Champions League and Bayern Preview

Flag
By Boris Mellor
March 9 2005

Tuesday was a strange evening of second leg results. Who would have expected that overall Chelsea would let in four goals, and Man U score none?

The punters certainly got their moneys worth with Chelsea and Barca; at 5-4 in total a veritable ice hockey score (where have I heard that before?). One lesson to be learnt from Barca’s defeat is that if you have a go at Chelsea’s defence they are not infallible. Unfortunately neither was Barca’s. How can Rikaard persist with Van Bronckhurst at full back? A decent back and they might have won.

Meanwhile Ferguson went for broke with Ronaldo, Van Nistlerooy, Rooney and Giggs up front, and failed to score a single goal. True Giggs came very close in the first half, but AC Milan’s defence was too good for them. AC Milan looks the best team in the competition by far, and their defence will give few chances away, let alone goals.

Bayern Preview

Tomorrow will be an against the odds struggle for Arsenal, but they do have a chance. It was good to hear Henry say in the pre game interview that they must defend as a team, and from the front; something we did not do in Germany. It’s not just up to the defence, after all the defence helped the forwards out at Bayern, they must attack and defend as a team. If that does not happen 100% tonight the Gunners will be found wanting. Vieira must also help organise the defence,as Kolo and Senderos lack the experience to do that.

Bayern will utilise Highbury’s narrow pitch to keep the last third crowded and chances to a minimum. They will also look for the break if the Gunners get too anxious to score and push up too far. Its important the crowd get behind the team, and be patient if the first goal does not come that early. It will not be easy but Wenger believes it’s possible, he is quite right to. Arsene will not have to write a team talk, he should just quote Bollock ""It is Roy's 30th birthday on Wednesday and we have told him his present will be a place in the last eight". If that doesnt inspire the team nothing will.

On the plus side the cavalry returns, Bergkamp and Reyes, on the minus side there are big doubts over Edu, and Pires. Almunia and Cygan are both out and will not be on the bench. But Freddy, Van Persie and Quincy are all available. Our glut of right backs has dried up, with Eboue not qualified, Hoyte has been injured, and Toure needed for centre back. So Ralph has won his place back.