Champions League Second Round Preview

Write-up by David Walker

The 21-22 February will see the 16 remaining teams in the Champions League battle it out for a place in the coveted ultimate held on 17 Could in Paris. The 2nd round fixtures have been decided so right here is a run down of who is left in the competitors and their probabilities of progressing to the quarter finals:

Inter Milan vs AjaxInter capable easily from Group H as winners and have a favourable match versus Ajax. The Dutch facet competent as runners up of Group A without having as well considerably difficulties. Inter are mind-boggling favourites to qualify for the quarter finals and striker Adriano, with four ambitions so much in this levels of competition, poses the primary risk. Manchester Town. Verdict: Inter to qualify at 2/5.

AC Milan vs Bayern MunichMilan stuttered via the very first round, with just three wins in six matches, ahead of at some point topping the group forward of PSV Eindoven. Andriy Shevchenko is the tournament’s most hazardous striker with 6 goals. Nonetheless, Bayern Munich need to not be underestimated. They dumped out Arsenal at this stage last season and had been only edged out by a single objective in opposition to Chelsea in the quarter finals.Verdict: AC Milan to qualify at 4/6.

Liverpool vs BenficaThe Reds consider on the group who dumped Manchester United out of the Cup and are firm favourites to progress to the quarter finals. Liverpool have been unbeaten and hadn’t conceded a target in eleven league and Cup games right up until Sao Paulo denied them the Globe Club Championship on 18 December. Benfica’s two-1 win over Manchester United was a shock outcome, but one they are unlikely to reproduce. Ronald Koeman’s side are only sixth in their domestic league and are probable to see their curiosity in the Champions League come to an stop at this stage of the competitors.Verdict: Liverpool to qualify at 4/9.

Barcelona vs ChelseaThis was the most “anticipated” draw in terms of a replay of last season’s 2nd phase encounter. Barcelona have won 13 video games straight in La Liga, while Chelsea have topped the Premiership since August, shedding just 1 match, against Manchester United, all period. Barcelona have also been unstoppable in Europe, winning 5 out of the 6 group. Even with the unquestionable talent at his disposal, Jose Mourinho may possibly uncover his Chelsea team outgunned this time about.Verdict: Barcelona to qualify at 5/six.

Lyon vs PSV EindovenLyon are a crew not to be underestimated in this season’s Champions League and won their group forward of the glamorous Real Madrid. John Carew is Lyon’s top goalscorer with four targets while Juninho has laid on 3 assists. PSV will have their backers but Lyon remained undefeated in the group stage and ought to edge this encounter.Verdict: Lyon to qualify at 1/two.

Villarreal vs RangersAn upset could be on the cards in this encounter with Rangers a huge cost to qualify ahead of Spaniards Villarreal. Underneath-fire Rangers boss Alex McLeish could be ridiculously off-the-pace in the Scottish Premier, but he has obtained it proper in Europe and Rangers have grow to be the 1st aspect north of the border to enterprise this far in the competitors. Villarreal scored just 3 instances in six group stage matches.Verdict: Rangers to qualify at 5/2.

True Madrid vs ArsenalThis is the initial time the two have clashed in Champions League and the bookmakers are having problems separating them. The Gunners won their five opening matches in the group stage ahead of an experimental line-up drew – with Ajax in the ultimate round of fixtures. Genuine Madrid have lots of attacking energy in their line up but are suspect at the back which could be to Arsenal’s advantage.Verdict: Arsenal to qualify at 10/11.

Juventus vs Werder BremenJuventus stormed via the group stage, winning five out of six matches, with David Trezeguet scoring 4 targets. The “Outdated Lady” have currently beaten and misplaced to German opposition in the opposition this period, with two 2-one benefits in opposition to giants Bayern Munich in the group stage. Werder Bremen are at their finest at home, demonstrated in the 5-1 demolition of Panathinaikos and four-three victory about Udinese.Verdict: Juventus to qualify at four/eleven.

About the Author

David Walker runs soccer betting and no cost bets sites. A totally free e mail program: “7 Days to Far better Betting” is accessible at the two of these websites.