I'm MIA this weekend with Mrs Rico in Amsterdam trying to 'suggest' that we need a break from sightseeing and a bar with Skysports might be my first request at hotel reception

Enjoy the game(s) boys and girls

Hit manchester at 1 pm all pubs on route to stadium

Even better if you can find somewhere to watch it in a coffee shop..might make the whole experience somewhat different!

, that reminds me, i need to clear some space off my sky+.

Is a there a tram that goes to the Eithad now? If so can you get it from Piccadilly or would I have to walk to Victoria.

Yes there is a tram Bury to Droylsden line rlDETAILS HERErl

Get on at Victoria or Piccadilly £2.90 off peak return.

Get off at Etihad Campus or Velopark

rlMETROLINK POCKET GUIDErl

rlETIHAD CAMPUS STOP LOCATION MAPrl

rlVELOPARK STOP LOCATIONrl

My 'coffee' experiences although limited have been mixed. Unless Mrs Rico fancies a chat about Atkins' core skills and a bit of grip and carry, where 'coffee' might help, it'll be a few beers in a brown bar or two for UR ha ha

I think you will find that the coffee shops are closed to foreigners, unless of course you wanted a cup of coffee. And the red light district is a shadow of it's 1980's glory. The Rijksmuseum was also closed last time I visited.

I have a nasty suspicion that Mrs Rico will be humming that hit from the Pet Shop Boys. Perhaps you could pick up a 'Learn Dutch in a Day' book ?

The coffee shops aren't closed, they have backed down over that issue.

The Red Light area isn't what it was though.

Arsenal AL coach from looking glass @1pm. Drinking in weatherspoons around deansgate i believe, then Tram to the game. Coach coming straight back to Wire after our match

Chaz I think the Rijksmuseum has just reopened so will be having a bit of that.

A few beers and I usually speak double dutch, so I will be swerving 'coffee' and a certain funghi even though it's Magic Weekend after all

Haha, well enjoy your holiday. I couldn't get into the museum last Autumn so it sound as though you picked a better time to visit. Mind the bikes, ( I am talking pedal bicycles here, not the other sort) we nearly got run over several times.

Train early to Manchester. full English followed by a liquid brunch, liquid lunch, liquid snack and a liquid... Oh to hell with it. I'm gonna go on a good sunny weather bender. Slowing down to make sure I'm good for the wire game

Im not going for the first time since magic weekend started. Mrs Deckchair is preggers and were saving up for baby stuff.

So im going out with a few mates and were watching it in baffitos

Great place for a relaxing afternoon is Sauna Deco. Yes people are naked in there but it isn't what you think! Check it on Trip Advisor.

PS good bars on Rembrandts Square.