I have been eagerly looking forward to this Champions League return for ages. Chelsea coming up against Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan and Manchester United coming up against AC Milan and David Beckham.
I don’t think that Chelsea or Manchester United are at the level that they were last season or at least at the end of last season. I think that there is a clear case for saying that as well.
But yet these two ties are fascinatingly poised and I am struggling to find a winner. I really think that if you can easily pick a winner in these ties then you are probably not looking hard enough.
Of course the betting firms will favour the English teams after what has happened over the last few years. Only Spain can rival us now in Europe for footballing strength.
But the Milan clubs are true footballing giants who have been successful in this competition in the past and will do so again. Although it has to be said that for Inter, European success in the biggest competition of all has been a very long time in the past…….too long for this great club.
Arsenal have a tricky tie against Porto, if this were United or Chelsea who were playing Porto then I would say that both of them would win (remember Ronaldo’s 40 yard goal in the Dragao last year).
But with Arsenal then you never know what you are going to get. One only has to remember their unexpected elimination at the hands of PSV a few seasons ago.
I think that Porto suit Arsenal’s style and I expect the Gunners to progress over two legs but they could get beaten in the Dragao tonight where only Manchester United have ever won (last year).
Don’t forget to check the odds on bwin live betting.
See you soon
Carl
