Source: Telegraph
Alan Smith's guide to the Champions League last 16
Porto v Arsenal[LNB]It could have been a lot tougher for Arsenal. But Porto are the sort of side who, if taken lightly, will hit you quickly and hard. That mainly applies at home, however, where Jesualdo Ferreira's team rarely let themselves down. Last season they sent a poor Arsenal side packing with a 2-0 win. [LNB] Related ArticlesMourinho and Beckham to be vanquishedArsene Wenger on Champions League draw against PortoChampions League: Beckham returns to Man UtdHenry Winter: Champions League draw could stir emotionsChampions League draw: as it happenedChampions League drawTheir team has changed a bit, with Lisandro leaving for Lyon and Falcao arriving. The Colombian striker hasn't disappointed, notching three goals in the competition so far. [LNB]That said, Arsène Wenger's boys should be able to pass their way to victory. Younger, fitter and faster, Cesc Fabregas and friends can call the tune. They might even have another centre forward by then, if Wenger manages to recruit a suitable replacement for Robin van Persie in January. [LNB]Verdict: Arsenal to progress without too much drama [LNB][LNB]AC Milan v Man Utd[LNB]He won't admit it, but Sir Alex Ferguson can't be too displeased. Milan don't seem to be evolving by replacing their old stagers. [LNB]A midfield trio of Massimo Ambrosini (32), Andrea Pirlo (30) and Clarence Seedorf (33) holds no surprises. More testing might be the combination up front, where Pato, 20, provides youthful enthusiasm and prodigious talent. In addition, Ronaldinho shows signs of regaining some hunger. [LNB]For that reason, Ferguson will hope that, by February, his back four has returned to full strength, with Rio Ferdinand showing his old form. United should have enough players going forward to worry Milan, especially if Dimitar Berbatov can properly support Wayne Rooney by adding more goals to his silky approach play. [LNB]Verdict: United to ease through after a good scrap [LNB][LNB]Inter Milan v Chelsea[LNB]Top of Serie A, heading perhaps for a fifth scudetto in succession and the second under Jose Mourinho, Inter must feel under pressure to make a mark in Europe. At this same stage last year, Manchester United saw them off fairly comfortably. [LNB]So will it be different this time? Mourinho's line-up has changed, particularly up front, where Samuel Eto'o and Diego Milito now lead the charge, with Mario Balotelli chipping in. The midfield is very similar to Chelsea's, in that Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Wesley Sneijder and Dejan Stankovic often share the duties in a diamond formation. [LNB]But Mourinho knows that Didier Drogba is the biggest threat. If Lucio and Walter Samuel can get hold of him, Inter will stand half a chance. [LNB]Verdict: Chelsea too strong for their old manager [LNB][LNB]Stuttgart v Barcelona This is the best draw Barcelona could have hoped for. Labouring at the wrong end of the Bundesliga, Stuttgart have just sacked their manager, Markus Babbel. Alexander Hleb is their best player by far. For Barcelona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic lends a different dimension, linking smoothly with Lionel Messi. They also have a clever manager in Pep Guardiola Verdict: Barca at a canter [LNB][LNB]Olympiakos v Bordeaux Fortunate to qualify from a weak group, Olympiakos might find this tie one step too far, as an attack led by Kostas Mitroglou struggles for goals. Bordeaux, boasting the best record in the group stages, could cause a stir. Striker Marouane Chamakh is ably assisted by Yoann Gourcuff. Verdict: Bordeaux to progress after riding their luck in Greece [LNB][LNB]Bayern Munich v Fiorentina# If Bayern can play like they did in thrashing Juventus recently, the German giants look well set. Mark van Bommel orchestrates from the middle while a strong forward line should be augmented by the return of Franck Ribéry. That adds up to a stiff task for the Italians, so impressive in topping Liverpool's group.Verdict: Bayern by a whisker [LNB][LNB]CSKA Moscow v Seville Seville could be termed the competition's dark horses, with Luis Fabiano looking so dangerous up front and left-winger Diego Perotti, 21, emerging as the next big thing. CSKA will have to be at their best, with star man Milos Krasic reproducing the form that caused so many problems at Old Trafford last month.Verdict: Seville to march through after scare on Moscow plastic [LNB][LNB]Lyon v Real Madrid Lyon have done incredibly well to get this far. Hugo Lloris is one of the best keepers in Europe, while young Miralem Pjanic has impressed from midfield. Even so, it will be extremely difficult for Claude Puel's side to handle the frightening depth of talent at Real. So much is made of the attacking riches on offer but coach Manuel Pellegrini must be credited with assembling a very solid defence.Verdict: Spaniards to triumph [LNB]
