Being Footballdamus

By: Adam | March 4th, 2008

We had an excellent preview of return legs for round of 16. Now lets give the voice to Nostradamus who is clandestinely hiding in everyones persona for the prophecy. And everyone loves predictions in football. Ask Mr. “kids won’t win anything” Hansen. Though I may not be as accurate as the great Nostradamus but I’ll certainly be better than Lawro’s predictions.

AC Milan vs Arsenal
Champions vs challengers. Its a game to savor. Though Milan have huge advantage of playing at home with the clean slate till now, its a tough one to predict. Everyone will absolutely delighted if Milan play the majestic football like they did against Manu in last year’s semi. And I for one will be hoping for such regal performance outta them.
Prediction: 2-1

Man Utd vs Lyon
Fergie’s new fledglings are at the top of their game at the moment. Virtually all of the “big” name players fit for the game (yeah….Neville doesn’t come under that privilege now a days). It will be cake walk if they prove worthy of their names. Whereas its Benzema who is making more noise than Ronaldo and Rooney for this big test. Just imagine if Lyon nick one goal early, then you can expect red tsunami’s all over the Old Trafford.
Prediction: 3-1

Barcelona vs Celtic
David vs Goliath tie. Even Celtic gaffer feels that its a mountain to climb. For the fight that Celtic gave with all the British might will be too little this time. They are the team with never say die attitude. On the other hand Barca are the team to watch. And Camp Nou is nothing short of fortress.
Prediction: 1-0

Sevilla vs Fenerbahce
The most underrated teams of round of 16. 1st leg was the best match match of last matchday. Fenerbahce are flying high with the confidence. Sevilla are doing things quietly. Its the home tie for Sevilla and even mighty Arsenal couldn’t beat them with all their ammunition. It will be an entertaining end to end contest.
Prediction: 2-0

Chelsea vs Olympiacos
Problems of plenty at Stamford Bridge. Just a month ago there was hardly any choice for players since only 15-16 were fully fit. Now 27 fully fit superstars. Drogba, Sheva, Kalou, Anelka for strikers. Lampard, Ballack, Joe Cole, Malouda, Wright Phillips, Makalele, Mikel and Essien for midfielders. Everyone must be thinking how lucky is Mr. Grant. But he might be cursing his luck. On the other hand solitary goal for Olympiacos with clean sheet will put them thru.
Prediction: 2-0

Real vs Roma
Toughest to predict amongst all the matches. Both teams on their day can beat anyone whereas on their off day can loose to anyone (and in any fashion too..7-1 remember). Real have to score in any condition. But for Roma, they can park their bus in SB.
Prediction: 1-0

Porto vs Schalke
Schalke had a great game against Porto in their home leg. Porto are very much unpredictable team. I suspect this game will be a goalless draw with Schalke putting 10 men behind the ball and attacking only on counterattacks.
Prediction: 0-0

Inter vs Liverpool
This is a massive game. Inter undeservedly lost 2-0 at Anfield. But the same defeat can ignite a spark of revenge in Inter’s players and I believe they will be too good for Rafa’s “park the bus” strategy at San Siro. Most probably this game will drag on to extra time and even penalties.
Prediction: 2-0 (then lottery of penalties).

Lets how many turn out to be perfect scores. What do you think?