PREDICTIONS FOR CL Round of 16 & UEFA Cup Last 32.

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:My guess would be because of the teams' respective form.

I'm still not convinced by Inter's midfield tbh. They lack creativity.

We have not been in good form either, West Brom are probably a team most top teams will beat because they will try to play football rather then rough up their opponents.
2ndly domestic form hardly counts in CL.

Bluey's just covering his arse

Deep down he thinks every Italian team is better than its EPL counterpart...

I think Chelsea will go out now but aside from that my opinions haven't really changed.

Pool may go out too because they've choked BIG TIME in the league.

Tweedle wrote:Bluey's just covering his arse

Deep down he thinks every Italian team is better than its EPL counterpart...

I think Chelsea will go out now but aside from that my opinions haven't really changed.

Pool may go out too because they've choked BIG TIME in the league.

surely pool choking in the league means they will put all their effort in the CL now (like always)?

DS wrote:

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:My guess would be because of the teams' respective form.

I'm still not convinced by Inter's midfield tbh. They lack creativity.

We have not been in good form either, West Brom are probably a team most top teams will beat because they will try to play football rather then rough up their opponents.
2ndly domestic form hardly counts in CL.

fair point, but in comparison, you have been better than Inter since the new year.

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

Tweedle wrote:Bluey's just covering his arse

Deep down he thinks every Italian team is better than its EPL counterpart...

I think Chelsea will go out now but aside from that my opinions haven't really changed.

Pool may go out too because they've choked BIG TIME in the league.

surely pool choking in the league means they will put all their effort in the CL now (like always)?

Possibly. IT depends whether their morale is affected by it though. Madrid are hitting a vein of form atm as well so the situation has changed a bit since the draw IMO

DS wrote:

bluenine wrote:Wonder if anyone wants to change their predictions? The only one I am changing for CL is that now I think ManU will beat Inter... this could still change in the next few weeks...

ROUND OF 16 (Champions' League)
Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v Roma
Inter Milan v Manchester United

Why ?

Mostly coz in the last month, our form has become shite. In our last 4-5 games are any indication of how we will play against United, then our chances are very slim. Also, ManU from has improved a bit since I last wrote this.

Tweedle wrote:Bluey's just covering his arse

Deep down he thinks every Italian team is better than its EPL counterpart...

I think Chelsea will go out now but aside from that my opinions haven't really changed.

Pool may go out too because they've choked BIG TIME in the league.

Unlike you, Tweedy, I watch BOTH the leagues quite a bit and hence understand what form each team is in...

Man Utd aren't really in form though. If anything they're in worse form than they were a month ago!

Tweedle wrote:Man Utd aren't really in form though. If anything they're in worse form than they were a month ago!

I will disagree with you on that one. IMO ManU are playing a lil better now, also the fact that they have taken the lead is starting to reflect in their confidence levels. In January, ManU have won all 4 of their PL games, scoring 10 and conceeding none. The 4 games prior to when this thread started, ManU won 2 and drew 2, scoring only 2 goals.... there was not too much difference in the opposition to suggest this big a difference in the results, tho I am sure the extra pressure of CWC had some effect. But IMO ManU are playing just a lil bit better now than they were when this thread came up.

But anyways, thats besides the point. As I explained before, the main reason for change in favourites for the game is the nosedive Inter's form has taken in this period. We are really struggling, and at the mo ManU's B team will probably beat us. Hell, even Arsenal might have a chance against us, we are that poor form!

I can't really vouch for Inter's form.

I think Utd's 'form' is being seen with rose tinted glasses because of the LACK of form from both Liverpool and Chelsea.

Their return to the top of the table may give them a timely morale boost. They're certainly not anywhere near as good as they were last season however. Everyone else in the EPL just seems to be fucking up at the moment!

i'm thinking about changing my prediction to man utd now, because inter's midfield lacks creativity, all their creativity comes from miacon so if you stop him and try to close do ibra they will find it difficlut to score.

but i'm still backing inter to win because of the jose factor.

Messiah wrote:i'm thinking about changing my prediction to man utd now, because inter's midfield lacks creativity, all their creativity comes from miacon so if you stop him and try to close do ibra they will find it difficlut to score.

but i'm still backing inter to win because of the jose factor.

You're right about the lack of creativity/playmaker in midfield, which is where most of my reservations about Inter in the CL come from. The midfield works hard and is very physical, but it's not so good at keeping possesion.

Maicon and Ibra are the main creative threats which can make their play rather predictable. Mourinho will need Stankovic and Adriano in top form to provide additional threats. Quaresma seems to have fallen off the radar, but i think he can be useful in this game, even as a sub.

I don't think Mourinho is a tactical genius, so not sure how much of a difference he will make in that respect. He does know the EPL teams quite well though and will definitely have the team motivated.

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

Messiah wrote:i'm thinking about changing my prediction to man utd now, because inter's midfield lacks creativity, all their creativity comes from miacon so if you stop him and try to close do ibra they will find it difficlut to score.

but i'm still backing inter to win because of the jose factor.

You're right about the lack of creativity/playmaker in midfield, which is where most of my reservations about Inter in the CL come from. The midfield works hard and is very physical, but it's not so good at keeping possesion.

Maicon and Ibra are the main creative threats which can make their play rather predictable. Mourinho will need Stankovic and Adriano in top form to provide additional threats. Quaresma seems to have fallen off the radar, but i think he can be useful in this game, even as a sub.

I don't think Mourinho is a tactical genius, so not sure how much of a difference he will make in that respect. He does know the EPL teams quite well though and will definitely have the team motivated.

I think people give too much importance to the creativity factor - We have loads of stuff that can more than make up for that little lack of creativity. What we need more is form. We have the players, the personnel, and the tactics to go all the way. What is lacking is form.

I would like to see the following team against ManU - if these guys are in good form/fitness, we can take ManU down.

That would be my ideal team against ManU. Zanetti at LB over Maxwell/Santon is safer and almost as good going forward. Vieira to add more physical power to the midrield. Key will be the form of the attacking 3, these guys have enough creativity to do real damage. Yes, the midfield is not as creative as most other top sides, but they more than make up by dominating physically. We we can do that against ManU, half the battle is won.

Problem is that Samuel and Vieira are injured, Adriano is fat and on a 3 game suspension which he might end up drinking through, & Cordoba and Muntari are experiencing a dip in form.

@ bobi

I think Messiah was eluding to the fact that Mourinho has never lost playing against SAF

Tweedle wrote:@ bobi

I think Messiah was eluding to the fact that Mourinho has never lost playing against SAF

But what about if he has?

Tweedle wrote:@ bobi

I think Messiah was eluding to the fact that Mourinho has never lost playing against SAF

05/06, Man Utd beat Chelsea 1-0 if i remember correctly.

It's a fair point, but i think it is overstated. Like i said, Mourinho is not a tactical genius - he is using pretty much the same tactics that Manicini used the last 2 seasons because his 4-3-3 failed.

bluenine wrote:

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:

Messiah wrote:i'm thinking about changing my prediction to man utd now, because inter's midfield lacks creativity, all their creativity comes from miacon so if you stop him and try to close do ibra they will find it difficlut to score.

but i'm still backing inter to win because of the jose factor.

You're right about the lack of creativity/playmaker in midfield, which is where most of my reservations about Inter in the CL come from. The midfield works hard and is very physical, but it's not so good at keeping possesion.

Maicon and Ibra are the main creative threats which can make their play rather predictable. Mourinho will need Stankovic and Adriano in top form to provide additional threats. Quaresma seems to have fallen off the radar, but i think he can be useful in this game, even as a sub.

I don't think Mourinho is a tactical genius, so not sure how much of a difference he will make in that respect. He does know the EPL teams quite well though and will definitely have the team motivated.

I think people give too much importance to the creativity factor - We have loads of stuff that can more than make up for that little lack of creativity. What we need more is form. We have the players, the personnel, and the tactics to go all the way. What is lacking is form.

I would like to see the following team against ManU - if these guys are in good form/fitness, we can take ManU down.

Cesar
Maicon - Samuel - Cordoba - Zanetti
Vieira - Muntari - Cambiasso
Stankovic
Ibrahimovic - Adriano

That would be my ideal team against ManU. Zanetti at LB over Maxwell/Santon is safer and almost as good going forward. Vieira to add more physical power to the midrield. Key will be the form of the attacking 3, these guys have enough creativity to do real damage. Yes, the midfield is not as creative as most other top sides, but they more than make up by dominating physically. We we can do that against ManU, half the battle is won.

Problem is that Samuel and Vieira are injured, Adriano is fat and on a 3 game suspension which he might end up drinking through, & Cordoba and Muntari are experiencing a dip in form.

Well creativity is not necessary, but it certainly helps in tight games like these. The other option is to try and bully Man Utd with your physical midfield, or just bypass the midfield and go for longer balls and crosses to the 2 big guys upfront.

I'm not sure about playing Vieira. He is still in France isn't he? Have to wait and see what his form is like when he returns. Most likely he will get injured in the derby! I think Samuel has established himself as Mourinho's number 1 defender and he should be returning next week (?), though it will be interesting to see if Chivu or Cordoba will partner him. I would put Cordoba in since you need his speed.

BTW what do you think about using Quaresma in this game? Would be a good super sub and Man Utd are slightly weak (defensively speaking) down their right side.

BoBo Vieri 32 wrote:
BTW what do you think about using Quaresma in this game? Would be a good super sub and Man Utd are slightly weak (defensively speaking) down their right side.

Quauresma, Mancini, & Balotelli are all decent supersub options on the flanks if need be... even Figo, he can have a moment or two of magic even now, but IMO should not be played before the 60th minute.

ROUND OF 16 (Champions' League)
Chelsea v Juventus........JUVENTUS
Villarreal v Panathinaikos....VILLARREAL
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich...BAYERN
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto....Porto
Lyon v Barcelona......BARCA
Real Madrid v Liverpool,,,,,,,REAL
Arsenal v Roma......Arsenal
Inter Milan v Manchester United....MANCHESTER

UEFA Cup - Round of 32
1.Paris St Germain v Wolfsburg...Wolfsburg
2.FC Copenhagen v Manchester City....MANCHESTER CITY
3NEC Nijmegen v Hamburg......HAMBURG
4.Sampdoria v Metalist Kharkiv....Kharkiv
5.Braga v Standard Liege...STANDARD LIEGE
6.Aston Villa v CSKA Moscow....Villa
7.Lech Poznan v Udinese....UDINESE
8.Olympiacos v St Etienne...OLYMPIACOS
9.Fiorentina v Ajax......Fiorentina
10.Aalborg v Deportivo la Coruna....DEPOR
11.Werder Bremen v AC Milan...AC MILAN
12.Bordeaux v Galatasaray.....Bordeaux
13.Dynamo Kiev v Valencia.....VALENCIA
14.Zenit St Petersburg v Stuttgart...Stuttgart
15.Marseille v Twente...MARSEILLE
16.Shakhtar Donetsk v Tottenham...TOTTENHAM

kas wrote:ROUND OF 16 (Champions' League)

Chelsea 55-45 Juventus

Villarreal 65-35 Panathinaikos

Sporting Lisbon 40-60 Bayern Munich

Atletico Madrid 45-55 FC Porto

Lyon 20-80 Barcelona

Real Madrid 30-70 Liverpool

Arsenal 60-40 Roma

Inter Milan 51-49 Manchester United

2 months on, my updated predictions:

Chelsea 55-45 Juventus
Would have reduced it closer to 50-50, but the new manager effect will give Chelsea a boost again.

Villarreal 55-45 Panathanaikos
Villarreal's form is sketchy, and their defense has been poor this season. Should be goals in this tie.

Sporting 45-55 Bayern
I don't know how bad Bayern's "crisis" is - serious problems in their form/fitness or whether it's just 2/3 bad results being exaggerated by the media. I'd still make them marginal favourites for this...but they need to be careful with how many they concede, esp. at home.

Atletico Madrid 40-60 FC Porto
Moving this even more in Porto's favour, they're much better than Atletico who are stuttering right now.

Lyon 35-65 Barcelona
Big change here...as I've posted a few times recently, the way Barça is defending right now, especially against setpieces, is not encouraging.

Real Madrid 49-51 Liverpool
Another big change. Posted my thoughts in the match thread but it's become a much more even tie now than it looked at the time of the draw.

Arsenal 55-45 Roma
I'm expecting Arsenal's kids to step up and put in a pair of good performances.

Inter Milan 51-49 Manchester United
No change here, tight as ever. I'm not expecting an easy-on-the-eye classic though.

ROUND OF 16 (Champions' League):

Chelsea - Juventus

Villarreal - Panathinaikos

Sporting Lisbon - Bayern Munich

Atletico Madrid - FC Porto

Lyon - Barcelona

Real Madrid - Liverpool

Arsenal - Roma

Inter Milan - Manchester United

kas wrote:

kas wrote:ROUND OF 16 (Champions' League)

Chelsea 55-45 Juventus

Villarreal 65-35 Panathinaikos

Sporting Lisbon 40-60 Bayern Munich

Atletico Madrid 45-55 FC Porto

Lyon 20-80 Barcelona

Real Madrid 30-70 Liverpool

Arsenal 60-40 Roma

Inter Milan 51-49 Manchester United

2 months on, my updated predictions:

Chelsea 55-45 Juventus
Would have reduced it closer to 50-50, but the new manager effect will give Chelsea a boost again.

Villarreal 55-45 Panathanaikos
Villarreal's form is sketchy, and their defense has been poor this season. Should be goals in this tie.

Sporting 45-55 Bayern
I don't know how bad Bayern's "crisis" is - serious problems in their form/fitness or whether it's just 2/3 bad results being exaggerated by the media. I'd still make them marginal favourites for this...but they need to be careful with how many they concede, esp. at home.

Atletico Madrid 40-60 FC Porto
Moving this even more in Porto's favour, they're much better than Atletico who are stuttering right now.

Lyon 35-65 Barcelona
Big change here...as I've posted a few times recently, the way Barça is defending right now, especially against setpieces, is not encouraging.

Real Madrid 49-51 Liverpool
Another big change. Posted my thoughts in the match thread but it's become a much more even tie now than it looked at the time of the draw.

Arsenal 55-45 Roma
I'm expecting Arsenal's kids to step up and put in a pair of good performances.

Inter Milan 51-49 Manchester United
No change here, tight as ever. I'm not expecting an easy-on-the-eye classic though.

Agree on most allthough I would flip the Inter-Man tie to Man Utd because we still have to see if Inter choke yet again. Aguero seems like he needs a big break from football. Not so strange since has been doing it at top level since he was 15 which is too young imo. There is a real danger for overburn with this one. Hopefully he will step up when needed.

Arsenal v Roma
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Inter Milan v Man Utd
Lyon v Barcelona
Chelsea v Juventus
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Sporting v Bayern Munich
Villarreal v Panathinaikos


Arsenal too big and quick for Roma.
Porto too experienced in CL for Atletico.
Inter will smash United.
Lyon should have won the '06 CL but Houllier's arse went in the San Siro - they'll never have a better chance than that.
If Big Vince doesn't play it tips the tie in Chelsea's favour.
Liverpool too clever for Real - it would take something exceptional from Robben for Real to win.
Sporting always play good football when I see them but usually have a smaller, slower side than Benfica and Porto (because of a lower budget).
Bayern have a match-winner in Ribery.
Pana is just a hunch I've had since the draw was made - I don't think they are particularly special but a moment of brilliance from Karagounis (perhaps from a set-piece) could make the difference.

Pierre Littbarski wrote:Arsenal v Roma
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Inter Milan v Man Utd
Lyon v Barcelona
Chelsea v Juventus
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Sporting v Bayern Munich
Villarreal v Panathinaikos


Arsenal too big and quick for Roma.
Porto too experienced in CL for Atletico.
Inter will smash United.
Lyon should have won the '06 CL but Houllier's arse went in the San Siro - they'll never have a better chance than that.
If Big Vince doesn't play it tips the tie in Chelsea's favour.
Liverpool too clever for Real - it would take something exceptional from Robben for Real to win.
Sporting always play good football when I see them but usually have a smaller, slower side than Benfica and Porto (because of a lower budget).
Bayern have a match-winner in Ribery.
Pana is just a hunch I've had since the draw was made - I don't think they are particularly special but a moment of brilliance from Karagounis (perhaps from a set-piece) could make the difference.

I'm going to get 8/8 - suck my phallus !!!

You said Inter will smash United.

DS wrote:You said Inter will smash United.

They will - I'll only get 7 though, forgot I picked Juve

Pierre Littbarski wrote:

DS wrote:You said Inter will smash United.

They will - I'll only get 7 though, forgot I picked Juve

Avatar Bet?

Good predictions, Pierre.

Black Magic wrote:

Pierre Littbarski wrote:

DS wrote:You said Inter will smash United.

They will - I'll only get 7 though, forgot I picked Juve

Avatar Bet?

On which game(s) ?