The round of sixteen of the UEFA Champions League begins on Tuesday, Feb. 19. On the following Wednesday, Arsenal and AC Milan are scheduled for a mouth-watering match.

The champions league draw took place two months ago. At the time, it looked as though Arsenal were the clear favorites to win this match. AC Milan were struggling in Serie A. Casting doubt on whether they would even qualify for next year's champions league. Last year's champions looked old and slow. At that time, Arsenal were flying high at the head of the Premiership. Their style of quick, youthful, attacking play seemed perfect to counteract AC Milan's experience.

Two months later, and Arsenal's position as clear favorites seems to be diminishing. Arsenal are coming off a stinging 4-0 loss to Manchester United in the 5th round of the FA Cup. Arsenal played pitifully in the match, and they had better hope it doesn't have any residual effects in the champions league. Meanwhile, AC Milan have been climbing up the standings of Serie A. They have been led by the emergence of Brazilian teenage striker Alexandre Pato. He has brought some youthful exuberance to a side that was previously lacking. AC Milan should also be boosted by 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka's return from injury. With all of these things going for them, I am picking AC Milan to defeat Arsenal and go through to the quarterfinals of the champions league.
For a similar article, visit http://www.xomba.com/champions_league_2nd_round_first_leg_liverpool_2_0_inter_milan
http://www.xomba.com/real_madrid_lose_to_roma_in_the_champions_league
http://www.xomba.com/champions_league_2nd_round_second_leg_previews

For more on the Champions League, visit http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/index.html