Petrov XI vs. Celtic XI, a preview of one of football's most bitter rivalries

Battle lines have been drawn in the sand, words have been exchanged, and now there's nothing left but to play the game. The Petrov XI will face the Celtic XI this afternoon, and one thing is clear: no prisoners will be taken. The Petrov XI boast such luminaries as John Terry, Gareth Barry, Dimitar Berbatov, Rpbert Pires and Shay Given, while the formidable Celtic XI will feature no less than Henrik Larsson, Neil Lennon, Jackie McNamara and Chris Sutton. When sides of this caliber clash, there can be no true winners; only survivors.

In seriousness, Stan Petrov's charity match is today, and anyone that can't make their way to Celtic Park ought to track down a stream or way to watch. It's going to be a whole lot of fun (Henrik Larsson!) and there's a better than average chance that you'll get to see Paul Lambert take lay a reducer on Neil Lennon. Also, Martin O'Neill will be there, and because of the friendly and positive nature of the event ones first inclination may very well not be to boo him lustily to the point of hoarseness.

Stan's going to be on the pitch (and almost certainly take a crack or two at goal from distance) and god knows that will be fun to see. It's going to be a whole lot of fun, and it's not like you're doing anything more interesting tomorrow. Tune in, be cheery for a good two hours, go on about your day. And save a little smile for Stan, because heavens know he' earned it.