Champions League last 16 predictions

The last 16 of the Champions League are Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Rangers, Villareal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Lyon, Benfica, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen. There are some great matches to be played and I thought I’d lay down some predictions.

Chelsea vs Barcelona

In a re-match of last season’s last 16 matchup, Chelsea have a tough test; I think we are seeing the best 2 teams in the world facing each other right now which makes it very hard to predict. Chelsea have a stubborn defense and Barca can score lots of goals. Chelsea are more disciplined but Barca more talented on a man to man basis. I’m going to give Barcelona the nod this time around since it’s virtually the same club as last season that lost to Chelsea, and they have something to prove. 3-1 aggregate.

PSV Eindhoven vs Lyon

With this year’s final in Paris, I predict Lyon will win the Champions League this year. They are a fantastic squad and have been drawn against last year’s quarterfinalists PSV, minus some key players. A compact, efficient side, PSV will not give up many goals but will be too preoccupied with Lyon’s numerous qualities to score either. Lyon will advance 2-0 in aggregate.

Real Madrid vs Arsenal

This is best I have seen Arsenal play in the Champions League where they have been perennial underachievers. Real Madrid, whom they have never played against, in a bit of turmoil don’t look likely to advance and will struggle against Arsenal’s passing game and movement the same way they did against Barcelona recently. Arsenal will take it 5-3 on aggregate.

Bayern Munich vs AC Milan

Bayern have played well so far this season and have some really good new players showing well but face a really tough test against last years finalists. AC Milan are a group of seasoned veterans and know how to win against good defenses. They have quality at every position and can expose Bayern’s weaknesses. That said it wont be easy, Milan 3-2 on aggregate.

Benfica vs Liverpool

Benfica, who knocked off Manchester United to reach the knockout stages are going up against the defending champions and a team in sublime defensive form. These 2 legs won’t be entertaining by any stretch of the imagination: both teams have shown their willingness and ability to defend and also their impotence in front of goal. Benfica will score a lucky goal and take it 1-0 on aggregate.

Werder Bremen vs Juventus

Juventus won’t have any trouble dispatching Bremen; they are too solid at the back and Bremen too weak in too many places to withstand Juve’s efficiency. Bremen can be cut apart and the Old Lady knows just how to eat a team like that for dinner. Juventus will blow Bremen out 6-1 on aggregate.

Ajax vs Inter Milan

Ajax versus Inter wont be pretty. Ajax, in the midst of a mediocre season, don’t have the strike force to match Inter Milan. Inter are steadily improving and wont be threatened unless Ajax play over their heads. With too many players likely to leave during the January transfer window for Ajax, Inter Milan should handle the 2 legs, winning both matches for a 3-0 aggregate.

Rangers vs Villarreal

Villareal get very little credit for their quality. Rangers are not even close man for man and their Scottish League struggles prove that. Villareal are tough, tough minded, tough to play against, and tough to break down. Riquelme and Forlan will be the difference and Villareal will see another round to the tune of 2-1 on aggregate.