Champions League Quarterfinals 2011 - Wednesday
By Joe, bettingexpert.com | Edited
Google+: Joe Bexpert
Both Chelsea John Terry and Manchester United Wayne Rooney have done this before, Premiership, FA Cup, Carling Cup andonce again Champions League, but this time in the Quarterfinals instead of the Final. Two legs to go while the other tie between Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk is also held at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United
The Battle of Britain and something that Manchester United has had one over their English counterpart when it comes to the Champions League. Chelsea was hurt in Moscow two years ago when Manchester United lift the trophy when John Terry missed the penalty, that day still give Chelsea nightmares and their response was a Premier League and FA Cup trophy the following year. However this season might have seen the addition of Fernando Torres , into a near unchanged side that was in Moscow and Manager Carlo Ancelotti on the side, Chelsea are far from Champion form in the Premier League, out of the FA Cup and the only silverware looks likely coming from the European competition, but one that Roman Abramovich is missing in his trophy cabinet.
The last time these two team met, Chelsea were on a slump and things didn’t go well until Man United woke them up with a Rooney 1-0 lead, the Blues strike back to win 2-1 on the night but they still remain third in the Premiership and Fernando Torres still hasn’t broke the account for Chelsea. Worry times as Manchester United awaits at Stamford Bridge. Ancelotti will have to think hard to see who will be his frontal strikers in their 4-4-2 formation, it is likely to be Drogba and Anelka but Torres has certainly a good record against United. The Italian maestro will need to concentrate in getting Ramires, Lampard and Malouda to do the run ins that will give danger Chelsea is looking for it wrap up the tie. Michael Essien and David Luiz will not be available. -
Manchester United are on the rise and that was demonstrated in their character against West Ham in the weekend after going 2-0 down in the halftime, to make it 4-2 win when the 90 minutes were up. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson will surely draw out a similar formation but likely a 4-4-2 where Rooney, who got a hattrick and a fine for swearing on the LIVE tv, to drop into the midfield role when required. The United defence is the weak point of the team, no Wes Brown or John O’Shea and Rio Ferdinand is doubtful to return. That is why the midfield will need to be strengthen to give that security that they know Chelsea will be trying to dominate the midfield. Ferugson will want Paul Scoles to get his head into the game so that he can dictate the game’s tempo with his passing.
Both teams will have full confidence that they are able to knock each other out of this competition, Chelsea have the options on the bench that can change the game while Manchester United has the goof form to show for. This game will be tight and if it ends 0-0, both team won’t be upset with the score and we all know the Battle of Britain always finds a winner in the 2nd leg.
A draw will get you odds at 3.25 with Betsson.
Barcelona vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
The Catalan club is expected to advance to the next stage by brushing the Ukrainian side into pieces, well that is on paper at least because everybody in Spain are more excited to see an all Spainish affair in the semi final rather. Shakhtar Donetsk are more than capable to provide the upset and give everybody a run for the money to keep their dreams alive.
Barcelona took a giant step into the La Liga title after defeating Villareal 1-0 away with Pique goal, this leaves them 8 points away from Real Madrid and able to concentrate and maybe also less pressured in the European competitions. Barca did however get a team that was the lesser fancied to win the Champions League and lady luck could strike again as their march to their second consecutive Champions League final. Coach Pep Guardiola did hint that he will honour his contract to 2012 but in the mean time he is happy to have a strong team to face Shakhtar Donetsk. Lionel Messi will return to the line up after being a sub in the weekend win and only Abidal is the major concerns in the squad with an injury. The lethal Catalan club will attack with potent and with force, tricky and pace are the keys to their success and of course, goals.
Shakhtar Donetsk will travel to Barcelona in their first ever last 8 game in the Champions League. They have met in eight occasion and Shakhtar Donetsk have won twice with one victory coming from a 3-2 away win at Nou Camp in 2008/09 group stages. This is no joke that Shakhtar Donetsk has got this far, they have won three of their four away games so it’s a great chance to change their statisitic when playing an Spanish opposition. If there was one reminder of how good Shakhtar Donetsk is, then the 6-2 aggregrate win over Roma in the last 16 should convince many in Europe that they are ready but with tougher opponent who has three champions league title on their belt.
The return of Chygrynskiy to his former club could haunt Barcelona but this is not a one man band with the likes of Messi or David Villa. Barcelona are a strong home side with four straight wins and 12 goals, they could be more than just a handful for the Ukrainians. Barcelona should have the egde and put this to bed in the first leg.
Barcelona to win will get you odds at 1.21 with Betsson.
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While everybody is talking about Inter, Real Madrid and Tottenham, Schalke 04, what about the Chelsea and Man U? That is surely the biggest game in the last 8? no ....
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For me the most Intriguing affaire is between Barca and Shakhtar the two most enjoyable teams of this CL season and in overall. It is really hard that one of those teams must leave the CL after this tie. My preview on this is underway, so stay tuned! Chelsea ManU who? :-)