On Wednesday, Sky Sports brings you two of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the season as the Champions League pits England against Italy again.
Defending champions Manchester United play host to Inter after a goalless draw in the San Siro in the first leg, while Arsenal defend a 1-0 lead against AS Roma. European Cup winner Phil Thompson looks ahead...
Mourinho: can blow all he likes, says Thommo - he won't beat United
Thommo on Man Utd v Inter | Thommo on Roma v Arsenal
Manchester United v Inter
Manchester United are not just favourites to go through against Inter, I make them massive, massive favourites.
That first 45 minutes in the San Siro was one of the best performances I have seen this season. They were that good that Inter's so-called stars didn't know what to do; they were flustered and as a result, not one of them stood out.
You've got to fancy United to get at least one goal here, if not more, even with Jose Mourinho involved. He can blow as hot as he wants about his team's chances of going through, but he will know more than anyone that Inter were second best by a long way last time.
Phil Thompson
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MAN UTD v INTER
7.30pm, Wed, Sky Sports2&HD2
AS ROMA v ARSENAL
7.30pm, Wed, Sky Sports Xtra&HD3
The only worry was how United failed to score and it is amazing that they failed to wrap this game up there and then. A goalless draw is not a disaster away from home, but the biggest thing from that first leg was that United sent out a message, loud and clear.
Whenever I played in big European games and we'd gone away from home and done the business, you could see fear in the opposition eyes when you shook hands at the end. You could tell they didn't fancy the return leg in Liverpool.
Even if they had kicked us off the park and made it really tough for us, I just used to say one word to them - "Anfield" - when I shook their hands, and you knew that would put that fear in their eyes.
I would struggle to give Inter a chance for that reason alone, but after seeing their front two against United, I can't see them doing anything here. If people say Dimitar Berbatov is lazy and loves a sulk, then I have no idea where that pitches Zlatan Ibrahimovic!
He was just awful in the first leg and Adriano wasn't far behind, without the sulk. I just can't see them doing anything against this United defence.
They might have injury worries back there, but even then, they can call on someone like John O'Shea, knowing he will come in and wherver he is asked to play, deliver a top-class performance.
That said, I am sure either Rio Ferdinand or Johnny Evans will be fit. As a player these are the sort of games you want to play in if you have anything about you.
I would also expect Wayne Rooney and Bebartov to be paired up front as Sir Alex Ferguson likes to do, with Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo down the flanks because I don't think Inter will be able to deal with their pace at all.
You've got to fancy United to get at least one goal here, if not more, even with Jose Mourinho involved. He can blow as hot as he wants about his team's chances of going through, but he will know more than anyone that Inter were second best by a long way last time.
The biggest danger to United will be complacency, but that is something they are used to dealing with. And seeing Mourinho will remind them that the last time they thought the job was done away from home, they were knocked out by Porto.
The longer it stays goalless the more nervous the Old Trafford crowd will become but by the same token, if United can get an early goal, this could be an extremely comfortable night for them.
THOMMO'S CALL: 2-0
AS Roma v Arsenal
Of all four English sides, Arsenal are the ones I fear for most.It would be great to see them go through, because I think Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool will, but I have a funny feeling those missed chances in the first leg might cost them.
I've been to Rome and played in the Olympic Stadium on a number of occasions and it is a hostile crowd that, if you don't quieten them down, can make life very awkward for you.
This Roma side might not travel that well, but they have stiffened up a bit since that hammering at United. And they are a completely different prospect at home.
I have seen a lot of Arsenal on Soccer Saturday lately and I do think this might be a game too far for them. For a start I think they will need to score but I don't think they have enough of a goal threat. It's great to see Eduardo back, but this game has probably come a little bit too early for him.
He might have played and scored against Burnley on Sunday, but that is a million miles away from Roma in the Olympic Stadium, believe me!
Robin van Persie is having a fantastic season but is not a natural goalscorer. He scores great goals, but is not likely to get the poacher's tap-ins that a fully-fit Eduardo might. I am not convinced by Nicklas Bendtner away from The Emirates either and Arsene Wenger does tend to play him wide right or left in this sort of game.
That midfield will be crucial but it is also where I think Arsenal might come up short. It sounds like a cliche but you do need experience players in these games; it helps when you have strong characters, particularly in the middle, who can keep the players together in the face of pressure.
I suppose the one man everyone will be looking out for is Francesco Totti, but I have got to be honest on this one and say I can't see what all the fuss is about! The only thing I can really say about him - and this goes back to my time as Liverpool coach - is that he has few peers in world football.... when it comes to gamesmanship. He really is the master of it, which Arsenal will have to watch out for.
He is their messiah, their playmaker and their captain and if he plays well, Roma play well. Mirko Vucinic might come in if David Pizarro is not fit and he is a threat, certainly at home.
Finally, Arsenal will need a strong referee as well if they are to have any chance. They want someone like the guy that did Manchester United in the San Siro the other week, someone who is strong and will not be intimidated by the players - or the crowd.
Arsenal though are on an amazing 17-match unbeaten run, so they are not exactly out of sorts. But they have drawn too many of them and that is down to a lack of goalscoring - and that will be what does for them here as well, sadly.
THOMMO'S CALL: 2-0
Comments (50)
G Quigley (Manchester United fan) says...
Phil Thompson.. What a guy!! A liverpool legend with the experiance and knowledge of european football and what it takes to do the job. Im surprised that a liverpool man would come out and back Manchester United to win against Inter, but lets be serious. In football terms, Manchester United are more than capable of not just beating Inter, but destroying them. I have a sneeky feeling that Man U will do something special in terms of what they done to Roma two seasons ago, and that is fly out of the traps and go two or three goals up in the first 45 mins. Inter Milan are just an average team, along with Real Madrid, Juventus and Roma. Manchester United will go through comfortably, Liverpool will follow, Arsenal will have it tough and may get a draw, but i dont expect an arsenal victory. English teams have dominated the european scene since Liverpool's epic night in istanbul when Andy Gray was asking someone to get Phil Thompson down because he was flying lol, Yes Thommo we remember you in the studio banging on the window with sheer joy and delight. Arsenal were unlucky in 2006, and liverpool should've thumped AC Milan, in 2007, but then again it does remind us that the better team doesnt always win and it would be foolish to think that Man U is through because there is a job to do at the theatre of dreams, but anyone in world football knows that this United team should win comfortably and i expect that to be the case. Manchester United 4 Inter 0.
Posted 17:29 10th March 2009
Jamie Harris (Arsenal fan) says...
I can totally see where Thomo is coming from, but I have to disagree (being an Arsenal fan I suppose!!). Thomo says that he has seen a lot of Arsenal recently, but that has been teams that have lined up for the draw and hounded us. Whereas Roma will try and play football and get a goal, which will play right into our hands. That's why I think Arsenals best chance of trophy glory is the Champions League due to the way teams line up against them. With that European flair that all the teams in the Champions League possess this allows Arsenal to play their trademark brand of football, which at times is the best in the world and just occasionaly unstoppable!!
Posted 15:48 10th March 2009
Belter Belt (Arsenal fan) says...
Also, I feel a shock is in the offing for Man U ! I see them losing to Inter at Home. Ok, if Man U get a couple of goals early, then they go through ... But, if Inter get that early goal and this forces Man U to open up, Inter will pick them off again. Worse, if it remains 0-0 late into the game, Man U will get nervy and possibly slip.
Posted 14:58 10th March 2009
Henrah Swivell (Arsenal fan) says...
There is no way in this entire world that Arsenal will lose to Roma. Totti walks around the pitch and the only player that performed at the Emirates is not playing (de Rossi) As previous peeps have said Arsenal were doomed against Madrid/Milan and I bared the brunt via my United/L'Pool friends until the following morning when I was on a high after another crushing win! Arsenal will dominate Roma whereas Liverpool...will struggle
Posted 12:58 10th March 2009
Top Coach (Arsenal fan) says...
Interesting point Phil! You may be right however, it does seem more often than not that the Arsenal seem to get going when the odds are against them. The squad has been boosted by the return of Walcott and Eduardo, but i dont feel that apart from kicking everything that moved Burnley provided a real test. I feel that the advantage Arsenal have is slim as far as the scoreline goes but one thing in Arsenals favour is that they have considerably better players than Roma. I hope for an Arsenal win and am confident the boys will show thier quality. Despite not really caring about Manchester United I have a funny feeling that Inter may sneak it late on. Liverpool and Cheslea will both go through with relative ease tonight.
Posted 12:26 10th March 2009
Alex Fernandez (Arsenal fan) says...
I could not disagree more with Phil. If you look at our record in Italy it is amazing. Arsenal always get wrote off, Madrid, Millan, Juventus. i think United will be out alongside Liverpool. Arsenal and Chelsea will progress. Also 17 games unbeaten is an amazing achievement given the fact that Cesc, Rosicky, Walcott and Eduardo have all been out. Draws count more than losses. Phil you will again be eating humble pie
Posted 12:22 10th March 2009
Ross Pedro (Arsenal fan) says...
i have to agree with Phil on the Arsenal verdict.. but i am quite confident that Arsenal will take care of business.. all that will be needed really will be for them to at least make it through the first half unscathed.. no early goals, then the opponents get unsettled and remember all it takes is just a goal from arsenal and it is all but won.. United oh united.. everyone is so confident but we all should remember they did not score away.. and home or away it will just be another 90mins of football till Inter scores and then he whole complexion changes and then they are on the back foot.. but Liverpool and cheslea.. i am quite confident for them.
Posted 12:04 10th March 2009
Patrick Winters (Arsenal fan) says...
Well, I know Tommo has seen a fair bit of Arsenal lately - but we have started to get some players back and that hunger to play and win games will boost the morale. It also pushes players for places. Arsenal will enjoy playing Roma, we are 1-0 up and they need to come and play. The Arsenal team has been built for Champions league football and I fancy us to beat them 2-0. Liverpool, at home, against Real Madrid.... well I think that's a tough game. The Anfield crowd will be anxious and if Madrid start well... I fancy Liverpool to struggle - I think Madrid will win. That game really is set up for goals to be scored and Liverpool can't afford to get to the 70th minute at 0-0 knowing if Madrid score it goes to extra time! I'd put money on Madrid - and Arsenal to advance.
Posted 04:00 10th March 2009
Christopher Naftzger (Arsenal fan) says...
A bit harsh on Arsenal there. Roma has to win at least 2-0 or 1-0 on penalties to progress. The scoring touch is coming back and Arsenal fare much better against teams that attack then teams that put 10 men behind the ball. With Roma in dire need of a goal or two, they can't sit back, allowing Arsenal to move the ball. Man Utd on the other hand didn't get a much needed away goal and a draw doesn't work for them in the way it does for Arsenal.
Posted 02:28 10th March 2009
Omotoyosi Taiwo (Manchester United fan) says...
I totally agree with Thommos view on Manchester United vs Inter. Man U has over time proved to be a formidable team at Old Trafford, and even with the Mourinho factor, he can only do as little as telling the team what to do, but he cant get the result for them. The first leg at the San Siro proved that Man U was slearly the better side. Snd it would take a Magical performance from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to break the Injury ridden defence of Man U. I disagree with Thommo though, because we all know that Zlatan can be quite lethal when the situation arises. but I see Manchester United grabbing an early goal, and therefore an advantage over Inter. With the superb combination of Rooney and Berbatov. But on Arsenal vs Roma, I quite disagree with Thommo, after watching the Arsenal vs Burnley match, there seems to be a new sort of rejuvenation at Emirate Stadium, and I can see the young boys repeating what they did last year in Italy, and overcoming a pretty tight Roma side with the likes of Eduardo and Theo Walcott, and even the lanky Bendtner. It wouldn't come as a surprise that Cesc Fabregas would also be a dangerous man to watch against Roma like he was against AC Milan last year. I would tip the victory towards Arsenal
Posted 01:46 10th March 2009
Sham Shah (Arsenal fan) says...
Interesting prediction by Thommo.. I disagree with him! It will be a tough, tough game for Arsenal in Rome. Eduardo and Walcott I dont think will start and we will start with Van Persie and Bendtner... which sadly means we will struggle to score.. that being said I cant see Roma having the fire power to get passed our defence.. Gallas and Toure are solid in games like this! Arsenal will progress with either a 0-0 draw or a 0-1 away win. The longer the gmae goes on at 0-0 will mean our counter attaking style and pace will out do the Italians and bringing the pace of Walcott on late in the second half means the Italians wont know what to do... Arsenal and all the English clubs will progress.. Man Utd - 1-0 win, Chelsea - 2-1 win, Liverpool - 4-2 on Penalties and will be lucky as usual!
Posted 01:21 10th March 2009
Nickolas Milan (Arsenal fan) says...
How can one possibly say that Roma are favourites given their recent bad form, the absence of de Rossi and their perpetual failure against English competition. Furthermore, Arsenal have seen a return to form this past week and their defence has been exquisite the past month or so. I doubt the Gunners lose this game, which is what Roma would need to advance. As for Man U, I see them advancing, but if it stays close, I wouldn't be surprised if Ibrahimovic or anothe Inter striker gets a scrappy goal in stoppage time to send his team through.
Posted 00:31 10th March 2009
Malcolm Daniells (Arsenal fan) says...
You thought we were doomed in Madrid, Milan and many other places but we have shown we can do it! We like when teams attack so we attack too. Are defence is doing well in the last view weeks and if we score one then they need to get 3. Arsenal will have to get used to playing in Rome because we will be back there in May to lift the cup!!!!! COME ARSENAL show what you can do!!!
Posted 23:32 9th March 2009
Declan Largent (Manchester United fan) says...
Been looking forward to this game ever since we drew Inter, we outclassed what is meant to be the best team bar United in Europe in the first leg, We handled the crowd at the San siro, and the pressure we were supposed to come under. Inter never dealt with what we threw at them, its just a shame we never managed to bury it. Andy Townswend got it spot on in the first leg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not all his cracked up to be, when has he ever performed on the big stage? Of course theres cause for concern for United, were on an incredible run at the moment, we've come accustomed to winning and i hope that continues. I think Sir Slex has managed to banish complacency from the team, because it would be easy for us to just assume we're going to win everything, as we shew in the Carling Cup Final we'll battle for everything. Bring on Wednesday night united fans, hopefully one to remember.
Posted 22:58 9th March 2009
Dean Richardson (Manchester United fan) says...
I can see us struggling against Inter, yes we have a great squad and we are on form, but it's Mourinho. Fergie has beaten him like twice if I remember correctly. I do think that Arsenal will win, but it will be a tight game. Liverpool to go through, they've given up in the league and need to win a 'major' trophy.
Posted 22:21 9th March 2009
Udit Arora (Arsenal fan) says...
Phil is so wrong about Arsenal! When I saw the starting eleven at the weekend against Burnley, even without all our big players, I thought, on current form that is still a very strong team! We did miss chances in the first leg but our confidence is high right now and we do have a 1 goal lead going into this one without conceding an away goal... I can only see Arsenal progress here even with a draw...
Posted 21:28 9th March 2009
Kurt Manecki (Arsenal fan) says...
Sorry but Phil Thompson is as wrong as he can be Arsenal will batter Roma on Wednesday it is Liverpool that he wants to worry about
Posted 20:56 9th March 2009
James Whales (Arsenal fan) says...
Definitely hope those missed chances don't come back to haunt us, but you never know, Eboue could score a goal or two! Roma are without some crucial players and with us coming back with some influential players like Eduardo I think we will be able to see out the game comfortably.
Posted 20:21 9th March 2009
Ali Tarig (Manchester United fan) says...
I am a United fan, however I believe all four English sides have enough power to go through. Arsenal may have struggled in the domestic league as of recent, but they can still do the business in Europe.
Posted 20:16 9th March 2009
Mighty Manchester united (Manchester United fan) says...
Correct Phil nobody will stop the unbelievable powers of the Greatest team on the planet - Mighty Manchester United. And AS Roma will be far too strong for Arsenal. Predictions: Man Utd 3-2 Inter Milan (3-2 on aggregate) AS Roma 4-0 Arsenal (4-1 on aggregate)
Posted 19:57 9th March 2009
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