Preview to a very very exciting Tuesday

By: Rob | March 3rd, 2008

Are you ready? Its going to be a bumpy ride. We’re about to loose 8 teams from the champions league - 4 this very tuesday. For those that win, they are that one step closer to immortality, those that loose, heartbreak for another year. This my friends is what its all about. So without further ado - lets have a look at tuesday’s games.

generic maldini

Arsenal Vs AC Milan

The Pitch - Pensioners Vs Small Children. Old vs Young. Champions vs New Kids on the Block. You get it.

The first leg was a tight affair, but hopefully this second leg should be where it all kicks off. Arsene Wenger has suggested that the 0-0 at home favours his side - and while that sounds like crazy talk, Milan’s home form this season has be dreadful.

Since the first leg they’ve Stuttered. Arsenal had the crazy Birmingham game, suffering a draw and then got lucky against Villa at the weekend. Milan only managed a draw against lowly Lazio at the weekend, but its fair to say they were resting players for this game

Key Players

Kaka, he belongs to Jesus you know

Theeeeeo

Milan - Kaka’. Ricky hasn’t had a great season by his own insanely high standard, but the CL is where he usually comes into his own. If Milan are going to win, he needs to perform.

The Gunners - Theo Wallcott. Just as Arsenal have been stuttering, Theo is begining to come into his own. With Van Persie back from injury and probably on the bench, Wallcott will have to fight for his place - a great performance in the San Siro could be the start of something magic.

In and Out - Seedorf is the big absentee for Milan, Jankulovski and Emerson will also miss out. Pato has been ruled fit, and Kaka’, Nesta and Pirlo will all play. For Arsenal, they are without Eduardo of course, as well as Tomas Rosicky and cruicially Kolo Toure who have not travelled. Robin van Persie has been named in the squad.

Expect alot of drama in this one, probably the most exciting game of the night.

Manchester United Vs Lyon

Billed as The champions of France and England. Could be tricky for United.

The First Leg Was interesting. Man United worked Coupet a few times but were facing a 1-0 defeat in Lyon, until Tevez popped up for a very handy away goal.

Since the First Leg they’ve been - Lyon beat Lille in the 10th anniversarry of the Stade de France, but are being challenged for the French title for the first time in around 156 years. Man United are closing the gap on league leaders Arsenal, after a convincing win at the weekend.

Key Players

Juninho dribbling roo are you?

Lyon - Juninho. It would be easy to say Benzema after the first leg, but Lyon are going to need Juninho’s experience at OT. Probably the best free kick taker the world has ever seen, if he can nab an early one against United it would set the tie alight.

United - Rooney. It would be easy to say Ronaldo, he’s the best form player in the world at the moment - but Man United just don’t look as good without Rooney. When he plays well its the difference between a 1-0 and a 4-0. If he scores early against Lyon it will kill the game.

In and Out - Man United are still without the G Nev, as well as missing Silvestre. Lyon’s captain Cris remains a doubt, some sites claiming he’s in other’s he’s out. Other than that its a full strength squad.

Expect - United to win, but Lyon to put up one hell of a fight. If Lyon score first, game on. If United score first Lyon will struggle.

Barcelona Vs Glasgow Celtic

Billed as A chance to see Barca in full flow

In the First Leg - Celtic shocked everyone by scoring two goals, but some dodgy defending and bad luck (and a great Henry finish) cost them dear. If they can score twice at Camp Nou and keep Barca out they go through.

Since The First Leg They’ve Been - Barca lost to a talented Athletico Madrid side. I would say they rested players but with that squad how would you notice? Celtic beat Inverness Cally Thistle, but only just

Key Players

Barca - Leo Messi. There’s alot to choose from at Barca, but this season’s top scorer thus and he was rested at the weekend.

Celtic - Nakamura. He’s the player for Celtic who can match Barca for pure skill. If Robson can knock another header in though, that wouldn’t be amiss.

messi in orange Nakamura Dribble

In and Out - For the Scots, Balde, Kennedy and the brilliantly named Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe are all out. They do have Scott Brown and Steve McManus back though. Barca - they have the depth to not worry.

Expect - Celtic to try thier hearts out, but Barca to be too much.

Sevilla Vs Fenerbace

Billed As The ‘Other’ game.

The First Leg was - Probably the best game of the day, with a well poised 3-2 home win to Fener. They have the goal advantage but Sevilla have 2 away goals.

Since the First Leg Fener have lost to rivals Galatasary in an absolutely mad match and then drew. Sevilla lost at the weekend to the once great Deportivo

Key Players

Alex for Fener
kanute looking like Henry at the sky

Fener - Alex. He’s been quality in the Cl this term with 5 assists. Fener will need him at his creative best.

Sevilla - Kanute. Despite having the worst shots on target ratio in the tournament he is always always a threat. If he gets one early on Sevilla may be tempted to play for a 1-0.

Expect - An end to end game, that could go either way.

Personally I can’t wait. Predictions please? Which are you most looking forward to?