UEFA Champions League – Quarter Final Roundtable
Posted by on 04.02.2007
We are down to our elite eight in Europe’s premier competition. Totti vs. Ronaldo. Kaka vs. Podolski. Drogba vs. Villa. Gerrard vs. Farfan. That all equates to staff excitement. One Click Away
We are down to eight. After a second round full of drama, brawling, mighty Brazilians named Alex, heartbreak, jubilant scousers, last years finalists going out with a whimper, and Kaka carrying a team on his back……..we are a step closer to Athens.
Could it be an all-English final? Find out what the staff think shortly, but first……
The second round staff prediction scores
TIM O'SULLIVAN - 5 out of 8 IAN WRIGHT - 6 out of 8 MORGAN MARX - 2 out of 8 TAAREQ ELSOKARI - 5 out of 8 SEAN GARMER - 5 out of 8 DANIEL WILCOX - 4 out of 8
Well done to Ian. As for Morgan, well he will get full marks this round to make up.
Moving on, this round's participants:
The fella who produces the Round Football Column most weeks, and is crying that its not Liverpool vs. Arsenal in this round…….its Me, Moi, Yours Truly
The chap who dances about architecture and my 2548th favourite Irishman of all-time, Ian Wright
His predictions were not as hot as usual for the last round, but he knows his stuff so show him some respect you ignorant…….anyway…….. Morgan Marx
My fellow footy columnist only just made the cut for this, so enjoy his words that you so nearly missed. Taareq Elsokari
Our regular roundtable contributor from the wrestling zone, Mr. Sean Garmer
A writer so new to 411 that he hasn't got a page yet. Welcome, Magnus Donaldson
Long time 411 readers will remember movie zone column, 'THE VIEW FROM THE HILL' and this is the author. Mark Hill
Anyway, let's get amongst it
The road to Athens continues:
AC Milan vs. Bayern Munich
Tim O'Sullivan
This is a weird one for me. I usually analyse the beautiful game from what I see on the football field. However, something strange has happened this season in the UEFA Champions League. Much like Arsenal last season, there is some sort of epic feel about Bayern Munich this season. Arsenal played some exceptional football against Real last season, and in the corresponding round this year, Bayern got through the Spanish "giants" in a different way. The drama of the late away goal at the Bernabau and Makaay's early goal at the Allianz just got me fancying them. I pride myself on being able to talk about football without sounding like an idiot, but to be honest, in this tie I'm going for Bayern based on a feeling of their late season momentum. As for Meeeeeelan, well, Kaka dragged them through a second round tie they should have been a lot more comfortable in. They're just not good enough this season, especially without a cup-tied Ronaldo up top, and an exit here will probably help them concentrate on getting fourth in Serie A.
Prediction: Bayern Munich (3-2 on aggregate)
Ian Wright
Ever get one of those feelings about a team? I've actually got it about two teams remaining in this competition. One of them has some rational basis in thought and footballing judgement. The other is Bayern Munich. After disposing of stuttering Real Madrid in the previous stage the Germans will be pretty confident of getting past another of Europe's great clubs which has a comparatively weak side buy its standards.
Unless Kaka really turns it on.
Prediction: Bayern Munich (3-2 on aggregate)
Morgan Marx
With Roma, Valencia, and PSV all going against my predictions for the last round, I think I'm going to qualify this by saying I apparently have no idea what I'm talking about. That being said, I categorically predict a Milan victory!
Prediction: Milan (3 -2 on aggregate)
Taareq Elsokari
Another battle between two European Heavyweights. Both sides have won the competition multiple times. The Champions League has also provided the two clubs a platform to take some of the emphasis off of a poor league season so far. I don't think either side is perfect but I do think that Milan will come out on top simply due to the brilliance of Kaka.
Prediction: AC Milan
Sean Garmer
Milan is coming off a big loss to rival Inter Milan and tied against Roma on Saturday. Due to the fact, that, Milan will not catch up to Inter in the league standings, they have more incentive to win the only big thing left for them. Ronaldo seems to be in form after making the move back to Italy, Gilardino has been a scoring machine as of late, and they are extremely talented all around. Both of these teams struggled getting past their last Champions League opponents and have had trouble playing the big teams in their league this year. This is a tussle of two under achieving teams, and in the case of Bayern, got lucky they were playing a topsy-turvy Real Madrid team. Bayern beat down their rivals Schalke 04 on Saturday, Rob Makaay scores again for Bayern. I expect to see Milan advance due to the talent being above Bayern's and for some reason Milan always seems to step it up when it is Champions League time.
Prediction: AC Milan (4-2 on aggregate)
Magnus Donaldson
This one could go either way for me. While I would say that Milan have the slight edge due to their strong presence in previous tournaments meaning they can hold their nerve when it counts, we can't forget that Bayern have had good experiences in the tournament in the past as well. In the end I feel that Milan will just be able to scrape past, getting a 1-0 win in front of their own fans, the goal coming from Kaka, before scraping a 1-1 draw in the second leg to go through.
Prediction: AC Milan (2-1 on aggregate)
Mark Hill
A tough, tough match up to predict. Both teams are struggling a little bit this term, but both are high quality sides with the ability to win it all. Since I'm not a huge follower of either the German or Italian leagues (and league forum is worth absolutely zilch in the Champions League as Liverpool and Arsenal over the last few seasons can attest) I have to rely on the form they showed in Round two to make my prediction. Milan wore down a very game Celtic side, but the lack of goals against the type of squad they should've dominated is concerning. Munich played well enough against an improving (at that point) Real Madrid side, doing just enough to see them off on the Away goals rule. In all honesty it's a toss up…but in the end, I'll give it to Bayern on away goals.
Prediction: Bayern Munich (1-1 on aggregate. Bayern through on away goals)
Chelsea vs. Valencia
Tim O'Sullivan
Wow, this is a tough one. Chelsea have that sort of luck aura about them this season where I can just imagine some drama going their way in the Mestilla next Tuesday evening. As for the first leg, well I listened to the Watford game on the way back from Anfield on Saturday and apparently they were awful, so it's clear that their form is shaky. However, Valencia's has dwindled too, and in fairness to Mourinho's men, results come first and they have won every Premiership game they've played in since the defeat at Liverpool. I would love to see David Villa and Didier Drogba showcase their obvious improvement this season, on the grandest stage, but it could well be a defensive, tactical battle between two of the world's finest young managers. Lampard and Ballack will probably get outplayed in the middle, before scoring some match-deciding goals out of nothing, but despite their dip in form do not underestimate the class of Valencia. It should be so tight that Chelsea could well join Arsenal in being an English side that Valencia knock out on the dreaded away goals rule.
Prediction: Valencia (2-2 on aggregate. Valencia on away goals)
Ian Wright
And now for my other hunch team. Well it's not really a hunch, Valencia are an excellent side and despite the post match debacle following the second leg putting a dampener on things in defeating Inter they got past the one side in the world which, on paper, has a stronger squad than Chelsea. Fernando Morientes, who I've always been a fan of, will be eager to prove to English fans that his slump at Anfield wasn't a fair representation of his talents and he and superstar in the making David Villa may just have enough to crack Chelsea's defence while their backline have the talent and experience to shut the Londoners out.
Prediction: Valencia (3-1 on aggregate)
Morgan Marx
It seems that Chelsea and Man U are destined to fight over three major trophies this year. I was surprised at Valencia's ability to handle Inter, but Chelsea should be the favourite here.
Prediction: Chelsea (4 -1 on aggregate)
Taareq Elsokari
Should be a tough game for Chelsea. Valencia have a great forward line but Chelsea will be ecstatic to know that Morientes will not be playing due to an injury. The Spanish striker was one the key architects of Chelsea's downfall three years ago. Valencia are capable of playing great football at times, but they also suffer from being inconsistent and so the result of this tie should rely on which Valencia show up. Chelsea have also hit some form as of late and returns of Terry and Cech will just make them stronger and give them that extra bit of strength to overcome Valencia.
Prediction: Chelsea
Sean Garmer
Valencia gave us a big surprise by upsetting Inter Milan last time around. They have another tough test in front of them with Chelsea. Valencia lost to Racing but picked up a win on Saturday against Espanyol. Just because they are the only non-powerhouse team left in here doesn't mean that they won't give Chelsea problems, especially since Chelsea had problems with a Porto team that isn't as good as Valencia. Chelsea barely beat Watford on Saturday (they should have tied that game) but even though I hate Chelsea, they find a way to win. I think this one is going to be interesting, and I want to pick the upset, but I can't too much from Chelsea. I do think Valencia could win a game though.
Prediction: Chelsea (2-2 on aggregate. Chelsea wins on away goals)
Magnus Donaldson
Valencia have momentum on their side after overcoming Inter Milan on away goals in the last round, which has to put them up their with the tournament favourites. One of the favourite teams in this years tournament, and in pretty much any tournament they enter, are of course the expensive Chelsea. However, while Chelsea managed to get past Porto, it wasn't without difficulty, having to come from behind to do so. Valencia can punish Chelsea if they underachieve in this round, so I guess it depends on what Chelsea we do see. I predict that Chelsea scrape a 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, and Valencia win 1-0 at home to go through on away goals.
Prediction: Valencia (2-2 on aggregate. Valencia through on away goals)
Mark Hill
I don't have a scientific explanation for this, or any stats to back it up, but Chelsea's European adventure ends here. I think the fixtures and fatigue and the fact that Chelsea have been playing must win (and winning mind you) games since late January may just mean that Valencia get one past them. While the Spaniards don't have Morientes in the line up, they're a very formidable attacking side. It'll be tight, but I think they may just turn Chelsea over and hold on for the victory at the Bridge.
Prediction: Valencia (2-2 on aggregate. Valencia through on away goals)
PSV Eindhoven vs. Liverpool
Tim O'Sullivan
Should be Arsenal!!! Tears are still flowing. Anyway, enough. Moving along, this is a great draw for Liverpool, and the group stage performances should give them a psychological advantage. As Saturday proved once and for all, they are far more ruthless than Arsenal are, and should have no problems in dispatching the sort of chances Arsene Wenger's men failed to convert last month. However, Farfan and Kone's pace may trouble Carragher, despite his fantastic current form, and this isn't as much of a banker as many are predicting. Farfan, in particular, impressed me greatly at the Emirates, and looks to me like one of the best prospects in Europe. Carragher and Agger need to continue their excellent recent form, Gerrard needs to be Gerrard, Alonso needs to nullify the well organised partnership of Mendez and Cocu, and they need to score this Tuesday in the Phillips Stadion. Alex will be a huge, huge loss, but can PSV still do it?
Prediction: PSV (2-2. PSV on away goals)
Ian Wright
PSV are not a good side and I hate Alex with the white hot blinding heat of a thousand suns. He pretty much single-handedly got his side through the last stage against Arsenal but heroics can only last so long. A second semi-final in 3 years beckons for the scousers.
Prediction: Liverpool (5-1 on aggregate)
Morgan Marx
I watched with dismay as PSV knocked out Arsenal with relative ease. Just as I was wondering if PSV is actually a good team, or whether it just caught a listless Gunners squad at the right time, Ajax completely thumped PSV over the weekend. Liverpool should push though.
Prediction: Liverpool (4 -1 on aggregate)
Taareq Elsokari
Alex is out and that is the biggest blow to PSV's chances. Both sides should know each other quite well from their two meetings back in the group stages which means we will most likely see a cautious start to affairs in Eindhoven. Liverpool will also be up for this game after their 4-1 demolition of Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.
Prediction: Liverpool
Sean Garmer
On one side, we have the Latino Dutch team that suffered a huge loss to their rivals Ajax at a score of 5-1 recently. They tied in their warm-up game on Saturday, before facing the English team. Also, there is the aspect of their primo defender, Alex, not playing in either game and that could spell bad things for PSV. They have Jefferson Farfan back, but Liverpool is dangerous on the attack and being down defenders doesn't help, not to mention they lose a big force on set pieces. Liverpool tied at the Villa and won big time over Arsenal on Saturday, seeing as that was the team that PSV defeated to get here, it makes you wonder if that will be same result for PSV. I was the only one that picked PSV last time but because PSV couldn't beat them in qualifying, leads me to believe it won't happen in the Quarters either. Liverpool made Barcelona look bad, and I'd hate to know what they are going to do with PSV. I wouldn't be surprised if all three English teams advance. I'm going with Liverpool, but I really do hope PSV proves me wrong.
Prediction: Liverpool (2-1 on aggregate)
Magnus Donaldson
Liverpool's big wins over Barcelona and Arsenal in the past few weeks have to have filled both the team and the fans with confidence. However, they can't afford to overlook strong opposition in PSV, who put out Arsenal in the last round. PSV can scrape out victories, and Liverpool will have to be at their best to avoid defeat against their Dutch opposition. However, as much as I can see the match going either way, I can see Liverpool taking it. They will win 1-0 away and 2-0 at home to ensure a place in the next round, but not as easily as my predicted scoreline suggests.
Prediction: Liverpool (3-0 on aggregate)
Mark Hill
0-0 and 2-0 to Liverpool in the Group phase, and no Alex at least for the first match in Holland indicates that Liverpool should be confident of a trip to the Semi-Finals. Save for the abomination of a game against Aston Villa a few weeks back, Liverpool has been playing extremely well over the last little while and Rafa Benitez is in his element in Europe. But PSV, even without their star shouldn't be lightly regarded and will not make this easy for the 2005 European Champions. I expect it will be a close game in Holland with Liverpool scratching out a hard fought win that forces the Dutch to chase the game at Anfield where Liverpool's class should see them through.
Prediction: Liverpool (4-0 on aggregate)
Roma vs. Manchester United
Tim O'Sullivan
What to watch on Wednesday. Oooooh. Decisions, decisions. If I choose to watch this I'm sure I won't be disappointed. Roma haven't had a prayer of catching Inter in Serie A for a while now, and it was evident against the French champions how that has promoted their Champions League drive. They were unlucky not to win both legs over Lyon, and surprised anyone that hasn't been watching them in Serie A this campaign. As for United, well for me, it's all about Rooney and especially, Ronaldo finally producing the goods on the European stage. Rooney hasn't scored in the Champions League since his debut hat-trick in September 2004, and went missing during their last two exits to Benfica and Meeeeelan, respectively. It's simply not good enough. Ronaldo could be the best player in the world if he starts doing it in the big games, and this is a big chance for him to show Europe just how much he's improved. I genuinely think it comes down to whether or not their two biggest players play well. If they don't, I can't see them beating a much-improved Roma side.
Prediction: Roma (2-1 on aggregate)
Ian Wright
If Manchester United wins the Premiership this year I can confidently say that deserved or not they'll be the weakest premiership champions since Blackburn Rovers and it'll be mainly down to a player who I really hate. It's going to be a bit hard to swallow. However were they to win the Champions League I'm pretty sure that we're headed for some kind of revelation, with 4 guys on horses, and violent red visions famine and death and pestilence and war. So regardless of what I think I'm just going to say what I hope and then pray that it happens. The Pope's Holy Roman Warriors will behead the evil Red Devil.
Prediction: The End Of The World. Or Roma to go through (2-1 on aggregate)
Morgan Marx
I think we can safely say that England has the most talented domestic league this year. Man U is still flying high and, almost more importantly, seem to have luck on their side (see two consecutive FA Cup ties settled by Ronaldo penalties). I like Roma, and I think Totti deserves a major success on a continental level, but I just can't see Man U bowing out before an epic meeting with a big club.
Prediction: Man Utd (4 -2 on aggregate)
Taareq Elsokari
Man Utd privately would have viewed this as a very good draw. Not as good as Liverpool's draw but a good one nonetheless. Up until the Blackburn game I was actually quite confident of Utd getting a result and moving into the Semi Final but now that Vidic is out that confidence has taken a little bit of a hit. Vidic seems to be the only man to get the best out Rio Ferdinand at the back. With his performances and quality there seem to be a lot less Rio lapses that we've seen in seasons past. I haven't seen too much of Roma this season to comment, but against Lyon, other than Mancini and Totti they didn't look too great. Other than Totti there doesn't seem to be a huge goal threat from the Italians and that could play into Utd's favour if they can control Totti and not let him control the game.
I think United threw Ronaldo, Scholes and possible Rooney hold the key to attack. Rooney really needs to get his Champions League career on track as without it he will never really get the recognition he truly deserves in terms of his talents. But on top of that Man Utd will find it extremely difficult especially in this time where he is really their only fully 100% fit striker.
Prediction: Man Utd
Sean Garmer
Roma has tied to of their biggest opponents in Fiorentina and Milan in their last two games. Roma has enough to give Manchester United a real test here in the Champions. Roma, just like Milan probably are not going to catch Inter in the league standings, so they will have that extra incentive to win here as well. Man U is a couple of wins away from securing that League title, but I'm sure a little double dipping would taste mighty sweet. Man U has continued to roll along in the Premiership, even though they didn't look that great against Lille, I think that had more to do with underestimating them than anything else. This one will be close but I believe Man U will pull it out.
Prediction: Manchester United (3-2 on aggregate)
Magnus Donaldson
This one is also a tough one when it comes to determining a winner. Manchester United are on their way to Premiership glory and a possible treble, while Roma have quietly progressed to this stage with a win over Lyon. I can see this match being really tight, going right to the wire, but Manchester United can just squeeze out their Italian opponents. The match in Rome will be a 1-1 draw, and not that memorable, then a far more thrilling match at Old Trafford also goes to 1-1, then Manchester United scrape through in the second half of extra time with a Cristiano Ronaldo strike sending them to the semi finals.
Prediction: Manchester United (2-3 on aggregate after extra time)
Mark Hill
Are the incredible amount of Fixtures United has played this season, combined with the smaller squad they've been using going to catch up to them in this round? Domestically they have been awesome. They dismantled Blackburn on the weekend and save for the 1-0 escape against Liverpool, haven't looked much like losing in the last month or so. The big question will be: How big a loss is Nemanja Vidic going to be? Roma for their part, did an admirable job of destroying Lyon in the second round and have had a great season domestically. If world beater Totti shows up with United's defense missing it's best player, then Roma could pull off the upset. However, Ronaldo has been unstoppable lately and he is one of the rare players that can win a game for his team single handedly. I think it may be high scoring, and United should come out on top.
Prediction: Manchester United (5-3 on aggregate)
Hopefully we see eight fantastic matches from these four ties over the next ten days, and we'll see you for the semi final roundtable.
