Only the craziest die in the wool supporter of Liverpool will ever dream of a semi-final berth with Bacelona. And I say this with no fear of contradiction, knowing too well how unpredictable the game of football could be. I am not a football connoisseur, but I don’t need to be one to know Chelsea will qualify to the semis, win or lose against Liverpool. The reds had it all to do at Anfield yet gasped for breathe and handed the Blues the semis on a silver platter. I must confess I am a ‘flirting’ fan of Chelsea, yes because of Essien and I have no regrets. But the stark reality is that the Blues dealt a huge psychological blow when the pummeled Liverpool by a whooping 3-1, and Essien was phenomenal. It is a blow Liverpool will never recover no matter how hard they try. I see them coming to the bridge fighting as if their whole lives depended on the qualification. But for Chelsea it will be yet another Tuesday Evening stroll in the park. I know the connoisseurs of the game will aptly draw my attention to the near disastrous or miraculous come back after Bolton reduced a 4-0 deficit to 4-3 during the week-end league game with Chelsea. They will point out how the sudden lack of concentration by the Chelsea defence led to the three goals and attempt to draw an incomparable allusion to the Tuesday’s game. Those with the audacity of analysis will use this as sign of victory ahead and qualification for a side whose egos are badly bruised. Much as games between Chelsea and Liverpool does not follow any form guide, just like any other top clash between arch- rivals, I am totally convinced this will not be one of them. Chelsea will qualify with a win, a draw, or even a defeat. I see Chelsea-Bacelona semis, a hint that Jurgen Klinsmann might just be losing his job as coach of Bayern Munich. If only he could have access to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, then I don’t see how in the world of football will Bayern score five unanswered goals against Bacelona. Not when the goal magicians of Samuel Eto’ Henry Thierry, and Lionel Messi are sniffing around. And oh, the Wednesday’s clash will be breathtaking. Arsenal are in a class of their own and the come back of Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas from injury can only stimulate the fluidity, and sublime play of Arsenal. Villareal are no push-overs and with a hardworking midfielder like Marcus Senna the Arsenal defence will be in a hell of trouble. But I still recall that moment of sheer singular brilliance by Adebayor which fetched Arsenal the much needed equalizer in Spain and I am convinced Arsenal will scrape through but with a difficult fight. My gut feeling says Porto will make it through to the next stage of the competition and I will stick to it. I am well aware the enormity of the task ahead of the Portuguese side, but watching at Old Trafford, it is hard to bet against them. Manchester United has the rich history of being the come-back kings, but not with a side dip in form and tired in limbs- Giggs and Scholls. Hopefully after Wednesday, I see Chelsea, Bacelona, Arsenal and Porto in the semis and based on their performances I will tell how the semis will also pun out. Credit: Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com