Champions League Predictions

This is a huge week in European soccer, with Champions League games tonight and tomorrow. With three games between English and Italian teams, bragging rights for the best league in Europe is up for grabs. 

Gazing into my crystal ball, this is how I expect the games to go:

Arsenal vs. Roma

Arsenal is having trouble scoring against anyone these days. I can see Roma grabbing a valuable away goal here and winning this tie 1-0 or 2-1 on aggregate.

Inter Milan vs. ManUnited

This is the glamour tie of the round, matching up "The Special One" and the defending champions. United’s injury woes worry me and I think that Inter will win in the San Siro and upset United.

Atletico Madrid vs. FC Porto

When this draw was made, Atletico was one of the in-form teams, but that has changed as they have now lost six of their last 10 matches in all competitions. I expect Porto to get a good enough result in Spain tonight, which will put them in a good enough position to win this tie at home.

Lyon vs. Barcelona

This game matches the perennial underachievers in Lyon against the best team in Europe. I cannot see any way that Barcelona loses.

Chelsea vs. Juventus

Two weeks ago, Chelsea was floundering under Scolari and I could see no way that they would beat Juventus. But Chelsea has had a bit of a bounce in their step and I expect them to see off Juve here.

Real Madrid vs. Liverpool

When the draw was made, I thought that Liverpool would win this one easily. But form has changed and it is now Real Madrid that is hot and Liverpool who has gone cold. In a close match, I expect Real Madrid to win this one.

Sporting vs. Bayern

Sporting has some injury problems at the moment, while Bayern Munich has already lost three times this year in four games. It is easier to replace injured players than find that missing form, and I expect Sporting to upset Bayern.

Villarreal vs. Panathinaikos

Villarreal is another team struggling at the moment, while Panathinaikos seemed a little more suited to the tactical European game than they do for domestic matches. In an upset, I expect Panathinaikos to win this one.

What do you think of the predictions?