My Thoughts On The Champions League Draw...

Well its time for the Champions League to get interesting again. After the snore-fest known as the group stages the stakes are now high its all or nothing for the teams left. Here's my take on whats going to happen...

Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk

I think this match is a relatively even match... Who would've thought that a Ukrainian team would be seen as an even match for and Italian side. Not since the days of Dynamo Kiev and their lethal strike force of Sergei Rebrov and Andrei Shevchenko has there been a side from the Ukraine looking like they might cause some serious damage in Europe... I think Shakhtar will edge this tie...

AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspur

I feel that this will be one of the more interesting ties. How will Spurs deal with Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Ronaldinho? Equally how will Milans aging back line deal with the pace of Defoe, Lennon and Bale? Both these sides are better in the opposition third of the pitch. I think that this tie depends heavily on the result at the San Siro, if Spurs grab a victory or draw at the San Siro or maybe even a narrow defeat they're in with a chance of going through. If Ibrahimovic fires then it'll be Milans tie... I think this one will go to Spurs...

Valencia v Schalke

This is a very even match, with German football on the up the Bundesliga sides in this year competition are posing a major threat. Valencia are no novices themselves, reaching two Champions League Finals in 2000 and 2001. This one is a very close one to to call but I think Valencia will do it, possibly on penalties... 

Inter Milan v Bayern Munich

Well it gets a bit tasty here, a repeat of last years final. Bayern are out for revenge and Inter no longer have Jose Mourinho at the helm its far more even than last years match. Both sides are in poor domestic form, it is going to be close but with Rafa Benitez under intense pressure he needs a result, just like his Liverpool days and I think he might get one... Inter to win...



Lyon v Real Madrid

Well Lyon are what you call a hoodoo team for Real Madrid. Real have lost their last three fixtures away at Lyon without scoring a goal. But in Jose Mourinho they have a specialist result getter, Madrid are far more organized than in past seasons and pose a serious threat going forward. I think this ones got Madrid written all over it.



Arsenal v Barcelona

Well talk about finger licking good. Arguably the two best footballing sides in Europe. The masters of tiki taka against the pretenders to the throne. I think Arsenal are made for Barcelona, last season showed it when Messi scored four at the Nou Camp... This one will without a doubt go to Barcelona...



Marseille v Manchester United

Well this is tough one United have been winning without convincing in Europe and Marseille with the likes of Lisandro Lopez and Lucho Gonzalez can't be ruled be ruled out. This will be a close one but I think United will grab a draw away from home and win at Old Trafford... A win to Manchester United in this one...

FC Copenhagen v Chelsea

Well Chelsea on paper have got the easiest match in the draw. I'm not so sure, FC Copenhagen are a rising power. Qualifying from a tricky group which had Barcelona, Rubin Kazan and Panathanaikos in it. They did grab a draw at home against Barcelona which shows that they are no mugs, if Chelseas poor form continues they have a chance. But ultimately I think that Chelsea will have too much power and class...