I hate the way Atletico play, but their grit and heart is so very commendable and I've always liked the club for the quality of strikers they've had. I hope they go all the way. 2 of my least favorite sides and Bayern left. It's a no brainer for me.

I like Liverpool. As a child I obviously wanted anyone but United to win the title, which means that after all this time I don't hugely dislike any English teams bar United & Arsenal (and even that developed later). And as Liverpool are the obvious rivals to United, I liked (like) them. Ideally I want Liverpool to win the league with the slight caveat that the outpouring of some of their fans might tire me slightly. I'm a big Mourinho fan but I'd rather he wins the Champs League. Quite like Pellegrini and quite like City (again rooted in my childhood - they are from Manchester but aren't United. Bonus points. Plus Georgi Kinkladze. And comedy figures like Richard Edghill).

I'd rather Liverpool won over Chelsea or City, but I'd feel embarrassed in the sense that it would feel like Arsenal have fallen below another club again. Though, it seems like United have fallen below us - though not totally yet, they could still come up from behind and make us a 6th place club.

Which Chelsea players do you hate? I can kinda see why someone would dislike Terry, though I think his cuntishness is overstated, but most of the squad seem like really nice guys.

I don't particularly like Lampard, although that's more irrational, cos I think ultimately he's a decent bloke. Ashley Cole I guess, but I've kinda forgotten about him almost. I think Mourinho is the main one though. I mean, he can be quite entertaining, but in the way that wrestling heel you really hate is.

Also, dislike for players happens more on pitch than off it. I can totally see a lot of people disliking David Luiz after the Rafael incident. Torres is pretty damn dis likable on field as well. But like Georgi said, Mou has this incredible ability to make players more dis likable. This was most prevalent with Madrid, and the likes of Pepe, Carvalho and Ramos for me.

Seems to have great crossing ability, and pretty good feet n finishing.

Bit gutted for Courtois but I think these semi finals have the best chance of producing the final I'd like to see.

Ah but UEFA are attempting to shit all over the contract between Chelsea and Atletico by saying that it violates UCL rules or some shit, despite firm precedent that any such decisions are between the clubs and have nothing to do with UEFA. So it's not yet guaranteed that Courtois won't play. I don't think Atletico will push that matter, though, as they don't have a hope in hell if the case goes to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Pepe is certainly a violent douche, but let's refrain from calling him an "animal" if we could.

Anyway, going all in on Atletico

It's a pretty cowardly stipulation to begin with. Same with the players on loan in the league not being able to play against their club. Very stupid.

It's a pragmatic stipulation. Looking very smart now. Although it's up in the air I think now as Chelsea are trying to negotiate a new deal with courtois which might hinge on them letting him play in the semi.

It insentivises clubs to loan out players to a greater range of teams while simultaneously obviating any conflicts of interest such loans might engender.

Oh, Pepe is definitely awful. I'm just not comfortable calling people animals. I don't think you're wrong at all.

It also baffles me that anyone would want to play for a country other than brazil, if they were Brazilian, but I'm also glad there's not going to be a thiago silva/pepe pairing at the world cup.

Also Arsenal are lucky as shit to be in the final. Hopefully they play better in the final. I'd like to see them win it.