A deadly dose of Déjà vu for Arsenal, easy draws for Chelsea and Manchester United and a tricky return to Milan for Tottenham Hotspur. That was the gist of the reaction to last week’s Champions League first Knockout stage draw.
Don’t count on that analysis for a second; these games are contextually impossible to predict. At the moment Barcelona could very well be unstoppable and Arsenal’s leaky defence, coupled with an inability to win big games, could see a repeat of last year’s lesson in football from the Catalan magicians. Whereas on Valentines Day in 2011 the hasty predications for the Champions League first knockout stages could well be in need of alteration. So take this analysis with a pinch of salt, you never know what could happen over two months. Tottenham might learn how to defend, Chelsea might strengthen extensively in January and United could find themselves with Wayne Rooney firing on all cylinders. Barcelona might even be struggling to string two passes together…well, one can hope.
AS Roma vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Bit of sickener for Shakthar, who topped Arsenals group, in that they face one of the tougher group runners up. Roma aren’t in the best of form domestically but Claudio Ranieri oversees an unpredictable and fluid Italian side. Shakthar have plenty of flair and endeavour themselves and have the understated advantage of playing the second leg in front of their home supporters. Roma to edge the tie after a clear home victory.
AC Milan vs Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Bale returns to the site of his mutilation of Maicon. You can guarantee Milan will have taken notice of the Welshman’s performance and will take precautionary measures. A lot rests on the ability of Milan’s back four to cope with a dangerous Spurs attack, but even more rests on the same problem for the Spurs back four. Ibrahimovic has been on electric form in Serie A and strangely so has Robinho, who seems to have finally understood he needs to actually try sometimes. Milan aren’t the force they used to be, but will certainly take Tottenham all the way. Expect goals and to see Spurs go through, maybe on away goals.
Valencia vs Schalke
The tie sees the return to Spain of Raul and also the tie that is probably the hardest to call. Neither team has met expectations domestically thus far, but both progressed relatively easily to this stage. Valencia gave a very favourable account of themselves against Manchester United in the group stage and have several technically fantastic players, especially their two wingers; Juan Mata and Pablo Rodriguez. Valencia will need to be sharp at the back, with the predatory instincts of Raul and Klaas Jan Huntelaar always lingering. Valencia to go through.
Internazionale vs Bayern Munich
The rematch of the 2010 Champions League final and both teams have been on a severe downwards trajectory since Inter breezed past the German champions at the Bernabeu. Bayern have recently been boosted by the return of Franck Ribery and if they can get Arjen Robben fit they pose a threat, if not then they may struggle again. Inter are in a strange position, with a new manager on his way it is hard to predict the position of the club. They certainly have the players, only losing the bit part Mario Balotelli over the summer. They are expected to strengthen in January, with Man Utd target Alexis Sanchez top of their shopping list. The tie all depends on the progress of Inter under their new manager – they should beat Bayern but FC Hollywood are certainly no pushovers. Inter to go through.
Lyon vs Real Madrid
A carbon copy of last years last sixteen draw, in which Lyon vanquished the Galacticos on their own turf. It has been four years since Real progressed to the quarter finals, too long for a club that prides itself on its European dominancy. Lyon have fallen foul to the bigger teams in Europe and years of having the Maloudas, Essiens and Benzema’s picked away from them has taken its toll. No longer the dominant force in French Football they may struggle against a Real Madrid side invigorated (bar a certain Clasico) by Jose Mourinho. Benzema will be hoping to make more of an impact than his last appearances from the bench against his old club but this should (emphasis on should) be an easy enough tie for Real Madrid. Real to bulldozer their way into the quarters.
Arsenal vs Barcelona
The tie of the round. Undoubtedly. A football purists wet dream and the opportunity for Arsenal to make amends for last years annihilation. Wenger and co have commented how they are ready to play Barca, that they want revenge. They will have to be on top form but it is certainly possible, in the game last season little was made of the fact Arsenal were missing key players and had Michael Silvestre playing centre half. With a fit Vermaelen and an on song Cesc Fabregas they have a shout, but they have to box clever; if they come out and try to out football Barcelona they will be beaten and shown up as a Barcelona-lite. They have to try and do what the likes of United and Inter have done against Barca over two legs. Unfortunately they don’t really have the players and Wenger will not abandon his ethos. Arsenal to go down fighting.
Marseille vs Man Utd
This will not be as easy as expected for United, Marseille showed against a nearly full strength Chelsea side that are capable of good football. They have several influential players that need stopping, Lucho Gonzalez and Loic Remy are the main threats but a backing cast featuring Mathieu Valbuena and Andre Ayew also possess a threat. United need to find a rhythm, domestically and in Europe if by February they have found that rhythm they should progress. A fully functioning Wayne Rooney would be a massive boost, as would a first Dimitar Berbatov Champions League goal in over two years. United to go through.
FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea
Possibly the closest to a dead cert in the draw, Copenhagen have done phenomenally to get to this point but they are basically tourists at this level. Chelsea will breeze through the tie, they may not race away in the first leg as FC Copenhagen have a good home record but at Stamford Bridge it could become something akin to a massacre. Once Chelsea regain their form and strengthen in January they will establish themselves as one of the favourites for the trophy once more. Chelsea to amble through.
Play FootballFanCast.com’s first LIVE football fantasy – Picklive – HERE!