Which of the BPL’s sides have the Best Chance to Progress?

Chelsea
For Chelsea, a 1-1 draw at PSG hailed a very Jose Mourinho performance as they kept the scoreline relatively low and manageable. Obviously this is a much better result than the one from last season, where the English side lost 3-1 at this stage in the quarterfinals. However, Chelsea have to be wary, as the French side know they need a result at Stamford Bridge to progress. This could prove to be a tricky matchup because of this, as the French side will most likely be much more committed in their offensive third than what we saw last season in the quarterfinals, which of course Chelsea won 2-0 in the end, progressing into the semis. However, Chelsea have the advantage, and knowing that PSG will most likely commit players forward; this will give plenty of space for Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and co to exploit the French backline.

Arsenal
Perhaps the most shocking display out of all the English clubs in the CL, Arsenal comfortably lost 3-1 at home against a very cohesive Monaco side, another French club. Monaco, who conceded only one goal in the group stage, while only scoring four in the same token, managed to score three at the Emirates. It was, for all intents and purposes, a very immature response from the Gunners, who played at a very lethargic pace for most of the match. This was perhaps the only matchup for the English sides in the Round of 16 where the English club itself was the favorites to progress. It appeared that Arsenal had indeed caught a break in terms of Champions League opponents, as the Gunners had to deal with the likes of Bayern Munich (twice), Barcelona, and AC Milan in previous installments of the competition. However that complacency and relief had crept into their performance. It is possible for Arsene Wenger’s side to progress, as they do have enough quality in their attacking third, however it is very unlikely for the London side to keep a clean sheet while scoring three against a comprehensive and clinical Monaco side.

Manchester City
Heading to the Camp Nou with a deficit scoreline is never good for any opponent, even if it is the English champions. They will be the latest club to be given the task to overcome it. This tie is still comfortably in Barcelona’s hands, however with the return of Yaya Toure, Manchester City will gain the sorely needed composure and power in the midfield that they lacked against Barcelona in the first leg. Sergio Aguero and David Silva can put any defense to the sword as well. However, it is the defensive display that needs much improvement if City hope to progress in the competition at one of the favorites’ expense. The likes of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi simply proved to be too much for the experience backline that included Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis. At the Camp Nou, where the Spanish side look the strongest, one can expect that it will be the favorites to go through.

Prediction:
1/3 English Clubs to go through (Chelsea)

Michael Skok
Football Editor for
Polish-American Portal www.Poland.us
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