UEFA Round of 16 - Second Leg Preview

Sixteen teams will be trying to move one step closer to securing a trip to Moscow in this weeks' UEFA Round of 16 second leg. One can never expect an easy ticket in European football, and this week is no exception. With some truly epic clashes taking place this week; here is a preview for Tuesday's fixtures.


Celtic FC vs FC Barcelona: Celtic will travel to the Camp Nou and try and relinquish the three goals that they surrendered in the first leg. Celtic might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at the task of trying to deconstruct a Deco-Messi-Ronaldinho-Eto'o-Henry led attack, and if they don't, they should be. I'm expecting Barcelona to put a goal away early--killing the Scots' dreams of advancement.
Prediction: Barcelona 2 - Celtic 0 (5-2 agg. Barcelona through)

Lyon vs Manchester United: United will be looking to extend their consecutive UEFA winning streak (at home) to 10 at Lyon's expense. United was lucky to pluck an important away goal in the first leg; it was Tevez's last gasp equalizer that put United in the driver seat. Benzema and Lyon are lethal, but I think United and Old Trafford will be too much to handle for the French side.
Prediction: Manchester United 2 - Lyon 0 (2-1 agg. United through)

Fenerbahçe SK vs Sevilla: I really want Sevilla to take this one, but the way they have been playing it looks like they are more cut out for UEFA Cup competition. Sevilla is down 3-2 on the aggregate, but they do have two important away goals. On paper this should be a walk in the park for an attacking suited Sevilla. They have a record of coming from behind in European competitions (albeit UEFA Cup) and they also have an impressive home record this season. This game will will show if they have the ability to preform at the highest of levels.
Prediction: Sevilla 2 - Fenerbahçe 1 (4-4 agg. Sevilla through on away goals)

Arsenal FC vs AC Milan: Milan seemingly has all the momentum. Kaká, Pato, Maldini and Nesta are all reported as fit. And Arsenal on the other hand has some serious question marks surrounding their team. Arsenal supporters are sure to be hoping for both Cesc and Hleb to improve upon their performances last week; Arsenal's style of play depends almost exclusively upon their play. Also, I think that Gallas' ability to lead the team is questionable at best. The Gunners have been on an emotional roller coaster ride over the past few weeks and I'm not sure they are going to have what it takes to top Milan.
Prediction: Milan 1- Arsenal 0 (1-0 agg. Milan through)