ClapTwo years ago, English football hit a real pinnacle within the context of European football when both the UEFA Champions League final and UEFA Europa league final were contested by all-English clubs. Liverpool played Tottenham and Arsenal played Chelsea and while neither game was particularly magnificent, the accomplishment alone is pretty exciting.
Now, bizarrely, we’re in a position whereby it could happen again. Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are all one two-legged semi-final away from the final of either the UCL or the UEL.
Today, we’re going to give our thoughts on who is going to reach that landmark moment.
Real Madrid vs. Chelsea
There’s something about Chelsea this season that is going us major “Roberto Di Matteo” vibes from when he was able to lead the Blues to FA Cup and Champions League success in the same season.
It may sound a bit much to suggest Tuchel is on the same sort of trajectory but at the end of the day, the proof is in the pudding.
They look like legitimate contenders whereas Real Madrid, in our view, hit their top form against Liverpool and won’t be able to sustain it here.
Prediction: Chelsea go through
PSG vs. Manchester City
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City – two of the richest clubs in world football locking horns for the right to play in the Champions League final. Some will hate this pairing, but others will be excited to see what kind of game we get between the two.
We actually think this is where Manchester City’s insane schedule is going to catch up to them a bit, to the point where they get blown out of the water in one of the two legs.
They’ll still be on for a domestic treble, but it feels as if PSG are the ones who want it that little bit more.
Prediction: PSG go through
Manchester United vs. Roma
Roma are a decent side but for whatever reason, Manchester United are just operating at a different level right now. We think they’ve more than got what it takes to win this over two legs, and we also think they’ll do it fairly comfortably.
Roma might give them a handful of problems from time to time but the Red Devils are starting to come into their own under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Prediction: Manchester United go through
Villarreal vs. Arsenal
Arsenal have fought hard to get back to the semi-finals of the Europa League and they should fancy themselves to give Villarreal a real go, but not to the point whereby they’re going to win this tie over two legs – not in our view, at least.
The Spaniards are an incredibly professional side who set up well and let’s not forget Unai Emery is the man in charge. He’s a Europa League master and he will want nothing more than to get one over on his former club.
Mikel Arteta will give it a good punt, but it won’t be enough.
Prediction: Villarreal go through
