The Champions League returns after two months of absence. It’s only round sixteen, yet some of the matchups that will be on display are absolutely delicious. The giants of the game will clash and some big names will be eliminated. The competition will be intense and nothing can be taken for granted. Here are some of the key matches I’m looking forward to and what I think could happen:
Inter Milan vs Manchester United – San Siro, Milan
Two giants of European football, two teams in a moment of great form. In a match worthy of the final it is very unfortunate that these teams had to face each other now and it will be sad to see one of them leave.
Both teams have incredible coaches and have dominated their domestic leagues to the point where they have almost won them with three months to go. They have class all over the park, notably both teams have formidable attacking weapons with Ronaldo, Rooney, Adriano and Ibrahimovic just to name a few.
All things being equal, it’s hard to separate these teams, but unfortunately things aren’t quite the same when you compare defenses. Vidic is suspended for the match due to his red card in the Club World Cup final. Evans was recently injured and Gary Neville is still out. John O’Shea is also in doubt. Going to the San Siro is difficult at the best of times, but with Rio Ferdinand having to play with a makeshift centre-back in central defence, one can only think that Inter have the upper hand. I am going to be bold and say that “The Special One” and Inter will win by a narrow margin in the first leg. Man Utd will be much stronger in the second leg.
Arsenal V Rome – Emirates, London
Who would want to be an Arsenal fan this season? Who would want to be a Roma fan? Both teams have had bad seasons by their standards, but both are starting to find some sort of shape, albeit nowhere near the potential of either team.
This is a key clash for both teams to get a taste of their disappointing seasons. Both teams being so inconsistent, it’s hard to predict who will emerge victorious. Arsenal have been playing better of late but haven’t been able to deliver the coup de grace so this could be their day. With Roma looking to defend away from home, this game could be a draw or if Arsenal can finally end their chances, they could come away with a desperately needed win. Arsenal will need him because it will be very difficult for them to win in Rome in the second leg.
Real Madrid vs Liverpool – Bernabeu, Madrid
When the draw was first announced I was sure Liverpool would win, but the draw was announced weeks ago. There have been many changes since then, and Real Madrid seem to be going from strength to strength, while Liverpool are not doing as well as their fans would like.
Since Juande Ramos took over and bought Lasanna Diarra, Real Madrid’s defensive balance has been exceptional. No wonder they have had such an impressive winning streak since the pair (Ramos and Diarra) arrived. Diarra could finally be the long-term replacement for Makelele that Real Madrid have yearned for for so many years. By contrast, Liverpool have gone from comfortably leading the English Premier League to being seven points behind arch-rivals Manchester United. They will again be without the inspirational captain Steven Gerrard, so all things considered I think Liverpool will struggle away from home. Real Madrid should win this one. Liverpool will be better in the second leg.
