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UCL Preview: Arsenal-Barca, Juve-Bayern face off in heavyweight clashes

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It’s surely going to be difficult to decide which UEFA Champions League round of 16 match to watch on Tuesday.

English Premier League side Arsenal hosts Barcelona in the first leg of their knockout series, while Juventus welcomes German Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich to Juventus Stadium.

Barcelona, led by the lethal attacking trio of Luiz Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar, is currently on a 32-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. The Gunners are on a five-game unbeaten run of their own, but were most recently held at bay by English Championship side Hull City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Last year’s UCL runner-up, Juventus, has looked exceptional in league play over recent weeks, winning 15 out of 16 games. Bayern, too, has been impressive in 2016 and will give the Italian club a lot to handle despite being on the road.

Here’s a closer look at Tuesday’s UCL matchups:

Arsenal vs. Barcelona, at Emirates Stadium, 2:45 p.m., Fox Sports 1, WATCH ESPN, ESPN Deportes TV, Fox Soccer 2GO USA

While the 2016 Arsenal side has not looked as dominant as the 2015 team that battled Leicester City for first in the EPL, Barcelona’s current squad has continued to show the world it could be one of the greatest teams in the history of European club soccer.

There has been no dip in form from Lionel Messi since he received his Ballon d’Or award in January. The talented Argentine has scored nine goals and provided five assists across all competitions. On the defensive end, Gerard Pique and Ivan Rakitic were rested against Las Palmas on Saturday, but will likely feature in Luis Enrique’s starting lineup come Tuesday.

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil missed his club’s match over the weekend due to illness, but will be ready to perform against La Liga’s leader. Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Gabriel will all miss out on the first leg, though, the club confirmed on Monday.

The Gunners have the talent and skill to pose a threat against Barcelona. Arsenal did well at home against Bayern in the group stage of the competition last October, but Olivier Giroud and Ozil, among others, were in better form than they are now.

Juventus vs. Bayern Munich, at Juventus Stadium, 2:45 p.m., Fox Sports 2, Fox Soccer 2GO USA, Fox Deportes

Juventus my be known as a defensive juggernaut, but this series could be one of the highest-scoring round of 16 matchups on aggregate.

Not considering the away loss to Arsenal, Bayern was one of the most, if not the most, dynamic and impressive teams in the group stage of the UCL. The German club won five games in convincing fashion and only conceded three goals — all of which were scored by Arsenal.

Juventus’ attack will pose a threat with the talented likes of midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Paulo Dybala. However, the 22-year-old Argentine has yet to score a UCL goal in six appearances. Bayern is certain to score, so Dybala must also find the back of the net if the “Old Lady” is to be successful in the round of 16.

While Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller are healthy and in good form, head coach Pep Guardiola will have to deal with a few injuries in defense. Jerome Boateng, Javi Martinez and Holger Badstuber are sidelined with long-term injuries.

What matchup are you most anticipating? Who do you think will win Tuesday’s UCL games?

Share your thoughts below.

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