Good morning all. Champions League Round of 16 action resumes today with four very appealing match-ups, none more appealing than Arsenal vs. AC Milan.
Yes, Barcelona will have a tough time trying to score a win at Celtic Park, Man U must travel to Lyon and Sevilla will face the cauldron that is Fenerbahce’s home, but Milan-Arsenal promises to be a real treat for all soccer fans as two of the world’s most technically gifted teams square off.
Here is a breakdown of today’s matches and where to watch them:
AC MILAN at ARSENAL
Game 1-Wednesday, ESPN2 (2:30pm), ESPN360.com (2:30pm)
Match-up to watch: Gennaro Gattuso vs. Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal’s high-powered attack runs through Fabregas, whose dynamic ability to make the perfect pass as well as to deliver dangerous shots makes him the Gunner to stop. Gattuso’s tenacious style should fluster Fabregas but he will still need some help to thoroughly contain the Spanish playmaker.
SBI Prediction- Arsenal 1, AC Milan 1
MANCHESTER UNITED at LYON
Game 1-Wednesday, ESPN Deportes (5pm)
Match-up to watch: Rio Ferdinand vs. Karim Benzema. Whether it is Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic, the Man U defense is going to have its hands full containing Benzema, whose size, strength and quickness should help create some chances for Lyon against Man U’s normally stingy defense.
SBI Prediction- Manchester United 2, Lyon 0
BARCELONA at CELTIC
Game 1-Wednesday, ESPN Deportes (2:30pm), ESPN Classic (5pm), ESPN360.com (2:30pm)
Match-up to watch: Thierry Henry vs. Steven McManus. With Samuel Eto’o still a doubt for this match, Henry will be called upon to break down Celtic’s stingy back-line. Does Henry still have the speed to burn McManus, we will find out today.
SBI Prediction- Barcelona 1, Celtic 0
SEVILLA at FENERBAHCE
Game 1-Wednesday, 2:30pm
Match-up to watch: Roberto Carlos vs. Dani Alves. Though they may not be matched up against each other too often, the two Brazilian fullbacks will share the same side of the field and both will be called on to help spark attacks from the back.
SBI Prediction- Fenerbahce 2, Sevilla 1
What do you think of today’s match-ups? Share your thoughts below.