Matchday 8 - Knock’em out part I, Tuesday preview

By: Nathan | March 5th, 2007

Matchday 8 brings us some of the juiciest games in recent years. In addition to the glory match-ups some of the undervalued games should prove to be the days best. We’ll break it down by day starting with Tuesdays games. I’ll post in order of my anticipation, saving the best game of the day for last.

Chelsea vs. Porto @ Stamford Bridge
referee: Roberto Rossetti (ITA)
As fun as the Mourinho storyline has been facing his old team, there really isn’t alot of punch to this second day. Realizing Porto has everything to play for Tuesday, and that Quaresma may be one of the best talents on the pitch (can we stop with the diving Ricardo?) Chelsea’s recent Trophy triumph seems to have put some bite back in the boys. Here are the storylines to watch.

1. The Blues defense is certainly open to suggestion but Cech looks back to his best, albeit with some funny style.
2. Terry out - Even if Terry misses this one, it’s hard to see Chelsea giving up a goal.
3. Mourinho vs. the Donkey - or something to that effect.
4. The magic man vs. Makele and Essien all day long. Who doesn’t love players who plot?
5. This game seems like a Mourinho grudge match…even against his own peoples. What the hell is Lampard wearing in that picture - the damn Ukranian is bundled up, but Frank?!?!?

Liverpool vs. Barcelona @ Anfield - that’s a lot of history.
referee: Herbert Fandel (GER)
In theory this game should be a cracker, in practice Liverpool can lose 1-0 and go through, and I’m afraid that is exactly what Rafa Benitez is thinking for the Reds. The goal display in Barca may be replaced with the mundane - as Liverpool revert to the line-ups that landed them the CL trophy a few years back, a single point person and a boat load of midfielders. Sissoko’s recent generalship in the middle of the park has been majectic in recent games. The big question mark hanging over Anfield will be the ghosts of 10 man Man. U snatching victory from goalless draw in extra time over the weekend. Will Liverpool have the strength to start anew? Recent European form certainly suggests domestic daliances play no part in their CL mind frame. As for the Spanish holders….look for one of the more potent line-ups to get the nod. Can Rijkaard start with Eto’o, Messi, Ronaldhino and Giuly? We’ll find out, the recent move of Marquez to sweeper is a role that was a bit overdue. The day Barca recruited Thuram was the day Marquez should have been given the broom. Here are more storylines:

1. Rijkaard and the messy dressing room - Spanish club hierarchy is a convoluted mess. Can Rijkaard keep them happy and focused on a monster task with the silverware already around their neck?
2. More Rijkaard is this his last season at Barca? The shadow of Cruyff, the divisions in the locker room. (SoccerFiesta)
3. Sticking with the manager theme - the cool one popping off at Rafa…
4. Crazy ass Eto’o….nuff said
4. As for the Pool…everyone fears failure apparently can’t anyone embrace the enormity of the challenge AND the fruits of conquest???

Valencia vs. Inter Milan @ Mestalla Stadium
referee: Wolfgang Stark (GER)
How Inter didn’t put about 5 goals on the board in Game 1 I’ll never know - Crespo’s free header must still give him nightmares. The funny thing about this one is Inter’s complete confidence at going on the road and coming away with a win. Valencia though are in fine form and has it all to do - the 2 time CL runner-ups (Hector Cuper’s legend is all over this match!) will need more magic from the boys up front. Enjoy as this game should showcase the best pair of attacking squads on Tuesday. Here’s what we know so far:
1 . Viera, Cambiasso and now Adriano confirmed OUT - ouch. That means too much Olivier Dacourt and no pop off the bench, yikes.
2. Vendetta - such a cooler word than grudge or payback…Inter has Valencia’s number at the Mestalla that’s for sure. 3 European exits at the hands of Inter.
3. Maybe Rijkaard and Mancini should just trade strikers….
4. Baraja may be one of the few people who thinks Figo is a man to keep their eye on.
4. Blast from the past - rare good Veron news

Lyon vs. AS Roma @ Stade de Gerland
referee: Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez (ESP)
This game has me absolutely giddy with excitement. The 0-0 draw in the first game was quite misleading, or not, either way this one sets up as a classic. Roma playing to progress to their first ever CL quarterfinal, while Lyon is still looking for the ultimate validation on the European stage having shown the best performances over the first half of the competition. The Roma tridente up front of Totti, Mancini and Taddei is bizarly efficient, while Lyon boast the sublime Juninho and the brute force of Fred. Still not sure of Houlier’s decision to swap Baros for Carew, but that’s his decision. Sit back and enjoy, the game should be played at breakneck speed for 90 minutes. Here’s what we know (not alot of media coverage for this one - shame).
1. Mexes happy to be coming back to France…I would be happier if he were coming back to France on the bench for Ferrari.
2. Diarra is back - he played 40 minutes over the weekend without incident. Great match-up in the middle with Totti for as long as his legs can last.
3. The critics rained down after the first game on Spalletti, but he backs up my claim of going for the gusto this time around.
4. Pannucci and all his experience asks for a little calm ahead of the storm..

Enjoy the games folks - we’ll have more on Wednesday’s game later…