The fate of three EPL squads will be decided, with at least one going through to the next round.
Chelsea vs. Fenerbahce (aggregate 1-2)
Fenerbahce is confident they can survive in England and move on to the semi-finals. With clutch players like Deivid and Alex, coach and former Brazilian star Zico has assembled himself a team full of Turkish work ethic, determination and Brazilian poise and vision. The blend often clashes, however, as it has in the domestic league since their 2-1 win over Chelsea in the first leg. They have still managed to get their results and now await the return of former Real Madrid fullback Roberto Carlos to help solidify the backline. Avram Grant is still positive in both race for the EPL and UCL Championship. I can’t see the Blues being forced out of this one. It’s going to take another out-of-their-mind game to survive an offensive onslaught at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction: 3-1 (Chelsea 3-2 on aggregate)
Liverpool vs. Arsenal (1-1 on aggregate)
One thing is for sure. This will not be a goal-less game. Between the two talismans - Gerrard and Fabregas – you have 11 goals in this competition alone. But if you’re talking momentum, Liverpool has the nod…not by much, though. In-house rumblings of discontent have managed to surface, while Arsenal has had to deal with a pretty sad run of form as of late. Liverpool has their 12th man at Anfield, while Arsenal has a playing style that lends itself to these kind of tense deciders. The difference will be with how Rafa Benitez decides to handle Arsenal’s torrid offense…will he sit back and build a fortress and try and steal a goal on the counter? Or will he let Gerrard, Torres, and Babel fight Arsenal fire with Liverpool’s own potent attack?
Prediction: 1-1 (aggregate 2-2, Liverpool wins 5-4 on penalties)
Filed under: UEFA Champions League, game previews | Tagged: Arsenal, Chelsea, Fenerbahçe, Liverpool
