Champions League, Rd of 16, 2nd legs

Today four clubs will advance to the Champions League quarterfinal round, with four more joining them tomorrow, as 2nd legs conclude. There is much intrigue going into today's matches concerning how it will all play out, so let's talk about it...

AC Milan v. Arsenal (aggregate 0-0)
I predicted Arsenal going through on away goals (2-2 seems unlikely, but it could happen), and if the Gunners are to oust the Cup holders, that is likely how it will have to transipre, as I just don't see them winning at the San Siro tonight. They will need to defend much better than they have done of late, and will have to find a way to finish one or two of the rare chances they're likely to see against the stout Milan home defence. Kaka is fit to play, as is Pato, though Clarence Seedorf is a gametime decision, which looms large for the Rossoneri. Manchester United ran into a buzz saw in this stadium in last season's Champions League semifinal, so Arsenal are up against it in needing a result tonight against the defending chamipions. Arsene Wenger may very well gamble on Robin van Persie tonight, as he travelled to Italy and is included in the rotation. But will he start? Emanuel Eboue is also clear to play, and could make a big impact on the right in midfield. Kolo Toure and Tomas Rosicky are still not match fit, and did not make the trip, and each provides a still-gaping void in Arsenal's lineup. All in all, the two sides are clear-headed about their objectives, and confident in their chances. It will be a rollicking atmosphere, and one you don't want to miss.

Barcelona v. Celtic (aggregate 3-2)
Barcelona regained their luminous form in Glasgow a fortnight ago, flowing and attacking and looking boldly like the best club in the world. Granted, they did concede two goals on only about four goal efforts by Celtic, which was a credit to the opportunism of the Scottish side, but the game was thoroughly dominated by Barcelona, and with Messi, Ronaldinho, Henry and even Eto'o all gleaming in top form, Barcelona suddenly look like favorites to hoist the European Cup title for the second time in three years. I predicted a 4-2 aggregate win for Barca, which may have been generous to Celtic, as this could get out of hand in favor of the home side tonight at the Nou Camp.

Sevilla v. Fenerbahce (aggregate 2-3)
My most errant prediction of all the first legs, I underestimated the guile of the Turkish side at home, though Sevilla have to be feeling good about their chances to win this tie after garnering two crucial away goals in Turkey. Needing only a 1-0 victory, the Spanish club should go through, though I won't make the same mistake as predicting as much, as I've now learned not to look past Fenerbahce. Still, while it won't be by a 5-0 aggregate as predicted, if I was betting on the result (which I'm not), I'd go with Sevilla going through.

Manchester United v. Lyon (aggregate 1-1)
The miracle-maker Carlos Tevez emerged in the dying minutes for United yet again in the 1st leg at Lyon, scoring a vital away goal for the Mancunians and resuing a draw in the process. Many expected a United victory in the first leg, and were thus bearing witness to a minor upset when it appeared for most of the match that the French giants would head to Old Trafford with a lead (and more importantly, without conceding an away goal), until Tevez did what he has often done this season for United, score late. Now it feels a safe bet that Man U. will go through, as no French club has ever beaten them at Old Trafford, and with Vidic and Ferdinand healthy and determined in the back, it will be a tall order for Lyon to find the back of the net, something they HAVE to do if they want to advance to the next stage of the competition. My prediction was a 4-1 United aggregate triumph, and that may well come to pass if Rooney and Ronaldo play to their expected levels. Lyon have an enormous challenge laid out before them, but no one can say they don't have a squad capable of shocking the football world....

Should be an enticing, theatrical, vibrant evening of top-class club football. Everyone should tune in and make their opinions heard.

To check out my earlier aggregate predictions and previews of these ties, go here:
http://trueglobalfootball.blogspot.com/2008/02/champions-league-preview-part-2.html