It's time to get serious folks, as Europe's most prestigious football competition will resume play tomorrow. Let's take a look at the four Champions League fixtures on tap this week.
Tuesday
Bayer Leverkusen v. Barcelona
On paper the defending champions look invincible in this tie, with Leverkusen midfielder Simon Rolfes saying that this is "a classic David versus Goliath game." It should be noted that Barcelona are under pressure with the league title out of grasp with a 10-point margin. The holders know this is the competition they must win.
Prediction: Leverkusen 1, Barcelona 2.
Olympique Lyonnais v. APOEL Nicosia
OL will need a good performance at home against the surprising Cypriots, who enter as group winners. Lyon were dismissed by Caen over the weekend and have a terrible defence. APOEL drew all three away matches and could be poised for a good result.
Prediction: Lyon 1, APOEL 1.
Wednesday
Zenit St. Petersburg v. Benfica
Benfica make the long journey to Russia in fine form, with eight straight Superliga wins to open a five-point margin at home. Midfielder Javi Garcia is out but Nicolás Gaitán and Oscar Cardozo will be available. Zenit are unbeaten in their last 19 home matches, and have been training without a competitive match since their Matchday 6 draw with Porto. This has draw written all over it.
Prediction: Zenit 1, Benfica 1
AC Milan v. Arsenal
The marquee fixture of this week is Arsenal's trip to Italy to face Serie A table-toppers AC Milan. The Gunners have Thierry Henry in uniform one final time before he leaves the continent to waste his time playing for New York Red Bulls in obscurity. Milan usually bow out to English clubs and face a stern examination, with a mouth-watering duel between strikers Robin Van Persie and Zlatan Ibrahimovic ready to set the continent ablaze.
Prediction: AC Milan 1, Arsenal FC 1
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