In the latest soccer news: If you haven't read my recent FulhAmerica piece predicting a 2-0 win against West Brom, well, you probably should come to my site more often. Many of the ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Aztecs, Mayans, and Vikings had prophets with incredible vision and wisdom that could predict future events. But, the real important mystery is; could these wise prophets predict outcomes to soccer games? That is the real mystery and question that one should ask himself.
After several of my prognostications have been favorable or, perhaps, lucky such as Fulham vs West Brom 2-0, Rossi's inclusion in the Azurri, and and recommendation that Carlos Ochoa should be called in for the USA Game although he had not played much for El Tri for five years. I will humbly attempt to pick this round of UEFA Champions League action. Although I do not plan to legally change my name to JoelStradamusany time soon like Chad Johnson did with Ocho Cinco, I will do my best to predict and see how far my prognostications take me. Without Further Adu! The first Edition of JoelStradamus.
1. Manchester United at Inter Milan (2:30pm, ESPN2): This match-up features the Special One and the Sire, and does not even mention the wealth of players that will be fielded. Although Jose Mourinhohas not succeeded in Champions league play, there is no denying that Inter is playing at a high level. With central defender Vidicout with a suspension and Jonny Evans and John O' Shea suffering from nagging injuries, Rio Ferdinand's central partner will be less than 100%. Sir Alex Ferguson recently stated that if those two center pairings were not available that I suppose "I could play Dimitar Berbatoveas a sweeper." Ferguson should have real concern as Inter Milan look to take the title from Man United which would build momentum for the semi-finals. Inter Milan Center forward, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, will be one of the major factors for a successful home game. The Inter Milan spine will be the most important component of the game as man marking will be crucial to neutralize the speed of Ronaldo, Rooney, and Tevez.
Although Manchester United has only allowed 11 goals all season, their goals allowed in the last five away games are four, and the overall previous five matches have a goal differential of four. In the last five home games, Inter has only allowed two goals. With the Man U central defense uncertain, I predict a 2-0 upset victory for Inter Milan. Inter Milan will advance with a draw or a one goal loss. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Adriano will flourish in the first game as Man U will not have their normal defensive symmetry.
2. Barcelona at Lyon (2:30pm, ESPN Deportes, 5pm, ESPN Classic): Although Barcelona appears to be the clear cut favorite boasting one of the best attacking teams in the tournament, Lyon will not be the easy opponent that many assume for this series. During the last five games at home, Lyon has conceded five goals, but one of those games was a meaningless UEFA group play game against Bayern Munich in which Bayern needed the victory losing 2-3. In the last five games, Lyon has only allowed two goals while scoring nine.
Barcelona recently lost 1-2 to Espanyol and will have to neutralize Benzema and their solid attack. In the last five games, Barcelona has allowed six goals but has scored twelve against their opponents. In their last five away games, the Spanish super club has a nine goal differential. Something has to give in this series. With Messi, Eto, Henry, Xavi, and Iniesta applying offensive pressure all game, it is unlikely that Lyon will have an opportunity to score or win this series being preocupied with shutting down Barcelona's defense. Lyon will draw at home 1-1. But, Lionel Messi is too much to handle demonstrating his magic at home against Lyon winning 3-1 advancing to the quarter finals.
3. AS Roma at Arsenal (2pm, Setanta USA): Arsenal has been in a recent slump not playing at their best due to the unavailability of Fabregas and Adebayor. However, Arsenal has defeated some good opponents this season with an away win against Chelsea, a home win against Man U, and and a 4-0 beat-down of FC Porto. Since Arsenal's numbers have been skewed with games against Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle netting a goal differential of six. It would better to take a closer look at AS Roma's numbers.
AS Roma has struggled on the road recently and have allowed 12 goals in the last five away games with a goal differential of -9. It gets worse as their away goal differential for the season is -5. In the last five games, AS Roma has allowed 7 goals and has a net goal differential of 1. If you are an optimist or a Roma fan, you could say that Roma will beat Arsenal at home. But, that is highly unlikely because in their last five home games they have allowed 5 goals with a +2 goal differential. Although this is a difficult game to predict, the advantage goes to Arsenal because of AS Roma's horrible road woes and the inclusion of Arshevin and Eduardo to the Arsenal offense. Arsenal wins 3-1 at home and advances as they draw in Rome. Beautiful soccer will be rediscovered at Arsenal. Look for Arshevin to have a break-out series.
4. FC Porto at Atletico Madrid (11pm, Setanta USA): Although FC Porto plays in a less competitive league, FC Porto has won competitive games away from home such as Dynamo Kieve, Fenerbache, and Sporting Lisbon. They have drawn both games with Benefica and defeated Arsenal and Fenerbach at home. FC Porto has only conceded 14 goals all season and four which came against Arsenal away where they took a hooligan-like-beating and were left for dead losing 0-4. In the last five away games, FC Porto has only conceded three goals yielding a +3 goal differential. During the last five games, FC Porto only allowed two goals offering a +5 goal differential.
Athletico Madrid has suffered from losing their coach to inconsistent defensive performances all season. After losing their Coach Aguirre, the uncertainty is even greater as they still search for consistency and balance on defense. Athletico has allowed 35 goals all season. In the last five home games, they have only allowed 3 goals with an 8 goal differential but the great goal differential came against their 4-1 victory to Racing Santander. Madrid will continue to suffer from inconsistencies as they draw 2-2 at home and lose 1-2 away next week.
Look for Hulk, Gonzalez and Rodriguez to come up big as FC Porto advances. The game should offer free flowing attacking from Athletico as FC Porto plays compact and looks for the counter attack. Aguero will be a major offensive factor for Athletico Madrid, but, in the end, FC Porto's defense and organization will prevail.
What teams will advance? Who are your favorites? Can Inter make the move to the next level? Can Inter win the tourney? How will your favorite team fair? What are your thoughts? Let us Know.
Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: Joelstradamus - UEFA Champions League predictions February 24th
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