English Teams Dominate Champions League
Four Premiership Sides In Last Eight Of Europe's Biggest Competition
Mar 13, 2009
The UEFA Champions League is the place where the men of European football are sorted from the boys. No matter how much UEFA President Michel Platini may want to tinker with the format, the ideal behind the competition remains the same - to determine the best side in Europe over the course of any given season.
This season, four of the eight teams in the quarter-finals are based in England; this leaves little doubt as to which national league is at the pinnacle of European football. However, it remains to be seen whether an English team will take home the trophy for the fourth time since 1999. Which one of the four teams stands the best chance of taking home the European Cup?
Chelsea
Since the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari in February and the appointment of interim manager Guus Hiddink, Chelsea are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions. Their 3-2 aggregate victory over a strong Juventus side will be another fillip for Hiddink as he looks to assert himself on a squad full of stars, but often accused of lacking motivation, and as a former European Cup-winning manager with PSV Eindhoven in 1988, Hiddink knows what it takes to succeed in European competition.
With Michael Essien recently returning to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, Chelsea have regained one of their most influential players - however, they will need to address Frank Lampard's current indifferent form if their midfield are to truly dominate. They will also be hoping that perceived egomaniacs Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka can put aside their personal concerns, and concentrate on forming the lethal strike partnership they can often be when on top form.
Chances:Hiddink's expertise should guide them to at least a semi-final, but they are not the best team in this competition. Unlikely to win.
Liverpool
Rafael Benitez' unsurpassed knack for getting results in European competition continued this week, as Liverpool flat-out demolished Spanish giants Real Madrid 4-0. Their performance was filled with verve and vigour, at a time when most were expecting a display of cautious pragmatism. Their triumph in the 2005 Champions League, after being 3-0 down at half-time in the final, was one of European football's greatest shocks, and Benitez can take much of the credit.
Liverpool's potential success this season will rely largely on the fitness and availability of their two key players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. That is not to say Liverpool are a two-man team, but with Gerrard and Torres working together as against Real Madrid, they are a force to be reckoned with. They will also be hoping that their reliable central defensive partnership of Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel is not broken up by injury, as both have proven invaluable this season.
Chances: Should make the semi-finals. Potential winners if the draw works in their favour.
Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson's men lie seven points clear at the top of the English Premiership with a game in hand. They are the reigning World Club Champions, reigning European Champions, and recent winners of the Carling Cup. They recently went on a run of fourteen Premiership games without conceding a goal, and are in with a chance of completing an historic 'quintuple' this season, which would involve winning every competition they entered.
So what arguments are there against Manchester United winning absolutely everything possible this season? Not many, but there are some. Their success in last year's competition was achieved at a time when Cristiano Ronaldo was at his scintillating best - this season, he has been a shadow of his former self. Criticisms still abound over Dimitar Berbatov's workrate, particularly in high-profile matches; their midfield lacks mobility and energy at times. These small weaknesses will have to be exploited if any team is to defeat them.
Chances:If there is any justice, they will meet Barcelona in the final. Without a doubt, one of the two best teams in Europe.
Arsenal
Since finishing as runners-up to Barcelona in 2006, Arsenal's Champions League record has been good on paper, but has featured many patchy performances. This season has been no different. They triumphed over Roma in the second round, but only on penalties after a shaky performance. Arsène Wenger's men lack experience and European pedigree, but are coming into an improved vein of form at the right time.
The return of Eduardo and Theo Walcott to Champions League action against Roma was a huge boost for the Gunners - with Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky hoping to return to first-team football by the end of the season, Arsenal could have close to a first-choice XI available by the time the final rolls around, with the exception of the ineligible Andrei Arshavin. However, their patchy performances this year dictate that they will be a difficult side to bet on if they come up against an in-form side such as Lyon's destroyers Barcelona, or Sporting Lisbon's destroyers Bayern Munich.
Chances:Will need a favourable draw to get past the quarter-finals. By far the least likely of the four English teams to triumph.
The Verdict
When all is said and done, it is clear that English football is riding the crest of a wave at the moment. These four teams do not even represent the top four teams in the Premiership table as it stands, after the recent success of Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa and his squad dominated by young, English talent. Whatever the outcome of this season's Champions League, one can be sure that the Italian and Spanish leagues - often seen as the Premiership's main competitors - will be playing catch-up for the foreseeable future.
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