Champions League Quarterfinal Preview

Liverpool go to Chelsea tonight requiring a minor miracle. They need to win by three clear goals at Stamford Bridge (or win 3-1 and send it into extra time).

Both teams are in great form, Hiddink has worked wonders on this Chelsea side, bringing out the best in players who were having terrible seasons under Luiz Felipe Scolari. Liverpool, meanwhile, has been on cloud nine since thrashing Manchester United 4-1, with the exception of the first leg of this tie, much to their dismay.

Watch out for Essien again, he did a tremendous job stopping Gerrard from playing his natural game in the first leg. Lampard and Drogba are always dangerous at Stamford Bridge on European nights.

If Liverpool are going to get out of this one it is going to have to be the usual suspects, Gerrard and Torres, who are capable of anything, as we’ve seen.

There should be no excuses for Chelsea, they are at home and have a comfortable two goal lead. They have been in good form under Hiddink and have kept the pressure on in the Premier League as well. If they do what they did in Anfield, it should be more than enough to get through.

Don’t forget this is Liverpool, masters of the UEFA Champions League. Remember Istanbul in 2005? They’ve come back and scored three goals before against quality opposition. They did that in one half, this time they have an entire game to find those three goals.

Chelsea were leading 4-0 at home over the weekend and let Bolton score three late goals. This should be enough to give Liverpool belief; whether or not they can actually do it remains to be seen.

Liverpool will come out with all guns firing. They will have some success, but Chelsea will also score goals, especially since Liverpool are going to attack so much that they may neglect their defence in a desperate search for those three goals.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool (Chelsea advances)

Bayern Munich v. Barcelona

This tie looks to be all over with Barcelona establishing a huge first leg lead. Although Munich is at home, Barcelona isn't like Sporting Lisbon and will not lose 7-1.

Bayern Munich established some pride over the weekend with a convincing victory in the Bundesliga. They’ll need that sort of performance against a seemingly unstoppable Barcelona side to have any chance in this tie.

Barcelona also had a victory on the weekend which was orchestrated by Iniesta. It seems Barcelona have no shortage of attacking weapons.

But what about their defence? If there is any weakness in this Barcelona side it’s their defence. Bayern does have quality in the form of Ribery and Toni, but overhauling a 4-0 deficit is impossible.

I say impossible because coach Klinsmann, himself, said they were out of it, which was a stupid and irresponsible thing to say as a coach. No matter what the scoreline is, it’s the coach’s job to motivate his players, and people wonder whether Bayern will have enough motivation to even play for pride if their coach is going to have an attitude like that.

Barcelona has this one, just too much quality in attack and this second leg will just be a formality.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 1-2 Barcelona (Barcelona advance)

Porto v. Manchester United

A mouthwatering clash—Porto with home advantage, but Manchester United a champion team nobody dare write off.

Manchester United has been in indifferent form for the past month or so. There were the losses to Liverpool and Fulham, and the subsequent victories in the Premier League were not convincing, with new kid on the block Macheda having to save them twice.

Ronaldo returns to his homeland. The World Player of the year hasn’t reached the heights of last season but this is his stage, he needs to have a big game. The Man. Utd. defence needs to look at itself and can’t afford to let in the silly goals they let in at Old Trafford if they are to have a chance of progressing.

Porto just need to keep doing what they were doing at Old Trafford. If Hulk and Fernando have similar games they will have no problems progressing.

Even though no English team has won at the Esadio Dragao, there is no reason why Manchester United can’t beat Porto. They are currently the best team in the world, but they aren’t in top form.

Before Liverpool beat them 4-1 they were an unstoppable force. Now they look beatable, and their results haven’t been as convincing. If Man. Utd. can find that form of two months ago they’ll win, but that’s a big if.

Prediction: Porto 1-1 Man Utd (Porto progress on the away goals rule)

Arsenal v. Villarreal

Arsenal got a vital away goal from a spectacular overhead kick from Adebayor, which puts them in a good position to progress.

The Gunners have been in awesome form in the league recently, and smashed Wigan 4-1 away from home and have had other good results in the league as well. It’s a shame for Gunners fans that their early season form will mean that they will not win the league, but this kind of form and momentum will be vital for the knock out competitions.

Cesc Fabregas once again will be vital for Arsenal. The return of Nasri and Robin Van Persie will help as well. Arsenal is depleted in defence however, and this could be a problem with both Gallas and Djourou ruled out. Rookie keeper Fabianski will be thrown onto the big stage as Almunia is out as well. The loss of Marcos Senna for Villarreal is a huge blow.

Arsenal has never lost at the Emirates on a European night, but can their inexperienced defence handle the pressure? They are in such great form, but will the bubble burst? Villarreal could exploit this.

Arsenal’s inexperienced defence may leak a goal, but their attack will be too good. They will progress.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Villarreal (Arsenal progress)