing room with players like Ibra and Robinho in, alongside the world's best player in Messi, things could clash. Was it last year where Eto'o and Messi clashed over somebody taking a penalty?

It's not that I think there are problems, I just think it's a little risky bringing big ego's into a dressing room in harmony. I see this as a problem with Madrid, they've brought in a lot of ego's but I'm unsure whether Pellegrini is the man to draw these ego's together and make them close knit. At Chelsea, Mourinho came in and done it, he balanced things out and he had their respect.

So you're talking about future players? I agree with you 100% in that Robinho could be a problem in the dressing room. He's proved it at Madrid and City.

Yeah, sorry.

Northwich having a right old go at Charlton!

Stoke 1-0 up at Hull. Chairman said pre-game that Phil Brown's job is safe. Certainly hope so, this is hilarious

Hell of a cup tie this one! Randolph, Charlton keeper, has just pulled off an absolute worldy! Northwich should really be at least 1 goal to the good

Northwich 5/1

Don't think i'd back it. Just because you have to expect Charlton to start running the game in the 2nd half as Northwich tire. They really needed 1 of the 2 golden chances they have had to go in. If the 2nd half is anything like that this is gunna be a classic