English dominate as Italians fail
The final 16 saw holders Manchester United follow Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea into a Quarter Final draw which includes underdogs Villareal and Porto as well as attacking maestros Bayern Munich and Villareal. And don't forget, the draw is now open - meaning anyone can face anyone. We may at last see the dream re-match between Manchester United and Barcelona or we could even see a goalless extravaganza between Villareal and Liverpool (who would use more holding midfielders?)
The two teams who stood out most to me had to be Bayern Munich and Barcelona. They are the teams to avoid. Bayern, in my humble opinion, have the quickest, most incisive side in Europe. This, added to the quality of Ribery, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Klose, Toni and Lahm, completes a phenomenally under-rated line-up.
Barcelona showed yesterday that they are something like their best again after a few stutter in La Liga. Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o are back to their explosive best and Lionel Messi (undoubtedly the greatest footballer of our time) will only get better. The vision and passing of Xavi and Iniesta is also aided by the attacking prowess of the now legendary full back Dani Alves.
Bayern and Barca are the teams to avoid in the final 8. Porto, Villareal and (dare I say) Arsenal are the teams you want to draw. The draw will be made on the 20th March.
Last 16 Highlights
Manchester United vs Inter Milan (2-0) (2-0 agg.)
Barcelona vs Lyon (5-2) (6-3 agg.)
Bayern Munich vs Sporting Lisbon (7-1) (12-1 agg.)
Roma vs Arsenal (1-0) (1-1 agg.)
(No highlights in 120 minutes. Penalties below)
Porto vs Atletico Madrid (0-0) (2-2 agg.)
(No highlights at all.)
Juventus vs Chelsea (2-2) (2-3 agg.)
Liverpool vs Real Madrid (4-0) (5-0)
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
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
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
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Champions League Predictions (10/03/09)
Bayern Munich vs Sporting
This tie is as good as over and Sporting have little left to play for but pride. They might not even get that though as the ever-impressive Bayern take a five away goal lead to the Allianz arena. Expect Klinsmann to rest two or three of the top talents and expect Paulo Bento's Sporting to be aggressive from the outset. I said it last time and I'll say it again : expect goals.
Prediction
2:2 (7:2 agg.)
Bayern go through
Juventus vs Chelsea
Claudio Ranieri has called upon Juve's supporters to "intimidate Chelsea" in what could be the to-the-wire game of the round. Chelsea were more than matched by the Italian giants at Stamford Bridge but were fortunate to avoid conceding an all important away goal. Juventus will certainly be favourites on the night but one goal could but the Londoners through.
Prediction
2:1 (2:2 agg.)
Chelsea go through on away goals
Panathinaikos vs Villareal
Possibly the least appealing game to the UK audience - though lovers of old school football may like what they see. This will either break out into a frenzy or slip into a tactical chess style game-play. Panathinaikos' away goals gives the underdogs hope but I can't help thinking Villareal's individual qualities will shine through.
Prediction
0:2 (1:3 agg.)
Villareal go through
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
The tie of the night - on paper. Two of the greatest sides in the competition's history (with one notable big red exclusion) clash in front of the Anfield anything-can-happen crowd with the (slight) underdogs holding a one (away) goal advantage. That away goal could be the key. Liverpool are very hard to beat at home, especially if they make it "one of those European nights" - and that's what Madrid have to do. A draw is no good. The reverse side of the coin says Real may come up against the same Liverpool that deploy two holding midfielders from the offset and is (tentatively) accused of "hoofing" the ball. If that Liverpool turn up (the one that drew at home with Everton, Man City, West Ham and Hull), Madrid will have a field day.
Prediction
0:2 (1:2 agg.)
Real Madrid go through
This tie is as good as over and Sporting have little left to play for but pride. They might not even get that though as the ever-impressive Bayern take a five away goal lead to the Allianz arena. Expect Klinsmann to rest two or three of the top talents and expect Paulo Bento's Sporting to be aggressive from the outset. I said it last time and I'll say it again : expect goals.
Prediction
2:2 (7:2 agg.)
Bayern go through
Juventus vs Chelsea
Claudio Ranieri has called upon Juve's supporters to "intimidate Chelsea" in what could be the to-the-wire game of the round. Chelsea were more than matched by the Italian giants at Stamford Bridge but were fortunate to avoid conceding an all important away goal. Juventus will certainly be favourites on the night but one goal could but the Londoners through.
Prediction
2:1 (2:2 agg.)
Chelsea go through on away goals
Panathinaikos vs Villareal
Possibly the least appealing game to the UK audience - though lovers of old school football may like what they see. This will either break out into a frenzy or slip into a tactical chess style game-play. Panathinaikos' away goals gives the underdogs hope but I can't help thinking Villareal's individual qualities will shine through.
Prediction
0:2 (1:3 agg.)
Villareal go through
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
The tie of the night - on paper. Two of the greatest sides in the competition's history (with one notable big red exclusion) clash in front of the Anfield anything-can-happen crowd with the (slight) underdogs holding a one (away) goal advantage. That away goal could be the key. Liverpool are very hard to beat at home, especially if they make it "one of those European nights" - and that's what Madrid have to do. A draw is no good. The reverse side of the coin says Real may come up against the same Liverpool that deploy two holding midfielders from the offset and is (tentatively) accused of "hoofing" the ball. If that Liverpool turn up (the one that drew at home with Everton, Man City, West Ham and Hull), Madrid will have a field day.
Prediction
0:2 (1:2 agg.)
Real Madrid go through
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Manchester United vs Fulham ; FA Cup Highlights, Draw
Manchester United put in another classy performance to shrug of Fulham 4-0 at Craven Cottage. Wayne Rooney and Ji-Sung Park killed the game off after two greatly contrasting first half goals from Carlos Tevez. Ronaldo, Scholes, Berbatov and Giggs were all rested - indicating Sir Alex has one eye on the upcoming Champions League 2nd leg with Inter Milan and another on Liverpool in a week's time. The only problems for Manchester United came in the form of injuries to Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea. By all accounts, Ferdinand is 50/50 to make the midweek Champions League starting line-up and O'Shea is very unlikely. This leaves a problem in the right back position for United who are already missing Gary Neville,Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves and Rafael through injury. Saturday's game against Fulham saw young Richard Eckersley finish the game at right back - indicating just how desperate Ferguson is. Perhaps Fabio da Silva will be risked at right back - or maybe Darren Fletcher will be started out of position.
The good news for Manchester United today is that of the FA Cup draw. The Reds avoided both Chelsea and Arsenal/Hull, receiving a home draw vs. Everton.
Full FA Cup Semi-Final Draw
Arsenal/Hull v Chelsea
Man Utd v Everton
A London derby at Wembley looks an exciting proposition, but Hull stand in the Gunners' way. Manchester United fans can continue to dream of a 5 trophy clean sweep.
Catch highlights of all the FA Cup games.
Highlights to look out for;
- Louis Saha's dramatic winner vs 'Boro
- Carlos Tevez's wonder goal vs Fulham
- Eduardo's senational "beach goal" (Wenger's words) vs Burnley
- Drogba powering Hiddink's unbeaten run
Fulham vs Manchester United
Coventry vs Chelsea
Arsenal vs Burnley
Everton vs Middlesbrough
The good news for Manchester United today is that of the FA Cup draw. The Reds avoided both Chelsea and Arsenal/Hull, receiving a home draw vs. Everton.
Full FA Cup Semi-Final Draw
Arsenal/Hull v Chelsea
Man Utd v Everton
A London derby at Wembley looks an exciting proposition, but Hull stand in the Gunners' way. Manchester United fans can continue to dream of a 5 trophy clean sweep.
Catch highlights of all the FA Cup games.
Highlights to look out for;
- Louis Saha's dramatic winner vs 'Boro
- Carlos Tevez's wonder goal vs Fulham
- Eduardo's senational "beach goal" (Wenger's words) vs Burnley
- Drogba powering Hiddink's unbeaten run
Fulham vs Manchester United
Coventry vs Chelsea
Arsenal vs Burnley
Everton vs Middlesbrough
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Title Race Over?
Manchester United last night secured an unconvincing yet impressive victory over doom-destined Newcastle. It was another reminder of the Reds' relentlessness in the closing stages of any title campaign. Will they win all 5 trophies?
Is the title race over? Tell us your thoughts.
Here are the goals.
Is the title race over? Tell us your thoughts.
Here are the goals.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)