The UEFA Champions League the most prestigious cup on the planet, but who will hold the trophy come May. Defending champions Inter seem a different team without Jose, and will find it difficult to retain but anything can happen after all it’s the UEFA Champions League.
AC MILAN VS TOTTENHAM
It all starts off at the San Siro, where Italian Giants host the cup surprise package Tottenham. The seven champions league titles seem a distant memory for Milan supporters as a squad hit by many injuries are struggling for consistency. They are on top of the Seria A after all, but league is nothing when the European Cup is around. An AC Milan squad that look to getting older by the day, Ambrosini 33, Nesta 34, Abbiati 33, Pirlo 31, Seedorf, Gattuso just a few names that have a bit too much experience for their own good. But the inform Ibrahimovic and support cast of Robinho, Cassano and Pato look like AC have the ability to cause trouble to an injury hit Tottenham outfit. The “Surprise Package” has lifted to the occasion… piping Manchester city for 4th spot last season… and now favourites to knock out the Rosseneri, they’ve come a long way. The reason they are favourites is most likely due to the fact of the previous performances against Milan, Inter Milan. Gareth Bale and Van Der Vaart have made Tottenham’s attack lethal scoring a tournament high 18 goals. But injury woes at the back have left them vulnerable conceding the most goals for a 1st place team at 11.
My prediction: AC Milan’s attack causes matters for concern I can see a high scoring affair, but Milan’s ageing squad worries me, their lack of pace at the back and bale’s electrifying speed means only one thing, a White Hart Lane return fixture will prove the difference, Tottenham on away goals.
1st leg: 3-2;
2nd leg: 2-1 Tottenham 4-4 AC Milan (Spurs on away goals)
ARSENAL VS BARCELONA
Last season’s meeting is one Wenger will be telling his squad to forget a 2-2 draw at home followed by a 4-0 loss to Messi away. It seems like the same old story Fabregas wants out and Arsenal still don’t have a keeper. Looks like the more Arsenal tries the less they succeed, coming 2nd to Shakter proved a devastating blow as they host the 3 time European Champions. David Villa has only bolstered the attack and it doesn’t look like they have a weak spot anywhere on the pitch. Unless a miracle and I mean a miracle i don’t see Arsenal progressing, Barcelona go in as Firm favourites and are also looking as the team to beat in the competition.
My Prediction: Unless Vermalean and Nasri return and Fabreagas and Walcott step up to the plate I don’t see arsenal winning either of the games, Barcelona have too many match winners not to see this one out, A game where football is played by both teams should be enjoyable to watch.
1st Leg: 1-1
2nd Leg: 3-0 BARCELONA 4-1 ARSENAL
LYON VS REAL MADRID
6 years running now Madrid has not progressed past this stage, But surely Mourinho must, The last team to knock Madrid out, was YEP LYON, and they are looking to do it again and I don’t see why not. Ronaldo seems to continuously carry the team, Higuain looks to be out for the remainder of the campaign and unless kaka or Benzema against his former club can learn how to put one into the back of the net, it may be troubling times for the Spanish side. Lyon are no pushovers possess top quality players such as Gourcuff, Bastos. Lisandro Lopez and shot stopper Lloris it may be a game that goes either way depending on who shows up on the day.
My Prediction: Whoever wants it more on the day, I can’t put it past Mourinho’s talent but Madrid has failed 6 years in a row. Bernabeu second leg to carry Madrid through but don’t be too surprised if there not come Quarter Finals.
1st Leg: 1-1
2nd Leg: 1-1 (pen 4-3 Madrid) REAL MADRID 2-2 LYON (Real PEN)
INTER VS BAYERN:
Final Replay…… but it doesn’t look like either look like the teams they were last season. Under Leonardo they are on the up, but so are Munich with the return of Arjen Robben, both teams can attack but alike struggle to defend. Gomez is starting to find the net for Munich in all competitions, and with injuries slowing down at the Inter camp they will look to proceed.
My Prediction: Bayern want revenge, but I don’t think it will happen Eto’o is starting to find some great form which will spell disaster for the Munich backline, Ribery and Robben will need to be key in the fixture for Munich to have any hope.
1st Leg: 3-1
2nd Leg: 2-1 INTER 4-3 MUNICH
MARSEILLE VS MAN UTD:
French Champions will be kicking themselves after this draw put with English giants Manchester united. Marseille started slow and are now picking up the pace in the French Ligue 1. Manchester remains undefeated this season and defensively look untouchable only to concede one goal through the group stage. The form of Berbatov, Vidic and Nani this season has been impressive also with the long awaited return of Valencia Marseille will have their work cut out.
My Prediction: Marseille at home have a lot support they have a good strike force with Remy and Gignac but unfortunately I don’t think it will be enough to overcome the red devils, not as straight forward as people think but Man Utd to go through to the next stage.
1st Leg: 1-1
2nd Leg: 2-0 MAN UTD 3-1 MARSEILLE
KOBENHAVEN VS CHELSEA
One word “UNLUCKY” not the team you want to face, but Kobenhaven done well to overcome Rubin Kazan and Panathinkos but the fun stops here. Torres, Drogba, Lampard, Terry, Cech the list goes on, coached by Carlo Ancelotti I see Chelsea as one of the sides to contest for it this time round and see this game as nothing more than a straight forward victory for the blues.
My Prediction: Straight forward wins for Chelsea over both legs they will dominate to send out a message to any rivals, a great achievement for the Danish club to get this far but think of next year it’s over for now.
1st Leg: 0-2
2nd Leg: 3-0 CHELSEA 5-0 KOBENHAVEN
VALENCIA VS SHALKE:
FAREWELL Villa, farewell Silva, Farewell Valencia, not the case the Spanish side has done very well and exceeded expectations, impressive during the group stage, taking united to the very end and not giving the an easy run. The team they host are German strugglers Shalke. Shalke have been disappointing in the Bundesliga but like Valencia have done well on the European stage, and the signings of Raul and Hunterlaar will give them a big boost with their previous Champions league experience.
My Prediction: Should be a very good competitive game both would feel like they got a good draw to avoid the bigger clubs. I feel that Shalke aren’t the team they once were, although Valencia lost some key players, Juan Mata and co seem to have stepped up, I can see Valencia in the Quarters but no further than that.
1st Leg: 2-1
2nd Leg 1-2 VALENCIA 4-2 SHALKE
ROMA VS SHAKTER:
It surprised many when Shakter finished ahead of Arsenal in the group stage, but can they continue the surprises. Roma are definitely favourites to proceed but must have Totti, and De Rossi lead the way past a very impressive Shakter side. Eduardo’s summer transfer from the Gunners has looked a bargain as he knows how to find the back the net home and away.
My Prediction: The Italian side will see of the challenge at hand, and should go through comfortably. Although no push over’s Shakter will have to produce a great and I mean GREAT performance to pass this one.
1st Leg: 3-1
2nd Leg: 2-1 ROMA 4-3 SHAKTER
What are your thoughts and predictions?
BEGIN your session…..
S.JAY
