Champions League Predictions (11/03/09)

FC Porto vs Atletico Madrid

The first leg saw Atletico twice squander leads to gift Porto the away goals advantage (2-2). Despite this, Atletico still have to be the fancied side to progress in what is sure to be a cagey affair. Much pressure will be on El Comandate (the commander) Lucho Gonzalez to not only drive his team forward mentally, but to try and pick the lock of Atletico's defence. Madrid (the red one) are now known for their "you score 6, we'll score 7" attitude which served them well in the first half of the season. They are now however leaking too many goals for hit-and-miss legend in the making Sergio Aguero and his familiar partner in crime Diego Forlan to convert.
It's all about the Argentines in this game - they'll decide the result. In the blue corner, Lucho Gonzalez and Lisandro Lopez. In the red and white, Maxi Rodriguez and Sergio Aguero. Quality players on show, a tough one to call.

Prediction
1:2 (3:4 agg.)
Atletico Madrid go through

Barcelona vs Lyon

"Attack is the best form of defense" - these the words of Pep Guardiola ahead of a tricky 2nd leg against flamboyant opposition. Lyon played their hearts out in leg 1 and were more than a match for the much favoured Barcelona for the majority of the game. There has been a lot of talk about Barcelona's recent form - two losses in three League games possibly indicating the wheels are wobbly (if not falling off).
Never before has there been so much panic over set-pieces but Guardiola thinks Juninho "has all the time in the world to decide where to put the ball and enough talent to pull it off". I agree. Juninho Pernambucano that is - in case any Middlesbrough fans were wondering. The same Juninho who once said free kicks were "like penalties" for him.
Lyon will be brave but any mistakes and the Nou Camp will swallow them whole. Barcelona may be about to click into gear and give us a masterclass reminiscent of those seen months ago in the group stages.

Prediction
2:0 (3:1 agg.)
Barcelona go through

Roma vs Arsenal

Toure, Nasri, Denilson, Eduardo and Walcott may all feature for Arsenal - though Adebayor misses out. Many experts are giving this game to Roma. They think the Italian outfit are too strong and the hostile Italian crowd will be too imposing. Then again, they said that this time last year when Arsenal faced Milan. Could Theo Walcott's explosive pace off the bench be a critical factor? Eduardo has looked majestic since his return and will be eager to reannounce himself on such a grand stage. Arsenal are resigned to a top 4 shootout in the League this season which has given the Champions League even greater importance. This could be just what the "can't hit the back of a barn door" Arsenal of recent weeks need to shock their season back into life. Remember, Arsenal just have to avoid defeat.

Prediction
1:1 (1:2 agg.)
Arsenal go through

Manchester United vs Inter Milan

5 years and two days ago at Old Trafford. A little known Portugese manager broke United hearts and wasn't afraid to celebrate. Now, Jose Mourinho has become one of Alex Ferguson's greatest rivals. The Scot has only gotten the better of Mourinho once, though he insists that isn't important.
United will regret not securing an away goals advantage after an impressive San Siro display, and a score draw will now put Mourinho's Inter through.
Both teams have defensive worries - though Manchester United have been aided by Rio Ferdinand's passing of a fitness test. O'Shea is set to start in the troubled right-back spot. Inter are without Christian Chivu, Walter Samuel, Marco Materazzi and Nicolas Burdisso. We may then see an Inter back four of Santon, Rivas and Maicon with either Zanetti, Maxwell or Cambiasso filling the final defensive spot (not as weak as Mourinho will have you believe).
Manchester United will look to kill this game off early with a view to possibly resting one of two big guns ahead of the clash vs Liverpool. We may therefore see starts or special guest appearances from Ji-Sung Park, Darren Fletcher, Carlos Tevez, Johnny Evans, Nani and Anderson.

Prediction
1:0 (1:0 agg.)
Manchester United go through