Big day for Manchester United and Chelsea fans what? This morning’s event, which has to suffer a lot of fluff before the actual draw, can define the seasons of both clubs.
In terms of potential routes to the final, both teams can draw anyone at this stage – including each other. And that might actually be the best thing for both clubs.
The teams that you would want to avoid at all costs before the final are of course Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Probably in that order. PSG are another side who are so well heeled that it would best to avoid them.
The English clubs would ideally be in a half of the draw which has:
CHELSEA
MANCHESTER UNITED
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
ATHLETICO MADRID
You would have to say that this year has a particularly strong batch of teams. There are no gimmes at this stage. But we think that Chelsea and Manchester United would both be satisfied if they got either of Athletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund out of the hat – very difficult but winnable ties.
Then they would meet each other in the semis and one English team would be guaranteed a place in the final. Obviously it would be lovely to have both in there, a la 2008, but we believe that this represents the best route to the final for Manchester United and Chelsea.
Just to remind you the draw takes place from 1100 GMT. We will, of course keep you updated on proceedings. As a refresher, here are the remaining teams in the competition.
MANCHESTER UNITED
CHELSEA
ATHLETICO MADRID
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
BARCELONA
REAL MADRID
PSG
BAYERN MUNICH
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Franklin
Mar 21, 2014 at 9:55 am
Borussia Dortmund v Man U
Franklin
Mar 21, 2014 at 10:20 am
B d v Man U
Abel
Mar 21, 2014 at 10:59 am
Chelsea v Barcelona