UEFA Champions League Last 16

AS Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk

My winners: AS Roma

Despite the Ukrainians topping their group impressively three points clear of second place Arsenal, this is their first ever entry into the final 16, so I think Roma’s experience at this stage will give the Italians the advantage in this fixture.

AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspur

My winners: Too close to call

Almost (but not quite) the most exciting fixture to come out of the draw sees Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham return to the San Siro, only this time to play Inter’s Milan-based counterparts. AC Milan are having a strong season at the stop of Serie A, so are technical favourites but Spurs’ fantastic ability to pull off dramatic wins in big games might give them the edge over two legs.

Valencia v Schalke 04

My winners: Valencia

Considered the most even tie of the round, I’ve picked the Spaniards to emerge on top due to their impressive will to attack in the group stage and Schalke’s nightmare season seeing them currently in 10th place after finishing as runners up in the Bundesliga last season.

Internazionale v Bayern Munich

My winners: Bayern Munich

A repeat of last season’s final sees both sides a shadow of their former selves. Both at the moment look like they could even struggle to qualify for next year’s competition. But the Germans have to be my favourites by default due to the erm...interesting situation surrounding Inter’s manager. It looks increasingly likely that Rafa Benitez won’t be managing the club by the time this fixture is played and even if he is, I wouldn’t exactly consider it an advantage.

Olympique Lyon v Real Madrid

My winners: Real Madrid

Despite having won the competition more than any other team, Real Madrid haven’t been past the first knockout stage since the 03/04 season and the draw has them facing the same team that knocked them out this stage last year. However, there is one large factor that they’ve never had before: Jose Mourinho as manager. Although still playing second fiddle to Barcelona domestically, Jose’s Real now look a force to be reckoned with and will be looking to break their unlucky tradition.

Arsenal v Barcelona

My winners: Barcelona

It was the result of the draw that had everyone talking. The two sides clashed a stage later last year, which resulted in a spectacular 6-3 on aggregate thrashing of Arsenal by Pep Guardiola's men. Barcelona are clear favourites for the tie, especially after Arsenals slip ups in the group stage that saw them finish 2nd, and they also look the safest bet to lift the cup. But the Gunners won’t make it easy for the Spanish champions in a fixture that looks sure to provide skills and thrills all round.

Olympique Marseille v Manchester United

My winners: Manchester United

The French champions impressed in the group stage, finishing second to Chelsea even after beating the English giants in a group that saw no tied results. However now they face another English side, one who have only lost a single game in all competitions so far this season and who are sure to get the better of Marseille in this fixture.

FC Copenhagen v Chelsea

My winners: Chelsea

Copenhagen were the dream tie for all clubs involved in the draw, having never reached this stage before in their history. Outstanding ambassadors for their country, they are the first Danish club to ever qualify for the knock-out round and even managed a draw at home to world giants Barcelona. However, as Chelsea begin to regain form after what looked like back-room troubles spilling out onto the pitch, they will have no sympathy for the Danes’ fairytale story and will look to cement their place as true contenders with a big win in both legs.

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