Champions League Preview (Part 2)

Continuing on with our Champions League preview for round of 16 ties, we look at the matchups beginning on Wednesday...

AC Milan v. Arsenal
This has to be the glamour matchup of this round, with the defending champions squaring off against the runners-up of two years ago. Arsenal have arguably (along with Inter and Manchester United) looked the most attractive and dangerous of European clubs so far this year, but they stumbled slightly in the group stage and ended up finishing 2nd to Sevilla, a penalty that caused them to face 1st seed Milan. Six weeks ago, Arsenal would be tghe odds-on favorites here, as Milan were floundering in Serie A and looked in danger of losing out on next year's Champions League by not finishing in the top four spots of the Italian league. But they have recently found their form, and are threatening to re-enter the top four in Serie A, and more importantly are regaining their identity just in time for Champions League knockout stages, where they thrive. So Arsenal have their work cut out for them, and I see this tie hinging on the Arsenal array of talented midfielders and how they deal with Kaka's attack and Gattuso's defense. Milan are loaded with other threats as well, including newcomer Alexandre Pato, but the midfield matchups are scintillating. My gut prediction says Tomas Rosicky is the MVP of this round for the Gunners.
Aggregate Preditcion: 2-2 Arsenal (on away goals)

Barcelona v. Celtic
To say this Barca side is an enigma would be understatement. They have to be the most talented team in Europe, top to bottom, with apologies to Man Utd, Real Madrid, Inter, et. al., and with word released that Eto'o is fit and ready to go, conventional wisdom suggests Barcelona will ride their big names (Eto'o Ronaldinho, Messi, Henry, Deco, etc) to easy passage into the quarterfinal. But Celtic are no pushovers, and are experienced in Champions League knockout football. Last year at this stage they acquitted themselves extremely well against eventual winners Milan, pushing the Rossoneri to the brink before succumbing to an injury-time winner in the 2nd leg at the San Siro. The Glaswegian side knows how to defend, and will look to frustrate Barcelona by impeding their flow, and disrupting their flair. But at home in the first leg, Celtic must score, and for that they must look to Dutch name-for-the-ages Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Scott McDonald, and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Aggregate Prediction: 4-2 Barcelona

FC Sevilla v. Fenerbahce
I have to be honest and admit I don't know a lot about the Turkish side, other than they are perennial entrants into Champions League, if not always the knockout fixtures. I do know they have international talent mixed in among some rough and tumble countrymen who help make Turkey such a dangerous international opponent (and World Cup semifinalist in 2002). Sevilla have navigated their way through to the final of the UEFA Cup each of the last two years, winning and then losing in an attempt to repeat last year. But this is where Sevilla feel they ought to be competing: in Champions League late rounds. Their wunderkind striker Fredy Kanoute was just named African footballer of the year (perhaps a dubious win when considering the 2007 Didier Drogba had), and he partners with the very in form Luis Fabiano up front to form a very dangerous attacking Spanish side. Sevilla are struggling currently in 6th place in La Liga which means they better make the most of their time here and now on the big stage, lest they not qualify for next year's show. You have to believe then that they got the draw they wanted.
Aggregate Prediction: 5-0 Sevilla

Manchester United v. Lyon
Lyon are very good, but not good enough to defeat United. Sir Alex's charges are brimming with confidence after drubbing Arsenal 4-0 in the FA Cup at the weekend, and will not be denied in this round. Juninho will need to be big for Lyon, and they will have to score first so they can sit back and frustrate United. Unfortunately for Olympique, Rooney or Ronaldo will create too many chances and will head back to Old Trafford with a lead.
Aggregate Prediction: 4-1 Manchester United


Poor Inter... I though Marco Materrazi's sending off was horrific, and quite possibly gifted Liverpool passage into the next round. Will Inter be able to rebound in three weeks and score a 2-0 or 3-0 victory? Real Madrid have their work cut out for them after succumbing to Roma at the Estadio Olimpico after going 1-0 up early through Raul. Now they return to the Bernebeu with a 2-1 deficit. Porto too, return home needing to overcome a deficit, and Chelsea should have no trouble winning at Stamford Bridge after playing to a 0-0 draw in Athens.

Interesting stuff played out today, with more to come tomorrow, and fascinating possibilities wait in two weeks as we prepare to welcome our final eight teams to the Champions League.