Celtic vs. Barcelona: Barca better watch out going into Scotland. For all their offensive firepower, Barca lacks defensive play from their midfielders and forwards. Deco husles back, but one can not expect much defensive presence from Ronaldinho, Messi and especially Henry. Celtic is a tough out in this competition, ask A.C Milan who had a difficult time last season against Celtic in the knockout stage and lost to them this season in Scotland this season during group stage. Celtic will be physical, play smart and with the home crowd, is fully capable of a positive result, a win or draw, heading into the second leg in Spain.
Lyon vs. Manchester United: United is an elite club team. Tevez and Rooney are playing wonderfully together, the midfield is strong led by Ronaldo, Scholes and Hargreaves. I think Vidic is a bit over-rated in the back, but he is helped by talented men around him. Lyon was devastated by injuries earlier in the year. A testament to their fortitude and heart, the 6 time defending French champion has reached Champion’s league knockout stage again, along with their perch atop Ligue 1 in France. Coupet, injured at the season’s start, is back in form. The ever present Juninho, Brazil’s most underrated player, will be the catalyst for an offense that bores defenses into mistakes and goals. Man U is the better team and should advance, especially with the quality of coach as Sir Alex Fergusen. However, the pain of elimination from Europe’s best club tournament has befallen Lyon on a continual basis and those memories will fuel their fight to topple Man U.
Arsenal vs. A.C. Milan: Arsenal is young, flashy and have had great success so far this season. There is no doubt oftheirt ability, but I think their Champion’s League run ends in this round. Milan is battle tested, have class throughout the pitch and know how to win this tournament. For all of Arsenal’a talent at midfield, they may lack the mental toughness to deal with the constant physical play of Gattusso, Ambrosinni and Seedorf. Then you have Pirlo, Kaka and Pato on attack with a bench that includes Inzaghi, Gilardino and youngster Alberto Paloschi. I will be rooting for the Crozillian and Arsenal, but they have their hands full with a Milan team that started the season slow, but has picked up the class of play to their form of last season.
Fenerbache vs. Sevilla: Don’t know much about either team. If I was betting on this matchup , I would bet that Turkish side Fenerbache advances. Why? Because few teams are able to go into Turkey and get a decision. Fenerbache has fought long and hard to make it to the knockout stage after years of group stage frustration and will not let this opportunity go by hastily.
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