Well the Champions League returns on Tuesday and with that, the knock-out stage commences. There are a lot of wonderful ties to watch and there are only a few that you could look at and feel confident about a winner. Here is what I think will occur in this round.

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FC Schalke 04 v FC Porto

On paper and in person, these two are extremely evenly matched. Neither side is incredibly strong, nor are they incredibly weak. Schalke have been inconsistent in the German league this season, but having reached this far is a great accomplishment for them. While they lost at home on Friday, the fact that they'll have four days to rest for this match will be good but it doesn't give them the edge as Porto will have also been rested since Friday. Porto are running away with the Portuguese league and they could start to shift their focus in the hopes of reaching further in this competition. The question here is which team is actually stronger? Yes, Porto do lead their league, but is it in the same quality as Germany? The answer is no. Does that make Schalke a the stronger of the two because they play in a tougher league? Probably not, so again you're left looking at this match as an even contest. I like Schalke in the first leg because they're at home and the crowd will be with them. I expect a close first-half contest, with neither side putting up too many chances, but Schalke will open up in the 2nd half and score a goal. If Porto go down a goal, you'll see them move into the attack and try to grab an away goal. If they decide to play too defensive, then their only chance of scoring will be on the odd-counter attack.

Prediction: Schalke 04 v FC Porto = 2:1

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Liverpool v Inter Milan

With no FA Cup, No Carling Cup and the Premiership out of the question, there is only one trophy the Reds can win this season and the only thing that will save Rafa Benitez from being fired. They face the Italian leaders Inter Milan who have been on-fire this season both in Serie A and in the Champions League. It would be clear that Inter are the favorites in this tie, but in recent years, they have fallen and disappointed their fans in the knock-out stages. With this first match being played at The Anfield, you really have to put the edge at least in this match to Liverpool. Chances are they will play a 4-4-2 but with a midfield that will probably shift more towards aiding the defense rather than setting up the strikers. This match has draw written all over it, but the question will be does it end 0:0 or 1:1. As long as Liverpool do not give up an early goal or do not go behind in the first half, I expect them to stay with a draw. If they do manage to score first, then they could get one more, but I do not expect them to take any risks against Inter and rely on getting an away goal in the return leg.

Prediction: Liverpool v Inter Milan = 1:1

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AS Roma v Real Madrid CF

I am not a fan of either side but this is a really interesting match-up. Real should retain their La Liga title while Roma are trying to fight-off Juventus, Fiorentina and AC Milan for 2nd place in Italy. Roma suffered a 1:0 away loss to Juventus on Saturday but will be glad to have this match at home on Tuesday. Real Madrid also lost on over the weekend on the road after taking an early lead. On paper Real are the better side top-to-bottom but you can expect them to play for the draw here. They have had success against Roma in the past and this might put pressure on the club from the Italian capital to play extremely defensive at home, rather than trying to take their chances.  I expect Real Madrid to go for at least one goal and will not worry too much about taking risks up front. Roma might see this and react by shifting to a 5 in the back and play for that boring 0:0 draw. I want a goal in this match, and I expect it will come from the club in white.

Prediction: AS Roma v Real Madrid = 1:2

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Olympiakos v Chelsea

This is the match where everyone is stating, 'so who is Chelsea facing next?'. Olympiakos are the surprise team of the 16 left in the competition and they face an extremely tough side with Chelsea. Chelsea want to play in Moscow in May more than any club in this competition. They've reached the semis 3 times in the last 4 seasons missing out on the big match. Since the premiership title might be out of reach, they can focus their players on this match and I believe they will go at Olympiakos at full force. The problem with the Greek side is that they lack the experience in the later stages of this competiiton and their players are pretty old in comparison to the youth that fills the Chelsea squad. I expect Olympiakos to fight hard, but their lack of skill will only net them at best a scoreless draw.

Prediction: Olympiakos v Chelsea = 0:2

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Celtic v Barcelona

Yes, Barcelona have no performed as well as they should have this season. They have some of the best goal-scorers in the world with Messi, Henry, Ronaldinho and  Eto'o not to mention the young spark-plug that is Spanish-Serb Bojan Krkic; but due to some inconsistencies they have no played to their full potential. Celtic will probably look at this match and feel that they can cause some problems for the Barcelona side. I expect that Celtic will take their chances at home and try their hardest to score at least one goal because of their poor form outside of Scotland. Barcelona will hope that Celtic, with their risk-taking go too far and gift them a goal. I expect goals in this match from both sides and it will be the return leg that really decides the winner.

Prediction: Celtic v Barcelona = 2:2

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Lyon v Manchester United

At the beginning of this season, Lyon looked shaky at best. They didn't have their first choice keeper (Coupet) between the sticks and they were having a hard time against opposition that should be  easy 3 points. It also looked pretty bad for them when they lost their first two group stage matches, but they turned around won the matches they need to and now must feel extremely confident hosting Manchester United. Manchester had a mixed first part of their League season, but were incredible in the Champions League, although in a relatively weak group that they locked up pretty early. They will try to build on the 4:0 win over Arsenal on the weekend but this will be a very different opponent. I expect a tight contest, but I wouldn't be surprised if Manchester leave with a victory. Over the past few years, I have been a huge supporter of seeing Lyon going far in Europe but they always disapointed. I expect this year they will continue to disappoint. They'll put up a fight, but it will be a 2nd half mistake that will put them behind the 8-ball going to Manchester.

Prediction : Lyon v Manchester Utd. = 1:2

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Fenerbahce v Sevilla

Chances are if you're asked about Turkish club football, you'll respond by mentioning Galatasaray. While that's nice, they are actually not the most successful club from the country, but that Fenerbahce is. This will be the Turkish club's best chance at impressing people in Europe. They have a very diverse squad of younger Turkish players and experienced International talent. Sevilla will be favored in the grand scheme of this series, but their first match in Istanbul will be tough and something they have not experienced in either their previous UEFA Cup success or this season in the group stage. I really like Fenerbahce in the first leg; it won't be a comfortable win, but they'll squeeze out the result they need and head to Spain feeling as though they can advance to the Quarter-finals. Sevilla should not play too defensive but I am certain they will not take their chances.

Prediction: Fenerbahce v Sevilla = 1:0

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Arsenal v AC Milan

Milan looked like they were dead in the water as they couldn't win a league match at home, they were closer to relegation than to the title and nothing was going right. Then entered some young players and the entire team got a massive boost. The fountain of youth has been pretty good as of late and AC Milan are knocking on the door of finishing in the top 4 in Italy. Arsenal on the other hand have had success all season long and outside of missing out Cup trophies in England are on pace to win the Premiership for the first time since their undefeated season a few years back. The squad has developed a lot over the years but are still not that successful in knock-out competitions. They have also had some injury problems as of late and that could cause problems for them in what will be a tough contest. When you have two great clubs like this, you'd want them to have a high-scoring contest, but this has draw written all over it.

Prediction: Arsenal v AC Milan = 0:0

My predictions for the first legs of matches doesn't leave much to the imagination. The first leg is usually played with a lot of caution and clubs at home are not willing to take risks while the away squad do not play to take advantage of their defensive opposition. I think for the neutral, the match to watch will be Celtic v Barcelona while the Fenerbahce v Sevilla will definitely interest the true soccer fan. If there are any surprises, they will be in the Lyon v Manchester and any positive result for Olympiakos (meaning not losing) will also surprise a lot.

Enjoy the matches!

MatchDay 2 of the Champions League took place this weekend and while most people usually say that the Group Stage is uneventful, you have to admit that this season you already have some interesting situations. 

Group A : I doubt anyone would have thought that Marseille would be leading with maximum points and that Liverpool would be in third place with only a single point. Liverpool do not look anything but thankfully they do have the following two matches against Besiktas which should give them the points they need to creep back on top. I would expect Marseille and Porto to draw their two matches, but if Marseille manages to get 4 out of 6, they will advance in the group, while if Porto manages 4 out of 6, then it really opens the door for Liverpool to easily advance, even if they finish 2nd.

Group B: After Chelsea drew with Rosenborg and The Special One leaving, everyone thought that their season was over; chances are it is done in England, but Abramovich wants the Champions League, so that will be his only focus. After managing to beat Valencia in Spain will surely boost the morale of all the players. Their next matches against Schalke should be interesting. Schalke who are currently in 3rd will have to play above their abilities to steal points from Chelsea. If that happens, it could re-open the posibility for Valencia to take back the top of the group. While it is still early, what hurts for Chelsea in the long run is that they will have to go to Trondheim in late November and the lack of enough sun-light could pose a problem for the team.

Group C: This group should be the most difficult of the groups. Olympiakos and Real are tied for the lead and Lazio is close behind them with 2 draws while Bremen are surprisingly in last place with no points. I think that Bremen, even though are still in it, will not pose a threat if they fail to win maximum points in their next matches against Lazio. With Olympiakos and Madrid facing off, Lazio or Bremen could get back into the mix if the first two clubs draw with each other. Olympiakos must be playing now with purpose after finally winning a road match in the Champions League. Their fans would love nothing more than to finally go far in this tournament.

Group D: Shakhtar in First Place?! I really could not believe that in a group with AC Milan, that the team leading the group is from the Ukraine. While yes, they have not played Milan yet, this should surely be a boost in their confidence going into their next two matches. I doubt that Shakhtar will beat Milan in the San Siro, but if they manage a draw, it will be just as good as a win and it will put more pressure on Carlo Ancelotti who could be out before the end of the season. The true test here will be between Celtic and Milan, one team could miss out and at this moment, it looks like Milan could be that team out of the UCL and on the road to the UEFA Cup final.

Group E: Barca in first place, no surprise; Lyon with no points and Rangers with Maximum points, HUGE surprise. I doubt anyone who took a look at a group with powerhouse Barcelona and French Giant's Lyon would have said that they wouldn't be duking it out for first place, but the surprise from Glasgow only technically needs to get 3 more points in the next four matches to advance to the knockout rounds. The German Champs are in trouble and will probably lose to Lyon in their next match. If either side gets maximum points from at least one of their next two matches, then that club could still pose a problem, but if both matches are draws, then Rangers will advance and both the coaches for Stuttgart and Lyon will be out the door. Barcelona will probably play for a draw in Glasgow and a win at home, lock up first place and then rest players for the knockout stage.

Group F: Manchester are in control here and if they manage to win against Dynamo in their next match, will all but ensure a place in the next round. The real focus now is the battle between Roma and Sporting as both clubs standing a fighting chance to advance. If Dynamo manage to steal points from Manchester (especially in Kyiv) then things could get interesting, but it's highly doubtful. I really think the Roma v Sporting matches will be great for the neutral fan.

Group G: Another group that is great for Neutral fans, you have true Champions League Group with Champions from for respective countries and a group that is still wide open after two matches. While Inter are the team that should advance, the fact that Fenerbahce lead the group is a bit of a surprise but means nothing when they only have a 3 point cushion over last place CSKA. The jury is still out on this group, but if Inter fall or draw in their next match(es) over CSKA, could be problematic for them.

Group H:  Oh Arsenal and your Scientology ways. You are surely on the road to Moscow the way you are playing. Comfortable win against Sevilla and a nice road win against Steaua. With your upcoming matches against Slavia, you could/should win easily and enter be one of the first team to qualify for the Round of 16. Only a shock loss will cause problems for you, but that won't happen. The question here is if Sevilla can get accustomed to the Champions League and advance. Slavia and Steaua will both feel they can steal 2nd place and both will do their hardest to get the necessary points. Slavia will probably be the best bet to pip Sevilla, but only if they manage to steal a point or two against Arsenal.

 

When I bet against AC Milan they bite me in the butt and when I cheer for them, they do the same (but in the opposite direction). I had predicted a low-scoring affair and while 2:1 is still a low-score it definitely was not as memorable of a match as most would have liked. Liverpool played well but did not take their chances. AC Milan did not play that well, but did make the most of their oppertunities and that is why they leave Athens with yet another trophy for their collection.

I think the match at half-time was still anyone's match and while AC Milan did exactly what any team would do after scoring a 2nd late goal, they slowed the game down. It got interesting when Kuyt scored his header in the 89th, but once you heard 3 minutes of extra time, you knew it would only result in one real opportunity for the Reds and they failed to take advantage. Yes, Liverpool fans can complain that the ref only allowed 2 and a half minutes of injury time, but when you had the opportunity to win score in the first 90 minutes, you couldn't and thus the result is the result.

I am still in the same boat as a lot of people; while AC Milan are my favorite club from Italy, I still think they should have have been allowed in this tournament after their involvement in the Serie A scandal. Mind you, the whole scandal became a farce after appeal after appeal turned large penalties into minor infractions, but that is not the point of this blog.

AC Milan have solidified themselves as the most dominatant club in Europe. In the past 25 years, they have more success than any other club in Europe and they should be proud of it. While Real Madrid have won more titles, most of them were during the minow years of the Champions Cup when it wasn't that largely contested and in recent years have not been as visible as AC Milan have been.

Will AC Milan be able to repeat as champions, history proves otherwise as it is increasing difficult for the champ to stay on top; with the quality of football improving everywhere in Europe, you'll be hard pressed to say that AC Milan are the team to beat, but at the same time, they will definitely be the team to watch out for, and in most cases, to avoid.

European Football action restarts this week and since I wrote my over-view of the matches a lot has changed and I just wanted to remind myself of the matches and what I think of them

Lille v Manchester United

Over the weekend, Lille lost to Lyon in the French League but are still in third place. Not bad considering the title race in France is all but over and for Lille their focus should be on making sure to finish in the top three this year. With Sochaux, Marseille, Toulouse and a host of other clubs within only 3 points or less of Lille, they might be more concerned with doing better in France than in Europe. The same can be said for Manchester who now have to play another game after Reading were able to force a replay in the FA Cup. While that match won't be a for a couple of weeks, Manchester are still on fire, with the EPL lead and being among the favorites to go far in this tournament. I love Manchester's defence with Rio and Vidic being so solid in the centre. With the addition of Henrik Larsson, the depth is incredible. I don't see Henrik starting this game, but could come in in the 2nd half depending on the scoreline.

Prediction: Lille v Manchester 0:1

Barcelona v Liverpool

Eto'o is back but there are problems in Barcelona. They lost on Sunday and are now tied for first place with Sevilla in La Liga. If this game was in Liverpool, I would be putting solid money on Steven Gerrard and company to win the game easily, but the home-field will help Barca momentarily, but it might be just enough to keep a draw. Liverpool are out of the FA Cup and can't catch up to the top 2 in England. The only way to avoid having to qualify for Europe is to win it all yet again. While it might be a really long shot, with their focus being only on this match, they'll play hard, but in the end the two team will cancel each other out and this will end in a draw. But when the return leg hits Liverpool, you have to expect them to be heavily favored, unless Barcelona wake up.

Prediction: Barcelona v Liverpool 0:0

Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

Two powerhouses in the past but both are playing poorly lately. Bayern fars worse of the two with their hopes of returning as German champions slipping every week. While they aren't out, with 3 clubs ahead of them (Schalke, Stuttgart and Werder) they might also be missing out from getting to appear next season. While I hate Real, I have to give them the win here because of the home-field advantage and the empty pantry Bayern has to choose from. I think it's time for Bayern to rethink their strategy and rebuild. Every club goes through these phases and now it's their time. Real Madrid aren't the best either, but in this match-up they definately have the players on the pitch to score enough goals and to go to Munich with a comfortable lead.

Prediction: Real Madrid v Bayern Munich 2:0

FC Porto v Chelsea

Porto are leading in Portugal while Chelsea are in second place in England. Porto are in a great position to win their domestic crown but the lack of talent on the European stage will not be enough to beat Chelsea. While questions still surround Jose's status next season, he still wants to repeat as a Champions League coach. Chelsea can still win four trophies and thankfully it seems that Shevchenko has gotten into the groove of things and with Drogba being a key-member on this squad, you can't go against them. On paper it's not contest, but Porto will play this game tough knowing it probably will the last match they play in Europe. In the end though, one goal will be enough but Chelsea will score two when Porto try to tie the match

Prediction: FC Porto v Chelsea 0:2

Celtic v AC Milan

So Celtic lead the Scotlish Premiership with a 20 point lead...really impressive (sic). I can't stand Celtic and the Scottish Premiership. It's always a two horse race and considering that they will win the title, I can see this club playing really hard against Milan. Thankfully for Celtic, Milan are still struggling. While they signed Ronaldo, he can't play in this match or any other matches since he already played for Real Madrid this season. The question will be who scores in this match. I don't see a lot of goals, in fact I don't see any. Celtic don't have the same talent, and while Milan are struggling and will not win in Italy, this will be an important match-up for them. In the end, I don't think this match will be memorable and it will stay scoreless

Prediction: Celtic v AC Milan 0:0

PSV v Arsenal

Back when I wrote if there is a shocker in any of the matches, I mentioned that the upset would come here. Today I still feel that way. While I'm not too impressed with either club, I think that PSV can compete against the Current Arsenal squad. In tough opposition, Arsenal play well, but when they play against teams of lesser quality, they struggle. I see that happening again here. PSV doesn't have their own league locked up but they will want to play this match with a lot of intensity and with Arsenal drawing at home against Blackburn in the FA Cup, they are not in the best shape. I really can't say too much about either side but I think that PSV will do enough to win this match but it won't be impressive either.

Prediction: PSV v Arsenal 1:0

AS Roma v Lyon

I mentioned earlier that Lyon have the French league all but locked up in their trophy case so their focus is shifted to this. They are a great team on paper and need to prove they are among the elite in Europe. Roma are too far away to catch Inter Milan in the race for first place, but can still lose their grip on 2nd place. This game will be monitored closely by UEFA because of the recent problems with fans in Italy and that might hurt Roma in the hopes of using home-field advantage to their gain. Lyon stand a good chance of scoring early and silencing the crowd and if Roma go down by two or more, you could see fans either leaving or showing their anger. I love Lyon and I expect them to win in Rome and to return home with a comfortable lead and progress into the Quarter-finals

Prediction: AS Roma v Lyon 1:3

Inter Milan v Valencia

It's too bad that the problems exist this season in Italy. Inter Milan will be winning their first legitimate title in over 20+ years but no one will care because of all the problems in Italy, from the scandal that punished nobody the way they should have, to the problems with fan violence. Yet again, UEFA has gone easy on the Italy Football Federation when they needed to clamp down on this BS that is coming from that country. Inter have history with crowd problems and yet again that could become visible in this match. Valencia will try to take advantage of this, but I just don't see them having enough talent to win this match. While Valencia have returned to higher ground in La Liga, I think they will not be able to win this match in Milan. I draw is possible, but more than likely this will end with a 2:1 scorline for Inter. But this loss doesn't hurt Valencia, as they would then only need a single goal in the return leg to advance, so it's still anyone's game.

Prediction: Inter Milan v Valencia 2:1

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There are my predictions. At 02:00 PST on Monday morning, I think I've gone into how I think the matches will end and knowing the real-world, I'll only be right on 60% of the matches. Whatever the scorelines end up, they won't decide the matches and the return legs should be just as interesting.