The second leg ties of the last sixteen of Champions League action are now almost upon us. With two of the eight fixtures taking place this evening, European Fantasy managers will be finalising plans ahead of the 7.30pm deadline. Here follows our mini-brief on each of the eight matches…
Arsenal vs AC Milan
With the 4-0 whitewash at the San Siro last time round, this fixture looks set to go either one of two ways. Logic will see most sane men agree that Milan look destined to make the Quarter-Final stage, but it is how Arsenal combat that belief which will decide the tie and our interests in it.
Arsene Wenger has plenty injury problems and, at present, has just two fit central midfielders. The Gunners boss admitted he’s inclined to play four strikers, due to a lack of alternatives, though while unsure on formation, it’s clear Arsenal plan an all-out attack against the Serie A leaders.
For this reason the team talisman, Robin Van Persie, is the man we’ve got our keenest eye on as a short term investment. If the Gunners are to score the four (or more) goals needed to escape the vice grip of Milan, there is no doubt the Dutchman will be on show.
His counterpart Zlatan Ibrahimovic is rolling off a domestic hat-trick and will be looking to put the sword to Arsenal again. With the hosts bombing forward, there will be plenty gaps in the backline for the big Swede to exploit.
One to watch: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan).
Benfica vs Zenit St. Petersburg
If the first leg was anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. Zenit edged a five-goal thriller in Russia, with both sides showing plenty of attacking menace. We’re hoping for more end to end action and, with that in mind, are backing a couple of players with strong recent history on the goal front.
Benfica may have slipped domestically, turning their unbeaten league record into one point from nine, but Oscar Cardozo is still a major threat – he grabbed both goals in the 3-2 defeat to Porto most recently.
The après winter break in Russia has only just kicked in so it’s hard to gauge the form of Zenit quite as clearly. Roman Shirokov bagged a brace in the first leg, as well as a goal for his mother country in the recent international break. He’ll need to be at the races as his side try and keep one up on Benfica tonight and, for that reason, gets a watchful eye from The Scout.
Andrei Arshavin may have left Arsenal to join the Russians on their transfer deadline day, but he is ineligible to play – if you were interested.
Ones to watch: Oscar Cardozo (Benfica), Roman Shirokov (Zenit).
Barcelona vs Bayer Leverkusen
Pep Guardiola’s men head into this fixture a lock for progression. Bayer Leverkusen need to score at least three goals at the Nou Camp, while trying to keep the home side at bay. Despite their recent 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich, one would have to rate the visitors’ chances at even slimmer odds than those of Arsenal.
Lionel Messi is well rested after a weekend out of the La Liga spotlight, while a host of characters around him from Cesc Fabregas to Dani Alves via Pedro could all equally dazzle on the night. We expect the home side to comfortably win but the risk of rotation will definitely be there for all to see. If you have any Leverkusen players, you might want to plan ahead and offload them now.
We’re far from confident on the German side’s chances but, as is the nature of these articles, we feel obliged to represent each team in our tips. Stefan Kießling has scored 3 goals in a run that has seen Leverkusen win all three Bundesliga matches since their first leg defeat to Guardiola’s side- it may be a big if, but if the visitors are to breach the Barca backline, he’s the man most likely.
Ones to watch: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Stefan Kießling (Leverkusen)
FC APOEL vs Lyon
On the evidence put forward in the first fixture we don’t have the making of a multi-goal thriller [his famous last words]. FC APOEL have to score at least one goal -this much we know for sure- but, having failed to net in each of their last three Champions League games, we’re inclined to look at the men keeping guard at the rear, with the home side’s ability to keep Lyon at bay crucial to their chances. Any of their bargain defenders could be on radars for that very reason.
At the other end we’ll pick up a goalkeeper for our considered thoughts. APOEL’s lack of attacking output gives us cause to believe that Lyon stopper – and new captain of France- Hugo Lloris stand a solid chance of chalking up back-to-back clean sheets.
Ones to watch: Paulo Jorge (APOEL), Hugo Lloris (Lyon)
Bayern Munich vs FC Basel
Our first leg preview mentioned how the Bavarian outfit were verging on entering territory that can only be classified as a slump- Jupp Heynckes’ men backed this up by falling to a 1-0 defeat in Switzerland. A few weeks later and Munich are very much entrenched in a “sticky patch” which has seen their chances of regaining the Bundesliga title from the hands of Borussia Dortmund slip further away. A weekend 2-0 defeat by Leverkusen is the latest kink in the road which has seen Bayern fall 7 points short of the leaders.
With over a week to go, and a home game against Hoffenheim at the weekend ahead, performances and optimism could wildly increase before their must-win tie with FC Basel but, as things stand, Munich need a kick in the backside to reverse the tie and get the job done. While Heynckes has a bounty of attacking options to call on, none of them can quite spark like Arjen Robben at his utmost best. Bayern fans will be hoping the Dutchman can replicate his recent brace for Holland in the 3-2 win over England.
With plenty of home-grown talent, Basel offer European Fantasy managers a chance to balance their budgets by buying players at low prices with room for plenty of reward. With the goal advantage, combined with Bayern’s recent form, there’s plenty belief that a place in the next round remains a distinct possibility. Fabian Frei at just 4.7 -having risen from a lower than low 4.0- is an option of many around.
Ones to watch: Arjen Robben (Munich), Fabian Frei (Basel)
Inter Milan vs Marseille
Picking up a mere two points from their last seven domestic games, Claudio Ranieri’s side have been in dismal form in Serie A. Barring a complete collapse from the teams above them, Inter won’t be in the Champions League next season and, with a 1-0 reverse from the first leg, they are on the verge of saying goodbye to this season’s competition, too.
Indeed, their last nine games in all competitions has seen a shameful record (0W, 2D, 7L). Only Gabriel Milito and Diego Forlan have scored over this spell -in the two draws- as Inter have struggled to show any sign of cohesion. We’re almost reluctant to pick a player for the home side due to their recent displays but Forlan stood out in the 2-2 draw against Catania, with a goal, assist and 7 shots- for this reason alone, we’re sticking our necks out for the Uruguayan, though there’s no doubt his acquisition would be a risky one.
For the visitors, Nicolas N’Koulou has stood out for “recovered balls” and is just 5 points off the overall top scoring defender. If Inter fail to fire, his resilience is likely to be a significant factor. The dynamism expected from the likes of Andre Ayew will be useful if your strikeforce needs a cheaper option than the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and company.
One to watch: Diego Forlan (Inter), Nicolas N’Koulou (Marseille)
Real Madrid vs CSKA Moscow
After a 1-1 first leg draw in Russia, Madrid are heavy favourites. Investment in the Russian outfit will be a risky and likely short term endeavour but that’s not to say there isn’t some profit to be had if the cards are played just right.
The visitors need goals, this much they know, and their midfield options are likely to be your best bet in this long shot fixture. Alan Dzagoev is a good all-round figure but Keisuke Honda, just back from injury, has caught the eye of our gambler’s instinct this Matchday.
Unable to avoid the penchant for a risk, we’re not opting to keep an eye on Cristiano Ronaldo, either. Logic says he’s likely to prove pivotal and produce a substantial Fantasy score but the slow return to form of Kaka intrigues us more and, if given the chance, we reckon his resurrection could continue against CSKA.
Ones to watch: Kaka (Real Madrid), Keisuke Honda (CSKA)
Chelsea vs Napoli
Andre Villas-Boas has left the building and Chelsea’s Champions League hopes are now in the hands of Roberto Di Matteo. Regardless of the man in the dugout, it’s the players on the pitch that have to do their job and, as shown down the years, they clearly march to the beat of their own drum.
Following their first leg defeat in Italy, Chelsea now need to recover a two goal deficit against a Napoli side simply oozing confidence. With rumours of player power having a big hand in the departure of Villas-Boas, one of their most influential figures, Frank Lampard, is afforded the platform to produce the goods. If the Blues are to save their European bacon we’d be keeping a close eye on the elder statesman in midfield; if football really was scripted, this is exactly how it would go.
With the Chelsea defence always prone to a back-line gaffe or two, it’s not hard to see Napoli getting more goals. After a measure of restraint kept us from playing the Edinson Cavani panpipes too much in the last Matchday, we can hold out no longer. The Uruguayan striker is good for goals, simple as that.
Ones to watch: Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Edinson Cavani (Napoli)
