The first batch of Champions League semi-finals are over and it’s advantage United and Chelsea ­ for a change.

As it stands the two giants of the English game are on target to meet each other in the final with each taking a lead into next week’s second legs.

Obviously Liverpool and Milan will have plenty to say about that but it is undeniable that it the usual suspects who currently hold the advantage.

However, contrary to what some people are thinking, I don’t see the potential situation we have of Chelsea and United battling it out on three fronts as such a bad thing.

It would be absolutely horrible if it happened every season and that is obviously never going to transpire. But for the same two clubs to be fighting it out for the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup on this one occasion makes for a most interesting finale to the football calendar.

As I said there are still the not inconsiderable obstacles of Milan and Liverpool standing in the way of this happening. But, somehow, you just get the feeling that that is the path the season is destined to follow.

Today’s final

Australia take on Sri Lanka in the World Cup final today looking for their third straight world title in a row. Although the Sri Lankans have one or two handy players I don’t think even their own Mum’s will be betting on them turning over the Ozzies.

Strangely, it was only a couple of months ago that the knives were out for the Australian one-day team after they lost a few ganes in row including ­ amazingly in hindsight ­ a couple to the English.

Yet they still managed to peak in time for a major tournament, go undefeated throughout its course and, quite probably, go on to win it.

A lesson or two for the English to bare in mind there.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board have started running adverts in the international press this week looking for a new national team coach to replace the murdered Bob Wolmer.

Although I haven’t seen the specific advert, I can’t imagine there is any way they could possibly have worded it that would have made it any less chilling to possible applicants.

Wonder how many CVs they have received. If any.

E-mail of the week

Email of the week goes to Martin Borg who appeared to take exception to my comments about Ronaldo, penalties and Manchester United in general.

“Re Ronaldo (the real Ronaldo, not that over-hyped, overweight, overpaid one plying his trade in Italy at the moment). I will stomach your dislike for him anytime in exchange for his continuing his current form for years to come. Please, please continue to hate him.”

“As for Jose’s moans (and yours) about how difficult it is to get a penalty at Old Trafford, just a reminder about how many matches were allowed to run into five, six or even eight minutes of added time, just to allow Chelsea the chance to equalise or grab the winning goal.

“A look at the statistic showing how many penalties (or lack of them) were awarded Manchester United this season would also make enlightening reading.

“Just one last question. As a totally disinterested premiership follower (supporting Sheffield Utd equates with this statement) and given your constant crusade for attractive football who would you rather see win the Premiership? Free scoring, flowing, Man Utd. or boring, boring, eke out a goal moneybags Chelsea?”

To be honest it’s hard to find fault in most of the things Martin says. I am happy to continue disliking Ronaldo because it comes easy and, as I have said before, I would much, much rather Manchester United won the title than Chelsea.

I do, however, stand by my comments about penalties and Old Trafford. In the last two games played at the OTheatre of Dreams’ both opposing teams have had clear penalties turned down by the refs. That’s a fact. Not an opinion.

Otherwise, Martin, agreed mate. Let’s get the title back to Old Trafford and prove that exciting, attractive, attacking football deserves success.

Quotes of the week

A few quotes that tickled my fancy this week. First one from Rafa Benitez who showed just how dedicated he is to Liverpool.

“My family are really happy here at Liverpool and I am prepared to have my daughter with a Scouse accent even though sometimes it is a problem for me,” he said, in his perfect, impeccable, accentless English.

The we have Wigan manager Paul Jewell who was not impressed with his side’s defensive display against Spurs in the 3-3 draw.

“Up front we played like world beaters. At the back we were more like panel beaters,” he said. Magic.

Finally we have a bit pun magic from the cricket world where former Australian wicket keeper Ian Healy was being particularly harsh to England after they crashed out of the World Cup during his commentary.

“And overnight a helpline has been set up for English cricket. The number is 1800 101010. That¹s one, eight hundred, won nothing, won nothing, won nothing.”