Uefa Champions League – Expect Fireworks

Guest writer – Nathane Mokebisa

Nathane is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and is studying at the University of Johannesburg. An ardent Liverpool supporter but even more avid follower of the beautiful game, Nathane takes a look at tonight’s Uefa Champions League clashes – the all-English battle between Chelsea and Manchester United and Barcelona’s date with Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Clash At The Bridge

Chelsea versus Manchester United

Tonight’s clash is going to be a second Champions League meeting between two teams that have won the last six English Premiership titles with each winning three. The two sides previously met in the final of the Champions League in 2008 where the Red Devils prevailed on penalties after a nail-biting 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. That defeat still deeply hurts most of Chelsea’s current squad; they were practically a goalposts width away from winning the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

Since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge in 2009 Chelsea have lost just once to Sir Alex Ferguson’s team and this defeat came in the Community Shield in the beginning of this season. 

Chelsea have recently put together an imposing record at The Bridge, a record that presently stands at nine games without defeat with six wins in that time. Furthermore, Chelsea haven’t lost to United at Stamford Bridge in any competition since 2002.

Team News

Chelsea have a clean bill of health but the question on everyone’s lips is who will start between Didier Drogba and the 50 million pound man Fernando Torres. Drogba was on target in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Stoke this past weekend and Ivory Coast star looked to have regained some of his touch while Torres has been all at sea since his arrival at the London outfit. But even though Torres hasn’t found the net since his high-profile January move from Liverpool, he does have a wonderful record against Man United and more crucially against United’s defensive rock Nemanja Vidic. Who will Ancelotti choose – Drogba or Torres? Or will the Italian play them both and drop the team’s leading goalscorer in the Champions League this season in Nicholas Anelka? Whatever decision Chelsea take it will be intriguing.

Manchester United have well a documented injury list but have kept winning, even without experienced hands such as Rio Ferdinand. A positive for the Red Devils is the possible return of Rafael from injury and it will interesting to see which Brazilian twin gets the nod for this crucial game. Rio, who had reportedly been ruled out for the rest of the season, has also trained this week according to United’s official website and he might make a shock comeback in tonight’s game.

Both teams are coached by legendary managers who each have two Champions League victories and vast experience of the big occasion.

Prediction

I expect Chelsea to win the game because of a superior midfield, especially over two legs. But having said that, I will not be surprised if Manchester United pulls off another miracle and reaches the semi-finals… but that looks unlikely this time.

David against Goliath… again

Barcelona versus Shakhtar Donetsk

The clash at the Nou Camp is expected by many to be as one sided as many of the free football classes Barcelona have dished out in the Champions League this season… but for those of you that are superstitious, in the last seven seasons the team that eliminated Arsenal was immediately eliminated in the next round… and yes, we all remember the story from the Bible, the story where David pulled off an upset against all odds…

Another fact most forget is that the last time Shakhtar went to the Nou Camp they came back with a 3-2 victory. The Ukraine side actually have a decent record against the Spanish champions with two victories and three losses.

However all the smart money will still be on Barcelona who are as close to perfection as any team I have seen with the exception of the great Milan team of the 1990s… the Catalans will be odds-on favourites.

Team News

FC Barcelona are in rich form presently with wins coming left, right and centre but they have issues in central defence with inspirational leader Carles Puyol out with a knee injury and Gabriel Milito or Sergio Busquets set to take his place in the heart of defence.

Shakhtar welcome one of their trusted attacking forces in Fernandinho who made his comeback in their last league match and will form part of their three-pronged Brazilian attack.

Prediction

Barcelona are expected to walk this game but it will be closer than most think…Shakhtar have goal in them and Barca have issues at the back. This will be high-speed, flowing encounter… game of the quarterfinals.