Champions League Quarter Final Deciders

Barcelona v Manchester United

Now, when United went to PSG in the round before I gave them no chance. What they did that night was remarkable. Now they face a similar task, going to Barca and winning.

Barcelona were able to rest players at the weekend including Messi and Suarez. They will feel fresh coming into the return leg. United, on the other hand, weren’t as fortunate and had to grind out a result against West Ham.

Its money time now, surely this will be straight forward and a home win to take Barcelona into the Semi-Finals of the European Cup.

 

Juventus v Ajax

Everyone I spoke to after the game were impressed with how well Ajax performed. They had Juve on the backfoot for the majority and on another day could have won by 4 or 5.

The Italians were lucky last week and with an away goal to add they can play the defensive game here and wait for their chance.

Ronaldo had the weekend off and was signed for nights like these ones. Will he again be the difference here? With what we have witnessed over the last 10 years it’s hard to see another outcome! The guy is a machine and will no doubt be the difference once again.

 

Manchester City v Tottenham

This is the one everyone is talking about. After Tottenham edged the first leg 1-0 can they now see off the job? It is only a one goal advantage but without conceding the away goal they have given themselves a good chance. City will be looking to start strong and will fancy themselves to blitz Tottenham and get the goals needed to go through.

Harry Kane was pretty much ruled out for the rest of the season which will buoy City. Having said that it also allows Spurs to play Son up top and at the moment he is one of the best in the business.

I backed Tottenham to beat City last week. I am torn between these two though, I think Spurs will score but not convinced they will qualify.

 

Porto v Liverpool 

This seems like a nice easy stroll for Liverpool. Having won 2-0 in the first leg they just need to turn up here right? Wrong! I don’t think this will be so simple. Liverpool should have enough to qualify but I don’t think this will be the ride in the park some seem to think

Fresh from beating Chelsea 2-0 at the weekend and with a fairly simple last 4 games left, attentions can drift towards the CL.

 

Europa League Quarter Finals

 

Napoli v Arsenal

The Gunners blew away Napoli in the first leg at the Emirates last week. Quite frankly it could and should have been a lot more than the two goals scored.

Will that come back to bite Emery and his players? Of what I saw I don’t think Napoli looked very good. However, with nothing to lose they can go all out here and win the game.

Wherever that will be enough to qualify remains to be seen.

 

Chelsea v Slavia Prague

Marcos Alonso scored late in the first leg to give Chelsea the advantage. I don’t see any problems at home for the blues. A straightforward win should be the case as there didn’t seem to be any threats from the Czech team.