and i for one can't wait for the games this week. in all fairness, although i'm a fan of the premiership, i think the standard has been on the decline for the past three seasons now and there's almost an inevitability about who's going to win it before a ball is even kicked. as chelsea stroll to the league in second gear again, all attention is now turned to the greatest competition in club football.
it would be interesting to hear what sabre has to say on these games this week, as i'm just curious as to how the spanish media are covering the build up.
anyway, back to the real discussion and predictions.
REAL MADRID VS ARSENAL
when i saw this draw i thought "well that's not going to be a defensive classic is it?"
. i've actually changed my mind on several occasions about the outcome of this tie but on current form i've got to go for real madrid. apart from a bizzare 6-1 reversal against zaragoza a few weeks back, madrid have gone unbeaten in something like 12 games now. zidane is back to somewhat near his best, ronaldo is scoring again and beckham is playing out of his skin. as for arsenal, they just can't find any consistency whatsoever this season. their defence is depleted and much will depend on which thierry henry turns up for the two legs.prediction: madrid to be too strong overall. madrid to win both legs.
BENFICA VS LIVERPOOL
to be honest, you can't complain with the draw. out of all the teams left, possibly only ajax or rangers would have been more favourable at this stage. however you can't take benfica lightly as manure found out to their cost. this season we've kept five clean sheets in six games in the CL and this defensive solidity should stand us in good stead for the tie. infact, in europe i'm not even that bothered about our supposed "lack of goals" because benitez's tactical genius will get us through the tie. i don't expect a goal feast but if we bring our "a game" we'l prevail over two legs.
prediction: liverpool to win by the odd goal in portugal and then finish the tie off comfortably at home.
CHELSEA VS BARCELONA
as much as i would like barcelona to absolutely thrash this lot, i just can't see it. there's a lot of needle left from last season when barcelona should have prevailed. all the talk has been of the chelsea pitch but from what i gather, it's being relayed today. it sounds daft to say, but the outcome of the tie is going to depend on which side defends the better. barcelona have the flair, chelsea have the efficiency. neither team is particularly on form in recent weeks but form counts for nothing in such a big game. one vital factor is that this year, the second leg is in the nou camp. and as for drogba claiming he is better than eto'o, don't make me laugh.
prediction: a monumental clash but barcelona to prevail (just). infact, expect away goals to come into the equation in the final outcome.
RANGERS VS VILLARREAL
for rangers to simply be here is an achievement in itself. they're struggling to even qualify for the champions league next season and their manager is on a hiding to nothing as he knows he's on his way out regardless of the result. i'd love rangers to win but i just can't see it. villarreal are a decent side and are very dangerous on their day. they don't score a lot of goals. infact they qualified top of their group despite only scoring three goals. however they should be too strong for rangers in all areas of the pitch.
prediction: villarreal to prevail with a comfortable win at home after a draw at ibrox.
i've been waiting for this for two months and it's finally here. saturday's victory was as sweet as ever but this is now the real deal. i bet slur alex is gutted that he's not involved.
bring it on
. The last game i saw Barca play Ronaldiniho wasn't playing has he got an injury or will he be playing.
