Porto v Manchester United (agg 2-2)Touchline duel: Jesualdo Ferreira v Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferreira outwitted Ferguson in the first leg by masterminding an early blitz. Having started with Wayne Rooney as a lone striker, Ferguson was quickly forced to bolster his front-line to fight fire with fire.
Key battle: Bruno Alves v Wayne Rooney
Porto defender Alves was exposed on countless occasions by Rooney at Old Trafford and it was his careless back pass that led to the United forward's first-half equaliser. Alves is likely to have both Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov on his radar tonight, so any more wobbles could play into United's hands.
Talking tactics
United are at their best when they honour the club's traditions with cavalier, attacking football and nothing else will do in Estadio do Dragao.The need to outscore Porto could suit United. Porto face a tactical dilemma – do they sit on an away-goal lead or kill the game off?
My Predictions:
United need an early goal to get their confidence back, and have to keep Porto's front three in check. I am going with a United victory. Fc Porto 1-2 Manchester United
Arsenal v Villarrea(agg 1-1)
Touchline duel Arsene Wenger v Manuel Pellegrini
A clash between two of the more thoughtful and long-serving managers in European football. The Champions League remains the one glaring omission on Arsene Wenger’s CV and, with a relatively favourable draw, he will regard this season as one of his best opportunities. Pellegrini believes Arsenal were fortunate in the first leg to escape with a draw.
Key battle Giuseppe Rossi v Kolo Toure
Rossi, a former Manchester United forward, caused Arsenal plenty of problems in the first leg with his pace and movement. He also inadvertently collided with Manuel Almunia and William Gallas to leave both players injured. Toure was superb last week and will need a similar performance to lead a makeshift Arsenal back line.
Villarreal succeeded in out-numbering Arsenal in the key midfield areas last week, though the unavailability of Marcos Senna in central midfield is a considerable blow. Pellegrini must decide if he should start Robert Pires against his former club while Wenger has to choose the best role for Cesc Fabregas: in behind Adebayor or as a holding
My Predictions:
Arsenal at home is an absolute different preposition, the brand of football they play is best in Europe( Barcelona fans may disagree). Arsenal's weakness is their defence but Villareal has yet to score in England and come the night it wont change. I am going with a comfortable Arsenal win.
Arsenal 2-0 Villareal
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