Team of the season
Tuesday, 15 May 07, 08:43 PM
Almost the end of the season...
The various Cup finals might change a thing or two, but I think, I've seen enough of the season to decide on my best XI.
Here's my team from Europe (cue widespread debate, discussion and denigration):
(4-4-1-1)
Goalkeeper: Sebastient Frey (Fiorentina)
19 times he has kept a clean sheet in Italy. Whereas some teams may have conceded less goals per game than Fiorentina, and others may have a worse set of defenders, there's no denying that Frey has had a stellar season between the pipes for the Viola. Despite their 15 point deduction they are in the running for a UEFA cup place and that's due in no small part to the 26 year old Frenchman's efforts.
Right Back: Daniel Alves (Sevilla)
Quite simply superb. The best attacking wingback on the continent. For most of the season, whenever he gets the ball, you sense a goal is in the offing, bombing forward and ghosting into scoring positions all over the pitch - Daniel Alves has shown that defending can be a creative experience and has brought joy back to football fans everywhere (along with the rest of Sevilla).
Left Back: Eric Abidal (Lyon)
It's hard to find fault with him - both domestically and in Europe. People may point to the faltering challenge in Europe or the lack of challenge domestically - but whereas the knockout round of the Champions' League is often a lottery, Lyon's consistency in the early part of the Ligue 1 season was due to efficient, solid performances from players like Abidal. It's been a bad season overall for left-backs everywhere but whereas Stuttgart's Ludovic Magnin is very good - Abidal is simply World class.
Centre Back: Raul Albiol (Valencia)
Not quite a superstar but the tall, gangly Ches defender has been one of this season's best. He has been the most versatile and the most consistent defender in La Liga this year. Playing anywhere among the back four, in addition to filling in occasionally in defensive midfield in Europe, Albiol has been a revelation for Valencia. Strong in the air, composed and very quick to snuff out danger, he has been one of Quique Flores' first names on the team sheet. His performance against Inter in the Champions' league round of 16 made compulsive viewing.
Centre Back: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
United fans will quickly point to Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as their players of the season but in my opinion, their most significant and consistent player was Vidic. He lent an air of composed stability at the back that allowed teammate Rio Ferdinand to flourish. He was, for the most part, unbreakable and even scored some crucial goals. The only game in which he played badly was the Champions' League humbling at the hands of Milan - but that was his first game back from a broken collar bone.
Deep-lying Central Midfielder: Esteban Cambiasso (Inter)
Excellent movement of the ball, good tackler and passer par excellance, The Argentine has been Inter's heartbeat for most of the season. Admittedly the job is often easier when surrounded by so much talent and class but Cambiasso's efficiency and skill made Inter's runaway title bid that much easier. Lyon and Inter may have walked away with their domestic titles but a lot of that is due to hardworking and quietly thorough performances from the likes of Cambiasso.
Attacking Midfielder: Kaka (Milan)
Having the purplest of patches currently, he single handedly destroyed Manchester United that put paid to the latter's claims of being the treble winning champions' of Europe. Easily the Champions' League's best player, he lends trickery, speed and quick thinking to an established blend of skill and tactical awareness. A joy to watch, he's been Milan main attacing fulcrum and Brazil's new fountainhead. Like countryman Alves, Kaka threatens a goal whenever he gets the ball.
I don't like him but I have to grudgingly admit he's been on fire for most of the season. Unpredictable and on occasion abysmal against bigger teams in crunch games, he's been murderous against the rank and file. No one plays better against mid table mediocrity and his slimy habit of getting free kicks and penalties, albeit questionable, is handy. His goals have been the catalyst that sparked United't title charge.
Right Winger: Ricardo Quaresma (Porto)
On his day, unplayable on the right flank. His combination for Portugal with teammate Ronaldo was a one-two punch that Brazil could not handle in the friendly. His performances for Porto have been breathtaking, especially in the Champions' League. Portugal are truly blessed to have the 2 best wingers in the game right now. Quaresma has been fast, technical and strong on the ball, resorting to bulldozing past opponents rather than tricking his way past them. When it comes to the right side of midfield, David Silva may be the best in Spain, but the Iberian peninsula's marquee talent is the young Portugese star.
Attacking midfielder/Forward: Francesco Totti (Roma)
Loyal, even in his relative old age, he's been Serie A's top goal scorer this season. Brilliant with or without the ball, his experience, skill and cheekiness has wrought havoc on opponents season long. It's a pleasure to watch Totti play and rally Roma around him. 22 goals and counting from someone who's not an out and out striker is some achievement indeed. Add in the fact that he assists as well as he scores and his all round game marks him out as the talisman for Roma.
Striker: Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
The West London Club have been distinctly average this season for long stretches. The fact that they remained on course for an impossible quadruple that existed only in the mind was due to the big Ivorian. 32 goals off headers, flick-ons and shots under pressure while carrying the line singlehandedly for a misfiring Chelsea is an achievement unlikely to be matched by a blues player again - unless Drogba repeats the trick next year. As a choice unpopular perhaps, but not undeserved.
Subsitutes:
David Villa (Valencia) - Scores tonnes of goals, creates a fair bit too. Spain's best striker and possibly best player.
Juninho Pernambucano (Lyon) - Best dead ball expert in the game, able to attack and defend in equal measure. His lively performances in Lyon's midfield seem to get better every year.
Frederick Kanoute (Sevilla) - Perfect symbol of the fluid attacking style that Sevilla bring to the table. Ganglyish while on the ball, he creates and buries chances with equal aplomb.
Ronaldinho (Barcelona) - A bad year by his standards but still one of Barcelona's best players. The fact that his residual talent is more than most players maximum is reason enough to have him in your team.
Diego (Werder Bremen) - Solid blend of workman and wizard, skilled artist and slick artisan. Werder and Bundesliga's best attacking player.
Gennaro Gatusso (Milan) - The best defensive anchor of this and, arguably, the last few years. While he's on the pitch, it seems the opposition are playing against 12 men.
Michael Essien (Chelsea) - Remarkably consistent and versatile and often, Chelsea's main threat. Fearless and focussed on the ball, impossible to dislodge while going forward.
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Arsenal
No Kidding Around - these lads are alright
Monday, 26 February 07, 07:55 PM
Chelsea weathered the onslaught and then hit back with clinical efficiency. Arsenal had more shots and chances on goal but in a recurring theme for them - scored only once despite dominating the first hour. Chelsea took their chances very well and made Arsenal pay for some space opening up at the back towards the end.
The first goal was a touch offside but the second was a typical set-piece by Chelsea - well executed. Add to that the 2 shots they crashed off the woodwork and you can claim Chelsea had fewer but better chances.
On the whole the entire Arsenal team played well - except Julio Baptista. The Brazilian needs to leave now - and take his banjo with him. There's bad, then there's Baptysmal. Neves Denilson and Abou Diaby were both immense. The pick of the plays from the former was a long raking 40 yard pass that found Jeremie Aliadiere in the opposing box. Diaby was tireless and he continues to grow into the next Gunner midfield general. As usual, the only regret for the Gunners was that their finishing was below par. Again.
Didier Drogba was arguably the best player on show; without him Chelsea were toothless for most of the game. At the back Ricardo Carvalho was excellent - it's very harsh to hold him solely accountable for Arsenal's brilliant opener through Theo Walcott. The rest of Chelsea were hardworking but unspectacular with the exceptions of the dire Lassana Diarra and the diabolical Jon Obi Mikel. The former should have walked earlier for a series of cynical fouls and the latter's trip on Kolo Toure was criminal - precipitating the mass brawl which seemed to involve everyone. No doubt clips of the foul will be wholly absent from scenes of the brawl and game - with several of Arsenal's players getting suspensions while Chelsea will get a small rap on the knuckles.
Well done Arsene's youth brigade - they played very well. Well done to Chelsea for holding on and nicking it.
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Arsenal edge PSV, Real outslug Bayern
Friday, 23 February 07, 12:11 AM
Remarkably Unremarkable
Arsenal's insistence on doing things the hard way was highlighted yet again as they picked a rather inopportune time to slip to their first defeat of 2007. Despite marginally outshooting their Dutch opponents overall and arguably dominating the first half they left the Philipstadion nursing a 1-0 defeat. PSV, missing half their top striking partnership in the form of an injured Jefferson Farfan, made the most of their opportunities and sealed a good win over their opponents from London. Despite leading the Eredivisie there has been a lack of imperious authority about PSV's performances since the start of the new year. This win should serve as a filip for reigniting the dominance that saw them soar in 2006 and race to a handy lead in the race for domestic honours.
On a day when their attack was a little disjointed, their talismanic rearguard came through with flying colours. Brazilians Gomes, in goal, and centre-half Alex, gave a clinic on positioning and snuffing out attacking threats as they ensured Arsenal's attack kept another clean sheet. Gomes' close range stop from Thierry Henry's turn and shot was crucial in setting the tone of the contest and he ensured that no one and nothing got past him. On the one occasion that Tomas Rosicky's shot eluded him, Carlos Salcido cleared off the line. In a nutshell that summed up the performance for Arsenal. Ronald Koeman managed to get an off colour PSV team to perform much better than the sum of it's parts. PSV might not dazzle and destroy but can make the odd period of dominance pay off in spectacular fashion. A quality oddly lacking in their opponents on the day.
Admittedly the game was unremarkable and Edison Mendez's strike, from 25 yards out, was comfortably the pick of the day's goals. Yet if Arsenal's season extinguishes itself in the next 2 weeks, games like this will surely serve to highlight their weaknesses. Their complete lack of consistent attacking inventiveness around the box has come back to haunt them time and again yet there seems to end in sight. Against Blackburn one could argue that a wall of 7 defenders around the 6 yard box made things very hard. But PSV offer more optimistic fare and there was plenty of space for Arsenal to push through. Yet the space around the backline was wasted and there was a worrying lack of urgency to the proceedings.
Emmanuel Adebayor, strangely off-colour, was left on for the whole game when a more enterprising approach would surely have replaced him with Jeremie Aliaderie from the bench. In the event Wenger resorted to throwing on the clumsy Julio Baptista who only served to confirm that his future lies away from the Gunners. Thierry Henry's morbid mercurialness plumbed new depths as he seemed to give up and not care once his first 2 shots didn't go in. His pathetic claims of being hit in the face when he was pushed was matched only by his general apathy to the cause. Wenger needs to take a stand. For every game that Henry plays brilliantly, there follows a spate in which he's unremarkably rubbish. This is not captaincy material.
One only look at Timmy Simons's game to see how far hard work and grit gets you when the chips don't fall your way. Along with a seemingly evergreen Phillip Cocu, they managed to keep a much more gifted Arsenal midfield at bay the whole game. With Salcido and Manuel Da Costa putting in solid shifts at the the back, PSV strove to ensure that when they were in the ascendancy, for the first part of the second half, they got results. Crucially, Mendez's arrival for Aruna Kone's layoff, was a couple of yards away from Gilberto. Positioning was the defining aspect of this tie.
Still, this tie is far from over, Arsenal can easily overcome this deficit at home - but they have to be wary of conceding away goals off counter-attacks despite dominating - the hallmark of their season so far. Arsenal will be wary of a repeat of their elimination at the hands of Valencia in 2001 - on away goals despite winning 2-1 at home (albeit in the first leg). And Farfan should be back - PSV will look to seal the deal.
There's life in this corpse yet
Real 3 - 2 Bayern
It is decidedly ironic that the 2 worst teams remaining in the draw should serve up the best game of the round. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have won the competition 13 times between them but are outside bets for this year's title. Both are in need of new personnel, retooling and a fresh approach. Whereas Bayern have already replaced their coach, rumous emanating from the Bernebeu suggested that Real were about to do the same.
In the event, both teams got down to play some serious ball and served up a trully thrilling contest. Raul's opener came from the sweetest move of the night as a through ball from Ruud van Nistelrooy (of all people) found Raul beyond Bayern's creaking backline. The latter's finish was clinical more than clean and for the upteenth time this season, Bayern had been opened up by some clever pacy passing. Daniel van Buyten's lack of positional sense (or lack thereof) and unease against pace has surely come to signify his possible departure from the Bayern starting XI once a genuine contender emerges.
Lucio on the other hand is a hard working defender who, for all his limited ability, never has a really rank game. His arrival to meet Willy Sagnol's free kick, unmarked was completed with the easy header into Real's net for the equalizer. One felt Real were ripe for the taking. However, David Beckham of all people ensured that Real had plenty left in the tank. 2 set piece plays - one a corner and the other a free kick - found Raul and van Nistelrooy respectively. 2 scrappy finishes later Real were leading 3 - 1. If Gonzalo Higuain had converted after being sent clear by Beckham, Real may have sealed the game early in the second half. In the event, Higuain missed, got substituted and Fabio Capello lost his nerve. Not happy with having brought on the defensive midfielder Michael Salgado for Higuain, he then took wingback Roberto Carlos off for a pure defender in Raul Bravo. Carlos had earlier taken out Owen Hargreaves, who suffered another ankle injury - Manchester United will watch developments closely no doubt.
Eventually, Bayern came back strongly, Van Bommel's shot from outside the box, eluding Casillas, was the least they deserved. The jury may still be out on Gonzalo Higuain but I've made up my mind - he's not that good. In time he may become an above average forward in Spain but at present he's out of his depth. For Bayern, Lukas Podolski and Roy Makaay were typically anaemic for the upteenth time this season. Claudio Pizarro, who came on for the former, shone briefly but did little to convince that he can carry Bayern's attack. Unable to work themselves into games, Bayern's attacking corps need to be euthanised sooner than later. Bastian Schweinsteiger was notably anonymous, hounded throughout by Fernando Gago, who was preferred to the diabolical Emerson, in the Real backfield. Whereas his contribution outshone his compatriot Higuain's, Bayern will not be quaking in their boots for the return leg. For Real it is a damning indictment of their lack of personnel that Beckham, who leaves at the end of the season, was their attacking fulcrum.
Even though Real won, the 3-2 scoreline would, at best, be described as pyrrhic. In a week's time they return to Bavaria.
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Arsenal's Style of Play
Monday, 19 February 07, 05:09 AM
Arsenal's difficulties in breaking opponents down are due to an attitude of keeping possession and trying to pass the ball into good goalscoring situations. This is counter-balanced by teams defending extremely deep and deploying 5 or 6 defensive minded players, who sit back and try to break play up. Blackburn deployed 6 defenders against Arsenal. As did CSKA Moscow. So what are Arsenal supposed to do ?
Normally, when faced with a defensive triangle that sits deep there are 3 things you can do to get the ball into scoring situations in the box.
1) Cross from the touchline, high, aimed to the back post or top of the 6-yard box for someone to head home. Arsenal have no crossers other than Eboue - more importantly we have no headers in attack or midfield and are not encouraged to cross. Crossing is deemed wasteful since it often results in possession being lost. Henry's winner against United was a rare, rare headed goal from him or anyone up front.
2) Take shots from distance when the ball is at someone's feet with space opening up in front of him. Arsenal have few players who can shoot from distance adeptly other than Rosicky and Henry. Henry is usually in the box and plays deeper (when he bothers to play at all) as opposed to outside it. Rosicky has not been shooting that much this year as he is not encouraged to and has also been strangely off balance when he does. Shooting from long distance is deemed wasteful since it often results in possession being lost. Rosicky's strikes against Hamburg and Liverpool and Henry's goal against Blackburn were exceptions.
3) Try to barrell through, running at pace with the ball at one's feet looking to shoot as soon as space opens up. Vieira and Bergkamp were very good at this. Again, Arsenal currently, have few players who can do this as it involves having a low centre of gravity and the ability to ride challenges while maintaining one's balance. Only Adebayor can do this somewhat but he is not encouraged to. This too is deemed wasteful since it often results in possession being lost. The development of Denilson and Abou Diaby will be critical and interesting in this regard.
So Arsenal revert to 2 other approaches that maintain possession and use it to their advantage.
Approaches that maintain possession involve:
4) Pass around the corners of the triangle and try to cut the ball back to someone at the corners and top of the 6-yard box or penalty area. Arsenal try this as they have plenty of players who move and pass well and are composed on the ball. However this is very tricky as it requires many consecutive passes working out and the final player being available in space. It also requires excellent first touches and a good pitch - not to mention ensuring defenders don't get a slight touch on the ball or crowd out attacking players. It also does not work if teams defend very deep. Everyone defends deeper against Arsenal than they do against anyone else.
5) Pass around the sides and apex of the defensive triangle till mini-channels open up and then pass into the mini-channel at speed and shoot once space opens up in front of the goal. This is time consuming, requires many consecutive passes working out and the final player being available in space. It also requires excellent first touches and a good pitch. This is Arsenal's favorite way of trying to score. When successful, this is the closest any team comes to scoring the perfect goal. On the flip side this approach often results in defenders sticking out legs to try and knock the ball away (or knock the player down) and conceding penalties. But if those are not picked up or given by the referee, the point is lost. Aliaderie's penalty against Blackburn that was not given was a case in point. Arsenal twist opposing defences like no one else. Referees cannot often keep up and would rather give the defenders the benefit of the doubt.
So why is possession so important ?
1) Regaining 'useful' possession is a bit of a problem:
Since Arsenal play by passing and moving at pace, they need to start attacks quickly as well. Just getting the ball back is not enough. When they had Vieira, Petit and to a certain extent Edu, this was achievable as they could regain possession quickly and continue the attack. Presently, Arsenal do not have players in midfield who can win the ball back quickly and restart an attack instantly. The best tacklers are in defence and by that time, play has shifted to the other end and Arsenal's shape and momentum is lost. When midfielders do break up an attack, again, Arsenal's shape is lost. The time and effort spent in regaining possession in one of these 2 ways is considered detrimental to Arsenal's style of play. Solution ? Try not to lose the ball to begin with.
2) Open play is Arsenal's primary avenue for scoring:
Both players and manager know this. Recent goals from free kicks are exceptions more than the norm and will require more time and practice to become a regular part of the armoury. Arsenal have no free kick specialists - their most proficient free kick taker is now out for the season (Van Persie). Corners are almost never scored off and so, despite being awarded more corners and attacking free kicks than any one else in the league, Arsenal concentrate on scoring from open play. So how can you maximise scoring from open play ? Keep the ball for as long as possible.
So opposing teams are willing to concede corners and free kicks, knowing that the chances of conceding a goal are so slim, it is worth breaking down an attack for.
In time once this group of players get to know each other more and get more accustomed to the Premiership, Arsenal will be more successful with its style which may be viewed as tedious in it delivery and stubborn in it's attitude. However, no one pursues attacking excellence as diligently as Wenger and the Gunners. Arsenal have shown that it is possible to dominate, playing its style of football in the past. Arsenal will show it's possible once again - just give them some time.
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Premier League, Arsenal Champions League Final Memories '03 - '06
Tuesday, 13 February 07, 01:38 AM
2003 - Milan 0 - 0 Juventus (Milan win on penalties)
I had a hangover from the night before as I settled into my buddy's leather sofa to watch this. The Milan Inter semi-final had been tense and the evil empire of Juve loomed large in the final.
My first thoughts as the game kicked off - wow the pitch at Old Trafford looks beautiful, flat, smooth and well manicured. Juve looked less so - seemingly more intent on keeping Sheva and Rui Costa underwraps and stifling Milan than going out and actually trying to win the match. Shevchenko DID score and I will always maintain that it was a goal - but strangely it was ruled offside - rubbish. In retrospect I can try and attribute some of it to Moggipoli but I doubt his influence reached that far into the game. Gattuso was his usual bulldog self, bulldozing everything that moved in a jailhouse shirt. One shot from him from within his own half had to be palmed away by Buffon. Trezequet hung around in the box and off the backline waiting just waiting for a scrap. He got none. At the other end Inzaghi ran and ran and ran some more but did nothing. Once Ambrosini came on for Rui Costa I knew it was going to be penalties.
That livened things up and fittingly Sheva stroked home the winning spot kick. Everyone celebrated, I was finally fully awake - albeit in a warm fuzzy way. At this point hilarity ensured. Christian Brocchi, who hadn't played the final and had done precious little the whole tournament, grabbed the trophy and paraded it around Old Trafford as if he had singlehandedly won the damn thing. The bemused looks on Maldini and Inzaghi's faces were priceless - not to mention the one of pure joy on little Christian's face. I laughed so hard. I'm still laughing right now.
2004 - Porto 3 - 0 Monaco
First Arsenal somehow managed to lose 3-2 to Chelsea in the QF. Then Milan had let Depor wallop 4 past them to lose 5-4 in their QF. My dream Arsenal - Milan final was off. So, needless to say, I was more than a little disenchanted at watching Porto take on Monaco. I was still pining and had little interest in watching either. But watch I did and I was glad for it afterwards.
It was a good final. Porto manhandled Monaco. Their forward pressing, defensive coverage and all round organisation too much for Monaco. And they had Deco. One moment I remember was, Maniche of all people, dekeing out both Ludovic Giuly and Jerome Rothen in the middle of the park before passing the ball off to Deco who proceeded to dazzle and deke some more. From start to finish Porto were all over Monaco. From start to finish I kept thinking of Arsenal and Wayne 'blooming' Bridge. Watching Chelsea now it's hard to believe that a Mourinho coached team can actually play like this. I knew Deco would be off (he went to Barcelona); I didn't expect Giuly to join him.
This final was special in that it is the only final we'll ever see again that featured 2 teams from outside the established group of 14 big clubs. And for that, it should be remembered.
2005 - Liverpool 3 - 3 Milan (Liverpool win on penalties)
Wow - what a final. Arguably the best Champions' League final in terms of sheer excitement and goals. Once Maldini scored I had this creepy feeling that the game would taper off and die an effete death. Then Crespo scored. And scored again. 2 swift finishes from some sweet midfield passing. I had this warm feeling inside and decided to go back to work after halftime - having taken a late lunch
Halftime ended, I thought, 'you know what? 10 more minutes'. Then Gerrard scored. I thought 'you know what? let's just wait till the end'. Then Smicer scored and I got this sinking feeling. How that ball went in I'll never know. And then Gerrard crumpled easily in the box and I knew Milan were fooked. Alonso muffed the shot but Milan were static on the rebound and he rushed to convert. Thereafter I could not believe how Dudek kept out Milan and especially Sheva's shot at the end of extra time. There has never been such all round defensive ineptitude in a final and never will be again.
Penalties were nerve wracking and once Smicer converted his kick, I knew the comeback was complete. As circular as things are in football - 2 years after scoring the winning penalty, Shevchenko missed the decisive one this time.
2006 - Barcelona 2 - 1 Arsenal
The trick to English clubs winning the Champions' League final is to spot the opposition a goal or three and then mount a comeback. Arsenal obviously missed that class because instead of handing them a goal advantage they let Barcelona go a man up and then actually took the lead.
After having waited my whole life to see the Gunners reach the final I was determined not to let Lehmann's sending off spoil my mood. Playing 1-0 down with 11 men seemed a lot worse than leading 1-0 with 10 once Campbell got his head onto the end of Henry's free kick and scored. I was ecstatic. But I will admit it was a dive by Eboue. Still Rooney's dive cost us our unbeaten run and Barca dive plenty so I wasn't unduly morally shocked.
Beating the best team in the world with 11 men is hard enough - beating them with 10 is nigh impossible. Atleast we held out for 75 minutes. Arsenal were better in losing than many teams are in winning and we battled and fought right to the end. If Henry had taken his chance when he turned in Eboue's cross things would have been over much earlier.
I actually thought the opening goal would be enough but once Larsson came on he changed things. First, Samuel Eto'o scored a good goal at the far post. I felt Almunia should have gotten something onto it as he was in position but hey it's Eto'o. Belletti's goal though was a shocker - it went off the inside of Almunia' leg. What the bloody hell. Perhaps it would have been better if Lehmann had stayed on.
Still I couldn't complain - Barcelona had beaten us fair and square and it was a good final I guess. I was proud of Arsenal. I knew they'd be back.
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The Calm before the Storm I
Sunday, 11 February 07, 03:16 AM
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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UEFA Champions League 2008, Manchester United, Roma, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Valencia, Celtic, Chelsea, Lille 
England