5th March: UEFA Champions League (Part 2)

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).