Champions League Rd of Eight Preview

As the months roll by the CL Final in Rome is drawing closer with only 8 teams left in contention in the knock out stages. Similar to last year the English Prem teams have made a statement with four teams, Manchester Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all reaching the last 8. They are joined by two La Liga representatives Barca and Villa Real. The final two teams Bayern Munich and FC Porto hail from Germany and Portugal respectively. The draw has created some interesting match ups and so I am taking the time to give my two cents on what the outcome maybe. Here is the round of eight knockout stage tie preview, enjoy.

Liverpool Vs. Chelsea: Once more Prem rivals Liverpool and Chelsea meet each other in the knockout stages. Since the arrival of Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benetiz, both teams have become well acquinted with each other in Champions League. Mourinho has left but he left a legacy with inthe rivalry that the supporters ensured the teams carry on. Last season interim Chelsea manager Avram Grant saw off Liverpool to reach the finals in Moscow and it seems that Liverpool is more than willing to return the favour come April. Matches between the teams were usually boring and tactical during Mourinho's reign but since Grant and his replacement Scolari entered the picture the games have taken a more entertaining open approach. New manager Gus Hiddink is now in charge of Chelsea and we will now have to wait to see what approach he plans to utilize. If it is anything like the performance of the other team he manages Russia we can expect some nice flowing attack minded football. At the moment both teams are currently competing for second place position in the Prem and this could only stir the embers to make this contes memorable.

When we look for key players we can see quite a few. Liverpool will expect it dynamic attacking duo, Spanish striker Fernando Torres and their English captain Steven Gerrard to provide that well need attacking prowess infront of goal. Both players are extremely skilled in attack and can pull off even the most audacious of shots. In support the highly effective dutchman Dirk Kuyt and Spanish winger Riera will be providing added attacking support from the flanks. In the heart the midfield I would expect the services of Alonso and Argentine defensive midfielder Mascherano to provide a shield for the defense line that should include veteran Carragher and talented youth Skretel. Liverpool at the moment are in splendid form and are full of confidence after they dismantled Spain powerhouse Real Madrid to reach the final eight and then went on to destroy Prem leaders Manchester Utd on their home ground Old Trafford.

Chelsea also have a few show stoppers in their arsenal. The Chelsea squad is very organized and relies on players that have years of experience to go along with their talent. In attack they will be looking towards former Afrcian player of the year Didier Drogba to use his physical presence and ball control break down Liverpool's defense line. He may have prolific goal scoring French marksman Nicholas Anelka upfront as a partner. In midfield we see a number of intersting options as Chelsea has some of the best midfield options in Europe. Key figures like Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Michael Ballack can all cause havoc from the middle. New manager Hiddink has shown signs that he prefers to use Ghanan midfield star Essien in a more attacking role and this could provide the key to Chelsea cracking open the shrewd tactacs of Liverpool's manager Benitez. Chelsea's backline is also one of the safest in Europe with central defenders, captain John Terry partnering with either Brazilian Centre Alex or Portugal's Carvalho in the middle. Chelsea has in their possession one of the most proven shot stopppers their goal keeper Peter Cech. Chelsea had to work hard in the previous round to overcome Italian giants Juventus.

Verdict: Looking both teams I think one is close to call, it could be a defensive mistake or even extra time penalties that could determine the final outcome of this tie. I think both teams will be looking to cancel each other out and the only way the game may open up is if an early goal is scored. Judging on recent form one could say Liverpool has the edge. However we are now on an international break and we have no idea how this could affect the players physically and emotionally when they return. Both teams have incentives to move forward in the competition. Chelsea is still bitter from the penalty shoot out loss in last year's finals. Liverpool is at the moment extremely confident after they convincingly took apart Manchester Utd the holders of the cup and argueably the best team in the world. Torres and Gerrard are hungry this season for silverware and seem to be making that extra effort that ensures success throughout the season. Chelsea coach Hiddink is known for being a successful cup competition coach, but the same can be said about Benitez. This match up should be interesting on and off the pitch since the outcome will be either based upon on tactical masterminding or great individual contribution. I am going to jump off the fence and predict Liverpool advancing to the final four.

Next we will look at Arsenal Vs. Villareal