Champions League Round of 16 Early Predictions

The most exciting yearly tournament in Soccer is down to the sixteen best clubs in the world. I have some predictions though the games aren’t nearly for two months. There are two legs in each round and the aggregate score of the two games will determine the winner.

AS Roma (ITA) vs. FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)

Roma is led by a solid group of Italian players which should be able to stifle Shakhtar. I don’t see the Series A team losing this one.

Prediction: AS Roma (5-1)

 AC Milan (ITA) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

This is definitely one of the more intriguing matchups in the first round. Zlatan Ibrahminovic, the club’s big pickup in the previous transfer window, is a scary Swedish striker who is going to give the Tottenham defensive units fits. Tottenham is getting a lot of respect with their showing here, but Cinderella is going home.

Prediction: AC Milan (6-4)

Valencia CF (ESP) vs. FC Schalke 04 (GER)

Not a very exciting matchup, gonna go with the Spaniards though.

Prediction: Valencia CF (5-4)

FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) vs. Bayern München (GER)

Last year’s final gives us an exciting first round matchup. This is going to be stellar. Two exciting legs, but the impressiveness of the German heavy Bayern squad has me thinking Inter is gonna have an early exit this tournament.

Prediction: Bayern München (5-4)

Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) vs. Real Madrid (ESP)

Real is sick. Only weakness was the Barca game. Kaka and Christiano Ronaldo are going to get the French club the boot real early.

Prediction: Real Madrid  (8-3)

Arsenal (ENG) vs. FC Barcelona (ESP)

FC Barcelona is playing the best football in the world with the three best players in the world in Iniesta, Xavi, and Messi. Arsenal is on a resurgence, but is there any question that Barca is the odds on favorite to  take the champions league?

Prediction: FC Barcelona (8-1)

Olympique de Marseille (FRA) vs. Manchester United (ENG)

The French clubs are in for a rude awakening when the Premierships top of the table stomps on Marseille.

Prediction: Manchester United (4-1)

FC København (DEN) vs. Chelsea FC (ENG)

Chelsea is slipping right now but Drogba and co will run the Copenhager.

Prediction: Chelsea FC (5-2)


-Mike Serra (@MikeSerra90)