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On February 18, the annual European extravaganza, namely, the UEFA Champions league, will return with its knockout phase. With the drawing of the lots complete, these are the likely results of the Round of 16.
Manchester City vs Barcelona
Barcelona are current league leaders in the La Liga, while Manchester City are arguably the best side in England, and hence, this should definitely be the highlight of the Round of 16. Manchester City have a rather leaky defence, but their attack is more than capable of compensating for their defence. Manchester City conceded the 2nd highest number of goals among all the teams that qualified for the knockout phase, but they also scored the highest number of goals for any team in the Champions league.
Barcelona have been perennial juggernauts in the Champions league, and with the return of Lionel Messi imminent, it all boils down to the team which scores more goals. Expect an all-out goal galore for this competition, and if my suggestion counts for anything, expect Manchester City to outpunch Barcelona.
Predicted Aggregate: Barcelona 4- 5 Manchester City
Olympiacos vs Manchester United
Olympiacos are definitely the best team in their home country of Greece, while Manchester United are still reeling under the change of manager. However, Manchester United seem to be compensating for their dismal form in the league in the Champions League, with an unbeaten run so far. If Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney remember to bring their goal scoring boots with them, it won’t be a case of ‘who’, rather, it would be a case of ‘by how much’.
But if Olympiacos play their cards right and David Moyes continues demonstrating his remarkable talent of losing games even with a team like Manchester United, Greek football fans might just have something to cheer for.
Predicted Aggregate: Manchester United 4-0 Olympiacos
AC Milan vs Atletico Madrid
This match is a classic case of an emerging team versus a team that is past its prime. Atletico Madrid are currently performing better than Real Madrid in their domestic league, and are finally starting to make regular appearances in the Champions League. AC Milan, on the other hand, qualified by the skin of their teeth, and are performing even more dismally than Manchester United in their domestic league.
History might be with AC Milan, but my vote is with Atletico Madrid. What remains to be seen is whether Diego Costa can make a mockery of the Italian’s defence, or whether Mario Balotelli will step up to the stage.
Predicted Aggregate: AC Milan 1-3 Atletico Madrid
Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG
On paper, Bayer Leverkusen are one of the pushovers in the knockout rounds. PSG, on the other hand, are soon emerging to be one of the so called ‘big teams’. PSG only lost one game in the group stage, and stalwarts such Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani are sure to take their team to heights far greater than the round of 16.
Bayer Leverkusen had a negative goal difference, and nothing short of a miracle will see this team go past the financial behemoth PSG. But then, Bayer Leverkusen aren’t placed above Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga for no reason. A miracle might not be too out of reach for Stefan Kiesling and co.
Predicted Aggregate: Bayer Leverkusen 1-4 PSG
Galatasaray vs Chelsea
Chelsea’s Champions League hero Didier Drogba will return this February to haunt the same team to which he had delivered the Champions League trophy on that night in Munich. Chelsea topped their group comfortably, despite losing twice to giant killers FC Basel. Unfortunately for them, their attacking line-up just isn’t firing as well as it should (although if rumours are to be believed, they will be swooping down on some big money strikers once the transfer window reopens). Hence, it will be up to their midfield to bail them out yet again.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, barely qualified for Champions league, thanks to a last minute goal from Sneijder, which sent Juventus packing into the Europa league. It remains to be seen if such last ditch efforts can see Galatasaray eliminate Chelsea, even though it seems unlikely on paper.
Predicted Aggregate: Galatasaray 2-4 Chelsea
Schalke 04 vs Real Madrid
Definitely one of the biggest mismatches in the round of 16. Nobody expects Real Madrid to stumble in front of Schalke 04. With Ronaldo enjoying the form of his life, and Gareth Bale finally justifying his £86m price tag, expect a one sided goal fest in this game.
I’d like to believe that Schalke have a chance in the Champions League, but after being paired with Real Madrid, they really don’t have a very realistic shot this year, unless Julian Draxler, Felipe Santana and Kevin-Prince Boateng manage to recreate a one-in-a-million result, which would be in favour of Schalke 04.
Predicted Aggregate: Schalke 04 1-4 Real Madrid
Zenit St. Petesburg vs Borussia Dortmund
If you thought Schalke 04 vs Madrid was a mismatch, well, let’s just say this is worse. Zenit may have a very strong financial backing and the services of Hulk, but Dortmund will definitely not be deterred by them. But with the sale of Robert Lewandowski imminent, can a weakened Dortmund still take them on?
Dortmund’s run this year has been nothing compared to the one they had last year, barely going past Napoli on goal difference, and suffering two losses on their way. Their third place in the Bundesliga isn’t very inspiring either, but if you ask me, my money is still very much with Dortmund.
Predicted Aggregate: Zenit St. Petesburg 1-4 Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Definitely the biggest game the round of 16 has to offer. A repeat of last year’s match up has to be exciting. Bayern emerged as the better of the two teams last time, but only on the away goals rule. Also, Arsenal seem to be doing much better than last time round, with Aaron Ramsey finally stepping up and Mesut Ozil leading the pack in assists.
Unless Bayern completely switch from their previous tactics to the ones their new coach Pep Guardiola is trying to implement, or unless they play the same way they did last year, Arsenal might prove to be too hot to handle. The predicted aggregate is only too tough to call, but I’ll go on a limb and say that history will repeat itself.
Predicted Aggregate: Arsenal 4 – 4 Bayern Munich (Bayern qualify on away goals rule)
So there you have it, my predictions for the round of 16. Tell me what you feel about them in the comments below, and enjoy some quality football that only the Champions League can offer.
