Juventus FC vs Real Madrid CF
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Quarterfinals, Leg 1
Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 2:45PM EST FS1
Gonzalo Higuain (CF | JUV)
As one of European club football’s most reliable center forwards, Gonzalo Higuain will no doubt be front an center in this rematch of last season’s Champions League Final. Statistically Higuain is not only dependable, but is often times a game changer as he’s amassed 217 goals since crossing the pond from South America to Europe in 2007. However, he’s consistently come up short for his native Argentina on the international stage, as well has being MIA in the 2017 UCL Final. Couple that stain on his resume with the fact that he’s a former Galactico himself (scored 107 goals in 190 matches for Real Madrid), and Gonzalo will have plenty to prove and make amends for, in this two-legged tie.
Isco (AM | RM)
Isco Disco! Boy oh boy was Isco in a groove during Spain’s 6-1 shellacking of Higuain’s Argentina a couple of weeks ago. He netted a hat trick en route to man of the match honors. The mercurial Spaniard will look to replicate that deadly decisive form in the quarterfinals, but will he even be chosen to start by Zidane? That’s likely the biggest question being asked around the city of Madrid, as Isco himself has stated that he doesn’t know how to gain Zidane’s confidence, despite his unquestionably high quality. If Isco plays, which I think he must, then he’ll be pulling the strings and supplying the chances for Ronaldo and Benzema.
FC Barcelona vs AS Roma
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Quarterfinals, Leg 1
Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia
Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 2:45PM EST FS1
Luis Suarez (CF | FCB)
El Pistolero has been in sharp shooting form over the past few months. He’s produced 22 goals in LaLiga this season, which is good for second behind teammate Leo Messi and tied with rival Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his scoring prowess seems to dissipate whilst playing in the Champions League. Surprisingly, Suarez has yet to register a goal this year in the UCL. That’s eight games and zero goals. That trend simply can’t continue. I fully expect El Pistolero to bring out his guns and hit Allison’s target not once, not twice, but three times in leg 1 alone.
Edin Dzeko (CF | ASR)
Keeping with the theme of offensive firepower, I’ve selected Edin Dzeko as the man to watch for AS Roma. The big bodied Bosnian has scored 14 goals in Serie A and four in the Champions League this season, which leads the club. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Edin will no doubt be Roma’s go to guy on corners and long free kicks. Since only Pique stands taller at 6 feet 4 inches, Dzeko’s height could cause Barcelona fits as he’ll likely out jump all of Barcelona’s personnel. In order for Roma to succeed in this tie, Dzeko needs to score. Can he produce the goods and head a few home?