Here, I run through how I believe the final 16 will turn into this years Champions League Quarter-finalists:
Lyon v APOEL Nicosia - The magnificent story of these Cypriot minnows could yet well go on. Whether fortunately or unfortunately - the pulled French giants Olympique Lyonnais - who managed to pull through by the strand of a hair, the polar opposite to these impressive newcomers. Lyon's magnificent comeback of five goals at Dinamo Zagreb booked their ticket to the next round and it appears they have landed their dream draw in APOEL - who fascinated and intrigued football fans across Europe. Their group stage appeared a 'mini-group of death' with the ever-growing Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk and Portugese mainstays Porto expected to progress, impressive home wins against Zenit & Porto branded the final game hosting Shakhtar irrelevent - with APOEL having done more than enough to find themselves through. With the draw against the Frenchmen, they will be - as their manager suggested "give 100% to get into the last 8", all the luck to them.
Key men - With four goals to get his Cypriot side into the group stages, Brazilian forward Ailton continued his fine form into the group stages with three more vital goals to get them into this inconceivable position. With no real top European experience, after a long stint in Denmark, the Brazilian will be striving to really take the centre spot on this huge occasion. The Lyon back four will have to be on their toes to with-stand his pacy, hustle-bustle approach. Bafétimbi Gomis will need to be at his very best for the French side - with an impressive four goals in the group stages (including the quickest hat-trick in CL history!) he is their main threat and it is - in all honesty - difficult to see Lyon progressing without his goals.
Prediction - Head says APOEL, heart says Lyon - Though I firmly believe the Cypriot side have already faced more difficult tasks in this seasons competition and will stick my neck out and see them progressing.
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| The Brazilian forward's style will cause the French defence plenty of problems. |
Napoli v Chelsea - Not the draw Andre Villas-Boas would've been looking forward to at all. After witnessing Napoli's more than impressive performances against Premier League runaways Manchester City, most teams in Europe would have been wanting to avoid Walter Mazzarri's men from Naples. Containing a front two any side in the world would love to boast of in Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani - Chelsea infamous 'high-line' under the young Portugese boss will have to be at its most water-tight over these 180 minutes. Chelsea, as of the weekend before Christmas, appear to be improving - Didier Drogba appeared back to his best in the destroyal of Valencia in the 'do-or-die' clash at Stamford Bridge whilst since they have knocked Manchester City's Premier League un-defeated run down the pan. Napoli don't appear the usual Italian side, with plenty of pressure from the top with 'Tevez-like Argetinean' hastling from Lavezzi, they won't let risky Chelsea defender David Luiz settle and it could well be to Chelsea's cost.
Key men - Napoli will have the youth and energy in central midfield to outrun Chelsea's dogged midfield in Gokhan Inler and Marek Hamsik. It will though, be the form of afor-mentioned Ezequiel Lavezzi that decides Napoli's fortune, he does much of the un-credit, 'work-horse' work and whilst fellow front-man Edinson Cavani may be the cool one in front of the sticks - Lavezzi's work rate and industry will pressurize Chelsea's backline which has been proved far from tight this year. It isn't too hard to imagine the front pairing causing Luiz and Terry nightmares. For the English side, Juan Mata will have to be at the brilliant top of his game to hurt the Italian side, his floating position will doubtless be marshalled significantly by Swiss international Inler, who patrols the area more than effectlively. However, Mata is one of the best at his game on the planet and has the key to unlock any defence's door - if he can make Chelsea tick, they will get chances - whether he's searching out a top of his game Didier Drogba or the big man that goes missing is another story.
Prediction - Napoli have made Manchester City appear apsolute novices this term, Chelsea will have to be more than wary. I just cannot see this Chelsea side beeing willing enough to go all out in Naples and believe Napoli have just enough industry and firepower to hurt the Londoners.
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| Levezzi has caught the eye of everyone in Europe with his all action forward displays. |
AC Milan v Arsenal - Former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas appeared the most excited man in Europe - especially Milan and London - after the unveiling of this fixture. Two Europeans stalwarts locking horns at such an early stage is an unfortunate occasion for both, with far more seemingly easier (on paper!) propositions available. Arsene Wenger's side, out of all the English teams this year, dispatched of their group with consummate ease - many of the games sticking to the Frenchmans policy of blooding a few of the youth options, Oxlade-Chamberlain this year a prime example. AC Milan, on the other hand came out with the group containing Europe's most feared - Barcelona. Although fellow groupees BATE Borisov and Viktoria Plzen suggested the decider will be between the two monumental European giants. With Barcelona eventually coming out on top, Arsenal will be mortified to draw such a prominent 'second position team', a certain Dutch forward will be relishing the opportunity of continuing his mind-numbing form on Europe's biggest stage - against one of the 'Daddies' of world football.
Key men - No competition for the North London men, captain Robin van Persie has been a marvel for the 2011 calender year. With 33 Premier League goals he is only three goals of an English record - and his European form has not varied, when he's been available - he's buried his goals. Any defence in the land would struggle to cope with the Dutchman on current form, Thiago Silva and whoever is chosen to partner him will have to have one of the games of their careers to keep him at bay. In terms of Milan, the Brazilian spearhead pairing of Robinho and Alexander Pato are also enough to worry the meanest defences in the land. Pato's goal inside a minute at The Camp Nou was something to behold and a standout moment from the tournament so far and if the youngster performes anywhere near his best he will worry Arsenal's thinning defence. Kevin-Prince Boateng has been mightily impressive since moving from England and has been a key cog with his bullish-energy powering AC forward, Boateng will have to provide the power and panache to cause Per Mertesaker and Laurent Koscielny all sorts of problems.
Prediction - As impressive as the Red and White Milan side appeared against Barca, the easy runs against the Belarusians and and Czechs haven't really proved much. Many people may disagree, but I can see Wenger's men progressing here - they won't go all the way - but I can see them causing Massimilliano Allegri's men a shock and sinking their hopes.
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| Dutch marvel Van Persie's burying a fabulous headed effort against Dortmund at The Emirates earlier in the competition. |
Key players - One man missing from the short piece above that most likely caused a raise is your eyebrows is Xherdan Shaqiri, this 20 year old, Yugoslavian born winger held the real key to unlocking United and getting his side this far. He added to a vastly impressive Switzerland performance at Wembley recently by bagging the two vital assists that knocked Manchester United out of the top competition - there isn't much about him physically - pace or strength wise yet he holds the most gifted of left feet that can pick a pass, cross or effort on goal seemingly out of nothing. His quality of set-plays will also be pivotal for Basel on the night too. A German forward that always seems overlooked in the national side will be the man Bayern look to to progress. Mario Gomez's scoring rate for the Munich side is phenomenal - he seemingly scores every time he plays and is one of the most feared forwards on the planet. I fear this strike-power alone could well knock the Swiss side's chances down in progressing.
Prediction - Basel have been excellent in this years' competition - a breath of fresh air - it is hard to see them though, even with all their individual quality, hauling down the mighty Germans. Bayern always appear there or thereabouts at the business end and barely broke a sweat in the group stages - I believe they will go on from now and really become a force in the competition.
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| Xherdan Shaqiri in what is becoming somewhat of a trademark free-kick, will be Basel's best chance of sneaking past the Germans. |
Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona - I'm sure I could name around 15 other sides Leverkusen would of preferred coming out of the hat with that the Catalan giants. Recently crowned official 'Kings of the World' with the 4-0 trouncing of Brazilian side Santos - Barcelona haven't escaped so much as a canter in this years group stage, drawn along with aforementioned AC Milan, it was always going to be a fight of the top two and one that FC Barcelona came out on top in. The draw with Milan at the San Siro was the only minor glitch as they eventually prevailed 7 points ahead of the seven times winners. German side Leverkusen scraped through by the skin of their teeth in a group not many handed them much hope. Group winners Chelsea were favourites, but with Spaniards Valencia also there - it was suggested The Mestallans would be the ones joining The Stamford Bridge club. Swiss forward Eren Derdiyok's goals were vital in the group stages where it was the dramatic final game at the BayArena where Bayer turned round a one goal deficit against Chelsea that was key to them progressing - showing great heart and real courage, leg by the magnificent Michael Ballack - it is something (and a lot, lot more) they will have to bring to the plate against the best side in the world.
Key players - Ballack's return to his German home from Stamford Bridge was pivtotal and in taking the German title in their qualifying for this years tournament. With full-time skipper Simon Rolfes happy to sit and hold for Leverkuson, Ballack is given a lot of responsibility and freedom to roam the pitch and create bits for Derdiyok and co to feed on. The german general will have to re-create the form of that awe-inspiring run that took his side all the way to the final in 2002 to have any chance of hurting this fabulous Barcelona side - even Micahel Ballack's best may well not be enough. Where do you start when looking at Barcelona? Once you've figured out how to deal with Xav, Iniesta, Fabregas, Pedro, Thiago and Alexis Sanchez - many you would include in the top 10 best players in the world - you have to start thinking about #1: Lionel Messi, his form just doesn't hold up - he makes an absolute mug of any European defence and is well worthy of his mantle of best player on the planet (and arguably of all time?) - Lionel always raises his game for the big ones and never fails to deliver, it will be one of the biggest knock-out stage of recent times if Barca fail to prevail here.
Prediction - No-one will hand Bayer Leverkusen a hope in hell - Barcelona will go in odds on and it is quite easy to see why - even with the horrific injury to David Villa it is just to much to believe at such an early stage the reigning Champions will bow out.
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| The Catalan family celebrating after a marvelous night in May this year. |
Key players - Cristiano Ronaldo is looking ever the part for the Madridistas this term. With much on his apparent 'second best' performances behind Lionel Messi he has certainly raised his game this time round. A hat-trick in Real's last game against Seville was again phenomenal, after going missing in 'El Classico' he appeared straight back to his most feared self with a hugely powerful performance. With the emergence of Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain this year slightly less emphasis has been taken off Ronaldo's input, it hasn't halted him though, his form has arguably improved and at his very best he would be a huge thorn in any European sides' chances. For the Russians - with five goals in the group stages Ivorian forward Seydou Doumbia is appearing much the part since his Young Boys move in 2010. The power and agility in his play mixed together with his goal-scoring deftness has taken much of the over-reliance on Brazilian Vagner Love and of course gives opposition a further cause for concern. With diminutive Alan Dzagoev playing in between the lines in a sort of 'David Silva' or 'Juan Mata' hole feeding the two dangerous forwards CSKA will create opportunities - and you wouldn't bank on the Ivory Coast international Doumbia passing too many up according to his record.
Prediction - I don't believe it will be plain sailing for Real, they will get through - but I think they will struggle with the Russian temperatures and that Pepe and Raul Albiol will do well to have come out of 180 minutes without conceding.
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| Doumbia has been prolific so far in the Champions League - with five goals to his name he could pose Real a 'real' threat. |
Zenit St Petersburg v Benfica - It feels proper having the Portuguese side back amongst the big boys - their pedigree suggests they belong in this competition and not the Europa League. Having began their campaign well holding Manchester United at The Stadium of Light, they followed it up with comfortable victories against Otelul and eventual runners-up FC Basel. Two draws followed, including a mightily impressive 2-2 at Old Trafford - before the narrow 1-0 victory against Otelul was enough for them to top the group. Benfica mix youth and experience, along with physical and technical players to great effect in their squad, little tricksters Javier Saviola and Pablo Aimar are always found to be bundling along giant Paraguayan Oscar Cardozo who has proved against many an English side he is one of the most complete forwards in the European game. Russian side Zenit - on the other hand - have that same advantage of CSKA above them, the climate. They will expect the cold to effect the side usually compound to warm and sticky sort of weather and look to use their playing strengths to foil Benfica's weakened areas. Zenit were unfortunate not to go through top, losing out on the head-to-head record with APOEL, although it became a very tight squeeze towards the climax with an improving Porto side pushing for qualification, having qualified with 4 draws, a defeat and a victory they may be viewed as outsiders but with the strength in depth of experienced, full-timed Russia internationals with Anyukov, Zyryanov and Denisov gives the outfit a strong base. Their scoring did dry up towards the end of the group stages but they don't concede many and are a very well drilled defensive outfit.
Key players - Nicolás Gaitán was far and away Benfica's most prominent attacking force in the group stages, his impressive performances and the amount of assists he stacked up (5, highest in tournament) have meant he is one of Europe's most wanted, constantly linked with a move away from the Portuguese side - especially before the game at Old Trafford - which he starred in. Gaitán has refused any rumours and has suggested he wants to make history with the legendary side before he moves on to other avenues. For Zenit, winger Danny will be hoping to provide the goods against his fellow Portuguese internationals. The temperamental player cost Zenit a huge 30 million euros, raising many eyebrows across the Continent - there will be no better time for him to prove his worth to Zenit fans by solely staking a place in the Quarter-finals. Danny can have off days where he disappears far too much but is one Zenit player who can create something from nothing and light up a very ordinary game - many hopes ad dreams will be centralised around him.
Prediction - Benfica have qualities to see off this Russian side, with the service Gaitán, Aimar and Saviola can provide big Oscar Cordozo it is hard to imagine them not creating a fair few chances. Zenit do not have the individual class of the Portuguese and it's here they'll shine through.
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| A regular image this year has been Nicolás Gaitán celebrating with his Argentinean counterparts in their South-American look Benfica side. |
Marseille v Inter Milan - A far closer one this one, I believe, than many have made out - Marseille are appearing an ever improving side and Inter are currently going through a reformation - after a horribly slow start, they did well to finish up top but with two defeats it could of all gone so horribly wrong. A humiliating opening day defeat in Trabzonspor was followed by a vital victory in Russia in harsh temperatures. Then table-deciding victories over French side Lille guaranteed their qualification - branding their last game - the second defeat of the group - meaningless. Their opening to the domestic league wasn't much more convincing, summer signings Diego Forlan was bought in to fill the void left by the departing Samuel Eto'o and aging Diego Milito - the Uruguayan hasn't fulfilled potential and they appear a bit toothless up top. However, a side that contains the majestic Wesley Sneijder in midfield will never fail to create opportunities. Marseilles path to the last 16 was that of much drama, they were five minutes from going out before goals from Andre Ayew and Mathieu Valbuena took them to dreamland. The French side contain a fair bit of flair, they weren't exactly watertight though and this will be something Sneijder and co would look to expose.
Key players - Andre Ayew, this week named BBC's African player of the year is a particular player Marseille are very proud to boast of in their ranks. So full of potential - strength, pace and guile he has it all, if he can just keep that fiery personality under-cap he will rise into a great, great player he will really be able to cause the aging areas of Inter's back line - perhaps Zanetti and Cordoba - problems. We've mentioned him before, but there's just no looking past him, the Dutch general - Wesley Sneijder, as technically gifted as they get, he can open a can of beans with his right peg and Inter's fortunes generally do relate to how much of the ball he sees. Inter have been steadying the ship since their truly disastrous start - whether their decent run can continue and see them past the French side is a tough one. They have the experience in such positions - but Marseille have proved to fight until the death - and really have the players who can perform something out of the hat to get them though, this one's certainly not a foregone conclusion.
Prediction - I'm going to really stick my neck out for the first time in this analysis and say a Marseille win over the two legs, Inter are really going through a transitional period and although they have one or two world beaters peppered through the squad - Marseille's attitude and experience so far this term will make them believe they can get through anything anyone throws at them.
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| If he can sort his attitude out - the Ghanaian has the attributes to go right to the top of the game. |
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