CL Quarters Preview: 8 Wonders – II

By: Adam | April 2nd, 2008

Yesterday was full of fun. Both Barca and Man Utd. surprisingly won. Rob has already published the detailed (and excellent) report. Lets see who all will be fighting today.

Arsenal vs Liverpool
First match of triple bonanza between these two teams. Match between beauty and the beast. Arsenal play beautiful one touch football. Whereas Liverpool play cautious containing football which suits European games. So can it be fascinating encounter with clash between cultures and styles? Its a make or break game for both the teams since this is the only competition where they possibly can win silverware this season (though Arsenal are still in for PL race on mathematical calculations). Liverpool are riding high on confidence after beating Inter. Arsenal also had major confidence booster when they beat AC Milan in last round but their glory was short lived after poor run in the league where they have squandered 8 point advantage. On paper as well as on field, both the teams match shoulder to shoulder. But Arsenal hold an advantage because of home ground. Wenger will most probably play 4-5-1 with lone striker in Adebayor. Rafa might choose his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 with Torres as lone striker. In the end it all matters how players soak up the pressure. Managers are getting 3 chances instead of 2 (because of league clash too). But one mistake and game is over. Arsenal don’t play well against physical sides and this is their biggest weakness which will be exploited by Rafa. If Torres is quarantined from rest of the team then Liverpool will find it extremely hard to break Arsenal at their stadia.
Prediction: 1-0
Battle Royale: Torres vs Gallas. Torres is revelation this season. He has proved that he can disrupt any defense in the world. Gallas has good experience at top level and how he inspires his troops will depend on his performance.
Key Personnel:
Arsenal- Adebayor. He is hungry now. Will Liverpool end up as his prey?
Liverpool- Torres. El Nino is fantastic in every way.

Fenerbahce vs Chelsea
Chelsea visit “hell” (as Fenerbahce fans call it) in turkey. I have seen videos on youtube about the atmosphere in Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, and believe me its actual hell for opposition fans and players. I won’t even dare to put my foot on the pitch let alone playing. Similar to Schalke, Fenerbahce are having dream run in their CL campaign. When they beat Sevilla in Spain there were rumors that thousands of supporters welcomed their heroes on airport. Imagine what will happen if they beat Chelsea. On the other hand Chelsea have given utmost important to CL this season (atleast seems to be). Final will be played in their Roman’s country (who is mainly responsible for Chelsea’s success story) and what will be the occasion if they make it. Chelsea had a big result against Arsenal which have put them in spotlight for contention to PL trophy. Hence their confidence is running high. Home turf is Fenerbahce’s biggest advantage but toothless attack is their biggest weakness. Believe it or not Kezman was big failure in blue uniform. Chelsea’s unshakable spirit and belief (instilled by Jose) is their biggest strength whereas Mr. Grant is their biggest weakness. His substitutions are ineffective and late. In Boro game he proved us that Arsenal game’s substitutions were anamoly. His tactics are not upto the mark and he quite simply lacks motivational ability which was forte for his predecessor.
Prediction: 1-2
Battle Royale: Makalele vs Alex. One is anchor whereas other is destroyer.
Key Personnel:
Fenerbahce- Alex. He is their engine of the midfield for Fenerbahce.
Chelsea- Drogba. On his day he can send shock waves to any defense in the world.

Lets see how my predictions fare this time. I hope I atleast get one prediction right. Stay tuned to CL blog for extensive coverage.