April 8th – Champions League is back!
Chelsea v West Ham United
We kick off this huge week with a London derby in the premier league. This is a big one for Chelsea and a chance to get back in the top 4. West Ham on the other hand are just playing for pride with not much at stake for the Irons.
Will Sarri rest players before their Quarter final tie on Thursday night? I am sure there will be a few changes with one eye on that game.
This game came on the same date last year and ended 1-1. These games are a lot tighter than you would expect.
Tottenham v Manchester City
What a game this is going to be. The new stadium is open for business and there won’t be many games as big as this one there.
Everyone talking about City, how unbelievable they are. Yes, this is true they are great but do you think they will win the Quadruple? I certainly don’t. Will the games catch up on the players? The games are now becoming more intense as we get to the business end of the season. They have the squad to cope but its also mental not just physical.
I believe this is a huge opportunity for Spurs. With the extra days rest they should be ready. With all still to play for next week in the return leg I can see Spurs getting their noses in front here.
Liverpool v Porto
The other game sees a Liverpool against Porto. This sounds relatively easy for the Red men. I don’t think it will be as easy as some make out. However, they should have more than enough here to go through over the 2 legs.
The two teams met last season when Liverpool ran out 5-0 winners over the 2 games.
You would expect the crowd to push Liverpool on a special night at Anfield.
Ajax v Juventus
The big question is will Cristiano Ronaldo be fit to play. Personally, I think he will start the game, but how fit will he be? Is it a risk? We will soon find out.
Ajax are looking good and will want to add Juventus to their giant killing list so far. This one is going to be very interesting. This young vibrant Ajax team have a chance there Is no doubt about that.
Manchester United v Barcelona
The wheels have started to come off the past few weeks at United. Two defeats to Wolves and all of a sudden its not looking so rosy. Chances of getting back into the CL is now looking slim. Will they pull off a shock and beat Barca or will the slump continue into this tie.
You just can’t go against a team with Lionel Messi in it. Can Lindelof, Smalling, Jones be able to deal with him? I am not quite sure.
Having said that after knocking out PSG you wouldn’t dare back against United either? Sometimes the writing is on the wall?
Arsenal v Napoli
This is the first big tie Arsenal have had since the start of this campaign. Napoli will pose all kinds of problems. Both these teams have the chance to progress to the Semi Final. This should be a close and tight affair. There shouldn’t be too much in this.
I can see a 2-1 type of score line with both sides confident heading into the second leg next week. Ancelotti has a history with European trophies just like Emery.
This is the tie of the round and I believe it will live up to those expectations.
Slavia Prague v Chelsea
This should be fairly routine for Chelsea. You couldn’t have asked for an easier Quarter Final. Although, having knocked out Seville in the round before, Prague will be licking their lips at the chance of another giant killing. Chelsea should have too much here though and I would expect them to win the leg at 4/6 to set them up nicely for the return at Stamford Bridge,
