As I sat down to write this, cuppa in hand, my intention was to big up the chances of the minnows in this season’s Champions League and arrive at the tongue-in-cheek conclusion that London would be graced at the end of this May by the passionate, deserving fans of Schalke and Shakhtar Donetsk.

But you know what, let’s be honest… no one WANTS to see that and safe to say (here’s where I inevitably jinx the competition) no one WILL see that.

Nope, I don’t see a repeat of Monaco’s heroics in 2004. Instead, things may go a whole lot more predictably…

Real Madrid v. Tottenham Hotspurs: Two simple words will determine the outcome of this tie – Jose Mourinho. The fact that the second leg is at White Hart Lane may be an advantage to Real in this case. I find it difficult to see Spurs taking anything from the Bernabeu, where the Spanish outfit have taken 14 wins from 14 games in their domestic league. With that in mind, there is no better tactician in world football than Mourinho when defending a lead, so the second leg could then prove frustrating for the English side. So sorry ‘Arry, but for me, your European dream will end here… at least for this year.

Internazionale v. Schalke: I wasn’t so convinced with the Italian champions a few weeks ago, but in that time, they have knocked out Schalke’s domestic rivals, Bayern, from the competition and crept up on AC in their own league. Leonardo is doing a great job down there, considering the state Benitez left the club in and his squad is still bursting with the quality that, less than 12 months ago, saw the club lift its first European Cup in 45 years. Sneijder, Eto’o and co. will have too much for the Germans.

Chelsea v. Manchester United: The hardest of the quarter-finals to call. Chelsea is another side, which not long ago, I didn’t think would get a sniff of Wembley’s turf. But their form has also drastically turned with a much-needed renewal of confidence. They boast a great record against Sir Al’s men too, home and away. But I think memories of their tragic, narrow loss to United in the 2008 final might distract and get the better of them and they may run away with their emotions… all the way back to Moscow. It’ll be tight, but this tie may finally spell the end for Carlo Ancelotti.

Barcelona v. Shakhtar Donetsk: Shakhtar for the win!!! What… what are you looking at? Ok, maybe not. The favourites for the tournament, Barcelona, have shown time and again why they may be considered the greatest club side in the history of the game. Some accolade, huh? Shakhtar may be the dark horses, but in truth, Barca should stroll through this.

… which leaves us with these semi-finals…

Internazionale v. Manchester United: The key to this tie will be that the second leg is at Old Trafford, where (unsurprisingly in all honesty) the Red Devils have remained unbeaten this season, conceding just two goals in Europe. Can’t imagine this will be the most exciting of matches (the pragmatic Italian mentality of defence before attack should kick in by this stage of proceedings) but I reckon United will be celebrating reaching Wembley by the final whistle.

Real Madrid v. Barcelona: And what a semi this could be by the way! The return of El Classico and perhaps the hottest derby in the world. Somewhat ominously, Barca swept away their long-standing rivals 5-0 earlier in the season – surely Mourinho’s most embarrassing moment in his thus-far illustrious managerial career. That can’t happen again could it? His Inter team effectively shut out Pep Guardiola’s superstars at the same stage last season, but as he himself has admitted, managing Real Madrid is a different proverbial kettle. The fans will demand that his team attack the Spanish champions and that could play right into their hands…

… and thus we are left with this mouth-watering final…

Manchester United v. Barcelona: …

A repeat of the 2009 final in Rome, this could be an absolute cracker. But enough predictions and I shan’t tempt fate any further. Let’s wait and see what really happens first…