That's Life

The question now on everybody's lips is: who can succeed Liverpool's throne as the kings of Europe? If your choice is Barcelona, you are undoubtedly a football noob-let. If you fancy Arsenal, you must be seriously disillusioned. The answer is of course nobody. Which club can fill such big boots? The only way is to have custom-made boots and we all know what custom-made boots are like - chcek out what Rooney's new Total 90s did to him.

Anyway, let's not digress. Basically, I believe that Arsenal will win by a score of 1-0. Don't believe the facts? Read on.

1. Champions League qualification - By the time the game kicks off, Arsenal will already know whether it is Tottenham or themselves who have claimed the desired 4th spot in the EPL. Assuming that Spurs have beaten the Gunners to it, Arsenal will have to win the trophy in order to qualify for next season and this will give them extra drive. Besides, it would be unthinkable for them to move into their new Emirates stadium without a place in Europe's top tier competition. Barcelona, on the other hand, have already qualified for next season's edition.

2. Saving grace for Arsenal - Arsenal have no silverware this season, whereas Barcelona have already wrapped up the Spanish title with a few games to spare. Arsenal will defintely play their hearts in this match, especially since it will be a great tribute to Highbury, their home of 93 years.

3. Thierry Henry - Arsenal have the best foward in the world in their captain. His instinctive touch, sheer pace and moments of genius will definitely be more than difficult to deal with. Arsenal also know that if they lose this match, they will lose more than a trophy; they will probably lose Henry as well, since he will be convinced that Arsenal do not have what it takes to make the cut in Europe.

4. Arsenal are the underdogs - Barcelona have to live up with the expectation of being the 'greatest football club in the world' (apparently those nub-cakes at the Nou Camp haven't heard of a club called Liverpool yet) and will probably attack right from the start. Knowing Arsenal's erratic form, they will probably only hit top gear in the second half, not to mention catch Barcelona on the break. Masters of the counter-attack, Arsenal will probably tuck one away before defending like dogs but the point is that one goal is enough to settle a match.

Monsieur Wenger will be the one lifting the trophy come May 17 and north London will erupt with joy, just as Merseyside did last year (and probably will for the years to come).