Revenge or Redemption???

On the eve of the last leg of the first knock out round of the Champion’s League, it’s time for the tough decisions to be made.  As spectators however, we just can’t make them.  Who will advance?  How will it all play out?  Well, in this synopsis, I’ll make a few predictions….. No disrespect to anybody, but what will be must be….

 Revenge or Redemption?

First on the ManiacMenu is Arsenal vs. Barcelona:

Feast on this….   Barcelona has two key starting center backs missing for this game, Puyol and Pique.  Needless to say, all of their ever powerful offensive masterminds will be available.  With that said, we must consider that while Van Persie and Fabregas are a go, for today’s game, they are both coming off of injury and may not be back in full form like they were in the first leg at Emirates Stadium.  I say today’s contest will end 3-2 in favor of Barcelona;  Arsenal will advance on away goals, taking REVENGE on last year’s thrashing that they took at the Camp Nou.

Roma vs. Shaktar Donesk

Roma were beaten badly at home, giving up three away goals.  I left no doubt that Shaktar Donesk is my dark horse to advance pretty deeply into the champions league play.  Their young talent and youth make them a team that is energetic until the finish.  The fact that their regular season is has not yet begun in Ukraine makes them well rested and injury free.  The Ukranian side advances in another drubbing of Roma….  2-0 REDEMPTION

AC  Milan vs. Tottenham Hotspur

With the possible return of Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur seem to be in a prime position to receive the redemption of their first ever advancement into the next round of the Champion’s League.  Having held Milan to no goals and recording a clean sheet, I’d look for a very aggressive Milan to be counter attacked and sucker punched by the speedy tandem of Bale and Lennon.  Crouch is a veteran finisher and this will spark rumors of greatness vs. the Italian side.  1-0 Redeeming the English side with a historical upset.  REDEMPTION

FC Schalke 04 vs. Valencia CF

Too tough to call…. Raul, the leading scorer in the history of Champion's League is an ever imposing threat that simply cannot be denied.  I hope to see him advance with more goals for Schalke 04, but Valencia brings balance and pace to the game.  I cant make a decision, but I can tell you that both sides will go hard… or go home…  If I must say then, I'll go with Schalke 04, giving Felix Magath sweet REVENGE on all of his doubters...What do you think?    Get back with me soccer maniacs….

 

-PHANTOM WOLF