Champions Leage analysis

This week see the first legs of the Champions League Semi Final with Liverpool playing Chelsea at Anfield first. This is a very close game to call with normally 1 goal separating the two teams. This is because both teams play conservative football and are very difficult to break down.

Many people believe that having the return leg at Stamford Bridge next week will give Chelsea a slight advantage. However the thing that could give Chelsea the advantage is that Steven Gerrard is a doubt for Liverpool. This could be a ploy by Rafael Benetiz to keep Avram Grant guessing as to whether he will adopt the 4-2-3-1 formation he has been deploying or a more conventional 4-4-2 with either Kuyt or Crouch partnering Torres. If Gerrard plays this could be a deciding factor, given that Lampard is very doubtful due to a family emergency and Essien is suspended. Also the inclusion of Javier Mascherano will be a big plus for Liverpool. He played on Saturday against Fulham and for me was Man of the Match, but he has missed the 3 previous league games due to suspension. He gives Liverpool the stability which enables Steven Gerrard the license to go forward.

The crowd at Anfield has proved to be a 12th man for Liverpool and it is possible this could inspire Liverpool to another famous victory after already beating Chelsea twice in the Semi-Final Stage and Liverpool have a very good record in Europe, this is their 3rd Semi Final in 4 years (won a final, and beaten in last years final previously).

Another deciding factor will be that Chelsea have to beat Man United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to have any chance of winning the Premier League. Liverpool however only need 1 point from their remaining 3 games to guarantee 4th Position in the league. They fielded a much weakened team against Fulham and still won comfortably. I think over the two legs Liverpool will just have enough to beat Chelsea, but football is a funny old game.

To the other match Barcelona entertain Man United. There is always added pressure on Barcelona whether they win the league and or win the Champions League, there is always immense pressure and expectation. Barcelona are a team full of world class players but that does not necessarily make a good team. Henry has not fitted in will, he’s sometimes deployed as a winger, there is unrest with Eto’o. However what they do have is great attacking flare with these players, as well as the very promising Bojan Krkic and Lionel Messi who has returned from an injury and will be crucial to Barcelona. The key players however could be Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta, both these players have a wealth of experience and if Barcelona are to proceed they will have to be at their very best to repel Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez.

Also Barcelona are out of the title race they are 11 points behind Real Madrid and are in 3rd place in the league, so their players should be fresh for both legs of this encounter.

Manchester United on the other hand are in exceptional form and are playing really good attacking football, whilst being very strong defensively. Having Vidic back is a huge bonus and his partnership with Ferdinand is reminiscent of the Bruce and Pallister partnership. However Wayne Rooney is a doubt for Man United and there is a great deal to read into this because Man United have a great record when Rooney plays, and have lost when he has not played. This added to the fact that United play Chelsea on Saturday and will have to field their strongest team to get a result there will test even the strongest of squads to which United most certainly are. The one factor I have not mentioned yet is Cristiano Ronaldo he is an unbelievable talent, the number of goals he scores is phenomenal considering he is a winger. If Ronaldo is at his best United will triumph and the longer the scores remain level the more it will suit United because of the mentality United have and the ability to score at any time and win without playing well.

As a betting proposition I would recommend 5 points on United and Liverpool to get through at 12/5 with Coral. If you open an account with Coral today you will receive a free £10 bet.