FC Barcelona and some bad jokes

What is the difference between a funny joke and taunting your opposition? Probably this difference is something unknown to the journalists of the Catalan media who published this image ahead of the Champions League clash.

Some members of the Catalan media are not new to this kind of "irony", used more in the domestic league, especially before and after the games between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Thanks to probably the best squad in the club's history, Barcelona supporters feel confident about UCL last 16 game against English side Arsenal.

Their last years' successes, both in La Liga and in the European competitions, though, do not help some supporters become more classy. 

We hope that Arsenal respond on the pitch and we will watch a great match.

Real Madrid struggles

Real Madrid celebrated Modric winner against Granada, but they are not doing well enough. Simple as that.

Have the team sensibly improved since Benitez sacking? Probably not. At least away from home they play a slow and sometimes boring football.

They do not play as a team, they often win only because of the talent of some players.

Zidane needs to turn this season around from the tactical point of view. They will certainly not win the title playing like they did in the last away games.

Liverpool eye Marseille`s goalkeeper

Liverpool are reportedly considering a January move for Marseille`s goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, despite the possibility of landing him for free in the summer.

After both Simon Mignolet and Adam Bogdan have come in for criticism for their performances, the Reds started negotiations for a new keeper.

The Belgian raised concerns about adapting to Liverpool`s style of play since Rodgers` reign. The ex-Sunderland has always struggled in the situations when the goalkeeper is supposed to come out.

Last summer move for Bogdan on a free transfer seemed a good one for Liverpool. When the Hungarian had to replace Mignolet, though, he failed to hold the pressure.

Klopp needs a solid keeper to count on, as well as to give stability to the defence. The French international, who is keen on leaving Marseille, might be a good fit.

Born in Zaire, he has won 21 caps for France national team. The establishment of Tottenham Hotspur`s Lloris as No 1 keeper, though, led Mandanda to be benched in most of the official games.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper has protected Marseille`s posts since 2008, when he left his former club Le Havre. Mandanda chose to remain in France, despite the rumours of interests shown by some European giants.

In the last months he has showed no intentions of renewing his contract with the French side. This led to rumours about his next future away from Marseille.

The French club, currently sitting 10^th in the Ligue 1, might sell the player for a small fee in January, instead of losing him when his contract expires in the summer.

Zenga and Iachini out

Sampdoria and Palermo have recently sacked their managers. In Palermo this is something already seen many times.

But did Zenga and Iachini deserve to get the sack? Their performances were not bad, with Sampdoria sitting 10th and Palermo 12th. But, needless to say, in modern football club owners have little patience.

Especially Palermo's Zamparini, who has changed a staggering number of managers. This time he fired Iachini after a win over Chievo.

It is a shame not to give a manager the possibility to turn a season around when his team are undeperforming. Let alone if the manager is leading a decent campaign.

But presidents like Zamparini often make controversial moves. Sometimes it seems that they sack managers for personal reasons and not with the goal of improving the squad's performances.

Is this the right way to manage a football club? A coach needs time to settle in a team and frequent changes can be detrimental.

Mourinho is close to the edge

The game against Liverpool on Saturday could be the last one at Stamford Bridge for Mourinho. According to The Times the Portuguese would be sacked in case his side suffered another defeat.

The players’ mood is not idyllic and after Upton Park’s defeat there is strong evidence that something has broken. The Chelsea’s manager refused to speak to media just few days after claiming a lack of respect shown to him by English press.

The Blues currently sit 15th with 11 points. Losing the sixth game of the season would be too much for Abramovich, who is concerned about the image of his club.

Mourinho’s behaviours have certainly given an image of the club that the Russian owner does not appreciate. Even though he has backed the Portuguese just three weeks ago, now it is undeniable that the Special One’s job is under threat.

In case of a defeat against Liverpool this would be the worst start to a Premier League season for Chelsea, something that would end the reign even of a manager of the likes of Mourinho.

Klopp will be next manager to face the Portuguese in a game that nobody can lose. Even the German is under pressure after a mediocre start of his career at Anfield and winning against Chelsea would help him get off this period of transition.

The two managers have already faced each other in 2013, when Klopp helped Mourinho end his reign at Real Madrid after Borussia Dortmund won 4-3 on aggregate in Champions League semi-finals.

Will the Chelsea manager turn this season around and save his job?

Predictions Premier League 24 October

Aston Villa-Swansea City: these two teams are going through a difficult moment. The Villans have won just one game this season. My prediction: DRAW

Leicester City-Crystal Palace: Jamie Vardy is almost unstoppable but it will not be so easy against Pardew's side. My prediction: DRAW

Norwich City-WBA: the Canaries need to turn the page after the defeat at Newcastle. My prediction: HOME WIN

Stoke City-Watford: after three wins in a row Stoke City may concede something to a team that are looking for points. My prediction: AWAY WIN

West Ham United-Chelsea: the Blues are in desperate need of victories and they will accept only one outcome from this game, the three points. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Arsenal-Everton: this will be a tough game, Everton need to forget the home defeat against the Red Devils but Arsenal are in the best moment of their season. My prediction: DRAW

Why beating Bayern would give a boost to Arsenal

On Tuesday Arsenal will face Bayern Munich in Champions League once again. After two defeats in the first two games, Wenger’s side must win.

Bayern are unbeaten this season and Robert Lewandowski is going through the best moment of his career. It will be hard for Arsenal’s defense to stop him.

But still, Arsenal can beat the German champions. Emirates stadium’s support will be crucial for a team that are looking for nothing but a victory.

Wenger seem to have finally found his strongest starting line-up and after trashing Watford on Saturday he has praised his players’ work.

Thus, this is perhaps the best moment to face Bayern Munich, as Arsenal have nothing to fear and a win is the only acceptable result.

The outstanding form of Alexis Sanchez, who has scored ten goals in his last six games, will certainly make attacking unpredictable. And, with Walcott giving his best playing front, Coquelin controlling the defensive midfield area and Gabriel Paulista available for this game, the Bavarian champions will not find it easy to dazzle.

A victory could have a particular meaning for Arsenal, as it would give them more confidence about their possibilities. Beating Bayern would mean that Gunners are able to compete in every competition and against every team.

And, as Arsenal in many occasions, especially in Champions League, seemed to lack confidence, this is the opportunity to demonstrate that they want to stay among the best European teams.

Will Wenger manage to urge his players to stay calm and focused, without thinking that a defeat would mean almost zero chances of qualifying out of their group?