The Champions League quarter-final draw was held a few days ago leaving us with a few mouthwatering fixtures. A host of interesting match-ups, with Arsenal and Liverpool making the predictable all English encounter, Barcelona taking on Schalke, Chelsea facing surprise package Fenerbahce and Manchester United reviving last year’s quarter-final against Roma. The first leg matches take place on the 1st and 2nd of April, while the second leg fixtures get played a week later, on the 8th and 9th. Let’s take a better look at those match-ups.

Arsenal vs. Liverpool – These two powerful teams are 2nd and 4th in the Premier League this season. This reflects a difference in consistency between the two sides, but we’re talking Europe, and in this competition you need form. Liverpool is gaining this form, whilst Arsenal seems to be losing some of their firepower. They’re on a three game winless streak in the English Premier League, whilst Liverpool is winning games left and right. Still, expect Arsenal to be on the offense and Liverpool on the back-foot for extended periods. That’s how the Reds have managed to make it against technically superior sides. Another important factor is that Arsenal have been playing the same eleven for the whole season, apart from slight modifications, while Liverpool rotates much more and have the edge in terms of physical condition.

Player by player, Arsenal are still the better side but I think Liverpool’s better form and better physical condition will make the difference. The first leg is played at the Emirates, so Liverpool will decide their destiny at home. I will have to say that the Reds have a slight edge in this match up.

Roma vs. Manchester United – Just like last season, Manchester United are the favorites and should decide the tie at Old Trafford. The Romans want revenge from last year’s humiliation, and look a better side than last year, despite being in the same situation. Roma should be taken seriously considering the fact that they are currently second in Serie A, some points adrift of Inter, and having eliminated a clear favorite at the Round of 16. Back in 2006/2007 the elimated a strong Lyon side, and this year it was Real Madrid. Just when you thought Real Madrid was turning back into the elite team from 5 years ago, Roma shatters their dreams. A repeat of last season’s disaster against Manchester United is not in order this time around, despite not much of a change in their roster. It is their mentality that has been altered this time around. AS Roma has some issues with their defending at times, and the Red Devils will surely explore their wing play with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

As for the English side, they’re more powerful than before, and the additions of Tevez, Nani, Anderson and Hargreaves gives them more options in the attack and midfield. More mature and with proven matchwinners in their squad, Manchester United are once again favorites, as I mentioned before. Their defending is now more consistent, and they have a better goalkeeper and better options upfront. It’s not going to be a thrashing, that is if Doni doesn’t have a stinker, but I predict them to beat the Italians once again.

Schalke 04 vs. Barcelona – The only German team remaining, Schalke, was probably the only team that wasn't too worried about the draw, as they know any team would be hard to beat. In Barcelona, they now have one of the hardest opponents. The good old case of David against Goliath. Schalke have nothing to lose being the worst side left in the competition, so at least they’ll be playing with a good carefree mentality. The Germans will have to rely on good teamwork, the backing of their fans, luck, and the goals of Kuranyi to go through. If anything, they can only over-achieve from this point on, if they haven't done so already by getting to the quarter-finals.

Barcelona are the clear favorites, with a host of star players upfront and sheer quality throughout their whole squad. Nonetheless, they are faultering in La Liga having drawn lowlifes Almeria 2-2 this weekend. Messi is making an effort to return for the two matches against Schalke, and if he comes back in form Schalke is going to have a torrid time. I wouldn't say it’s going to be a walk in the park as Barcelona is not the kind of side you would be putting your money on at the moment, being too inconsistent, but I still think Barcelona will go through, deciding the affair at Camp Nou.

Fenerbahce vs. Chelsea – The Turkey vs. England rivalry now makes its mark on club football. This is a fairly unpredictable matchup. Whilst the Turks have talent and bigger willpower, Chelsea have even more talent and experience on their side. Yes, Chelsea are motivated, but not enough. Not when your coach looks like a mummy and your skipper has to do the team talk on the pitch. Nonetheless, I have to hand it to Grant regarding his team selection which has been getting a little better lately.

This tie revolves around the result of the first leg, played in Turkey. If Fenerbahce somehow manages to get a good advantage, I think it’s going to be hard for Chelsea to prevail. The Blues will sure have a hard time away from home – playing against a Turkish side on their soil is never pleasant. At the end of the day, considering the experience and calibre of their players, Chelsea are slight favorites for this one.


Article written by Leandro Ferreira.