[Locke]

I figured we should have one of these after the draw was announced. Here it is:

Barcelona vs Celtic

Man. u vs. Lyon

Porto vs. Schalke

Inter Milan vs Liverpool

Real Madrid vs Roma

AC Milan vs. Arsenal

Chelsea vs. Olympiacos

Sevilla vs. Fenerbahce

My thoughts:

I think this is a pretty interesting draw, there is some real diversity in the matchups:

David vs Goliath:

- Chelsea vs Olympiacos - One would imagine that Olympiacos doesnt have a prayer. It depends entirely on whether or not Chelsea come out to play, lately Chelsea has been remarkably inconsistant.

- Barcelona vs. Celtic - I get the impression that Barca is going to walk away with this one, but I hope the Scots put up a fight, as far as talent is concerned Barca owns this matchup.

Heavyweight Bouts:

- Inter Milan vs. Liverpool - These two huge teams are going to go at each other with no holds barred. I'm cheering for my team obviously (Liverpool), but this seems remarkably even if not giving Inter the upper hand. Last year's Italian Serie A champs and current table leaders take on the 5th place Reds.

- Real Madrid vs. Roma - Whats more to be said, these two huge rivals have faced each other four times in the last seven years in Champions League competition. No surprises here on either side.

- AC Milan vs. Arsenal - This, should be interesting. Smart money goes to AC. They may not be doing so hot at home but in the Champions league this team is money. Last year's champs who boast the newly crowned FIFA Player of the Year in Kaka. EPL leading Arsenal are hands down underdogs in this one.

Wild Cards:

- Man U. vs. Lyon - Thats right, I call this a wildcard game. Many would disagree and place this matchup in the David vs. Goliath category but I dont see it that way. French leaders Lyon play a tight and solid formation and have one of the world's greatest free-kick specialists in Juninho. They will make a series of these two games.

- Porto vs. Schalke - Even matchup. Either of these two teams can take this series, I'd give the advantage to Porto based on Schalke's lackluster performances of late.

- Sevilla vs. Fenerbahce - Again, many would hand this to Sevilla and be done with it, but I dont think so. Bahce are huge underdogs in this campaign, and have never beaten a Spanish team in Champions league play. They've also never been this good, and their home stadium is widely acknowledged as the most difficult for any visiting team to play in.