Chelsea v Manchester United
How did they get here?
Man United finished on top of Group C ahead of Spanish side Valencia. The group didn’t contain many surprises but did feature two collector’s items in goals for Bebe and Anderson. Nothing has been heard from the two since.
They squeezed past Marseille in the last 16 after a dour goalless draw in France was followed by a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
Chelsea breezed past group F, taking 15 points from a possible 18. The group did feature MSK Zalina though, a team described by Ray Wilkins as the worse he has ever seen in the competition. That’s pretty severe from a guy who has etched out his own groove on the fence of opinion.
The not so mighty threat of Copenhagen was navigated after a 2-0 in Denmark and a goalless draw at the Bridge.
What do I need to know?
Alex Ferguson was in bullish mood at yesterday’s press conference.
Alan Smith writes in the Telegraph that United will edge it up front.
Carlo Ancelotti believes that this game is the Londoners’ biggest of the season.
John Terry hopes Chelsea don’t slip up this year in their quest for European glory.
For those of you who trust in FIFA, here they have fed all the info in and simulated the result. Get to the bookies.
Probable teams:
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Essien, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.
Manchester United: Van Der Saar, Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Nani, Valencia, Rooney.
Key man: Didier Drogba. It’s our belief the Drog will start having shown signs of getting back to his rampaging best against Stoke. His duel with Nemanja Vidic will be one of meat and muscle and not for the faint-hearted. If he comes out on top, Chelsea may well head to Manchester with a lead.
Verdict: I’m going to take a leaf from Ray’s book and sit on the fence. United edge it up front with an in-form Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov to call upon. That said Chelsea simply overpowered them in midfield in their recent meeting at Stanford Bridge. 1-1 and all to play for at Old Trafford.
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Barcelona v Shakhtar Donetsk
How did they get here?
Barcelona sauntered through group D. Winning four and drawing two of their games. The phrase didn’t have to get out of second gear was made for their progress.
They had it a little tougher in the last 16, having lost 2-1 away to Arsenal they needed a strong performance and some overzealous refereeing to edge out the gunners 3-1 in the Camp Nou and 5-3 overall.
Shakhtar shocked the aforementioned gunners in group E by finishing above them and condemning Wenger’s men to the Catalan guillotine.
They came out the right side of a goal glut with Roma to advance past the Italians in the last 16.
What do I need to know?
It was mutual respect all round from the coaches in their press conferences.
Lionel Messi hasn’t scored in FOUR games! He’s not fussed though.
That man Sid Lowe gives a nice angle on tonight through Dmitri Chygrynskiy. He also explains how you shouldn’t trust Pep Guardiola with your wallet.
Graham Hunter gives props to Victor Valdes.
Shakhtar’s Douglas Costa has been linked with just about everyone now. Probably because he scores goals like this.
Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Busquets, Pique, Adriano, Mascherano, Xavi, Inestia, Messi, Villa, Pedro.
Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Srna, Chrygrynskiy, Rakitskiy, Rat, Mkhitaryanm, Hübschman, Costa, Jadson, Willian, Luiz Adriano
Key men: The Shakhtar back-four. See what I did there? It’s simple for Shakhtar. No mistakes, constant pressure on Messi and co and hope the rearguard stands up to the biggest test in world football. Should that miracle occur then they may only lose by the odd goal.
Verdict
I’m going to stick my neck out and say Barcelona win but Messi’s goal drought goes to four games and 60 minutes. This one should be well over before they resume next week.
