2018/2019 Uefa Champions League Quarter Final Analysis & Predictions

Over the years, if you are a football manager, player or a fan, the Uefa Champions League is a center of
interest for everyone.
It is a different league, which allows various top clubs from different European leagues to be
competitive on a big stage.
This year we have seen the likes of top clubs drop out at group stage and knockout stage seen Bayern
Munchen, Real Madrid, Psg and many others dropped out. This goes to say every team needs to play at their very best.

Below are the 2018/2019 Uefa Champions League Quarter Final draw matches and my thoughts:

1. Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
With the qualification of all English teams, a draw fixture with two England teams was inevitable.
With Spurs testing their new stadium, this will be a good motivation but like we have seen both teams
in the Premier League, City has been more consistent.
At Wembley Stadium, City won Spurs. This is the Champions League and with experience from Josep
Guardiola over the years, he will send his players out to play at their best and not to undermine this
Spurs team.
Hence for the England fans, every fans eye will be on this game.
I tip Josep and his players to win this stage.
Manchester City to Win.

2. Ajax vs Juventus
Ajax did a great job to qualify from their group and their win against Real Madrid was remarkable, but
facing the old ladies brings another hurdle for this genetic team. Obviously Allegri and his players must
be weary about this Ajax team.
Juventus on the other hand lost at Atletico Madrid home but with the experienced players, they turned it
around. Regardless Ajax are the underdogs playing against an experienced hungry Juventus team which
over the years have their eyes on the Champions League Trophy.
The questions for this draw are;
A. Can Ajax repeat same performance against Real Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with Juventus.
B. Will Juventus who have been consistent allow this Ajax team knock them out?.
These questions make this draw a must watch.
I would tip Juventus to win this draw, with their wealth of experience and the hunger to lift this trophy.
I feel Juventus are aware of the threat they face and will not let this Ajax team stop their dream for
lifting the Uefa Champions League Trophy this season.
Juventus to Win.

3. Manchester United vs Barcelona
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done a great job inspiring his players that they are “United” and can not settle
for less, these led to Manchester United to unbeaten run in the Premier League, until Arsenal broke
their unbeaten run. With a few players coming back from injury, will they be fit on time to play the way
Ole want them to play.
This is a tough draw for Ole and his players, can his team withstand the attack threat from Barcelona.
Barcelona on the other hand remembers how United dumped Psg out against all odds especially after
the first leg at Old Trafford, so i expect there will be no slack from Barcelona and they will play like
their lives depends on it.
I would tip Barcelona to win this draw.
Barcelona to Win.

4. Liverpool vs Porto
Liverpool won Bayern Munchen at Allianz Arena, both matches were tough but Liverpool came
through, also Porto match with Roma went down to extra time and they won Roma.
Liverpool have had a taste of the Uefa Champions League final, but the question is, judging from their
performance this season, do they play like they want it? My answer is YES.
Another question is can Porto cause an upset in this draw?.
With Mane, Firmino and Salah, Porto will have to do the impossible to defend well and play on any
counter to win.
I would tip Liverpool to win this draw, cause i feel Liverpool stand a chance to face Barcelona in the
Semi-Finals and possibly qualify for the Champions League Final.
Liverpool to Win.

Finally, i believe none of these fixtures will be a walk in the park for any club, it will be a tough fight
and I can not wait for the games.
Jose Mourinho must have predicted Barcelona vs Juventus final, i am tempted to agree but on the other
hand, i feel Liverpool stand a big chance. When you watch Liverpool play, they have a great
goalkeeper, great defence (Robertson and Arnold ready to defend and attack), good midfield and great
attack (with Mane, Firmino and Salah goals are not lacking). I feel they can defend as a team,
withstand Barcelona attack, but i do not feel Barcelona defense can withstand Liverpool attack as a
team.
I would rather predict a Liverpool vs Juventus for the Uefa Champions League Final.