Champions League Preview (2nd Legs)

So it's coming down to crunch time as 16 teams will turn into 8 who will hope for a trip to Roma (unless your AS Roma and you're hoping to play at home at the end of may). So with 7 of the 8 ties still up for grabs, let's see what I think about each of the matches.

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Liverpool v Real Madrid CF (First leg 1:0)

So Liverpool 'stole' victory from Real Madrid two weeks ago in what I thought was one of the bigger surprise results. I honestly thought Madrid, with the home side would be the stronger of the two clubs, but it was Liverpool with all the strength now. Real Madrid need to win this game for so many reasons, but unfortunately, they do not have the coach (Juande Ramos) to take them into the next round. Benitez has his side exactly were they need to be and I expect them to play quite defensive and utilize the counter-attack to their advantage. Real have to play with 3 attacking players (at least) if they want any chance and MUST score in the first half. If they fail to score or give up a goal early on, this match is over. I don't see this being a big score but I do see Liverpool going through

Prediction: Liverpool 0 Real Madrid 0

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FC Bayern Munchen v Sporting Lisbon (First Leg 5:0)

Bayern will advance, will they win will result in how they field their squad. If it's mostly bench players on the field, expect a 0:0 scoreline. If they field regular players (which they won't), expect a 1:0 win for the German side.

Prediction: It doesn't really matter but FC Bayern Munchen 1 v Sporting Lisbon 0

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Panathinaikos v Villareal (First Leg 1:1)

I really like Panathinaikos in this because of the home support they'll have but it doesn't mean I think they'll win. This is a tough one since they went 1-1-1 at home during the group stage. The fan support will mean everything early on. These fans and players know that they just need to disrupt the psyche of the Villareal squad and they will win. Villareal know that one goal, and an early one at that, will kill the crowd. I again expect Villareal to play the offensive with the Greek side absorbing the pressue. Only problem is that Panathinaikos is not Liverpool and they're playing against a decent Spanish squad. While I like Panathinaikos, I don't know if they have the skill to handle the onsault. I want to predict a draw here, but I am leaning towards a 1:1 draw, meaning extra time. If that is the case, Villareal will advance during a penalty shootout

Prediction: Panathinaikos 1 Villareal 1 (Villareal advance in Penalties)

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Juventus v Chelsea FC (First leg 0:1)

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has been talking about how he wants the Juventus fans to distrupt Chelsea and act as the 12th man. One problem, Juventus supports are never there when you need them; they have amongst the worst attendences in the Champions League of a major club. Chelsea control the game and with considering how Guus Hiddink plays with Anelka and Drogba upfront, they will try to score. There is no pressure on Chelsea since they know even if they conceed a goal, they're far from out. Juventus would love to take out this London side, but the skills outside of Keeper lean towards Chelsea and in the end, it's the greater sum that always stays alive.

Prediction: Juventus 1 v Chelsea 1

I'll talk about Wednesday matches prior to gameday, in the meantime, enjoy the games on Tuesday.

Champions League Round of 16 Preview Part 2

Yesterday I was really bad at my predictions getting all four matches wrong. I hope that my predictions for today's matches are significantly better.

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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

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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

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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

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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.