Tuesday Champions League Showdown

By Dominic Vieira

It’s the second round of the last 16 in the Champions League. It is now or never, make or break. Tuesdays kicks off with two huge clashes, Arsenal vs FC Porto and Fiorentina vs Bayern Munich, both at 19:45 GMT.

Arsenal vs Porto (1-2 aggregate)

Despite the goal disadvantage, Arsenal will be considered favourites for this encounter. However, never underestimate Portuguese sides in Europe; remember what Porto did to United in 2004 and Benfica to Liverpool in 2006? The Gunners have a colossal challenge ahead of them; they will be missing their captain and leader Cesc Fabregas. Porto has a strong midfield which enjoys dominating the game, and without Cesc in the middle of the park Arsenal may be constantly forced under high pressure and will have to be chasing the ball often.

The other players who join Cesc on the sidelines are: William Gallas, Aaron Ramsey, Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou. Porto, played a poor match on the weekend against Olhanense at home (2-2), but they did rest Rolando and Raul Meireles and they are boosted by the return of Hulk, who could be the match winner of the match. Arsenal can win this match without their captain if they play their good football and Arshavin and Nasri deliver, they could end this match with a comfortable victory. But, Porto is a fast and efficient team and if Arsenal loses concentration at the back, it is game over. Hulk and Falcao don’t miss their chances and they are not the only threats imposing the Arsenal defence. Luckily for Wenger, Fernando – Porto’s anchor man - is injured for the match.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Almunia; Sagna, Vermaelen, Campbell, Clichy; Diaby, Song, Rosicky; Nasri, Eduardo, Arshavin

Porto (4-3-3): Helton, Fucile, Bruno Alves, Rolando, Álvaro Pereira; Belluschi, Tomás Costa, Raul Meireles; Hulk, Falcao, Mariano González

Prediction: Arsenal 0 – 2 Porto, Porto have the experience, quality and intelligence to finish off the leg in style. They will be underdogs for the game but this won’t bother them, if they are fully concentrated and determined, they can win. But, if Arsenal is in the right mood and playing the correct football, they could thrash the Portuguese champions. A miss which can’t be missed!

Fiorentina vs Bayern Munich (1-2 aggregate)

Bayern Munich controversially won the first tie at the Allianz Arena and Fiorentina will be seeking revenge. Bayern will not be expected to sit back for this match and are not fielding a defensively minded side; the job is not yet complete. Bayern Munich will hope to break down the Italian side through star players Robben and Ribery, who are lethal. With Mario Gomez and Mueller in the box ready to finish, Bayern could enjoy a goal festival at the Artemio Franchi. That is highly unlikely in this encounter, Bayern may be a strong side on paper but they are not having the greatest of seasons; their football is not being played at a high true champion level. Jovetic will be the key man for Fiorentina and with Gilardino alone up front; they will constantly be threatening the German defence. Also, the Italians are boosted with the return of Vargas who will be a constant headache for Lahm. Fiorentina are without goal scorer Mutu (suspension) and Gobbi (sent off on the first leg) but will be field a strong team. They are entering this game with a defeat against Juventus on the weekend. Bayern Muncih, current league leaders in the Bundesliga will definitely miss centre back Martin Demichelis; this will certainly be beneficial for the Italian side as there is a gap in the German wall.

Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Frey; Comotto, Kroldrup, Felipe, Pasqual; Zanetti, Montolivo; Marchionni, Jovetic, Vargas; Gilardino

Bayern Munich (4-4-2): Butt; Lahm, Van Buyten, Badstuber, Pranjic; Robben, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger, Ribery; Gomez, Mueller

Prediction: Fiorentina 1 -3 Bayern Munich. The Bavarians are playing with a lethal, offensive, and deadly side, they will constantly threaten Fiorentina and have the capability of outclassing them. Van Gaal’s experience will play a big role for them also. But, it is not a one way challenge, if Bayern fail to deliver, Fiorentina will pounce and strike. An intense match battle which promises goals!

How do you think these two matches will unfold?