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Goal.com Predicts: AC Milan 1-3 Arsenal, Leverkusen 0-3 Barcelona
Our reporters expect difficult games for the Serie A champions, and the Bundesliga representatives, while Lyon and Zenit should be able to win their home matches
Feb 14, 2012 9:00:00 AM
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After a little over two months without Champions League action, European club football's elite tournament returns as the first legs of the round of 16 are scheduled to take place this week.
On Tuesday, holders Barcelona travel to Bayer Leverkusen as they look to return to winning ways after last weekend's La Liga loss.
| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £85.00 | Draw £55.00 | Barcelona £12.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £95.00 | Draw £55.00 | Barcelona £12.90 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £90.00 | Draw £50.00 | Barcelona £13.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £90.00 | Draw £60.00 | Barcelona £12.90 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Bilbao £87.00 | Draw £53.00 | Barcelona £12.50 |
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Elsewhere, French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais host surprise package APOEL Nicosia at the Stade Gerland.
Meanwhile, Italian champions AC Milan lock horns with Premier League representatives Arsenal at San Siro on Wednesday.Russian titleholders Zenit St Petersburg meet Portuguese outfit Benfica in their first competitive game since the winter break.
Once again, Goal.com's expert reporters will be on hand to provide you with quality coverage and analysis, but here's what they think may unfold on Tuesday and Wednesday.
| Bayer Leverkusen |
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0-3
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Barcelona |
CLARK WHITNEY SAYS...
Barcelona have stuttered as of late, and their away form in Europe has been far from impressive. But even so, the Catalan giants should have no trouble seeing off Leverkusen, who are in crisis-mode. Their best striker, Eren Derdiyok, and arguably their greatest star of the group stage, Sidney Sam, are both out injured, as is the one figure of experience, Michael Ballack.
The players and coach Robin Dutt have been at odds all season, and strained relations have taken their toll on the club's record, which stands at one win from their last six games. Miracles can happen, but expect a comfortable victory for the holders.
| Olympique Lyonnais |
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1-0
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APOEL Nicosia |
ROBIN BAIRNER SAYS...
Tuesday night's match would appear to be a simple affair for Lyon on paper, but they are facing opponents who won their group so must be wary, particularly since Remi Garde's men suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat by Caen on Saturday afternoon. APOEL, though, have problems of their own, with both first-choice centre-backs struggling with injury and a couple of key attackers in the form of Maduca and Ailton both returning from winter surgery.
The French side should have enough offensive power to get themselves through this match, but it's unlikely to be the walkover that some are expecting against an outfit not short in experience.
| AC Milan |
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1-3
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Arsenal |
KRIS VOAKES SAYS...
When the draw was made in December we looked set for a real toe-to-toe battle, but Milan's poor form and injury misfortune have combined to send them on a very disappointing downward spiral over the last few weeks. The win against Udinese has temporarily lifted hopes, but against a dynamic Arsenal side with the clinical Robin van Persie they are likely to be really put through the mill in midfield and at the back.
The Rossoneri's big hope is that they can score more than they concede as the Gunners don't have the defence to cope if Milan can impose themselves.
| Zenit St Petersburg |
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2-1
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Benfica |
LUIS MIRA SAYS...
After denying Porto a place in the Champions League knockout stages, Zenit St Petersburg must now lock horns with Portuguese Liga leaders Benfica. Luciano Spalletti has several injuries to contend with, as Viatcheslav Malafeev and Domenico Criscito will reportedly miss Wednesday's match, in addition to Danny, who faces a lengthy lay-off after suffering a knee ligament injury.
Zenit have not played a competitive match since December following the winter break in both the Russian Premier League and in the Champions League, but they remain favourites for the encounter, also because they are used to the effects of cold conditions, unlike Benfica.
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Athletic Bilbao - FC Barcelona
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Athletic Bilbao 1-3 FC Barcelona
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Athletic Bilbao 2-1 FC Barcelona
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