Matchday 8 – Knock’em out II, Wednesday preview

By: Nathan | March 5th, 2007

More action featuring juggernauts and upstarts. On paper, or the screen, these games seem a bit more subdued than Tuesday. But I’m sure we’ll be left with a few surprises and Tivo ‘Save until I delete’ games.

Manchester United vs. Lille @ Old Trafford
referee: Luis Medina Canteaejo (ESP)
Thank goodness this game is approaching fast so we can put all the mayhem behind us. Lille got caught with their pants down, and the crowd was par for a big occassion ala Francaise…The lingering mental effects should prevent Lille from putting up much resistance, tho it is a joy to watch Makoun with the ball at his feet. Man. U’s big win over Liverpool at the weekend saw Scholes sent (what was he thinking?!?!) I bet he gives his boys a parting gift as he is out of domestic action for the next 3 games. Another random note is that Henrik Larsson is done at Old Trafford next week, this will be his last CL game for the club. His 10 week loan is over and Fergie claims there will be no extension…strange but true, he won’t even qualify for a league winners medal if they hold on to beat Chelsea! Most of the news revolves around the goal still, a bit of a bore…but here’s what we have.
1. In case you missed..anything? 2 weeks of bitching and moaning…ahhhhh.
2. Not that it should matter but Rooney is a doubt for the game after taking a gash at Anfield.
3. Lille will be missing some men in the midfield – Bodmer and Cabaye both are ruled out. that’s gonna leave a bit of hole…
4. One bit of good news is the return of Keita for Lille. He was ruled out through suspension for the the first match.
5. BTW – Giggsy just played his 700th game for the Red Devils on Saturday – pretty cool.

AC Milan vs. Celtic @ the San Siro
referee: Konrad Plautz (AUT)
From a supporters standpoint, a bunch of Celtic fans traveling Europe and welcoming back the San Siro to full capacity is exciting and regal in nature, the game itself should prove a bit more mundane. The 0-0 draw 2 weeks ago was a snapshot for each side. Celtic highlighted their deserved trip to the knockout rounds of the CL, while Milan’s form proved they are far from their best not able to plow through the debutantes. Milan’s lack of bite in attack is haunting, Sheva is missed more than could have been imagined and the World Cup hangover still seems to haunt many of the legs of the Azzurri (see Pirlo). Neither team has injury concerns, tho Milan no doubt wished they could field the ineligible Ronaldo for some push up front after Sunday’s display in Milan’s 3-1 win over Chievo. A passioned atmoshpere may have to do with a single goal on the day….and it’s hard to imagine it doesn’t come from Kaka. More news to get you ready.
1. Impressive gamesmanship by Nakamura.
2. Kaka is expecting the crowd to play their part. (TribalFootbal)
3. If you’ve watched Milan lately it is still hard to see ‘in-form’, but that is the claim. Nakamura was worried about Gila – wait til he see’s Pippo at work!

Arsenal vs. PSV @ Emirates Stadium
referee: Alain Hammer (LUX)
This is a tricky one, except for the fact it is being played at the magical Emirates Stadium. Strange things seem to happen in a good way for the Gunners and I’m not being conspiritorial here. PSV takes a slim 1-0 lead to London, and loads of experience. Arsenal have several game-time injury questions, but loads of talent. Man do I love those kids – for the record the Carling Cup Final has been my favorite game of the year. Give me more Beast any day of the week. Random PSV note – am still bummed Beasley didn’t stick, thought the style suited him well – a hell of a lot better than Man City…onto the game notes.
1. First, second and last – Henry is 50/50 for the game. I’d say it’s closer to 99.9 to .1, Thierry does love to be needed.
2. Racism truly does haunt you. Gilberto to punish PSV ‘for their racist past’.
3. Cesc is clearly sick of winter, he’s already thinking of a sunnier 2015.
4. UEFA.com salutes the old Dutch Master.

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid @ Allianz Arena
referee: Lubos Michel (SVK)
No doubt the glory game of Wednesday in terms of name recognition. Bayern’s trip to the Bernabeu proved valuable in 2 away goals, the downside being the porous backline giving 3 back. Bayerns domestic form has been troubling all season as they tread water outside the Champions League spots in 4th. 2 consecutive victories in the Bundesliga have given Hitzfield’s men a bit of push coming into Tuesday’s Match. Podolski and Makaay had a nice game with a goal and a helper for the young Polish German. Bad timing for Santa Cruz to cry out his come and get me tho…Bayern will need a bigger game from the defense if they are to see themselves through. All eyes on Becks, or not right?
1. Becks and Reyes out with matching wonkie knees.
2. Cannavaro taking a beating from Coach Ottmar. Can’t argue, but on the whole looking at World Cuppers, he’s due to snap out of the funk. Hey Ottmar I’d still rather have Captain Can than Looney Lucio anchoring the backline.
3. Podolski takes smack talk in a new direction…the diss by admiration for your opponents rivals.
4. On the other hand Gago could use a little help in pumping his team up prior to the match.