Champions League Round of 16 Preview

Here is my Part 1 preview and predictions for the first Knockout Round of the Champions League

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Inter Milan versus Manchester United

This is going to be a great match between two of the best sides in Europe including two of the greatest coaches ever with The Special One and Sir Alex. Considering this leg is in Milan, you have to lean more towards Inter not only for that but for the fact that Man United's Nemanja Vidic will be out of this game. Rio Ferdinand is a good player, but he will not be able to plug the middle of the pitch on his own. Thankfully for Edwin Van der Saar whose shutout streak is over, there won't be any pressure on him, but I do expect Zlatan to pester him with shots. This game will have goals and goals will be scored by both sides. The question is will Inter travel to Manchester with a one or two goal lead. They will need a two goal lead to feel comfortable.

My Prediction: Inter Milan 2 Manchester United 1

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Arsenal versus AS Roma

I really like this match-up not only because both are well respected but both sides have a lot to prove here. Arsenal will be lucky to finish in the top 3 in England and even fourth place is currently out of reach. If they want to finally achieve something in terms of quality hardware, this is their best shot outside of the FA Cup. At the same time, AS Roma is in the same situation and would love nothing more than to reach the final in May at home. For this first leg, I expect a hard and gritty contest which will probably end in a goal-less draw. If Arsenal can manage a 2 goal lead, then expect them to advance, but if they give up a goal, then I feel them being a write off in the return leg.

My Prediction: Arsenal 0 AS Roma 0

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Olympique Lyonnais v FC Barcelona

I wonder how the Lyon side felt over the weekend when they saw La Liga leaders lose to the 20th placed team in Spain? I wonder if that sudden confident booster will result in anything. Both sides are attacking squads and Lyon need to score at home and confortably to have any chance of upsetting the Catalan giants. In my opinion even with the minor set-back for Barca, they are the better squad top-to-bottom. This will be another game with goals, but unfortunately for Lyon, those goals will against them.

My Prediction: Lyon 1 FC Barcelona 3

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Atletico Madrid v FC Porto

Both sides must be really glad to have drawn each other since both would be heavy underdogs in any other match-up. Both sides have a lot to prove and considering how even these sides are this is a pick'em game. In this leg I would have to lean towards Atletico for the home support but that doesn't mean that they will run away with this match. Expect yet another tight affair and do not be surprised if at the final whistle nothing has been accomplished. In my eyes though, I do expect at least one goal in the end.

My Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1 FC Porto 0

Part 2 with the rest of the match-ups will be posted tomorrow.