v
Chelsea versus Juventus
This is do or die for Chelsea, anything less than a win will spell doom for the West London side. I expect Juventus to play tight defensively and absorb Chelsea's pressure. I am hoping for goals and I do expect Chelsea to take control of the match. If Juventus can hold off Chelsea from the score-sheet, then you have to give them full control heading back to Turin, but again, I see Chelsea breaking a goal. The one interesting fact will be if Juventus can steal a goal.
Prediction: Chelsea 1 Juventus 0
v 
Villareal v Panathinaikos
This match-up is very similar to yesterday's Atletico v Porto, two sides people don't follow too extensively but should be an interesting match. Considering how yesterday those two sides drew, you would expect similar results here, but in my eyes I see it differently. Villareal are a better side playing a better league and I think that will equal domination. The only problems is that Panathinaikos knows this as well and will play ultra defensive and hope to leave with a draw. If the Greek side takes chances, then I see this being a high scoring affair, if they don't then expect a single goal.
Prediction: Villareal 1 Panathinaikos 0
v
Sporting Lisbon versus Bayern Munchen
Bayern are struggling; since the new year they have not done well domestically so will that result in poor form in Europe. I doubt that will be the case, and Bayern on paper are the better team no questions asked. Sporting know that if they can score and not give up a goal will mean a lot heading to Munich. Realistically though, Bayern know that a single away goal tonight wins them the series. I do not expect Bayern to sit back and relax and they will attack with a lot of power.
Prediction: Sporting Lisbon 1 Bayern Munchen 2
v
Real Madrid v Liverpool
This series means a lot to Real Madrid. They have not gotten past this round in a very long time and this match-up is not going to be easy even with questions surrounding Liverpool. I do really like Real Madrid in this match up but I fear another draw between two evenly matched sides. The home field advantage will help Real Madrid in this leg, but they will need to win by two goals to head to Anfield with comfort. Real Madrid can score two goals easily, but can they prevent Liverpool from scoring? The interesting aspect here is how will Liverpool line-up. If they go with a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1 styled formation, then take a draw, but if they they play 4-4-2, expect a goal fest for both sides.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2 Liverpool 1
Hopefully today i will be a bit better, but thanks to the joys of the sport, I will not be surprised if I go again 0-4.
I was exactly correct with Chelsea v Juventus and I did predict that Bayern would win, but not in that kind of blow-out.
ReplyDeleteVery surprised that Panathiniakos managed to leave Spain with a draw and that gives them a huge advantage in the return leg.
The big shocker has to be Liverpool stealing victory from Real Madrid who just can't win in this round. Liverpool are in control with that win and Real will have to play magical in Anfield.