Champions League - First Knockout Round

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Kaka was better last year. However the brililance of Flamini :biggrin: has almost gifted Ronaldo the world player of the year. It will take some player to take it away from him this year. Messi is out injured for a few months.

It seems inevitable that Mourinho will land at AC Milan. Hopefully he won't be seeing UEFA Cup action :lol:

[Adi]

It seems inevitable that Mourinho will land at AC Milan. Hopefully he won't be seeing UEFA Cup action :lol:

Pull a Bayern.

It's helped us. Maybe it'll do the same for Milan. :lol:

[Chunkchenko]

It seems inevitable that Mourinho will land at AC Milan. Hopefully he won't be seeing UEFA Cup action :lol:

Pull a Bayern.

It's helped us. Maybe it'll do the same for Milan. :lol:

Milan will be very lucky to get CL Fiorentina look almost certain to get 4th spot with Milans current performance and aging problems. but UEFA cup wouldnt be too bad  :biggrin:

[manutd.]

AC Milan in the UEFA Cup, just 2 years after winning the CL? Horrifying.  :dontknow:

[cigar omar]

I doubt Roma would do that.

I respect what Arsen did with this team. But I don't think they have what it takes to go all the way, lack of experience is their major problem. I got this feeling Arsenal will flop in a few big games this season. PS AS Roma play a with a packed midfield without a regular striker similar to what Arsenal do. Roma have experienced players Di Rossi and Manccini for example are just as good as any Arsenal midfielder. I don't think Arsenal can overwhelm them with their crowded midifield.   

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I doubt Roma would do that.

I respect what Arsen did with this team. But I don't think they have what it takes to go all the way, lack of experience is their major problem. I got this feeling Arsenal will flop in a few big games this season. PS AS Roma play a with a packed midfield without a regular striker similar to what Arsenal do. Roma have experienced players Di Rossi and Manccini for example are just as good as any Arsenal midfielder. I don't think Arsenal can overwhelm them with their crowded midifield.  

You're guess is as good as mine. Arsenal's lack of expirience has them in the quarterfinals of the Champions League after defeating the defending champions of the tournament and ahead of defending English league champions with about 10 games to go in the league. Looking at thier "lack" of expirience isn't what will determine if they "flop". What is key to the Arsenal team is injuries. If Arsenal can keep thier players healthy, and gain back Rosicky and Toure, I do not see any team that is really that much better. If Adebayor had Van Persie along his side, it would be an even more deadly attack force; can't count on Van Persie much. If he could somehow get fit enough to see out this season, it would boost Arsenal's chances greatly. Sure, they may lose, but they sure as hell will not go down easily; they are a tough team to beat, obviously since they've only lost once in the league.

[moby]

i too once said that arsenal's lack of experience would cost them everything. but i ate my words. arsenal have suprised many of as. i can see them somewhere in the semis or finals

[Adi]

Thinking about it, experience shouldn't be much of an issue. All the players have played at the big level and have played against top teams in the world. Hell, most of them have played crucial games at the World Cup. In this respect, I don't think experience really matters. It's just another big game against a big opponent.

What really does make the difference is tactics and the smartness of players. Liverpool and Milan are some of the best at it and that's why they win so much in Europe. The tactical side of the game is what could've cost them, but Wenger did well to get the best out of his players. When Arsenal plays up to par, they are extremely hard to beat, but when they have their off day, their flair really suffers and can cause them loses. Sides like Liverpool and Milan that have an off day in Europe often over come this by sitting in well and playing tactical football.

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When Arsenal has an off day, you get a feeling that they will draw the game about 30 minutes in to it. They don't have the strength at the back without Toure to make sure they do not conceed late goals.

[moby]

lack of experience means being nervouse and that means more likely chance of making a mistake.

[Tito]

i want United blood  :cursing:

[moby]

same here. but if inter is not in it.it is not worth watching