Champions League Draw

[Hiney]

Manchester United
Chelsea
Real Madrid
Athletico Madrid

 

[RowXintheNorth]

Interesting draw all told.

Barca-Atletico looks close as they have shared 3 draws so far this campaign and Atletico are a fast improving team. Diego Costa and David Villa are a very potent front pairing for them and Arda Turan is a really good midfielder. Given their vast experience in this competition though, I'd fancy Barcelona to edge the tie.

Real Madrid-Dortmund is a repeat of last year's semi-final when Dortmund prevailed after hammering Madrid in Germany when Lewandowski scored all 4 of their goals. Neither Dortmund or Lewandowski are anywhere near as good this year though, Lewandowski's heart already appears to be in Bavaria. Madrid by contrast are better now than last season with Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema all having been in good goalscoring form and they have some good young players coming through being integrated into the team, while Modric pulls the strings in midfield. Madrid are nailed on to get their revenge on Dortmund in that tie.

PSG-Chelsea looks like being a close call. Funnily enough, PSG seem to be a bit better away from home than on their own patch, they can cause a few problems for teams on the break. Ibrahimovic is obviously a dangerman, but he's possibly the type of forward Terry and Cahill won't mind defending against as he's not lightning quick. Pacy forwards with quick feet are the most troublesome for them rather than forwards with a large frame, albeit a very skilful one. Mourinho's tactical prowess could end up being crucial in a close tie and for that reason, I'd take Chelsea to edge through.

Man United-Bayern certainly has the potential to be carnage for United. United's weakest area is Bayern's strongest area, namely their midfield. Not only are Bayern a technically superior side, their power and work rate is better than United's and that's where United could be in big trouble unless they too are organised and can match their athleticism. United will have to play 4-3-3 when they have the ball and 4-5-1 when they don't have the ball to avoid being pulled all over the place. They need to draw upon how they played over 2 legs against Barcelona in 2008 where they won through despite having much less possession than Barcelona over 2 legs. The main difference between now and then is that their defence is much less reliable and they don't have someone like Paul Scholes who can control the tempo of the match, or indeed be the match-winner as he was that day. Wayne Rooney will need to orchestrate affairs against Bayern. I expect United to put up quite a fight at Old Trafford, but to get well beaten in Germany.

Very well written indeed.

 

[Mellotron]

Manchester United v Bayern Munich
Paris St-Germain v Chelsea
Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid


My predictions on who will get through,

Agreed except for Real Madrid who will BATTER Dortmund.

Madrid v Bayern would be the strongest final.

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

For those writing United off, almost everyone, I bet they did at 7:45 last Wednesday as well!

Only a half-wit would completely write United off, but at the same time Bayern will start as strong favourites.

 

[LlcoolJ]

One would suggest that there's a bloody big difference between Bayern and Olympiakos...

This. Looking forward to seeing the scum get a proper pasting. If Liverpool can smash then at home like that I can't wait to see what Bayern can do. Marvellous draw.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Agreed except for Real Madrid who will BATTER Dortmund.

Madrid v Bayern would be the strongest final.

Agreed, and probably the best to watch.

 

[1234andcounting]

If Fergie couldn't get the better of Guardiola with a better, younger team, it is hard to see how Moyes will with the current line-up.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Only a half-wit would completely write United off, but at the same time Bayern will start as strong favourites.

I'm a half-wit then. Bayern will destroy Man U. Utterly destroy them.

 

[Jim D]

Guessing you haven't watched any Bayern this season

Chelsea had a good defence, United do not. Can see bayern hitting double figures over 2 legs.

I'm sure that people said exactly the same about Barcelona when Chelsea drew them.

 

[Deleted member 18477]

Come on Zlatan Saint Germain!

 

[Soulman]

Manchester United's Robin van Persie ruled out for 'four to six weeks'.
That's them buggered...

 

[joeinbrighton]

Manchester United's Robin van Persie ruled out for 'four to six weeks'.
That's them buggered...

It doesn't help their cause, although what it will do is mean Moyes is pretty much forced to play a 4-3-3 formation, which is going to be essential for United to have any chance to have a foothold in the middle of the park. Rooney up top, Welbeck (who played really well against Olympiakos and caused their defence problems with his power and pace) on the left and Valencia on the right, and then play a bank of 3 behind them in midfield.