With the Champions League quarter-finals knocking on our door, eight of Europe’s best teams challenge for the most desired piece of silverware on the continent. The draw for the matches takes place this Friday, 14th of March, and the matches take place in early April. That said, let’s take a look at the contenders.

Manchester United – After a tragic semi-final exit last year they’ll be hoping for improvement. The squad itself is better man-wise - with the additions of Tevez, Anderson, Nani and Hargreaves, the Red Devils look stronger. They didnt have an easy opponent in Lyon it the Round of 16, but Sir Alex Ferguson managed to spare some of his players and still ease with a 1-0 win, with his team never looking in danger. With Cristiano Ronaldo in god-like form this season, the Manchester outfit have a solid defence, a great midfield and good options in attack. All in all, they look a well rounded side with a great chance of winning it this year.

Arsenal – Critics and football fans alike consider them to be the most attractive and fun to watch football team in the world, and they have a point. Wenger’s young gunners pass the ball with calmness yet amazing pace, and when you least expect they’ll find a breach and someone will break free with a great chance to score. The thing with Arsenal is they’re a flair side, and on a off-day they’re easily shutdown. They have a problem against rough sides aswell, but still, the Gunners have a good chance. With the loss of Eduardo, Van Persie’s return is a much welcome plus for Wenger, and being solid as they are (except goalkeeping wise, as I still don’t find Almunia to be someone too reliable), lack of experience not getting in the way, Arsenal have a decent shot this year.

Chelsea – The big interrogation in people’s heads. Whilst they have a mediocre coach in Avram Grant, their squad is still strong. They eased past Olympiacos when the pundits were predicting a tough game. Ballack is in great form and they have world-class players in all areas of the pitch. Even though the lack the pedigree of the European Powerhouses, man-wise they manage to get things even. The problem with Chelsea is that their coach with his weird team selections is managing to unplease certain players and that may cause unrest in the dressing room. You never know what to expect from them. If they come up with the better stuff, they have a good outside chance.

Barcelona – Probably one of the most complete squads in this quarter-finals. Quality everywhere except for goal, as Valdes is a mediocre goalkeeper. With options like Henry, Messi, Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Eto’o in attack it’s hard to picture them not scoring. Their defending has been a bit sloppy, and they hardly look like that powerful team that crushed everyone two seasons ago, but you can’t underestimate the Catalans. If you can outscore your opponent, why bother about not conceding? A midfield and attack that makes everyone jealous and names like Puyol, Zambrotta and Thuram at the back, they might win it again this year if they hit their form. The big issue with Barcelona is their dependance on Messi this season. The stars are underperforming, but watch out for them.

Schalke 04 – Lying 5th in the Bundesliga, the German outfit are one of the most inconsistent sides remaining in the competition. Their only two group wins came against Rosenborg, nothing to be too proud of, but still, they knocked out the virtual Portuguese champions, and that’s some feat. They’re certainly no pushovers and in Kevin Kuranyi they have a potent threat in attack, whilst Bordon marshalls the defence. Rafinha is a skilled player on the sides aswell. Their main asset is their form man though, the goalkeeper Michael Neuer. If it wasn’t for him, Schalke would have kissed Europe goodbye last week. Their home support might drive them for something bigger, but it looks like it’s the end of the line for the Germans.

Roma – A quality side, no doubt. The Olimpico is a tough place to visit as Roma remain unbeaten this season at home. Always reliant on Totti, they also have a set of talented players to give their Italian captain some help – De Rossi, Pizarro, Mancini, Aquilani, Taddei. Roma have a very consistent system, and their passing is brill. Their biggest problems may lie in defence, as Cicinho is very unreliable at the back, and Doni can blow their chances at any given time with his sloppy goalkeeping. Still, on their day, the most flamboyant side in Italy, and a force to be reckoned. Outside chance.

Fenerbahce – This year’s cinderella. From their first match, when they completely humbled Inter, they looked good. They look even better now that they’ve eliminated the neutral’s favorite Sevilla in dramatical fashion. The thing is, anyone who watched the game knew the Turkish could’ve killed the affair way before. Fenerbahce have already done something remarkable, and they’ve got the verve to do more. Playing against them in Turkey is something rather unpleasant, and they’re a talented side. The darkhorses. Draw helping, they might even reach the semi-finals.

Liverpool – If some odd months ago a guy told you Liverpool would be a quarter-finalist, would you believe him? Well, five wins on the trot and there you go. Year in year out, they always seem to be there, hanging out with Europe’s elite. With the additions of Lucas, Babel, Fernando Torres and co. they have much more depth now. Quality wise they’re still inferior to their compatriots, but they’ve got experience at the competition and the Reds usually hit their best form when required at Europe. Their major problem is their lack of firepower at times – Torres is always a threat but Kuyt cant score and Crouch isnt reliable enough, while Babel is inconsistent. A solid side overall though, and one cant doubt they’re capable of doing it again.


Article written by: Leandro Carlos Ferreira