Soccer: Champions League Enters Now or Never Phase

It’s time for the best of the best to put up or shut up. The last sixteen of the UEFA Champions League kicks off on Tuesday, with Al Dannity casting an eye over the week’s biggest games.

Barcelona can bleed
There is no greater collection of talent in Soccer than at the Camp Nou. Barcelona have the best squad of any team in the game today. They are not invulnerable, no team is. Soccer betting fans were reminded that upsets can happen on Saturday when Barca lost 3-2 at Osasuna, effectively eliminating Messi and co. from the La Liga title race. That means the Catalan giants have more reason than ever to focus squarely on lifting the Champions League trophy yet again.

On Tuesday they travel to Germany to take on upstarts Bayer Leverkusen. Having already beaten Chelsea in the group stage, this Bundesliga team will have no fear against the defending Champions League title holders. Barca’s record in first legs on the road is surprisingly mediocre. Even without the presence of veteran Michael Ballack, I expect a spirited effort from the Germans from the start. I don’t think it will be enough to take a lead into the Camp Nou but I like Leverkusen to earn a draw on Tuesday.

One last dance Thierry?
Thierry Henry’s return to Arsenal, brief as it has been, has seen a love affair rekindled. From his goal-scoring return off the bench in the FA Cup to his injury time winner on Saturday, Henry has reminded the Gunners’ faithful of what he can do. Time is about to run out on this loan spell however he has one last chance to shine. On Wednesday Arsenal travel to Italy to take on AC Milan, with Henry likely to feature.

This is a huge week for Milan. The 7-time European champions got a big boost in Serie A by winning at title rivals Udinese on Saturday. Now they look to avoid suffering an early exit in the Champions League for the second straight year. Given the week that’s in it, I’m too romantic to go against a good love story. Thierry Henry will help ensure a happy ending for Arsenal, I like the North London team to earn a narrow win in Milan.

Lesser lights could shine
APOEL Nicosia from Cyprus have been tremendous value for Soccer betting fans throughout the tournament. The underdogs made the knockout stages for the first time by topping their group. A trip to Lyon, a perennial power in Europe, should look daunting. The French side lost at home to Caen on Saturday and look unlikely to challenge for the Ligue 1 title. I like APOEL to pull the big upset here.

Finally, Benfica travel to Russia to take on Zenit St. Petersburg. Rust will be a huge issue for Zenit, who haven’t played a competitive game since December 6. They will need their wits about them on Wednesday as Benfica have a huge scoring threat in Rodrigo. The 20 year-old is having a breakout season and I like him to help Benfica record a big win on Wednesday.

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