This probably is cutting it too close to do anybody any good, but let’s face it – how much good did you expect it to do for you anyway. Here they are, though, the WCR Champions League semifinals predictions.
So far, we have had much better fortune in the Champions League than in the UEFA Cup. After going 6-2 in the first knockout stage, we were 3-1 in the quarterfinals (frisky Chelsea surprised us by upending Liverpool) to leave us at 75%.
What’s going to happen in the next round? Who knows. But my picks are consistent with both my rankings and your voting.
Seventy percent (152/218) of you believe that Manchester United will advance past Arsenal in the all-English half of the draw. Arsenal has been playing very well recently, not losing a Premiership match since November (if I remember correctly), but even with that recent success, it is not even mentioned as a possibility that it can chase down Manchester United for the Premiership title. With the exception of a recent loss in the FA Cup to Everton on penalty kicks, United has been consistently dominant the entire season, most of which it has spent atop the WCR Top 25 Rankings. I believe the talent level is too high and I see Manchester United advancing.
Manchester United 4 Arsenal 2 (aggregate)
With respect to the half-English half of the draw (and the only matchup in this round of either European competition to feature clubs from different nations), I think the battle will be closer. Barcelona once held a lead in the Spanish Primera Division that appeared to be insurmountable. By Sunday night, that lead could be one point. Chelsea, on the other hand, has been more consistent this season. Unfortunately for Chelsea, that consistency included a tough going against good clubs until it pulled off the upset of Liverpool at Anfield. Chelsea is a good enough club to win it all, but I think Barcelona is a good enough club to prevent that.
Barcelona 3 Chelsea 2 (aggregate)
I’ll be back tomorrow with UEFA Cup predictions. Enjoy the matches!!!
So far, we have had much better fortune in the Champions League than in the UEFA Cup. After going 6-2 in the first knockout stage, we were 3-1 in the quarterfinals (frisky Chelsea surprised us by upending Liverpool) to leave us at 75%.
What’s going to happen in the next round? Who knows. But my picks are consistent with both my rankings and your voting.
Seventy percent (152/218) of you believe that Manchester United will advance past Arsenal in the all-English half of the draw. Arsenal has been playing very well recently, not losing a Premiership match since November (if I remember correctly), but even with that recent success, it is not even mentioned as a possibility that it can chase down Manchester United for the Premiership title. With the exception of a recent loss in the FA Cup to Everton on penalty kicks, United has been consistently dominant the entire season, most of which it has spent atop the WCR Top 25 Rankings. I believe the talent level is too high and I see Manchester United advancing.
Manchester United 4 Arsenal 2 (aggregate)
With respect to the half-English half of the draw (and the only matchup in this round of either European competition to feature clubs from different nations), I think the battle will be closer. Barcelona once held a lead in the Spanish Primera Division that appeared to be insurmountable. By Sunday night, that lead could be one point. Chelsea, on the other hand, has been more consistent this season. Unfortunately for Chelsea, that consistency included a tough going against good clubs until it pulled off the upset of Liverpool at Anfield. Chelsea is a good enough club to win it all, but I think Barcelona is a good enough club to prevent that.
Barcelona 3 Chelsea 2 (aggregate)
I’ll be back tomorrow with UEFA Cup predictions. Enjoy the matches!!!
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