Going into this tie, I would say that Barcelona have a 60 per cent chance of going through against Chelsea, maybe even 65 per cent.

But Chelsea have shown they are capable of winning matches in which they are not the favourite but putting psychological and physical pressure on their opponents at home.

Players like Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard have plenty of experience in this competition. It won't be so easy for Barcelona. They will be aware of the threat Chelsea pose.

For the players involved when they last met at Stamford Bridge in 2009, that match will stay in their minds

I would put Real Madrid as slight favourites for their tie against Bayern Munich as they are more defensively complete.

However, the Bavarians have players who can change games; they are a strong team on the counter-attack.

Real have an advantage thanks to their technical cohesion and their physical strength. For me, it is 60-40 in Real's favour in this tie, but Bayern have the experience and quality to progress.

Real manager Jose Mourinho found a way to stop Bayern in the 2010 final with Internazionale, but the emergence of Mario Gomez since then makes Bayern a different proposition.

Gomez

For me Athletic Bilbao have kind of been the team of the season due to their performances in the Europa League.

They are in pole position to make the semi-finals after winning the first leg 4-2 at Schalke, another great result.

Their style, their spectuacular football, their risk taking — these factors makes them incredible to watch, but in La Liga it does leave them open at the back.

It's perfect for the Cup though as it allows them to perform miracles against the 'bigger' teams.

Miracles that could see them go all the way...

I think Chelsea will win the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Benfica, especially as it's at home.

They won 1-0 in Lisbon and they're an experienced team that will not let such a lead slide.

The situation for them in Europe is different to domestically. I think Chelsea are more motivated for the Champions League.

Benfica, meanwhile, did not show enough at home and I can't see them snatching anything at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea must avoid complacency though...

I don't think Barcelona will struggle to get past Milan in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Catalonia.

While they may have found it difficult in the goalless draw at the San Siro, Barcelona should not have too many problems at the Camp Nou.

They will be too quick for Milan, who won't be strong enough defensively to stop them from scoring.

Even without Eric Abidal, who is very influential, Barca probably will not concede at home.

Regarding Bayern Munich, I expect Arjen Robben and co will continue their great form against Marseille.

I really don't think Marseille can go

Is Lionel Messi the best player of all time? I am always careful about this kind of comparison because it is almost impossible.

In his generation, he is certainly the best player for now because he has so many qualities: pace, dribbling, decision-making, efficiency and humility. It is rare to see a player with this kind of talent without any sort of arrogance.

I think what makes him so good is that he loves playing football. He is happy on the field and he can do things that no one else can do.

I didn't see the game against Bayer Leverkusen, but I saw the five goals. Unfortunately, I saw him

Bayern Munich go into their second leg against Basel trailing 1-0, and they will be extra motivated because the final is at their Allianz Arena home.

However, they should watch out for Basel, who have already shown this season that they can cause an upset.

They were trailing to Manchester United at Old Trafford, and came back to get a result.

Basel have real know-how, intelligent players and they have built a great structure at the club.

Their coach Heiko Vogel used to be Bayern's assistant manager, but that shouldn't be an excuse for the German side if they do not get through.

When the final

This season has witnessed a new interrogation of English clubs in the Champions League.

There is no Manchester City left, no Manchester United. There is a 95 per cent risk that Arsenal will disappear, 60 per cent chance of a Chelsea elimination. It would be a big shock for England if the country's clubs leave the competition so soon.

I think that not only is the English standard lower but also the standard of other European countries has improved. They are working well now again in Italy, they work well in Germany, they work well in France. As I said the gap is smaller, and that is the only