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Here we go; This years quarter finals look even more exciting than ever

The quarter final draw for this seasons champions league was made on Friday 12th March and produced some intriguing ties. Among them is an all english affair between Chelsea and Arsenal. If that' s not enough to whet your appetite you can always think about the prospect of AC Milan taking on Deportivo or Lyon versus Porto. The tie between Real Madrid and Monaco should also produce lots of excitement as both teams play an attractive style of football and in addition Fernando Moreites will be reunited with his former team

Chelea vs Arsenal; The Tinkerman vs The Master Tactician

VERSUS

Both Arsenal and Chelsea should be familiar with one another. After all they have already met 3 times this season with Arsenal coming out on top 2-1 in all three previous encounters. However the champions league is a different kettle of fish from the english premier league and this tie may proove to be very tight.

Key Battles

versus

Patrick Veira vs Frank Lampard;-

The midfield area in any football game is crucial and games are won and lost here. In Patrick Viera Arsenal have one of the most highly rated and reputed midfield enforcers in the world. His awesome athletisism, strenght and power have made him one of the forces of european football. Viera has a huge influence on his team and when he is on song his team will follow suite. Therefore in order for Chelsea to stop Arsenal from building up a head of steam they will have to stop Viera. This job will definately be handed to Frank Lampard one of the revelations of the season so far. Lampard combines a good work rate with skill and technique. His midfield forays also enable him to grab his fair share of goals. However he will need to use all his ability to prevent Arsenal and in particular Viera from dominating the midfield in what could prove an extremely important battle.

versus

Thierry Henry vs John Terry;-

Le King has been in breathtaking form this season. He is arguably the best striker in the world and undoubtedly the quickest. This season has seen Henry become the leading scorer in the premier league and his form in europe has not been too bad either. The landmark hat-trick in the San Siro against Inter sent shock waves round europe. In Henry Arsenal have an almost perfect striker. His pace and skill give the team an extra dimension and these are undeniably the two characteristics that defenders hate. It is highly likely that John Terry will be appointed with this dreaded task. One of the form players at the moment Terry is one of the reasons why the Chelsea has built up a reputation as being one of the moist solid defences around. His strenght in the air,sense of positioning and playing of the ball out of defence are all excellent. In addition Terry is also regarded as the natrual replacement of Rio Ferdinand in the Englan defence. However it remains to be seen wether or not he will be able to compensate for a lack of genuine pace with his great sense of anticipation. If not Henry could run riot.

Porto vs Lyon; The new kids on the block

The tie between Porto and Lyon throws up an intriguing encounter between two of europes less fashionable clubs. On paper the tie would seem to be the weakest out of all the games, however first impressions aren't everything and you under rate either of these two teams at your peril. The tie an interesting tatical affair between two of europes up and coming managers Jose Mourinho and Paul Le Guen. Mourinho is well know for his extravagant touch line gestures and meticulous planning in contrast to le Guen whose nmanagerial style is much more discreet but just as effective. Both teams tend to play good attacking with a heavy emphasis on wide play and this should make for a cracking game which could go either way.

Key Battle

Deco versus Juhino

This clash brings together two of european football' s best play makers. Deco was sensational in last season's uefa cup and he has been able to reproduce this great form on an even form. Though the Brazilian turned Portuguese star is slight and small he uses this low centre of gravity to outwit opponents. His acceleration and dribbling skills are also electrifying and he is able to use these skills to make space. His final pass is also a huge weapon in his armoury. Up against the diminutive Portuguese player is another Brazilian, Juhinho. Similar to his name sake( the one who plays at middelsborugh) Juhinho plays just behind the front two and provides the ammunition for them to score. Though he does not possess the speed or nimble feet of Deco he compensates due to his speed of thought and work rate. Juhino is also able to dictate a game and his passing is as accurate as anyone's in europe. On top of that he is lethal from free kicks.

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