The Champions League draw is upon us, and what a draw it was. It set up a spicy clash between old foes, Chelsea and Manchester United, which is a replay of the 2008 final, won by a single kick of the football. Meanwhile, a Jose Mourinho led Real Madrid will play newcomers Tottenham which is the pick of the draw. Barcelona have a slight matter of getting past Ukranians, Shaktar Donetsk and defending champions Inter will play the only German team left in the competition, Schalke 04.
Firstly, the all english quarter final. Chelsea come into the tie having the upper hand of already beating United. There is still a game to play between the two in the League at Old Trafford, which will put added pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson as he will now have it tough in all three competitions (The Fa Cup semi against cross-town rivals Man City is by no means a walk in the park). Tactically, Fergie looks to have the upper hand in this one, as he has outwitted fellow managers this season with mind boggling team selections (The Fa Cup match against Arsenal for instance). Carlo Ancelotti on the other hand, has been predictable to say the least, and has been unable to make brave decisions to change games. He will most certainly play Ramires and Michael Essien in front of the back four with Frankie Lampard ahead of them. Fernando Torres will most likely start upfront flanked by Nicholas Anelka and either Florent Malouda or Yuri Zhirkov. It doesn't look like Ancelotti can come up with other ideas at the moment. Fergie meanwhile, will obviously be playing mind games prior to both legs. It is almost certain that he will play a three man midfield with Rooney on top supported by Valencia and Nani (All this depends on whether they're fit, or if Nani decides to wet the pitch again). Whatever it is, this will surely be a very technical and tactical encounter for both parties.
On the other hand, Spurs have to travel to Madrid to face Jose Mourinho and Real. This is no doubt, the pick of the bunch, as both teams are attack-minded. Surprising though it may seem, but Jose Mourinho has at times altered his style of play into a more expansive attacking way. He still has that thing in him which will automatically make Real a very organised and compact team, ready to deliver the stinging blow on the counter attack. Tottenham know only one way to play, and that is all out attack, but they did prove people wrong against AC Milan when the managed to eke out a 0-0 draw. Real have Di Maria and Ronaldo on the wings, with Benzema heading the front three. They will be fed by arguably the best playmaker on the planet at the moment in Mesut Oezil. It is astonishing to see a player like Kaka unable to get a place in the Madrid team, though he is injured at the moment. Harry Redknapp will have Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon at his disposal to let loose against the Madrid defence. One plus point for the Spaniards is that they do have young fullbacks in Sergio Ramos and Marcelo who can have pace and stamina to keep up with the Spurs duo. In Jose Mourinho, they have perhaps the best tactician in the world (Look at what he did to Barcelona and Messi). This promises to be an explosive game, where both sides can be gung-ho or put five men in midfield and kill the game. From a neutral perspective, let's hope its the former.
The other two ties seem pretty straight forward for Barcelona and Inter, but nothing is easy when it comes to the quarter finals. The Catalans will most probably beat Shaktar over two legs, but it won't surprise me of the Ukranians win their home leg. They do have attacking flair with the likes of Douglas Costa, Luiz Adriano and Willian who can be match winners. It begs the question as to whether they can hold out the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Villa and the rest quiet and it will surely be a mountain climb to beat them. Inter will also have a clear-cut game against Germans, Schalke. This is probably the most one-sided match of the draw, but it remains to be seen as to whether the Italians can remain injury free to set up a meeting with an English side.
I will only predict the 1st leg scores so I won't have egg on my face if something drastic happens. For the Chelsea v Man Utd game, I think it will be a 2-0 victory for the Blues. The Madrid v Spurs match, Jose Mourinho will have the edge and also playing at home, I think Real will win 3-1. Barcelona will beat Shaktar 2-0 and Inter will win their home game 1-0.
Till next time,
Goodbye.
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