Champions League Quarter Final Draw Extravaganza!
Is "extravaganza" spelled correctly in this post title and in this sentence? Will you let Vein of Form know one way or the other? We love that word and plan on using it a lot in the coming weeks. Because really, what sums up the last few months of the footballing season other than "extravaganza"?
Speaking of which, there was this happening today known as the UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals Draw. VoF is rather pleased with the draw. Not simply because Liverpool drew PSV Eindhoven, but the entire round looks to be very balanced and each match up exciting.
Liverpool v. PSV Eindhoven
These two met in the group stages (which means they have played twice, American readers) and Liverpool came away with an away draw and a home victory. We presume by the time they take the pitch Crouch's nose will be healed and Javier Mascherano willl have reclaimed world class player status. Having survived Barca, Liverpool believe they are destined to claim their 6th European title. PSV won't make this easy, but they won't make it as sweaty lip-stress ball clenching-forehead wrinkling crazy as the previous round. VoF is of course with LFC.
Valencia v. Chelsea
If Chelsea continue to give up early goals in this tie, forget a semi-final appearance. VoF predicted Valencia to win La Liga at before the season began, and we still believe they can claim a trophy before this is all over. David Villa has been reported as a Chelsea target for over a year now. The Spanish international will be looking to prove why it will take a small fortune to pry him away from Valencia. And if John Terry is not back in the line up, Michael Essien will be forced in to a more defensive role - that spells trouble for Chelsea. This is too close to call, but we aren't cowards, so Chelsea get through...barely!
Manchester United v. AS Roma
Did we predict Roma to down Lyon, or did we predict Roma to down Lyon?!?! Some would have you believe ManU are in some injury crisis simply because Alan Smith is getting some PT and Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solksaer are out of commission. Look, ManU are not on the brink of an EPL crown because Saha or Ole. They are back on top because of players like Ronaldo, Giggs, Vidic, Van der Sar, Evra, etc. etc. etc. Rooney will have to show up of course, but ManU should see a very dangerous -but in the end - very beatable Roma team off. Totti is a hero at the VoF offices - but does he have two career best performances in him? That's what it will take to see Roma survive. He has to carry this team and torture the ManU defense. Tie of the round? Probably.
AC Milan v. Bayern Munich
Two sides with a ridiculous amount of history. Serious, when you talk football history if Milan or Bayern Munich don't come up within the first ten minutes, you've lost the plot. Milan will feel they are settling in for a Champions League spot for next year, and Bayern are not willing to rule out claiming a German domestic title - still the CL is the most realistic opportinity for either side to claim silverwear this season. A lot of fans of the other 6 remaining teams were hoping to draw one of these two (if they couldn't get PSV) so Roma or ManU will not be shaking in their boots in the semis either way. Still, don't bet against history or pride. A couple things both these clubs have in bunches.
Speaking of which, there was this happening today known as the UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals Draw. VoF is rather pleased with the draw. Not simply because Liverpool drew PSV Eindhoven, but the entire round looks to be very balanced and each match up exciting.
Liverpool v. PSV Eindhoven
These two met in the group stages (which means they have played twice, American readers) and Liverpool came away with an away draw and a home victory. We presume by the time they take the pitch Crouch's nose will be healed and Javier Mascherano willl have reclaimed world class player status. Having survived Barca, Liverpool believe they are destined to claim their 6th European title. PSV won't make this easy, but they won't make it as sweaty lip-stress ball clenching-forehead wrinkling crazy as the previous round. VoF is of course with LFC.
Valencia v. Chelsea
If Chelsea continue to give up early goals in this tie, forget a semi-final appearance. VoF predicted Valencia to win La Liga at before the season began, and we still believe they can claim a trophy before this is all over. David Villa has been reported as a Chelsea target for over a year now. The Spanish international will be looking to prove why it will take a small fortune to pry him away from Valencia. And if John Terry is not back in the line up, Michael Essien will be forced in to a more defensive role - that spells trouble for Chelsea. This is too close to call, but we aren't cowards, so Chelsea get through...barely!
Manchester United v. AS Roma
Did we predict Roma to down Lyon, or did we predict Roma to down Lyon?!?! Some would have you believe ManU are in some injury crisis simply because Alan Smith is getting some PT and Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solksaer are out of commission. Look, ManU are not on the brink of an EPL crown because Saha or Ole. They are back on top because of players like Ronaldo, Giggs, Vidic, Van der Sar, Evra, etc. etc. etc. Rooney will have to show up of course, but ManU should see a very dangerous -but in the end - very beatable Roma team off. Totti is a hero at the VoF offices - but does he have two career best performances in him? That's what it will take to see Roma survive. He has to carry this team and torture the ManU defense. Tie of the round? Probably.
AC Milan v. Bayern Munich
Two sides with a ridiculous amount of history. Serious, when you talk football history if Milan or Bayern Munich don't come up within the first ten minutes, you've lost the plot. Milan will feel they are settling in for a Champions League spot for next year, and Bayern are not willing to rule out claiming a German domestic title - still the CL is the most realistic opportinity for either side to claim silverwear this season. A lot of fans of the other 6 remaining teams were hoping to draw one of these two (if they couldn't get PSV) so Roma or ManU will not be shaking in their boots in the semis either way. Still, don't bet against history or pride. A couple things both these clubs have in bunches.
posted by Anonymous at 10:39 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home