Well, I must say 'hats off' UEFA, cos I was sure that there would be a fix of some sort to ensure there would be no possibility of us against the Mancs in Athens.
Second, the draw has been excellent... very closely matched up games with no stand-out favourites. surely the most open European Cup in years?
Anyone can win the QF's, and equally the SF's will be nailbiters too.
For my money, the most clear favourites in the 4 games are Bayern. Personally (and I wait to be shot down) I consider the weakest team of the 8 left.. at this minute.. are Milan. On the other hand, Bayern are a danger. I consider that if Kaka is stopped, Milan are toothless, simple as that. And Bayern certainly have the players and the method to do that. Can only see one outcome in this fixture, and thinking of the semi-final, that should do very nicely if we progress.
Chelsea to win v Valencia... in a nail-biter. I think Chelsea will go through after a decent first leg in London. But there will be sweating in the Mestalla as their lead gets pulled back. However, I do feel that Chelsea are starting to hit form again, and if there are also a few Valencia players suspended, this will tip the balance in favour of the rent-boys.
I also think United will, very, very narrowly beat Roma. Possibly after ET or penalties. I fancy them to score in Rome, but equally, I can see Roma score in Mancland. The key to this one will be the Manc injury list/fixture logjam etc. If Middlesborough can force a Cup replay on Saturday, and if Saha etc stay out, start to swing the balance Roma's way. All things being equal though, I feel a full strength United will have a little bit more than Roma.
Bringing me to.... the big one.
Now, if anyone thinks this is a foregone conclusion... get a reality check please. As one of the few who forecast a difficult encounter last year v Benfica (amongst a lot of daft euphoria), please pay heed. These are probably one of the 3 hardest sides to beat over 2, where I include Bayern and Chelsea. One of the sides who would be delighted with a 0-0 at home. Think about that... I mean European sides; we will find them very hard to break down. They will be confident in posession, feel they can strangle us in Eindhoven, and get a goal at Anfield. Exactly the type of side we don't do well against, in my opinion. However, I do feel that we can beat them; but I would have been delighted if Man Utd had drawn this lot to be honest. It will be very close, and I forecast much anxiety before the end. If we can grab a goal away... game over. But if we come to Anfield with 0, it could be a really tough night. Bring it on!
As for the semis and beyond.... all I will say is that I would love to see Bayern v Mancs. Only one winner there for me. So the way is on for a LFC/Bayern final. And if that happens, Bayern are without doubt the one side I'd prefer in a one-off match rather than over 2 legs of the current last 8.