European season has reached its half way point, and the EPL has once again entertained fans worldwide during the festive season whilst all other major European leagues take their winter/Christmas break.
Much has been written & said about the nonsensical levels of transfer money that continues to infest the beautiful game & widens the game between "the Have & Have Not" Clubs in Europe.
However, most commentators seem to ignore the fact that it is not just the crazy levels of money to buy the very best that is shaping the game in Europe & who wins the top price ie the Champions League.
The modern tactical approach to the game by master tacticians such as Angelotti, Mourinho, Guardiola, Simone & a few other coaches has become so complex & difficult to implement that only the most skilful top players are capable of meeting the challenge of applying the modern tactics.
This means that realistically, only Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Barcelona (in that order) have the quality players who are capable of winning the Champions League. The likes of Atletico Madrid, PSG, Dortmund, Juventus, Porto & Arsenal can & may in fact surprise the favourites but one of the favourites will win the Champions League this year.
Here's my tip for this year's round of 16 (I got 8/8 right last season)
Chelsea will overcome PSG as long as Mourinho does not allow the New Year's Day 5-3 loss to Spurs to affect the team's confidence.
Barcelona will once again beat the unlucky Manchester City. Whilst man City can curse their luck in drawing Bayern in the group stage AND Barcelona in the round of 16 for the 2nd successive season, they have had many narrow wins this season & against Messi & Co they will not be able to get away with luck!
Atletco Madrid will be too strong for as usual unpredictable Bayer Leverkusen whilst Real Madrid, Bayern & Arsenal will also dispose of their opponents.
I have never been too impressed with Juventus despite their comprehensive Serie A wins in the last few years. However, with Dortmund fighting a surprising relegation battle in the Bundesliga, Juventus will have a huge chance to beat Dortmund as I expect Klopp & Dortmund to concentrate on Bundesliga in February.
......Which brings us to Porto vs Basel...........Porto have been very entertaining to watch whilst Basel have once again overachieved by eliminating Liverpool (and in doing so pull the curtain down on Steven Gerard's European club career).......I would like to see Basel to progress but Porto are too fast & silky & should win over two legs.
And as for this season's dark horses, the unpredictability of Manchester City & their talisman Aguaro (when fit) qualifies the EPL Champions for the tag!
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