Chelsea vs Olympiakos
Stamford Bridge
Wednesday 5th March, 19.45.
Many would have been surprised at Chelsea's inability to break down a dogged Olympiakos in the first leg, and at the relative lack of chances created by their attacking players contributing to a rather dull game. Kalou had the only chance of note that night, but shot tamely at the 'keeper. However it must be noted that Chelsea manager Grant opted to rest the likes of Lampard and Terry for that clash, and both are expected to start the second leg. Chelsea will certainly begin the match as favourites given their formidable home record and tight defence, but will need to be wary of complacency against the experienced Greeks whose average age in the first leg was over 30, and who boast former Atletico Madrid midfielder Galletti as one of their best players. He however looks likely to miss out with a thigh injury, along with former Pompey striker LuaLua who recently suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Grant has a decision to make, after Drogba and Essien were rested for their last match, he must decide whether to recall them or stick with the team that romped to victory against West Ham. If both play, Makelele and Anelka will most likely make way.
Tactically, Grant will either look to deploy Drogba or Anelka as a lone forward with support from the in-form Joe Cole, or take the attack to the Greeks by starting with the two up front. As for Olympiakos, you would expect them to line up in quite a defensive formation and look to deny Chelsea space for as long as possible - as we know, if the likes of Cole, Ballack and Anelka are given this room, they are dangerous. 'Parking the bus' would probably best describe their likely set-up, but don't expect them to hold off an attacking Chelsea team for too long, who expect to seal a comfortable passage into the quarter-finals.
Expect them to do just that.
Prediction - 3-0 (3-0).
Real Madrid vs Roma
Bernabeu
Wednesday 5th March, 19.45.
Roma managed to secure a slender advantage going into the second leg of this tie, and a 2-1 win means that Real have work to do at the Bernabeu. Real look to have recovered from the blip that hauled Barca back into the La Liga title race, securing a 3-2 win over Recreativo in their last league match. However it came at a cost with the news that Dutch winger Robben will be out for six weeks after spraining his ankle, but better news comes in the form of Robinho, who looks to be in excellent touch and has become a key player over the course of the season. Roma managed to cut Inter's lead at the top of Serie A to six points after a convincing 4-0 win against Parma, with key man Francesco Totti getting on the scoresheet. They will be buoyed by the fact that they can carry a lead going into this game, but will have to be wary of Real who secured a priceless away goal in Italy.
Real will miss key goalscorer Van Nistelrooy, Robben, Ramos, Sneijder, Metzelder and Saviola, and will be relying on attackers such as Raul, Robinho and Higuain to score the goal that would take them into the next stage. Roma are boosted by the news that talented defender Mexes and World Cup winner Perrotta are available, with Cassetti the only absentee with a shoulder injury.
Roma hold the advantage with a one goal lead and will no doubt defend deep to protect it. Real however certainly have the class to break down any defence in world football, and have the away goal. Expect Real to edge this one.
Prediction - 2-0 (3-2).
Wednesday 5 March 2008
5th March : Premier League
Liverpool vs. West Ham
Anfield
5th March, 20:00
Liverpool must win this game to go back into 4th place, especially since nearest rivals Everton have quickly becoming the form team in the league. Anfield is usually a fortress - just ask Inter Milan, but the Premier League is a different kettle of fish entirely. Benitez knows the fans want a top four finish, and they need to start looking like a formidable force. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 5 at home, picking up 11 points. They’ll look to build on that tonight.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has described his side as “in no mans land”, and believes a lost here would spell the end of the hammers’ top 6 chances. West Ham have won just two of their last 5 away games, picking up 7 points. This record will have to be turned around if they are to get into the UEFA Cup.
Steve Finnan is still out for Liverpool, whilst Rafa Benitez may rotate his team - with Crouch on target for a starting spot. West Ham will miss Julien Faubert through injury.
Torres looks to be in fine form, and West Ham will have to deal with him. If he continues at his recent scoring rate, the Spaniard looks a decent contender for Premier League top scorer in his debut season. West Ham go into this full of determination, knowing they have stopped many big clubs in recent years. They will have to dramatically improve to stand any chance. If Rafa puts out a sensible team, this should go Liverpool’s way.
Prediction
Liverpool 2 : 1 West Ham
Anfield
5th March, 20:00
Liverpool must win this game to go back into 4th place, especially since nearest rivals Everton have quickly becoming the form team in the league. Anfield is usually a fortress - just ask Inter Milan, but the Premier League is a different kettle of fish entirely. Benitez knows the fans want a top four finish, and they need to start looking like a formidable force. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 5 at home, picking up 11 points. They’ll look to build on that tonight.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has described his side as “in no mans land”, and believes a lost here would spell the end of the hammers’ top 6 chances. West Ham have won just two of their last 5 away games, picking up 7 points. This record will have to be turned around if they are to get into the UEFA Cup.
Steve Finnan is still out for Liverpool, whilst Rafa Benitez may rotate his team - with Crouch on target for a starting spot. West Ham will miss Julien Faubert through injury.
Torres looks to be in fine form, and West Ham will have to deal with him. If he continues at his recent scoring rate, the Spaniard looks a decent contender for Premier League top scorer in his debut season. West Ham go into this full of determination, knowing they have stopped many big clubs in recent years. They will have to dramatically improve to stand any chance. If Rafa puts out a sensible team, this should go Liverpool’s way.
Prediction
Liverpool 2 : 1 West Ham
5th March : UEFA Champions League (Part 1)
Porto vs. Schalke
Estadio do Dragão
5th March, 19:45
Porto will go into this one shocked at being behind, but full of confidence in their abilities to turn the tide. The home advantage will play a big factor, with Porto losing just one home game in the Champions League this season. Porto’s players are mostly rested are having the weekend off, whilst a recent win took them into the semi-final of the Portugese Cup. Porto are a side full of confidence.
Schalke know that if they score one, Porto will need three. Therefore, I have to think the German side will go out to nick the early goal, with long balls angled up to Kuranyi, testing Porto’s line of defence. Schalke recently lost to Bayern, and now must look to the Champions League to get some relief for their under-fire manager.
Bosingwa is back for Porto, and Lopez is believed to be feeling fit also. Raul Meireles has recovered from an injury, so should return to the midfield.
Schalke are missing three key players ; Pander, Bajramovic and Grossmuller. We believe Asamoah will play behind target man Kuranyi.
Poro are rock solid at home, but a win may not be good enough to put them through. Schalke will pack the midfield and play counter attacks. Kuranyi will be key.
Prediction
Porto 2 : 1 Schalke
Porto to win on the night,
Schalke to go through (2-2 away goals)
Estadio do Dragão
5th March, 19:45
Porto will go into this one shocked at being behind, but full of confidence in their abilities to turn the tide. The home advantage will play a big factor, with Porto losing just one home game in the Champions League this season. Porto’s players are mostly rested are having the weekend off, whilst a recent win took them into the semi-final of the Portugese Cup. Porto are a side full of confidence.
Schalke know that if they score one, Porto will need three. Therefore, I have to think the German side will go out to nick the early goal, with long balls angled up to Kuranyi, testing Porto’s line of defence. Schalke recently lost to Bayern, and now must look to the Champions League to get some relief for their under-fire manager.
Bosingwa is back for Porto, and Lopez is believed to be feeling fit also. Raul Meireles has recovered from an injury, so should return to the midfield.
Schalke are missing three key players ; Pander, Bajramovic and Grossmuller. We believe Asamoah will play behind target man Kuranyi.
Poro are rock solid at home, but a win may not be good enough to put them through. Schalke will pack the midfield and play counter attacks. Kuranyi will be key.
Prediction
Porto 2 : 1 Schalke
Porto to win on the night,
Schalke to go through (2-2 away goals)
Tuesday 4 March 2008
4th March: UEFA Champions League (Part 2)
AC Milan vs. Arsenal
San Siro
Tuesday 4th March, 19.45.
This promises to be one of the most intriguing ties of the round, and both teams will go into the game knowing that one goal could prove vital in a tie that is delicately poised at 0-0. Despite a recent blip during which they suffered a crushing 4-0 Cup reverse at Old Trafford, and dropped vital points in the Premiership title race - most recently against Aston Villa, where a late Bendtner goal salvaged a point - Arsenal will take heart from the fact that in the face of such troubles, they remain top of the Premiership and still very much in contention to be there come May, as well as a very positive performance during the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, where they looked nearer to their best. The likes of Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini and Sagna took the game to Milan on that occasion, and Arsenal would have been disappointed that for all their spells of dominance, they could not break down a rugged Italian defence, marshalled by the masterful Paolo Maldini, approaching 40 years of age and still performing at the very highest level. Arsenal came so very close to a potentially priceless advantage, none more so than Emmanuel Adebayor, who missed a glorious chance in the dying seconds to give Arsenal a goal going into the second leg - given his imperious form this season, he would surely have expected to score.
Milan perfected their 'catenaccio' style of play, with internationals such as Oddo and Nesta negating the threat of Adebayor very successfully, along with Maldini. They can of course boast a contender for the world's best player in the fleet-footed playmaker Kaka, who is always a threat, as Manchester United will testify. Andrea Pirlo will look to pull the strings with his range of passing, and Gattuso will be his terrier like best, looking to get the edge over Arsenal's inexperienced midfield. They will miss Seedorf, who looks likely to be absent due to injury, and Emerson who would have been in contention to start. Arsenal themselves have Czech midfielder Rosicky out, so Diaby is likely to fill in with Hleb playing behind Adebayor in a 4-5-1 formation.
This promises to be an enthralling tie, with Arsenal looking to put their recent troubles behind them with a morale-boosting win. But Milan boast experience in Maldini, promising youth in young Pato and the imperious Kaka, and will be hard to beat on their own turf. For this reason, I think they will nick this by the odd goal.
Prediction - 1-0 (1-0).
Sevilla v Fenerbahce
Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan,
Tuesday 4th March, 19.45.
Many people would have expected a team with the calibre of Sevilla, back to back UEFA Cup winners, to easily dispose of relatively weaker opposition in Turkish side Fenerbahce. As evidenced from the first leg, this is certainly not the case, and although Sevilla will still be confident having notched two away goals, they cannot afford to be complacent as they welcome Fenerbahce to Spain. Going to Turkey, with the intimidating atmosphere and passionate following, was always going to be a tough task and Sevilla will be relatively pleased with Edu Dracena and Escude's goals in Turkey giving them a platform on which to progress.
Sevilla of course have not been at their best in La Liga this season and enter this game well off the pace and fighting for a place in next season's Champions League, which is surprising given the talent at their disposal, though they were affected by Juande Ramos' departure. They can boast a formidable right side consisting of Dani Alves, courted by Chelsea in the summer, and Jesus Navas, who is one of Spain's brightest prospects and has been scouted by Europe's elite. Up front, former Tottenham man Kanoute and Pichichi candidate Fabiano lead the line, with Kerzakhov providing backup from the bench. Diego Capel looks to be fulfilling the promise that is attracting admiring glances from Arsenal and Tottenham, and as the Gunners will testify, it is never easy to do what Fenerbahce must do and get a positive result against Sevilla on their own turf.
Fenerbahce have plenty of talent themselves without doubt, but star man Roberto Carlos will be missing due to a leg injury. They will rely on the attacking threat of former Chelsea flop Kezman, who looks to be back to his goalscoring best after a poor couple of years, and Colin Kazim-Richards, who showed potential during his brief stint with Sheffield United in England. Ghana World Cup midfielder Stephen Appiah is an all-action powerful enforcer who Sevilla will need to keep a close eye on.
As for the game, Fenerbahce have a numerical advantage after a good first leg win, but Sevilla have two away goals and will be confident at home to get at least one goal which would put them through, with the attacking talents of Kanoute, Fabiano, Keita, Capel and Navas, and so I am going for a Sevilla win.
Prediction - 2-1 (4-3).
San Siro
Tuesday 4th March, 19.45.
This promises to be one of the most intriguing ties of the round, and both teams will go into the game knowing that one goal could prove vital in a tie that is delicately poised at 0-0. Despite a recent blip during which they suffered a crushing 4-0 Cup reverse at Old Trafford, and dropped vital points in the Premiership title race - most recently against Aston Villa, where a late Bendtner goal salvaged a point - Arsenal will take heart from the fact that in the face of such troubles, they remain top of the Premiership and still very much in contention to be there come May, as well as a very positive performance during the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, where they looked nearer to their best. The likes of Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini and Sagna took the game to Milan on that occasion, and Arsenal would have been disappointed that for all their spells of dominance, they could not break down a rugged Italian defence, marshalled by the masterful Paolo Maldini, approaching 40 years of age and still performing at the very highest level. Arsenal came so very close to a potentially priceless advantage, none more so than Emmanuel Adebayor, who missed a glorious chance in the dying seconds to give Arsenal a goal going into the second leg - given his imperious form this season, he would surely have expected to score.
Milan perfected their 'catenaccio' style of play, with internationals such as Oddo and Nesta negating the threat of Adebayor very successfully, along with Maldini. They can of course boast a contender for the world's best player in the fleet-footed playmaker Kaka, who is always a threat, as Manchester United will testify. Andrea Pirlo will look to pull the strings with his range of passing, and Gattuso will be his terrier like best, looking to get the edge over Arsenal's inexperienced midfield. They will miss Seedorf, who looks likely to be absent due to injury, and Emerson who would have been in contention to start. Arsenal themselves have Czech midfielder Rosicky out, so Diaby is likely to fill in with Hleb playing behind Adebayor in a 4-5-1 formation.
This promises to be an enthralling tie, with Arsenal looking to put their recent troubles behind them with a morale-boosting win. But Milan boast experience in Maldini, promising youth in young Pato and the imperious Kaka, and will be hard to beat on their own turf. For this reason, I think they will nick this by the odd goal.
Prediction - 1-0 (1-0).
Sevilla v Fenerbahce
Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan,
Tuesday 4th March, 19.45.
Many people would have expected a team with the calibre of Sevilla, back to back UEFA Cup winners, to easily dispose of relatively weaker opposition in Turkish side Fenerbahce. As evidenced from the first leg, this is certainly not the case, and although Sevilla will still be confident having notched two away goals, they cannot afford to be complacent as they welcome Fenerbahce to Spain. Going to Turkey, with the intimidating atmosphere and passionate following, was always going to be a tough task and Sevilla will be relatively pleased with Edu Dracena and Escude's goals in Turkey giving them a platform on which to progress.
Sevilla of course have not been at their best in La Liga this season and enter this game well off the pace and fighting for a place in next season's Champions League, which is surprising given the talent at their disposal, though they were affected by Juande Ramos' departure. They can boast a formidable right side consisting of Dani Alves, courted by Chelsea in the summer, and Jesus Navas, who is one of Spain's brightest prospects and has been scouted by Europe's elite. Up front, former Tottenham man Kanoute and Pichichi candidate Fabiano lead the line, with Kerzakhov providing backup from the bench. Diego Capel looks to be fulfilling the promise that is attracting admiring glances from Arsenal and Tottenham, and as the Gunners will testify, it is never easy to do what Fenerbahce must do and get a positive result against Sevilla on their own turf.
Fenerbahce have plenty of talent themselves without doubt, but star man Roberto Carlos will be missing due to a leg injury. They will rely on the attacking threat of former Chelsea flop Kezman, who looks to be back to his goalscoring best after a poor couple of years, and Colin Kazim-Richards, who showed potential during his brief stint with Sheffield United in England. Ghana World Cup midfielder Stephen Appiah is an all-action powerful enforcer who Sevilla will need to keep a close eye on.
As for the game, Fenerbahce have a numerical advantage after a good first leg win, but Sevilla have two away goals and will be confident at home to get at least one goal which would put them through, with the attacking talents of Kanoute, Fabiano, Keita, Capel and Navas, and so I am going for a Sevilla win.
Prediction - 2-1 (4-3).
Monday 3 March 2008
4th March: UEFA Champions League (Part 1)
Manchester United vs. Lyon
Old Trafford
Tues 4th March, 19:45
Manchester united roll into this one playing good football but registering few wins. The recent rolling over of Fulham will have lifted morale and given one or two “fringe players” a work out, but it in no way compares to the task presented by the French champions. Wing sensation Nani has been going from strength to strength, whilst Ronaldo has had a much needed rest (sitting out the majority of the Fulham game). Similarly, Rooney and late goal specialist Tevez are 100%. Sir Alex knows the importance of the Champions League, and is well aware that it holds huge importance to his fans. For this reason, United will play full strength and for the win. Manchester United have won their last 9 UEFA Champions League games at home.
Lyon have never won the Champions League, only getting to the quarter finals on three separate occasions. They now know that a win is a must as it is very difficult to outscore United at Old Trafford. Lyon aren’t without goal threats - Benzema in particular has been highlighted by the media, with Sir Alex allegedly attempting to unsettle him. Lyon’s defence has been impressive, conceding none in their last 2 away UEFA games, but Manchester United pose a completely different threat.
Gary Neville and Silvestre are certain to miss out, and don’t be too surprised if Giggs doesn’t play either. Nemanja Vidic has recovered from his calf strain and should definitely feature.
Cris returns for Lyon whilst Boumsong looks set to earn a recall to the side.
I expect Manchester United to progress from this game with style. Don’t expect another United vs. Roma 7 -1 style score line though as Lyon are really fired up for this one.
Prediction
Man United 2 : 0 Lyon
Barcelona vs. Celtic
Nou Camp
Tues 4th March, 19:45
3-2 down after the first leg, Barcelona with 3 away goals, Celtic must win by two or turn the game into a classic. The key will undoubtedly be the first half hour where one Barcelona goal will need Celtic needing 3 at the Nou Camp. I think Celtic will have to play a patient counter-attacking game, and as we’ve seen in La Liga, they should get their chances.
Barcelona are world-renowned for the embarrassment of wealth they possess. They are feared worldwide, and feared at home. A draw is good enough to see Barca through, and I’m afraid that may be the initial game plan. Rijkaard wont risk too much with his neck on the chopping block, and so may set out for a 0-0, 1-0 result. This being said, the players he has just know here the goal is and can turn defence into attack in an instant. Barcelona are unbeaten in eight Champions League ties. A continuation of that tradition will see them through.
Cup-tied Andreas Hinkel wont feature, and will instead be replaced by either Mark Wilson or Paul Caddis. Scott Brown has recovered and will be back for this game. Superstar Messi should be back for Barcelona after missing a game through slight injury. Deco and Toure will also be back for Barca, though either Eto’o or Henry is likely to be benched, with us betting on the former. Rafaek Marquez is a big doubt.
I think one goal at least is an inevitability for Barcelona - but will Celtic be able to fight back.
Prediction
Barcelona 2 : 0 Celtic
Old Trafford
Tues 4th March, 19:45
Manchester united roll into this one playing good football but registering few wins. The recent rolling over of Fulham will have lifted morale and given one or two “fringe players” a work out, but it in no way compares to the task presented by the French champions. Wing sensation Nani has been going from strength to strength, whilst Ronaldo has had a much needed rest (sitting out the majority of the Fulham game). Similarly, Rooney and late goal specialist Tevez are 100%. Sir Alex knows the importance of the Champions League, and is well aware that it holds huge importance to his fans. For this reason, United will play full strength and for the win. Manchester United have won their last 9 UEFA Champions League games at home.
Lyon have never won the Champions League, only getting to the quarter finals on three separate occasions. They now know that a win is a must as it is very difficult to outscore United at Old Trafford. Lyon aren’t without goal threats - Benzema in particular has been highlighted by the media, with Sir Alex allegedly attempting to unsettle him. Lyon’s defence has been impressive, conceding none in their last 2 away UEFA games, but Manchester United pose a completely different threat.
Gary Neville and Silvestre are certain to miss out, and don’t be too surprised if Giggs doesn’t play either. Nemanja Vidic has recovered from his calf strain and should definitely feature.
Cris returns for Lyon whilst Boumsong looks set to earn a recall to the side.
I expect Manchester United to progress from this game with style. Don’t expect another United vs. Roma 7 -1 style score line though as Lyon are really fired up for this one.
Prediction
Man United 2 : 0 Lyon
Barcelona vs. Celtic
Nou Camp
Tues 4th March, 19:45
3-2 down after the first leg, Barcelona with 3 away goals, Celtic must win by two or turn the game into a classic. The key will undoubtedly be the first half hour where one Barcelona goal will need Celtic needing 3 at the Nou Camp. I think Celtic will have to play a patient counter-attacking game, and as we’ve seen in La Liga, they should get their chances.
Barcelona are world-renowned for the embarrassment of wealth they possess. They are feared worldwide, and feared at home. A draw is good enough to see Barca through, and I’m afraid that may be the initial game plan. Rijkaard wont risk too much with his neck on the chopping block, and so may set out for a 0-0, 1-0 result. This being said, the players he has just know here the goal is and can turn defence into attack in an instant. Barcelona are unbeaten in eight Champions League ties. A continuation of that tradition will see them through.
Cup-tied Andreas Hinkel wont feature, and will instead be replaced by either Mark Wilson or Paul Caddis. Scott Brown has recovered and will be back for this game. Superstar Messi should be back for Barcelona after missing a game through slight injury. Deco and Toure will also be back for Barca, though either Eto’o or Henry is likely to be benched, with us betting on the former. Rafaek Marquez is a big doubt.
I think one goal at least is an inevitability for Barcelona - but will Celtic be able to fight back.
Prediction
Barcelona 2 : 0 Celtic
Sunday 2 March 2008
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