The Calm before the Storm - Part 1 of 2.
We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional, healthy strikeforce. (All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.)
Running Smooth:
INTER
6 wins 1 draw overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away wins.
It seems the only thing preventing Inter from officially claiming the Serie A title is the suspension of the domestic championship. Luckily for Inter the Champions' League is more resilient to fan violence and considerably better supported financially. If the only worries for Roberto Mancini come matchday is whom to omit from the bench, he'll be content. Keeping this squad motivated, hungry and focussed is trickier than it may seem.. especially when you consider that one of Europe's other form teams, Valencia, pose their hardest test this year in the round of 16.
VALENCIA
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home loss 1 away draw.
Whereas the minor blip in the league against Betis can be put down to an away day blue (not so rare) in the notoriously cut-throat Primera Liga, more worrying for Quique Flores will be the elimination at the hands of Getafe. Madrid's third team is one of the tightest defensive units in the league and more akin to Inter than anyone else Valencia will meet this season. The prognosis was not good. The Kings' Cup may not rank high on Valencia's list or priorities this season but the Champions' League surely does, anything less than 100% against Inter and their continental adventure could be over by the first week of March.
CHELSEA
7 wins 2 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 3 home wins 1 away draw.
The sludge in the engine remains, some may say in the bulky frame of Ballack. Their wins have been barely functional and hardly imperious - but they've still been victories - and the hallmark of a good team is the ability to grind out a win even when not on song. Chelsea have regressed in the year since they last got knocked out by Barcelona, but they still pose a potent threat to anyone left in the draw. Now, they've gotten their defence back, as a bonus, Ballack has been injured in an International friendly. If only we could all lose dead weight from the middle that easily.
MANCHESTER UNITED
5 wins 1 draw 1 loss overall. In 2 cup ties: 2 homes wins.
They are the form team of the Premiership at the moment - churning out victories with refreshing and often ridiculous ease. Larsson's acquisition have given them further depth up front and Saha's return will boost them further. Their team is firing on all cylinders and all parts seem to be gelling at just the right time - from Vidic at the back to Ronaldo and Giggs on the wings.
Ferguson's only worry will be United's lack of cutting edge against teams who are not afraid of playing at them. Their defeat at Arsenal was comprehensive and for the first half hour against Spurs they were definitely outplayed. Whereas teams in the Premiership often surrender after conceding the first goal to United, their opponents in Europe will show more fight and gumption - and none more so than Lille who they face first up. The away leg of a cup tie should prove an acid test of their credentials.
Having said that though, few managers would pass on trading up with Alex Ferguson right now.
LILLE
4 wins 2 draws 1 loss overall. In 3 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 away loss.
The only team besides Arsenal and Inter who have managed multiple away wins in cup ties this calendar year - a very good statistic to have. The significance of an away win cannot be overstated enough. Cup ties on enemy turf are the most intimidating matches a team can face during a season - winning then are arguably the most impressive of the a team's season.
Lille seem to care little for reputation and will plunge themselves into any tie with relish and zest. Like a pack of young huskies who know no fear, Lille's physical approach will ruffle more than it's fair share of feathers. The injury to Mathieu Bodmer however could prove to be a serious setback - one hopes he can return in time for United. He, more than anyone symbolises the all action style of Lille.
CELTIC
6 wins overall. In 2 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away win.
Solid, well oiled, robust - they just keep winning. Celtic have made dominating in Scotland look even easier than normal. The loss of Shaun Maloney shouldn't make much difference as Celtic have enough players to compensate for his absence, with Paul Hartley's arrival ensuring that the midfield corps retains its depth and threat. Their pace against Milan's aging backline should be crucial - however their lack of matchplay against quality opposition will be telling, Dumbarton and Livingston are a far cry from teams they will meet in Europe. The irony being that no matter how good their domestic form is - it's Milan's form that will decide the tie.
Celtic should make sure they never lose that winning feeling or that winning attitude. Their tie against Milan could not come at a better time and if they do not have to travel to the San Siro for the away leg, their chances may increase substantially.
ROMA
3 wins 4 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 2 home wins 2 away draws.
They've been efficient rather than overpowering but they've added steel to their normally inconsistent performances. Milan may be limping a little right now, but Roma's victory over them in the Coppa Italia semifinals was still a good performance. 2 legged ties are often won by winning the home leg and holding out away. Roma have shown that they can do both. Their new found resilience and the fact that their opponents Lyon are in a slump themselves may make this tie tilt a little in their favour than before.
If Totti can keep his head and their midfield can swarm the opposition, progression is definitely on the cards. Their opponents look ripe for the taking.
ARSENAL
6 wins 3 draws overall. In 5 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 home win 1 home draw 1 away draw.
Unbeaten since the new year despite an injury list that seems to grow longer even longer every time they play. Arsenal seem to have welded grit, determination and resolve to their normally turbocharged frame. The gunners have never lacked the talent or skill to be successful in Europe but have now developed a clinical resilience that makes them harder to beat. Along with Chelsea, no one has played more times since the new year and just like their west London neighbours - are still unbeaten. More Importantly, no one has played Group Phase winners more often and crucially, beaten them.
If the comeback win against United at home was stellar, their back to back wallopings of a Liverpool side at Anfield are surely the pick of the bunch. Provided Arsenal stay healthy and retain focus, a place in the quaterfinals seems likely.
We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional, healthy strikeforce. (All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.)
Running Smooth:
INTER
6 wins 1 draw overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away wins.
It seems the only thing preventing Inter from officially claiming the Serie A title is the suspension of the domestic championship. Luckily for Inter the Champions' League is more resilient to fan violence and considerably better supported financially. If the only worries for Roberto Mancini come matchday is whom to omit from the bench, he'll be content. Keeping this squad motivated, hungry and focussed is trickier than it may seem.. especially when you consider that one of Europe's other form teams, Valencia, pose their hardest test this year in the round of 16.
VALENCIA
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home loss 1 away draw.
Whereas the minor blip in the league against Betis can be put down to an away day blue (not so rare) in the notoriously cut-throat Primera Liga, more worrying for Quique Flores will be the elimination at the hands of Getafe. Madrid's third team is one of the tightest defensive units in the league and more akin to Inter than anyone else Valencia will meet this season. The prognosis was not good. The Kings' Cup may not rank high on Valencia's list or priorities this season but the Champions' League surely does, anything less than 100% against Inter and their continental adventure could be over by the first week of March.
CHELSEA
7 wins 2 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 3 home wins 1 away draw.
The sludge in the engine remains, some may say in the bulky frame of Ballack. Their wins have been barely functional and hardly imperious - but they've still been victories - and the hallmark of a good team is the ability to grind out a win even when not on song. Chelsea have regressed in the year since they last got knocked out by Barcelona, but they still pose a potent threat to anyone left in the draw. Now, they've gotten their defence back, as a bonus, Ballack has been injured in an International friendly. If only we could all lose dead weight from the middle that easily.
MANCHESTER UNITED
5 wins 1 draw 1 loss overall. In 2 cup ties: 2 homes wins.
They are the form team of the Premiership at the moment - churning out victories with refreshing and often ridiculous ease. Larsson's acquisition have given them further depth up front and Saha's return will boost them further. Their team is firing on all cylinders and all parts seem to be gelling at just the right time - from Vidic at the back to Ronaldo and Giggs on the wings.
Ferguson's only worry will be United's lack of cutting edge against teams who are not afraid of playing at them. Their defeat at Arsenal was comprehensive and for the first half hour against Spurs they were definitely outplayed. Whereas teams in the Premiership often surrender after conceding the first goal to United, their opponents in Europe will show more fight and gumption - and none more so than Lille who they face first up. The away leg of a cup tie should prove an acid test of their credentials.
Having said that though, few managers would pass on trading up with Alex Ferguson right now.
LILLE
4 wins 2 draws 1 loss overall. In 3 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 away loss.
The only team besides Arsenal and Inter who have managed multiple away wins in cup ties this calendar year - a very good statistic to have. The significance of an away win cannot be overstated enough. Cup ties on enemy turf are the most intimidating matches a team can face during a season - winning then are arguably the most impressive of the a team's season.
Lille seem to care little for reputation and will plunge themselves into any tie with relish and zest. Like a pack of young huskies who know no fear, Lille's physical approach will ruffle more than it's fair share of feathers. The injury to Mathieu Bodmer however could prove to be a serious setback - one hopes he can return in time for United. He, more than anyone symbolises the all action style of Lille.
CELTIC
6 wins overall. In 2 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away win.
Solid, well oiled, robust - they just keep winning. Celtic have made dominating in Scotland look even easier than normal. The loss of Shaun Maloney shouldn't make much difference as Celtic have enough players to compensate for his absence, with Paul Hartley's arrival ensuring that the midfield corps retains its depth and threat. Their pace against Milan's aging backline should be crucial - however their lack of matchplay against quality opposition will be telling, Dumbarton and Livingston are a far cry from teams they will meet in Europe. The irony being that no matter how good their domestic form is - it's Milan's form that will decide the tie.
Celtic should make sure they never lose that winning feeling or that winning attitude. Their tie against Milan could not come at a better time and if they do not have to travel to the San Siro for the away leg, their chances may increase substantially.
ROMA
3 wins 4 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 2 home wins 2 away draws.
They've been efficient rather than overpowering but they've added steel to their normally inconsistent performances. Milan may be limping a little right now, but Roma's victory over them in the Coppa Italia semifinals was still a good performance. 2 legged ties are often won by winning the home leg and holding out away. Roma have shown that they can do both. Their new found resilience and the fact that their opponents Lyon are in a slump themselves may make this tie tilt a little in their favour than before.
If Totti can keep his head and their midfield can swarm the opposition, progression is definitely on the cards. Their opponents look ripe for the taking.
ARSENAL
6 wins 3 draws overall. In 5 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 home win 1 home draw 1 away draw.
Unbeaten since the new year despite an injury list that seems to grow longer even longer every time they play. Arsenal seem to have welded grit, determination and resolve to their normally turbocharged frame. The gunners have never lacked the talent or skill to be successful in Europe but have now developed a clinical resilience that makes them harder to beat. Along with Chelsea, no one has played more times since the new year and just like their west London neighbours - are still unbeaten. More Importantly, no one has played Group Phase winners more often and crucially, beaten them.
If the comeback win against United at home was stellar, their back to back wallopings of a Liverpool side at Anfield are surely the pick of the bunch. Provided Arsenal stay healthy and retain focus, a place in the quaterfinals seems likely.
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