Wednesday, February 21st's match ups:
Arsenal FC vs AC Milan
In my opinion this is definitely the match of the day. Its the age old battle between youth and experience. The team that proved to be the best in Europe in 2007 seems ever more like yesterday's news, nothing but a memory. Ancelotti's Milan look like serious underdogs in this one, but World Player of the Kaká isn't buying it; you can bet Arsenal isn't either. Look for the Italian side to do anything possible to slow, disrupt or deconstruct the Gunner's midfield fluidity. Milan will be looking stay competitive through the second leg where they will not only have the home advantage, but hopefully a healthier roster.
Celtic FC vs FC Barcelona
The first leg will take place at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Barcelona fans have reason to feel that last years early exit will be avenged as Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto'o and Henry have all been reported as match fit. Celtic will be looking to rely on a good first leg performance; Celtic Park is one of the most difficult stadiums to play in.
Lyon vs Manchester United
The hype surrounding the transfer speculation of Karim Benzema from Lyon to United is dwarfing the coverage of the actual match up. I don't follow the French Ligue 1 avidly, but I do know that Lyon's attack looked dangerous in the group stages of this tournament. I wouldn't write this one off as a "easy" draw for United just yet. However, the Red Devils' play continues to ooze confidence. Expect them to try and kill Lyon's chances early in order to make for a more "relaxed" second leg at Old Trafford.
Fenerbahçe SK vs Sevilla
About the only thing I know about Turkish football is that Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray are bitter rivals, and that Roberto Carlos plays for the former. Sevilla on the other hand, is one of my favorite La Liga sides to follow. They have an impressively fast style of play that leads to lightning quick buildups and attacks. It will be interesting to see which Brazilian "attacking" style defender will have a greater effect on the game: the pacey Dani Alves or the veteran Roberto Carlos.
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