After a long wait, the Champions League has taken center stage yet again and all eyes would be on England’s first representatives against one of the juggernauts of European Football, FC Barcelona. The Catalans have been so consistent in this competition and they have always excelled in the latter stages. Arsenal fans can vividly remember the heartbreak of 2006 but Manchester United Fans would be gnashing their teeth anytime they remember the finals in 2009 and 2011.
Tonight Barcelona would visit the city of Manchester to take on the attacking force known as Manchester City. They had been invincible at home till Jose Mourinho came to town and after suffering their first loss since November, the Citizens for the first time in ages looked shaky and the loss was followed up with a goalless stalemate against Norwich.
Man City got their revenge against the Blues by knocking them out of the FA Cup with goals from Stevan Jovetic and ex-Gunner, Samir Nasri, putting the Blues to the sword. In Barcelona, Man City faces a different prospect and all eyes would be on Lionel Messi and co. to come up with the goods as they’ve always done in the past.
Messi is one player that has laid his mark on English opposition and Arsenal fans can attest to the fact that they have been punished severely by the little magician. Manchester United has been on the receiving end of some Messi magic but for reasons best known to Chuck Norris and Lord Voldemort, Messi is usually toothless when he plays against Chelsea.
Many have been quick to write off Manchester City tonight but I expect a very close encounter and the home side might just edge the tie if Barcelona becomes complacent. Besides, City has its fair share of Spanish contingent that has locked horns with Barcelona in the past so it’s gonna be a feisty clash.
Gooner Daily Predictions: Manchester City 2 Barcelona 1
Elsewhere, Zlatan Ibracadabra and his Parisien cohorts will take a short trip to Germany to take on a Bayer 04 Leverkusen side that wasn’t too impressive in the group stages. Losing 5-0 to a piss poor Manchester United side was a low point for the German outfit but they are in a good run of form in the Bundesliga as they are odds on to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Everyone’s firm focus would be on the Man City vs. Barca game but I’d have half an eye on the proceedings at the Bay Arena.
Gooner Daily Predictions : Leverkusen 2 PSG 3
Enjoy the games wherever you are.
Sayonara
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