Champions League Round of 16

This afternoon sees the 1st leg of the Round of 16 in the premier European club competition kick off - none other than the Champions League. For those of you unfortunate enough to not be familiar, it's the equivalent of...hmm, actually, nothing we have in this country can even compare.

Today's ties are as follows:

Inter Milan v Manchester United - Arguably the most mouth-watering fixture of the competition thus far, both of these clubs are enjoying sizable leads atop their respective leagues. Hard to find much between the two of them, but United's injuries at the back may take their toll, especially with the first leg at the San Siro in Milan.

Prediction 2-1

Arsenal v AS Roma - At this point last year, these two teams were hitting their stride and finding 3 points with regularity. Nowadays, the goals are harder to come by and they are finding themselves further from the top of their tables than in quite some time. Roma are sure to be buoyed by the return of their captain Francesco Totti, while the Gunners will have to find some quality in the final third (I'm looking at you, Robin Van Persie). I see a wide-open contest with chances aplenty.

Prediction 2-2

Lyon v Barcelona - Barca are enjoying the form you dream of as a footballer. Despite a loss this past weekend to Espanyol, they feature the most explosive and loaded starting XI on the planet who are never short on creativity. Lyon are an interesting bunch - the French champions feature one of the most promising youngsters in the world in Karim Benzema, and the set-piece brilliance of Juninho. I think they will prove to be a more difficult challenge than Barca would like.

Prediction 1-1

Atletico Madrid v FC Porto - Atletico have seen their spot in the league drop like a stone because of a recent string of poor results. Fortunately, they are always capable of finding goals in bunches, mostly thanks to wonder kid Sergio Aguero. Porto, the 2004 CL Winners, are once again atop the Portugese Liga. The best thing about them is their hulking striker who goes by - you guessed it - Hulk. You can't make this stuff up.

Prediction 0-1

Now, for those are still aren't in the mood for world-class soccer, this should help.

Top goals from this past winter

superb goals vol 4