The Champions league draw is up first and being an open draw anything is possible. Both French sides could meet each other, we could have an El Clásico quarter-final and we could have a Bayern v Real Madrid meeting. However I'm going to have a go at predicting the draw and what I hope is the draw come half eleven.
- Barcelona v Juventus
- Atlético Madrid v PSG
- Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
- Porto v Monaco
Juventus haven't made the semi-finals of this competition since 2003 believe it or not and what better way for them get back to the semis than beating the side they overcame in the 2003 quarter-final. Obviously Barcelona would be overwhelming favourites should they get anyone outside of Real Madrid and Bayern but Juventus I think would make things tricky for them. They nullified attack minded Dortmund quiet well, they don't concede many goals and have decent strike force in in-form Carlos Tévez and Álvaro Morata. A defensive shield of Chielini and Bonucci will need to be in form to keep the threat of the Barca front three out but this would be an interesting tie.
Atlético Madrid v PSG is a particular tie I would like to see happen not least because both sides have good claims to be dark horses for glory but it would be a good match-up. Atlético's defence isn't as good as last season but still strong by other season standards. PSG seem to be saving themselves for European games. A tie that could well go to extra-time and penalties.
Bayern Munich out for revenge against the side that humiliated them last season. For Bayern fans dumping Madrid out early would be revenge served on a cold dish but does offer Madrid the chance to dump a fellow favourite out early. One has to expect goals should these two meet in this round.
Porto and Monaco are arguably the two "weakest" sides left but are also two of the complete outsiders. Would be terrific for either side to reach a semi-final and you can be sure that both sides will be hoping for this match-up to come through. Would have to fancy Porto as they do have a better attack than Monaco however Monaco have the better defence. A single goal or away goal victory for Porto would be my prediction here.
The Europa League is technically and open draw however the political situation in Russia and Ukraine ensures that we can't get a match-up between them clubs until the final providing of course they get there. So here is my hope for the draw.
- Sevilla v Dynamo Kyiv
- Napoli v Wolfsburg
- Club Brugge v Dnipro
- Fiorentina v Zenit
Both Sevilla and Dynamo Kyiv were free scoring in the last round, dumping out Villarreal and Everton respectively. The 5-2 success for Kyiv over Everton was a statement that Kyiv are not to be taken lightly. Sevilla showed they will be tough to beat in the previous round. A truck load of goals with Sevilla to do just enough at home to get through but a great tie if it happens.
Napoli are among the favourites to win this tournament and in Wolfsburg they could be in for a tough tie. I'd expect a close tie between these two as Wolfsburg would have designs on glory in May as well. Add in the fact that Wolfsburg are in great form since January and Napoli's recent form isn't quiet as good so we could have a tactical battle in this one.
The two rank outsiders going head-to-head would be good to see. Dnipro saw off Ajax on away goals after extra-time last night and Club Brugge had a very impressive result away to Besiktas. both sides are strong at home and it might just be the tie that goes all the way to penalties that will decide it.
Fiorentina overcame a generous Roma last night and could've been more convincing in victory if Mohammed Salah didn't have such a love affair with the Roma woodwork. They are a dark horse in the same vain as Wolfsburg and will be a particularly dangerous team to play especially on the counter with the pace they have. Zenit last night sent another Italian side in Torino packing...just. They have obvious quality in attack and strong at home but I could see them being the victim of Violet counter attacks.
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