Bayer Leverkusen are a hard working German side who lack a truly outstanding talent but are difficult for opposition to break down .Barcelona should be very confident with this draw .Club captain Simon Rolfes spoke with great optimism "at the start of the campain saying our aim is to reach the last 16", "anything else would be a bonus".This suggest`s they will play without fear and pressure.Barcelona have won 12 out of 15 trophies during Guardiola reign and their attacking starlets should see them progress into the next round.Key players : Bayer`s swiss striker Erin Derdiyok uses his strength intelligently expertly showed in the recent 3-3 draw against Hertha Berlin. Puyol is the cog in an underrated rearguard which only conceded 9 times in last seasons campain.
Napoli v ChelseaNapoli are an energetic opposition with a fearsome frontline who Trappatoni "states is second to none",they are critical on the counter attack as showed against Man City.Chelsea have been poor defensively this season they play with a high line without intense pressing and Napoli could expose this area .
AC Milan v ArsenalI am a fan of Milan boss Max Alegri ,he has reinvigorated Milan, he gives freedom to his frontline with protection from expierenced midfielders .If Wilshere returns he will add fluidity led by talismatic skipper Robin Van Persie.
Key Players: Nesta has formed a crucial partnership with Thiago Silva .He will retire at the end of the season.Szczeny has impressed between the sticks for the Gunners attracting interest from Bacelona with his displays.Real Madrid v CSKA Moscow
Madrid`s frontline are menacing this season ,Ronaldo and co are firing on all fronts and should continue their winning streak in the Champions League despite playing on a plastic pitch.CSKA are 6 points behind Zenit in the Russian League ,they proved that in beating Inter Milan on matchday 6 that they are a match for anyone.
Lyon v Apoel Nicosia
Lyon scraped through Group D ousting Ajax to second spot . Against opposition, inexpierenced at this level they have a golden chance to show the credibility of French football.
Key Players: Bafetimi Gomis has scored 7 goals in the French League so far.Ailton steered Apoel to the last 16 proving the critics wrong.Bayern Munich v FC Basel
Bayern are top of the Bundesliga tree at Christmas and are perched comfortably .In Mario Gomez they have the top scorer in the Champions League.Basel went through on match day 6 with a win over Manchester United protraying a strong image for Swiss football.
Inter Milan v Marseille
Inter are mid table in SEIRE A but are steadily on the rise under new coach Claudio Ranieri .Marseille recently beat title rivals PSG with Lucho Gonzalez pulling the strings in midfield.
Key Players : Playing as trequista under Ranieri ,Sneijder is enjoying his football in Milan.Andre Ayew signed a new contact for Mareille this month and will continue to shine for the Blues.
Zenit v Benfica
Both teams are on winning form with both teams riding high in their leagues.Both include classy playmakers in Danny and Aimar respectively so it will be a close contest over both legs.
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