Champions League is back – a preview
The knockout round of the UEFA Champions League kicks off this week with some really interesting matches. This is the round where big guns will fall.
Arsenal vs PSV
The third meeting in 5 years between these teams, with Arsenal progressing the last 2. Emmanuel Eboue and Justin Hoyte are out with injuries, meaning Johan Djourou will probably start at right back for Arsenal. Domestically, PSV have been struggling since the winter break, winning just once in their last four outings and Arsenal have had a good run of form with lots of key players starting to come back after injuries. Look for the Gunners to move on.
Chelsea vs Porto
This one has an intriguing subplot since it was José Mourinho who led Porto to their European Cup victory in 2004. Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira were also part of that Porto squad. Chelsea wasn’t been able to progress past the knockout round in the Champions League last year. Mind you, it was Barcelona that knocked them out (as they did 2 years ago) and, as strong as Porto are, they are not Barcelona. Pick Chelsea.
Liverpool vs Barcelona
A heavyweight battle with the last 2 years winners going head to head. This one will be tough because, as tough as Barcelona are, they are beatable. And Liverpool has a decidedly Spanish feel, with not only Rafael Benitez, but Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, and Jose Reina in the lineup. This will be a good one, especially if Liverpool can emerge from Nou Camp with hope.
ManU vs Lille
Both teams will have last year fresh in their memory, where Lille beat ManU 1-0 at home and held them to a goalless draw at Old Trafford. Lille will have the belief that, despite how strong ManU looks, they can be beat. A false belief, but a belief nonetheless. Look for ManU to progress.
Celtic vs AC Milan
First timers at the knockout ball, The Scottish champions have never won away in the UEFA Champions League and they will be hard pressed to do it at San Siro so they will have to put on a feisty display in Glasgow if they hold any hope of progressing.
Real Madrid vs Bayern
Like Liverpool and Barcelona, this is a true heavyweight matchup. But Real is in trouble and, despite not winning on their last three visits to Spain, Bayern should do well and progress.
Inter Milan vs Valencia
Is there some kind of Champions rule that says Inter and Valencia have to play each other? This draw puts them together for the fourth time in six seasons. I’m picking Valencia, simply because I like Fernando Morientes and Miguel.
Roma vs Lyon
Like Celtic, this is Roma’s first go around in the knockout round, while Lyon will hope to move past the knockout for the first time. But Lyon was strong in qualifying and have a good away record. And you have to think that the experience of a trip to the World Cup final for Lyon’s Sidney Govou, Grégory Coupet, Eric Abidal, Florent Malouda, and Sylvain Wiltord will serve them well.
