Champions League First Round KO Previews

The draw for the knock out stage of the UEFA Champions League was made last week, Sports Magician previews the match ups and takes a look at which sides are likely to progress in Europe's premier club competition.

PSV v Arsenal

With little or no chance of challenging for the Premiership title, Arsenal will have been relieved to have come through a tight group containing Porto and CSKA Moscow. Losing finalists in the 2005/2006 competition, Arsenal will be hoping to go one better and a tie with PSV represents a fair chance to progress further. PSV qualified with room to spare from their group and have been flying domestically, winning 15 of 17 league games. PSV will be hoping to take a lead to the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal should be too strong over two legs.

Verdict - Arsenal move on.

Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

Two giants of European club football clash in the first round of knock out matches. Both sides qualified comfortably from their respective groups, Bayern winning theirs and Real Madrid finishing behind Lyon. Real have reinforced their side with the signings of two young Argentines, forward Gonzalo Higuain, but more significantly, midfielder Fernando Gago. The midfield partnership of Diarra-Emerson has not excelled, and Gago is likely to partner Diarra and produce a better fit. Bayern having lost the services of Ballack in the summer, may yet lose Owen Hargreaves too in the January window. This tie is unlikely to be settled early, but Sports Magician believes Real Madrid will just edge the encounter.

Verdict - Real Madrid to squeeze through.

Lille v Manchester United

All the sides who won their group would have wanted Lille, Manchester United were the lucky team to get them. Lille beat Manchester United not long ago in the Champions League group stage, but over two legs, that triumph is unlikely to be repeated. Manchester United have far too much in all areas for Lille to contend with, and may well win both legs.

Verdict - Manchester United win both legs.

Celtic v AC Milan

Celtic's reward for making the KO stage is a tie with the Rossonerri. A famous victory over Manchester United secured Celtic's passage through the group stage, and they may fancy a crack at an AC Milan side that has been far from impressive all season. Still failing to cope with the loss of Andrei Shevchenko and the points handicap in Serie A, Milan's season now rests entirely on this competition. Reinforcements are needed, and it remains to be seen if Milan will bring in fresh blood to support Kaka, who has been the only shining light for Milan thus far. Celtic are still underdogs for this tie, despite Milan's troubles. The 'Hoops' will need to secure a home win to take to Milan to stand a chance of pulling off an upset.

Verdict - Milan still too much for Celtic.

Barcelona v Liverpool

The winners of the past two years match up in the KO stage. Barcelona will still be without the services of Samuel Eto'o, but should be able to call on the return of Lionel Messi to reduce the burden on Ronaldinho. Barcelona have been in good form of late, but failed to win the World Club Championship. Liverpool will hope to keep things tight in the first leg, and look to have a memorable night at Anfield to take them through. Sports Magician believes Barcelona are still the team to beat in the competition, and that Liverpool aren't the team to beat them.

Verdict - The holders march on.

Internazionale v Valencia

The tie of the round. Inter have been in exceptional form in Serie A, and only a major collapse domestically will stop them from failing to win Lo Scudetto. Hernan Crespo has been in sparkling form since returning to Italy from Chelsea, and Inter have looked strong in all departments ever since beating Milan 4-3 in the derby. Valencia have had to deal with a never ending injury list, and their resources are being stretched if they hope to challenge for La Liga and the Champions League. This should be a very tight affair, with Inter's greater options upfront possibly seeing them through.

Verdict - Inter...Just.

Porto v Chelsea

Jose Mourinho takes his Chelsea side to the home of his former club, where he left winning the trophy he hopes to win with Chelsea, the Champions League. Chelsea topped a strong group that contained Barcelona and Werder Bremen. Didier Drogba has been in outstanding form all season, while Shevchenko has often looked lost and out of place in the Chelsea system. Porto, led from midfield by Lucho Gonzalez, have played some enterprising football thus far. They won't make it easy for Chelsea, but Mourinho's side should get the better of his former club.

Verdict - Porto to promise a scare, but fail to deliver. Chelsea go through.

Roma v Lyon

One of the less clear cut ties of the KO stage. Lyon won their group with ease and continue to be the 'dark horse' pick, although by now, everyone should be aware of the danger they pose. Once again Lyon are dominating their domestic league, winning 16 of 18 matches, and standing 17 points clear at the time of writing. Roma are still hoping to catch Inter in Serie A, but that looks unlikely. This is a very difficult tie to call in what should be a couple of entertaining matches.

Verdict - Lyon to move on.

Let Sports Magician know how you see the ties developing, by leaving a comment, and voting for who you feel will win this year's competition in the poll you will find on the sidebar of this page.