On the Champions League Draw

Well, the Quarterfinals of Champions League are on the horizon and UEFA has just completed the draw, and of course, the most exciting match-up is Chelsea vs. Manchester United.  A rematch of the 2008 Final in Moscow, it has all the potential of being a fiery clash of the two teams who have taken every Premier League Title since the 2004-05 season (3 for Manchester United, 3 for Chelsea).

But before looking at that clash, let's look at the other ties.

Both teams have reason to just be happy of being in this round.  For Spurs, their European dream continues as they have beaten the naysayers and have done so with style, including going to the San Siro and walking away with a 1-0 victory over 7-time champions, AC Milan.  For Los Galacticos, well, they have broken their curse and have finally gone past the Round of 16 for the first time since 2003-04 season...unfortunately for them, the last time they did that, they faced unfashionable AS Monaco (who knew anyone would ever call Monaco unfashionable) who managed to come back from a 4-2 deficit to beat them on away goals.  Madrid may have some of the biggest stars in the game (Ronaldo, Kaka etc.), as well as "The Special One", but their ability to gel has always been something of a question mark.  On the other hand, Spurs  have been playing very well together, despite the fact that Harry Redknapp has to balance what seems like 100 mid-fielders with 2 strikers, a defender, and a goalie who may or may not show up.  What they do have, though, is an ace in the form of Rafael van der Vaart.  Much like Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart was ditched by Real Madrid, and seemingly out in the wilderness.  Now, he has gone from strength to strength in North London, and definitely is going to be going after blood when he arrives at the Bernabeu.

My Prediction - Tottenham to pull an upset - if van der Vaart is on his game - if not, then Madrid goes on to the semis.

Barcelona have been in this position countless times; for Shakhtar, this is brand new.  So, of course, this should be a cakewalk - with the star-studded line-up that is Barcelona, they should roll right over the Ukrainian side.  Unfortunately, it's not so cut and dry.  Teams historically struggle when they play in the Ukraine, and Barcelona will too.  Does that mean that Shakhtar are going to go to the semis...I really have a hard time seeing it.  No matter how much people love a great upset, and many will be cheering for Shakhtar...outside of Madrid, Barcelona seems to have a universal popularity, and for many if not most, if it isn't their club, then hopefully it will be Barcelona.  In my case, I will be cheering for Barcelona all the way.

My Predicition - Barcelona...hard to see how Shakhtar are going to get beyond the great divide in quality between the two teams.

What a weird match-up.  Two teams that have great players and yet have had mixed seasons, though the fact that Inter Milan lies second in Serie A kind of leads to the questions of what I define as a mixed season - but think where they were under Rafael Benitez by December.  The talent, however, is not as mixed - Eto'o, Chivu, Milito, and of course, my favourite, Wesley Sneijder.  They are the current holders, and now that they are stable under Leonardo, are looking like the Inter of old.  Schalke, on the other hand, have struggled throughout the Bundesliga Season despite boasting a high pedigree of talent, like Raul, Huntelaar, and Farfan.  Felix Magath, their high-profile manager, was given the sack last week, so the two teams have a had very similar seasons, but Inter was willing to pull the trigger on Benitez a lot sooner (something Liverpool should have thought of before the 09-10 season spiraled out of control) and as a result, were able to steady the ship.  This one is a tough match-up to call, not because of the quality, but rather the fact that there is no telling which Inter and which Schalke are going to show up in the various legs.

My Predicition: Inter - Schalke just simply don't have the talent, the range, or the flare to overcome even what can be seen as a sub-par Inter Milan.

The glamour match of the round (yes, I am England biased), the two clubs boast some of the best talent in football outside of Barcelona (it is hard to find a weak-spot in that club).  The two teams are consistently in the final rounds of the Champions League, consistently dominate the Premier League, and well, as a Liverpool supporter, make me angry (damn they're good).

Here's the problem.  This is not the Manchester United or Chelsea that met in the Moscow final back in 2008.  These are teams that have changed immensely.  It's not as though the personnel are different, and in fact, the starting line-ups would be very similar to those that lined up at the Luzhniki.  The difference is, three years is a long time in football.  Chelsea is looking pretty old these days as they huff and puff up the field, while Manchester United are struggling with the same age problem to go along with almost an entire team currently on the treatment table.  If all the stars were healthy, then this match would be a mouth-watering tie.  It has, however, lost some of its appeal, and it is difficult to know how the teams will do because it is hard to see who will be standing in front of the cameras at kick-off.  That's what makes it so exciting, so frustrating.

My Predicition - Not a Clue, but simply because they are much more accomplished in these games, I am going to have to go with Manchester United - but there is little separating them - despite the current look at the Premier League Table.

So - My prediction for the semis - Spurs vs. Barca & Inter vs. Man U - let's see if I even get one.