Champions League is Back!

It's been two years since my last post but with more time I am now starting from where I left off: Champions League predictions. This year's round of 16 is a little different from normal. Where normally we have a series of decent games, this year United vs Madrid clearly takes the title of most enticing fixture as it pits two of the best teams in Europe. But it is not the only one to capture the interest of a true fan. There are 8 matches for that. Here, as in two years ago, are my predictions.

Celtic vs. Juve

Grade: B-

Prediction: 4-1 Juve

This is interesting fixture with both sides playing defensive styles yet somehow managing to win matches with 30% possession. Unlike Celtic, though, Juve has been on the decline since their undefeated campaign in 2011-12. Fortunately for them, they have a bit more class than Celitc and should be able to put the fixture away in Turin no matter the result at Celtic.

Valencia vs. Paris Saint Germain

Grade: D+

Prediction: 7-2 P$G

The teams here are not bad and slightly interesting but does anyone think P$G can really fall to Valencia? This fixture will be over before it can even return to Paris.

Man United vs. Real Madrid

Grade: A+

Prediction: 3-2 United

The best teams in Europe are not Madrid and United. Barcelona is one of them, maybe Dortmund or Munich as well. But in terms of both interest and quality, this is as good as they get. 2 of the top teams in the world, starring Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, a newly in-form Nani, along with two of the world's best defenses. Both sides play attacking styles in their leagues supported by staunch defenses. But against the world's best, they will have to change their attacks from the way they play against Fulham and Real Valledoid. This leads me to make a prediction based on guts, in the favor of Man United not because of class but simply because of form.

Shaktar Donetsk vs. Borussia Dortmund

Grade: A

Prediction: 3-2 Dortmund

Man United-Madrid clearly takes the award of most exciting fixture of the Round of 16 but this one, on the same day, cannot be forgotten. Madrid and United are two of the best known clubs in the world, with decades of dominance in this competition while Donetsk and Dortmund are some of the most exciting up and coming clubs in Europe. Shaktar's stars include 8 Brazilians, such as Fernandinho and Luiz Adriano. Dortmund can match this young excitement and veteran quality with striker Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and the veteran presences of Sven Bender and Mats Hummels. Both sides are two of the most exciting young squad in Europe but Dortmund's experience of playing in a top league every week should lead them to victory.

Porto vs. Malaga

Grade: C+

Prediction: 4-1 Malaga

After the last two fixtures, I have limited excitement in this one but Malaga's form in Europe in the fall was stunning. They seem to be a squad bereft of stars but filled with quality, a fantastic recipe for the Champions League which should lead them to the quarterfinals.

Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich

Grade: A-

Prediction: 5-3 Munich

League form has been shockingly different for these sides this campaign but often that does not translate into Europe as Madrid and Arsenal showed in the group stage. Bayern is admitedly a better squad than Arsenal as both have speedy and talented attacks but Munich has the proven ability to keep sides at bay under immense pressure led by star German defenders, Phillip Lahm and Holger Badstuber with Manuel Neuer in goal.

Galatasaray vs. Schalke

Grade: B

Prediction: 4-2 Galtasaray

This is again a very typical Round of 16 fixture, with two sides commonly resting at the top of their middling European leagues. Unlike the way these fixtures commonly go, though, I have a feeling Galatasaray will win this one. Unfortunately, though, I am no expert on either of these teams and am simply looking forward to tuning in.

AC Milan vs Barcelona

Grade: A-

Prediction: 5-1 Barca

Two of the best clubs in Europe, historically favorites in this competition and this year is no different. If Milan were playing anyone other than Barca, the power of the Mohawks would push them through to the quarter-finals. El Shaarway and Balotelli are two of the most underrated players in Europe. Balotelli may be in the news a lot but at Milan he should become better known for his footballing ability. Still, though, as we have learned time and time again, individual skill does not beat the attacking trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi. Barca, once again should move on to the final 8.

Are Chelsea, Tottenham Out?

The main point is: Is Chelsea Out? For Tottenham, it's a familiar situation. They are in the Champions League places, close enough to the top, but, perhaps, lack enough quality to seriously challenge for title. Also, they do have a game out of hand, essentially leaving them 11 points back. Will United even drop that many points? Spurs will not finish out perfect so do the Red Devils need to lose 5? They dropped 16 points in the first half of the campaign, and have only dropped 6 since October 16th. A key match for both Spurs and United comes at the weekend when Man U travels to the lane. A Spurs win would see them creep to within five, leaving Arsenal a point back, Chelsea six back and Man City actually would surpass United but an extra game would mean they actually would be two back. United's game in hand, however, should give them three points of comfort. Clearly, Arsenal's four (or even seven) points back and City's five or eight are surmountable challenges but can Chelsea come back from nine to twelve points back. I think that Spurs and Chelsea are gone if United wins at the lane but let's look at the situation if Spurs pull the upset. 8 points back, Spurs would need three losses, or four draws. The most realistic way this will come is away, so key matches are at Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Arsenal, along with the hosting of Chelsea. However, I only see nine points being dropped here at most so United will need some odd draws. 11 points to be dropped, tops, so Spurs better do well. Lets look at their important matches. Arsenal, at Man City, and at Chelsea. No losses, a few draws, and wins in other games seems ridiculously unlikely. Chelsea has an even more difficult schedule and one less point.

So, maybe, it is a three-horse race.

Champions League Rematches

If you like rematches, no, sorry, redemolitions, then this Champions League draw is for you. At first glance, Barca vs. Arsenal is an intriguing encounter. Sure, the two sides will provide beautiful football and Barca is likely to provide the joy they did when hosting Real Madrid but is there any question of who will win this tie? Now, if Arsenal pull off a shock, I'll look like an idiot for saying this, but, they should provide the Catalans with the least trouble of anyone Barca could have faced. An AC Milan fixture, for example, would have left Barca trying break down one of Europe's best defenses. Arsenal, though will try to beat the Spaniards at they're own game. Unless Arsene Wenger decides to make a shocking change of tactics, his side has no hope. Here are my grades and predictions for these fixtures:

Valencia vs. Schalke 04

Grade: B-

Prediction: Valencia 2-1 Schalke 04

Neither of these sides interest me with their quality but the talent levels here are very similar. They should provide an even encounter but the Spanish side will look to start well at the Mestalla.

AC Milan vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Grade: A

Prediction: Tottenham 5-4 AC Milan

These sides are so different yet so similar in quality. Spurs will need to keep up with Milan at the San Siro and get at least a draw or else the Italians will pack it in during the return. However, if Spurs can keep up in Italy, Milan will be susceptible to the speed of Bale and Lennon on the flanks if they go for the win.

AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Grade: C+

Prediction: Roma 4-0 Donetsk

Shakhtar had a nice group stage but this is where luck runs out for the Ukrainians. Roma is far better as they showed against Bayern Munich. A 3-0 win at home will put this one to bed before half-time of leg 1.

Arsenal vs. Barcelona

Grade: A-

Prediction: Barca 7-1 Arsenal

This will be beautiful but not competitive. Arsenal will be edged at the Emirates before being horribly exposed in Spain.

Copenhagen vs. Chelsea

Grade: B

Prediction: Chelsea 4-1 Copenhagen

The Blues should have no trouble here unless their poor form is permanent. The Danes could keep it close at the Parkon Stadion but Ancelotti's triple threat should do them in at the bridge.

Lyon vs. Real Madrid

Grade: B

Prediction: Madrid 4-2 Lyon

Lyon is a good side and Madrid have 2nd round issues but the new class of Whites should do away with the side that disposed of them a year ago. 2-1 in both legs.

Marseille vs. Manchester United

Grade: A

Prediction: Marseille 2-1 Man United

This is my upset pick. The French side is very talented and could take a lead to Old Trafford. If they do, they can hold out.

Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich

Grade: A+

Prediction: Bayern 4-3 Inter

Munich will not pass up this chance for revenge. They might fall behind in Italy but they should make everything right in Germany by putting Inter back in their place at the Allianz.

Now that you've read my predictions, make yours!

A Disgrace to Football

Before I start my rant about you-know-where, I will congratulate Russia. They put in a very good bid and are an increasingly football-crazy country (or continent, if you prefer). They went to the semis of Euro 2008 and are creating a wealth of new talent. This shows by the fact that they actually had a FOOTBALLER (Andrey Arshavin) representing their FOOTBALL World Cup bid in Zurich on Thursday.

Well, come to think of it, every country in 2022 did too--Lucas Neill (Australia), Landon Donovan (US), Ji-Sung Park (South Korea), and Keisuke Honda (Japan). That is, except for you-know-where. If the 10 reasons that I'm about to list for why you-know-where shouldn't host the World Cup, this one should be good enough. An obscenely fat oil-rich guy with a hideous mustache and crooked, yellow teeth who pays under the table bribes to another obscenely fat rich guy from Switzerland (Sepp Blatter) does not, in any way, represent the beautiful game.

Oh, and here are the 10 other reasons: 120-degree weather, ridiculous promises (see edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/12/02/qatar.world.cup.stadiums/), a country that has badminton on their TVs instead of Holland vs. Denmark in the World Cup (I was there), a football team ranked 113th that has never come close to qualifying for a world cup, the worst striker in the history of football (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfWJdjUvonU&feature=related), no real domestic league, the country is a dust bowl, it's the size of Connecticut, the airport has no hope of handling 1 million tourists, and the people are surly.

Sure, the US probably wouldn't have been that great of a choice, but how can you pick Qatar over the Aussies (hint: bribes)? Look out for a failure in 2022.

The European Situation

After 4 months of football all over Europe, some things are becoming clear and I can evaluate the situation in the Champions League as well as the EPL and La Liga. We start with the Champions League and it's Spanish dominance.

Group A: Tottenham and Inter Milan are through in this group but what does the future hold for the duo? Well, the winner will most likely face a side they will be favored to defeat with the exception of a possible fixture against Arsenal. The runner-up will face a much sterner challenge against a club from Europe's elite such as Barcelona, Man U, Chelsea, or Real Madrid. However, first place is a toss up as the two sides are only separated by a goal difference of 3 in favour of Tottenham. Both sides are away, where neither have found a win. However, Inter faces last place Bremen, who they should beat. Spurs could draw at the Dutch champions, Twente. My prediction:

1. Inter-13 pts

2. Tottenham-11 pts

3. Twente-6 pts

4. Bremen-2 pts

Group B: Schalke and Lyon are in control of this group despite Benfica having a chance. The Portuguese outfit need a win while hosting 1-point leaders Schalke. However, my prediction is a draw. Now, this doesn't mean Lyon will win the group. Expect a resurgent Hapoel side to surprise the French at home while fighting for a Europa League berth. The Israelites have 4 points from their last two after losing their first 3. Meanwhile, Lyon have back-to-back losses (both away from home, though). My predictions call for a 2-0 Hapoel shocker in France:

1. Schalke-11 pts

2. Lyon-9 pts

3. Hapoel-7 pts (-1 GD)

4. Benfica-7 pts (-4 GD)

Group C: This group looks straight-forward, barring a Valencia upset at the Theatre of Dreams. These aren't even predictions, just stating the facts:

1. Man U-16 pts

2. Valencia-10 pts

3. Rangers-8 pts

4. Bursaspor-0 pts

Group D: BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! BARCA! That is the direction this group is headed, despite two away draws from the Catalans. Second place would be interesting but Rubin Kazan, who trail Copenhagen by one point have an assured death in a week in a half--a.k.a: a trip to the Camp Nou.

1. Barcelona-14 pts

2. Copenhagen-10 pts

3. Rubin Kazan-6 pts

4. Panathinaikos-2 pts

Group E: This group is the classic no-draw 12-9-6-3 group. 6-point Basel would be in with a chance to overtake 9-point Roma but they have a killer fixture at the Allianz while the Italians face Cluj-Napoca. My predicitions:

1. Bayern Munich-15 pts

2. Roma-12 pts

3. Basel-6 pts

4. Cluj-Napoca-3 pts

Group F: This group is over, nothing is left here. Because of this, though, expect some exciting football. With Chelsea's poor run of form and 4 points from a possible 15 in the EPL this month, Marseille could pull a shocker while hosting the English champions. Sorry, Zilina, no shocker for you. A drubbing at home is on the cards for the Slovaks.

1. Chelsea-15 pts

2. Marseille-12 pts

3. Spartak Moscow-9 pts

4. Zilina-0 pts

Group G: This is another case of "over". Madrid 1st, Milan 2nd, Ajax 3rd, and Auxerre 4th--because they're facing Madrid.

1. Madrid-13 pts

2. Milan-9 pts

3. Ajax-5 pts

4. Auxerre-3 pts

Group H: In Group H, we have competition. An epic collapse from Arsenal has cost the Gunners 1st place and maybe even a spot in the elimination stages. Their last 2 games, both away, have ended in 2-1 and 2-0 losses to Shaktar Donestk and Braga respectively. 3 points behind Shaktar, 1st place is nearly out of reach, but, due to goal difference, advancing is in the Gunners hands. Luckily for Arsene Wenger, his side will play at the Emirates, where they boast a 11-1 advantage in the UCL. Also, they host point-less Partizan Belgrade. Meanwhile, Braga would be out even with a victory if Arsenal win.

1. Shaktar-13 pts

2. Arsenal-12 pts

3. Braga-10 pts

4. Partizan Belgrade-0 pts

Now that we have looked through the Champions League, I will quickly review the situation in Spain after el Classico.

Barca look simply unstoppable in La Liga. The Catalans have fended off every tough opposition until they face Valencia in March. Perfect in the league since early October, there is no doubt the Catalans will finish in the top 2. Also, as they proved with a stunning performance in a phenomenal 5-0 thrashing of Madrid, they will most likely see off the Whites for the 3rd year running. At this point, I wouldn't bet against the best team in the world.

In the EPL, we have an interesting race developing with the failure of Chelsea in November. 4 points from 15 while Man U were 11 from 15 in that stretch thanks to 5-goal Berba, who joined the likes of Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, and Jermain Defoe as EPL strikers who have found the net 5 times in one match. Arsenal stay in third (only behind Chelsea on goal difference) because they haven't taken advantage of the Blues the way United have. The Gunners have only taken 9 points from the last 15 due to being profligate at the Emirates. Luckily, Fulham should give them 3 points before they face Man U and Chelsea in December. Even Man City are in with a chance (5 points back) and Spurs (6 points back) have a shot, or at least according to Harry Redknapp.

Torres Rescues Arsenal

Fernando Torres has saved Liverpool and Arsenal, along with aiding Manchester United. The out-of-form striker scored two beautifully worked goals for the Reds as he single-handedly gave Chelsea it's second loss of the campaign. His 11th minute goal was courtesy of a delightful chip over the top from Dirk Kuyt. The Spaniard then brought the ball down to his feet as if his Adidas boots had magnets on them and volleyed on the bounce over Petr Cech. Torres' second was perhaps the more impressive as Raul Meireles took advantage of an Ashley Cole slip and played a ball through to the Liverpool number 9 on the edge of the penalty area. Torres then cut Branislav Ivanovic before curling a stunner off the far post, leaving Cech with no chance.

This result leaves an interesting situation in the EPL title race. Man U have been given a great boost thanks to Ji-Sung Park's heroics against Wolves while Arsenal and Chelsea find themselves just the same as they were 3 days ago. If Sir Alex Ferguson's men keep winning, they will be within a match come the holiday season. The Gunners, meanwhile, are still in the running, thanks to Chelsea being stopped by Fernando T. It is very likely that the North-Londoners won't drop points in the next month but they didn't look like title contenders today and they must improve their form if they want to win their first EPL at the Emirates.

Also, after Chelsea's loss coupled with Mario Balotelli's heroics, we can't count out Man City. After another week of football we all have Fernando Torres to thank for a wide open title race.

Can Chelsea be Caught?

We have 28 matchdays left to enjoy this campaign. However, a question soon arises when you think about this. Are we wasting our "TV time" or can Chelsea be stopped? The Blues next 6 games shouldn't trouble them as their toughest match looks to be at St. James' Park, where they face 7th placed Newcastle. 18 points there and the blues could have up to an 11 point lead over Man U and Arsenal as the Red Devils visit Villa Park and the City of Manchester while the Gunners also travel to Villa Park as well as hosting Spurs. As long has Chelsea hasn't run away from the pack, an important stretch of matches follows during the holiday season as the top 3 enjoy a round-robin-like fixture list. The trio matches are as follows:

Chelsea Arsenal Man U

Dec 11-12 @ Tottenham @ Man U vs Arsenal

Dec 18-19 vs Man U vs Stoke @ Chelsea

Dec 25-26 @ Arsenal vs Chelsea vs Sunderland

First let's look at week one. The Blues travel to the lane, clearly the hardest match not in the round-robin. While Arsenal and United have near-certain 3 points when hosting Stoke and Sunderland, respectively, Chelsea could easily drop points. Spurs haven't lost to the Blues at White Hart Lane since August 27, 2005. Arsenal's trip to the theatre of dreams is vital towards their title challenge. If Chelsea drop points at Spurs, the winning side in Manchester will be within a game of the Blues. Unfortunately for United, the next week could end their season as Chelsea's home form has been immaculate. Barring an upset at SW20, Arsene Wenger's men will face a must-win at the Emirates, a ground where the Gunners haven't beaten their rivals since 2007. Depending on the results during this holiday stretch, the title race could be on or off heading into the climax of the campaign.

However, the question is still the same: Can the Blues even lose?, because the truth is, they need to.