The Champions League returns subsequent week with 4 attention-grabbing encounters. For the primary time, each and every quarter-final shall be held within the golf equipment’ major stadiums, including to the greater visibility and hobby this festival is growing.
Midfield fight key as Arsenal tackle Bayern
Arsenal head to Germany with a much-needed spring of their step. After a deficient begin to 2023, the tide has became and they look like brimming with self belief. Stina Blackstenius is again a number of the targets whilst Frida Maanum and Kim Little had been imperious within the heart.
They will want each and every ounce of this trust once they face in-form Bayern Munich on the Allianz Arena, the primary stumble upon between those two in Europe. Bayern’s unbeaten run in all competitions stretches again to November and so they proceed to problem Wolfsburg locally.
Bayern has the acquainted face of Georgia Stanway. The Lioness has settled smartly in Germany and is a mainstay of the crew. Constantly tenacious and aggressive, she is going to relish going through her England teammates. With the midfield prone to be a point of interest, Arsenal will have to be at their easiest to nullify their danger.
David v Goliath stumble upon in Rome
“This is a dream.” These had been the phrases of Roma’s supervisor, Alessandro Spugna, when he spoke to Moving the Goalposts in December. Those desires will proceed when the Giallorosse Walked out on the Stadio Olimpico for the primary time in opposition to Barcelona on Tuesday.
There is not any query Roma are the underdogs. The Spanish Champions – broadly seen as the most efficient in Europe – possess a glittering squad that can pose the house facet unending issues. Caroline Graham Hansen has returned from harm in robust kind to strengthen a crew this is unbeaten locally this season.
There is a way of future about this tie, an inevitable collision path. To upload to the magic, Barcelona legend Vicky Losada will face his former facet having moved to Italy in January. The midfielder made greater than 200 appearances for Barça Femení, however hasn’t ever performed at Camp Nou. In a fortnight’s time, she is going to step directly to that well-known turf, carrying other colors, however in the end returning to where the place all of it started.
Chelsea hunt elusive trophy
The Champions League is the only identify that has eluded Emma Hayes and her Chelsea facet. It is not any secret how determined the membership are to deliver this prestigious trophy house to London. They may have their paintings lower out for them if they’re to succeed in it this season.
Lyon, the present holders, are an impressive opponent. They have received 12 in their previous 13 quarter-finals and after a season beset via harm are nearing complete health. Ellie Carpenter, Sara Débritz and Dzsenifer Marozsán have returned whilst Catarina Macario and Ada Hegerberg don’t seem to be a ways off. They are unquestionably a distinct prospect from the facet that capitulated to Arsenal firstly of the marketing campaign.
Chelsea have harm issues of their very own with Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder long-term absentees. Nevertheless, squad intensity isn’t an issue with quite a few skill at their disposal. Lauren James and Sam Kerr shall be an important, their instinctive link-up play can flip a fit.
PSG fight rumors as they search to marvel Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg make no secret in their ambitions. Twice champions of Europe, they’re hoping to growth to the semi-finals another time. They have the squad to do it with Alexandra Popp, Lena Oberdorf and Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir of their armoury. The Poland ahead Ewa Pajor is the contest’s best scorer with seven.
The She-Wolves shall be favourites, however there were glimmers of frailties on which PSG may just capitalise. They had been held to attracts via Roma and Slavia Praha of their crew and suffered their first home defeat a fortnight in the past.
This could be sufficient to offer the French facet hope, particularly with the firepower of Kadidiatou Diani. It is, then again, exhausting to shake off reminiscences of the excellent loss to Chelsea in December. Plus, as all the time appears to be the case in Paris, rumors are swirling. The newest comes to the chief, Gérard Prêcheur, who has been closely connected with the vacant nationwide crew position.
Despite the drama, PSG have it in them to tug off a end result. Backed via the vociferous Parisian Ultras, the opener at Parc des Princes would be the best alternative to just do that.
Recommended viewing
The select of this weekend’s function was once this work of art from Chelsea’s duo of the instant, Lauren James and Sam Kerr. What was once higher despite the fact that, the lend a hand or the end?
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