411's UEFA Champions League - Quarter Final Roundtable
Posted by Tim O'Sullivan on 04.01.2008
Can Cristiano Ronaldo take his Prem form into Europe? Can William Gallas keep Fernando Torres quiet and send Arsenal through to the semis? Will Ronaldinho play a game of football? Are Chelsea dead certs for the semis? Find out our thoughts in the staff roundtable. One Click Away.
It's quarter final time and the Champions League is about to get very tasty.
I'm compiling this while watching my shiny new THE SHIELD SEASON SIX DVD, so I may be illiterate and/or distracted. It's that good.
Just the five of us, as the song doesn't go, but we're here nonetheless.
The five are I, Ian Wright, Sean Garmer, Chris Evans and Lotfi Sariahmed.
Go time.
Roma v Man Utd
O'Sullivan: Tricky one for me. I really like Roma and I think last season's infamous quarter final was a freak. However, the second leg at Old Trafford married with United's current form makes this hard to go against the Prem leaders. Plus, Francesco Totti is out. How well Mirko Vucinic does in his absence will be key and like last season I see the Serie A giants winning the first leg. But what will happen at Old Trafford? It's really tough to call. I'm going to go for a shock win and a bald guy running down the touchline in celebration next Wednesday in Manchester.
Prediction: Roma to win 3-2 on aggregate.
Wright: I eschewed the snoorefest that was the first leg of the Inter/Liverpool tie to watch what wound up being an incredibly entertaining match at the Stadio Olympico as Real Madrid came to visit. Roma look to be a very useful side and capable of scoring goals but they're going to be missing Francesco Totti and United have the edge when it comes to recent history between the two.
Prediction: Manchester United 4-2 Roma
Sean Garmer: Man United have continued to roll along in the Prem leading the league in spectacular fashion. Roma have been rather wishy washy, with Inter continuing to drop points, but they don't seem to be able to really capitalize on them either. This is the tie of the round for sure, With both squads playing some fancy football, but now Totti is a major doubt for that first leg at the Stadio Olimpico and that might be just what United need to keep Roma in check. Roma still have loads of talent to keep up with United. If they can somehow keep United from scoring that away goal, it may not be inconceivable to see them get one at OT. Truly though, I haven't seen anyone really stop Ronaldo, Rooney has been playing great, and that defence is locked tight. I hope for an amazing tie, but in the end, Man United should continue.
Prediction: Man United (2-1 Aggregate)
Chris Evans - United have been performing excellently all season, despite some blemishes on their record they are on top form. Roma though can't be ruled out, though with Totti seemingly ruled out they are going to have to adapt more than normal. United should win at Old Trafford, but I can see them failing in Rome. I expect this to be decided on away goals and it will be 2-1 on aggregate, to whom is simply a choice of my favourite club.
Prediction United (2-1)
Lotfi Sariahmed - In my humble opinion (for whatever that's worth) this is the best of the four quarterfinal ties. Although it did take a hit once Totti was declared out of this first leg for Roma. It's hard enough beating United when you're 100%. I understand Vucinic is more than capable to fill in but obviously no one can fully take Totti's place. And this is such a close match-up that not having Totti in that first game will make the difference for me.
Prediction United (2-2) United wins on Penalties
Schalke v Barcelona
O'Sullivan: This is so boring. Barcelona are the most overrated side on the planet. Anyone who says they're a good side simply can't watch Spanish football. Schalke have nothing in attack, but defend well. However, they won't be able to handle a Camp Nou blitz. Either way, I see the winners going out in the semis .unless Messi comes back.
Prediction: Barcelona to win 3-1 on aggregate.
Wright: There isn't really much point in discussing this one in depth. Barcelona may have decided to allow Villarreal take over the mantle of main challengers to Real Madrid in La Liga but they're far, far too good to slip up here.
Prediction: Barcelona 5-1 Schalke
Sean Garmer: Schalke haven't lost since they defeated Porto by penalties. However, they really haven't played anyone of note in the league to really give them a fight. In fact, I feel that if Porto hadn't gone a man down in that tie, Schalke wouldn't even be here at the moment. Barca have been on an off, they are coming off a defeat to relegation fighting Real Betis. Barca are missing Messi, and Ronaldinho has a grand falling out with the Manager. Barca should get through here, but I would really consider playing Dinho as he played well against Celtic and seems to be up for these Champions League ties. Hopefully for Barca, Messi returns soon because they are completely different team without him.
Prediction: Barcelona (2-1 Aggregate)
Chris Evans - Both teams are off the pace in their respective league's so will be looking to progress here to gain some success from this season. Both squads are good, but as with the Fenerbache and Chelsea game the stars should win through. However I feel that Schalke will win through after snatching a draw in Spain.
Prediction Schalke (2-1)
Lotfi Sariahmed - If Schalke moves on its because Barcelona didn't show up. I understand Barca has struggled in La Liga but the team is too talented (even without Messi) to not move on against Schalke. This was the draw each big club wanted and I expect (hope/pray) Barca takes advantage.
Prediction Barcelona (3-1)
Arsenal v Liverpool
O'Sullivan: More interesting than exciting, this will be tense stuff for sure. The Bolton comeback will help Arsenal on Wednesday and I see them sneaking a nervy 1-0 win. However, with Gerrard and Torres on top form last season's finalists certainly have a dangerous threat to grab an away goal. The form of Arsenal's back line (except Clichy) has simply not been good enough and they will have to step it up if they want to progress. It works both ways though, and Arsenal's quick movement will certainly test a Liverpool defence that can only rely on Skrtel for true mobility. Either way it'll be decided at Anfield and those nights always seem to end only one way.
Prediction: 1-1 on aggregate. Liverpool to win on penalties.
Wright: As ever it's impossible to be fair and objective when it comes to the Arsenal. Benitez has the Champions League pedigree but, fine record against Chelsea in recent years aside, I don't think his European tactical Kung Fu voodoo will be effective against an English side, especially one that typically comes out best when the two meet.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool
Sean Garmer: What a turn of events it has been for Arsenal since their last Champions League outing. They are now behind Man U and Chelsea in their league, but did put up a great performance with only ten men against Bolton to scrape out a much needed win. However, that's where Arsenal's focus seems to be at the moment on the league. Where Liverpool are really just trying to secure fourth place. With these two having to play each other in the League just three days later, you have to wonder if Wenger is going to play his full strength side at least in the first leg. The Reds do have the 2nd leg at Anfield where they always seem to work their Champions League magic. At this point, I feel that this is a lot more relevant to Liverpool as Rafa needs to at least get to the final to save his job. Arsenal's defense looked rather suspect against Bolton without Sagna, and you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from, as RVP and Adebayor seem to have hit a wall. Torres and Gerrard are on fire, the new formation for Rafa seems to be working, and Mascherano will have someone in his pocket. Arsenal will have to really make it a team effort to advance here.
Prediction: Liverpool (3-1 Aggregate)
Chris Evans - Arsenal had been in a slight rut until their win on the weekend while Liverpool have been on and off all season. Liverpool's European success of recent years will be nullified by playing another English club. Wenger should be able to motivate his players enough to snatch a win at home and a draw away, it will be mighty tight though.
Prediction Arsenal (1-0)
Lotfi Sariahmed - Another close tie and popular opinion might be to have Liverpool moving on. But don't count out Arsenal. The Gunners were basically traumatized after the Chelsea defeat and have been playing mediocre football against mediocre clubs. However, I think Arsene Wenger can lead this team forward. I like him over Rafa in the big game and in a game where the talent is just so close, I'll go with the better manager.
Prediction Arsenal (2-1)
Fenerbahce v Chelsea
O'Sullivan: This tie is a million times more interesting than people are making out. Fenerbahce are a very dangerous side under Zico and their home record is exceptional. Chelsea have goals in them and a good defence on their day, but I see a shock unravelling here.
Prediction: Fenerbahce to win 4-3 on aggregate.
Wright: What's that they always say? Istanbul is a horrible, horrible place to have to go and play football and the Turks displayed great character away in Sevilla (coupled with the Andalucian sides inability to close out the tie). Chelsea's performance at the bridge will win it for them but they could be in for a nasty shock in he away leg.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fenerbache.
Sean Garmer: Both squads are blazing in their leagues, with Fenerbahce holding a slight three point lead over their rivals, while Chelsea is still fighting to catch Man United. Both of these squads also haven't lost in their leagues (Chelsea did lose to Barnsley in the FA Cup) since their last Champions League encounters. It seems like Fenerbahce will be without their captain Roberto Carlos at least for the first leg. This tie may look very simple for Chelsea, but I don't think it is. Zico really has this squad playing well, and we know from the last tie that they can score goals. It is really going to depend on how well Chelsea decide to play in defense, because if they start getting into a shootout with Fenerbahce, there might be a problem. Ultimately, though, Chelsea really has too much talent, and Avram Grant knows he has to win a trophy to keep his job. Chelsea will get through here, but it won't be easy.
Prediction: Chelsea (3-2 on Aggregate)
Chris Evans - Chelsea really should have too much in their squad for Fenerbache. While the Turkish club obviously have quality, Chelsea have the star players who should by now know how to perform at this level. However Grant has shown some weaknesses, Barnsley and Spurs in the League Cup so this one certainly won't be easy. In the end though Chelsea should progress, though it will be tough away from home.
Prediction Chelsea (3-2)
Lotfi Sariahmed - Given Chelsea's play against Barnsley and Spurs, Fenerbache seems to be the "in" pick especially after the performance the Turkish club put together in two ties against Sevilla. But to pick against Chelsea here would take a man far bolder than I. There's an outside shot at the Premiership at best for Avram Grant's side so I'd be surprised if the team was not 100% behind winning the Champions League. With that said I think Chelsea should go on.
