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
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.
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