Champions League - Quarter Finals

[kinboshi]

With 4 teams from one country in the final 8 (for the first time), does this mean that the English Premiership is the best in Europe?  Or does it mean that it has the best top 4 in Europe?  Or does it mean that they've been lucky this year?



Barca are the favourites, but they aren't in a great vein of form at the moment in La Liga.  Who is the best value, and I wonder how much the odds will change once the draw is made on Friday?

I'm sure no one wants to play the English sides or Barca (out of choice). 

[TheChipPrince]

I still dont think the overall quality of the 20 Premier teams matches the Spanish league, and the top 4 are about the same as the top 4 Spanish teams, and they've just had a good year...

[Rooky9]

I'd fancy all the English teams, apart from Chelsea, to beat Barca over two legs - no Messi, no on form Henry and Ronaldinho isnt playing like he was two years ago. Add to that a slow defence (like most the european sides have) and I dont think 'our' teams have anything to be affraid of.

I think in the past we've kind of assumed that the Real Madrids/Barca/AC Milans of the world are better than the English teams based on their name. Liverpool have played a real part over the last three years in showing that these teams are not untouchable and in doing so probably taken away any edge they had. I think the top 4 English teams are better than the top 4 from all the other leagues.

[Matt.NFFC.]

Realistically, you could break the English Premiership into 3 groups.  You have the same top 4, then you have maybe 5 or 6 capable of being just outside, then the rest will always be down at the foot.  I don't expect any "shock" teams to be up there for a number of years.
You could argue that its the same in Spain and Italy as you could almost predict the top 5 before a ball is even kicked, but I do think "our" top 4 is a little stronger than other countries.

[The Baron]

I'd fancy all the English teams, apart from Chelsea, to beat Barca over two legs - no Messi, no on form Henry and Ronaldinho isnt playing like he was two years ago. Add to that a slow defence (like most the european sides have) and I dont think 'our' teams have anything to be affraid of.

I think in the past we've kind of assumed that the Real Madrids/Barca/AC Milans of the world are better than the English teams based on their name. Liverpool have played a real part over the last three years in showing that these teams are not untouchable and in doing so probably taken away any edge they had. I think the top 4 English teams are better than the top 4 from all the other leagues.

I agree with most of that.

In the past I do however think Milan, Real, Barca etc were the best teams in the world. They humped Man U most of the way through the 90's. Real were amazing when they were just the football team. And Milan since 2000 have probably been the best team about. They just aren't as good any more. The last 3 years or so English teams results prove they are better. The last 3 CL finals have all had English teams in them.

I think the EPL top 4 is by far the strongest 4 in Europe. It's not even close. Where I think Spain comes good though is in it's top 10-12. Nearly all are technically good sides. After Spurs in the EPL you dont have technically gifted teams really. Fast, yes. Strong, yes. Powerful, yes. But not technically adept. The Villas, Evertons and Pompeys are very English teams. It's all blood, guts and thunder but with no real chance of winning a Uefa Cup vs superior lower league teams in Europe.

My value bet for the CL is Roma. I saw them lose to Man U narrowly at Old Trafford in the group stages and have looked great ever since. They have good strength in depth too.

[TightEnd]

Arsenal at over 5-1 must be the best value?

sure the British teams all want to draw Roma, Schalke, Fenerbache and avoid each other, Barca

[turny]

I'd fancy all the English teams, apart from Chelsea, to beat Barca over two legs - no Messi, no on form Henry and Ronaldinho isnt playing like he was two years ago. Add to that a slow defence (like most the european sides have) and I dont think 'our' teams have anything to be affraid of.

 

[Rooky9]

I'd fancy all the English teams, apart from Chelsea, to beat Barca over two legs - no Messi, no on form Henry and Ronaldinho isnt playing like he was two years ago. Add to that a slow defence (like most the european sides have) and I dont think 'our' teams have anything to be affraid of.

 

Whats funny?!! Chelsea aren't as big a force in the CL as the other three - surely that can't be disputed?!!!

[turny]

people just cant resist a dig at chelse just makes me laugh!

so why not?

[Rooky9]

Believe me I am very cautious not to make digs at other teams at the moment - my house is made of very brittle glass.

I just think that Man U and Arsenal are both better than Chelsea - far more penetrative, imaginative and confident. I also think that they have a better manager and a unity behind them. Liverpool whilst prob not as strong on paper 9and in the league) just seem to suit the format. They are strong at the back (even with the weaker individuals in the team) and have two top class players in the form of their life and gelling.

[turny]

chelsea have reached 2 out the last 4 semi finals, yes i know only to lose them!
they have beaten barcelona over 2 legs in that time.

i think if grant plays the right team chelsea have a chance,definetly as good a chance as the other 3 british teams.


 just dont get this liverpool thing! they are out of both domestic cups, out the running for the league and have been for months but are supposed to have such a wonderful team! i just dont get it lol

[Rooky9]

chelsea have reached 2 out the last 4 semi finals, yes i know only to lose them!
they have beaten barcelona over 2 legs in that time.

i think if grant plays the right team chelsea have a chance,definetly as good a chance as the other 3 british teams.


 just dont get this liverpool thing! they are out of both domestic cups, out the running for the league and have been for months but are supposed to have such a wonderful team! i just dont get it lol

Chelsea are also out of both domestic cups, and out the running for the league! Okay, that one is a tongue in cheek dig!

Your line about grant picking the 'right Chelsea team' confirms two points.

Firstly, I'm not convinced he can/will and therefore they stand less chance - and your use of the word if and probably having seen more of them than me suggests you think that too?
Secondly Rafa B does now pick the right team in this competition and the reason they are so far off the pace in the league is that he hasnt played his best team consistantly.

[ACE2M]

chelsea have reached 2 out the last 4 semi finals, yes i know only to lose them!
they have beaten barcelona over 2 legs in that time.

i think if grant plays the right team chelsea have a chance,definetly as good a chance as the other 3 british teams.


 just dont get this liverpool thing! they are out of both domestic cups, out the running for the league and have been for months but are supposed to have such a wonderful team! i just dont get it lol

Chelsea are also out of both domestic cups, and out the running for the league! Okay, that one is a tongue in cheek dig!

Your line about grant picking the 'right Chelsea team' confirms two points.

Firstly, I'm not convinced he can/will and therefore they stand less chance - and your use of the word if and probably having seen more of them than me suggests you think that too?
Secondly Rafa B does now pick the right team in this competition and the reason they are so far off the pace in the league is that he hasnt played his best team consistantly.

does winning one mean they are now out it?

[turny]

chelsea have reached 2 out the last 4 semi finals, yes i know only to lose them!
they have beaten barcelona over 2 legs in that time.

i think if grant plays the right team chelsea have a chance,definetly as good a chance as the other 3 british teams.


 just dont get this liverpool thing! they are out of both domestic cups, out the running for the league and have been for months but are supposed to have such a wonderful team! i just dont get it lol

Chelsea are also out of both domestic cups, and out the running for the league! Okay, that one is a tongue in cheek dig!

Your line about grant picking the 'right Chelsea team' confirms two points.

Firstly, I'm not convinced he can/will and therefore they stand less chance - and your use of the word if and probably having seen more of them than me suggests you think that too?
Secondly Rafa B does now pick the right team in this competition and the reason they are so far off the pace in the league is that he hasnt played his best team consistantly.

didnt say otherwise regards domestic cups but then im not claiming we have 4 players worthy of a world X1 like some liverpool fans on here do.

the thing that puts man u and arsenal above the other 2 is simple, there managers are class! rafa and grant arent good enough when the chips are down imo

[turny]

chelsea have reached 2 out the last 4 semi finals, yes i know only to lose them!
they have beaten barcelona over 2 legs in that time.

i think if grant plays the right team chelsea have a chance,definetly as good a chance as the other 3 british teams.


 just dont get this liverpool thing! they are out of both domestic cups, out the running for the league and have been for months but are supposed to have such a wonderful team! i just dont get it lol

Chelsea are also out of both domestic cups, and out the running for the league! Okay, that one is a tongue in cheek dig!

Your line about grant picking the 'right Chelsea team' confirms two points.

Firstly, I'm not convinced he can/will and therefore they stand less chance - and your use of the word if and probably having seen more of them than me suggests you think that too?
Secondly Rafa B does now pick the right team in this competition and the reason they are so far off the pace in the league is that he hasnt played his best team consistantly.

does winning one mean they are now out it?

enlighten me which did they win?