The Squad Weekend Picks (21-23 April 2017)


Chelsea vs Tottenham

The Journo: We are talking about the 2 top teams in England at the moment. Both teams are on the hunt for silverware and with Spurs gaining on Chelsea in the league, I can see them taking their impressive form into this cup tie. The Ex-Pro: Chelsea know exactly what it takes to win Silverware and with their baron run last season, will be looking to end the season with the League and Cup double. The Fan: Spurs are just too Strong at the moment. Chelsea were abysmal against United last week and Spurs are more than capable of piling more heartache on the Blues at Wembley.
Fabinho (L) heads the ball next to Lyon's French forward Alexandre Lacazette (R)

Lyon v Monaco

The Journo: Monaco have now cemented themselves as a superpower in French Football. They have averaged nearly 3 goals per game and show no signs of slowing down. Lyon have a solid home record in recent games but I just can’t see them holding out for the full 90. The Ex-Pro: Lyon have only lost 1 of their last 8 home games and impressed me against Besiktas in the Europa league on Thursday. I’m going for a Lyon win. The Fan: Monaco are on fire and are scoring for fun. They have impressed me throughout their Champions League campaign and are more than capable of maintaining their status at the top of Ligue 1.
[caption id="attachment_6292" align="alignnone" width="719"] Stuart Armstrong of Celtic (R) shoots at goal[/caption]

Celtic vs Rangers

Journo: Arguably the fiercest rivalry in world football, the 2 teams from Glasgow always provide an unpredictable result and I can see a big surprise coming in this game. I’m going out on a limb here and going with a Rangers win. The Ex Pro: Celtic have been absolutely stunning this year, they are unbeaten in the league and have dominated almost every team. Back in September Rangers suffered a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of their Glasgow rivals and I can’t see this going any other way. The Fan: Rangers have everything to play for in this one, Celtic Have already secured the League and could easily slip up against a Rangers side looking for Silverware.
[caption id="attachment_6293" align="alignnone" width="727"] Arsenal's Olivier Giroud jumps for a header with Manchester City's Argentinian defender Nicolas Otamendi[/caption]

Arsenal vs Man City

The Journo: City and Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw just a few weeks back and in my opinion, City were unlucky to not emerge victorious. They have the firepower to down a shaky Arsenal defence who are bound to concede. The Ex-Pro: Arsenal are just seeming like an absolute mess at the moment. They have no spine and are structurally unable to contain the movement of the likes of Sane, De Bruyne and Aguero. The Fan: Giroud is going to come on at half time and score the only goal of the game in sensational fashion to punish City for missing a host of chances.
[caption id="attachment_6294" align="alignnone" width="724"] Mariano (L) of Real Madrid CF and Sergio Busquets (R) of FC Barcelona fight for the ball[/caption]

Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Journo: Coming off the back of a massive Champions league victory over Bayern Munich, Madrid will go into this one with the confidence of a tiger on the prowl. They smell blood and Barca are bleeding after being dumped out of the Champions League. The Ex Pro: We can’t undermine the sheer scale of this match. Form goes out the window and we are left with 2 evenly matched teams on paper battling it out for. Whoever wins this game comes out on-top, all I know is we are in for a ripper of a game. I’m going with a draw. The Fan: El Clasico! The most famous fixture on the planet. Madrid have the chance to move 6 points clear of Barca and I can’t see them slowing down from their midweek Champions League win.

Published: 04/21/2017