Found a nice writeup: Have to agree with it:
Roman Abramowich’s side advanced to first knock-out round of European Champions League, and they have good chances to advance to the next round if they stay unbeaten at Stamford Bridge. Their biggest problem all the season in my opinion was absence of Damien Duff, but this great player is set to start in this match against Stuttgart. Chelsea were without him big part of this season, and despite they brought thise season few star players like Veron, Crespo or Mutu, I think that they missed a lot losing Duff through injuries, and if they had him all the time this season, I think they would make much better results this season in Premier League, too. But, as they have small chances at the moment to do something more in Premiership, they will surely do their best to advance after clash with Stuttgart, and they can do it. They are boosted with return of mentioned Duff, and striker Adrain Mutu, so they will have enough power upfront. Chelsea have great tradition in European games they played on Stamford Bridge, and they lost only twice in 44 home matches they played in European competitions. They also were good this year, and they kept clean sheet in their last four CL matches, and another on would mean they are in quarter fianl. The only unavialable players for Chelsea are Veron, Petit and Stanic.
Stutgart unluckily lost first match with own goal from Fernando Meira and I think they missed the chance to play in quarte fianal. They have bad record on English soil and they lost all three European games in England. But, reversing course of history is not impossible, and hard working German teams can always make good results. Stuttgart were in poor form in February, but they finally made good result beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Saturday. Their boss Felix Magath has no injury or suspension problems for this match and he has a full strength squad to choose from.
Chelsea luckily won the first leg in Stuttgart, so they will have much easier job to do in second leg at home. They are hard to beat at home, and Stuttgart’s poor record against English clubs in England, makes me believe in Chelsea success in this round. Londoners will surely be sattisfied with draw this time, but as they play against German team who are fighting until the last whistle, I don’t think Ranierri will go for draw this time. Chelsea are attacking side, and with Dmian Duff back they are much more dangerous and they can beat anyone now. For me, this is a clear home win, but as this is Champions League, only medium stake.
Roman Abramowich’s side advanced to first knock-out round of European Champions League, and they have good chances to advance to the next round if they stay unbeaten at Stamford Bridge. Their biggest problem all the season in my opinion was absence of Damien Duff, but this great player is set to start in this match against Stuttgart. Chelsea were without him big part of this season, and despite they brought thise season few star players like Veron, Crespo or Mutu, I think that they missed a lot losing Duff through injuries, and if they had him all the time this season, I think they would make much better results this season in Premier League, too. But, as they have small chances at the moment to do something more in Premiership, they will surely do their best to advance after clash with Stuttgart, and they can do it. They are boosted with return of mentioned Duff, and striker Adrain Mutu, so they will have enough power upfront. Chelsea have great tradition in European games they played on Stamford Bridge, and they lost only twice in 44 home matches they played in European competitions. They also were good this year, and they kept clean sheet in their last four CL matches, and another on would mean they are in quarter fianl. The only unavialable players for Chelsea are Veron, Petit and Stanic.
Stutgart unluckily lost first match with own goal from Fernando Meira and I think they missed the chance to play in quarte fianal. They have bad record on English soil and they lost all three European games in England. But, reversing course of history is not impossible, and hard working German teams can always make good results. Stuttgart were in poor form in February, but they finally made good result beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Saturday. Their boss Felix Magath has no injury or suspension problems for this match and he has a full strength squad to choose from.
Chelsea luckily won the first leg in Stuttgart, so they will have much easier job to do in second leg at home. They are hard to beat at home, and Stuttgart’s poor record against English clubs in England, makes me believe in Chelsea success in this round. Londoners will surely be sattisfied with draw this time, but as they play against German team who are fighting until the last whistle, I don’t think Ranierri will go for draw this time. Chelsea are attacking side, and with Dmian Duff back they are much more dangerous and they can beat anyone now. For me, this is a clear home win, but as this is Champions League, only medium stake.
2nd leg HOME teams in semifinals and quarterfinals last 3 champions league are
12 wins 1 loss and 3 draws
Only away team that has a shot is Bayern Munich ,but despite being without Raul,Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos they still have Beckham ,Figo ,Zidane... if the odds drop I think they are a good bet at home
I think all 8 home teams will win (chelsea worries me because 0-0 puts em through )
12 wins 1 loss and 3 draws
Only away team that has a shot is Bayern Munich ,but despite being without Raul,Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos they still have Beckham ,Figo ,Zidane... if the odds drop I think they are a good bet at home
I think all 8 home teams will win (chelsea worries me because 0-0 puts em through )
Chelsea are playing crap at the moment and its hard to bet them against anyone let alone a Champions league team.
Duff is nowhere near full power, my 17yr old nephew played him off the park in a reserve game last week. I wish I was wrong but the Arsenal games showed that they are just not up to this level yet.
Duff is nowhere near full power, my 17yr old nephew played him off the park in a reserve game last week. I wish I was wrong but the Arsenal games showed that they are just not up to this level yet.
