Chelsea v Internazionale
The recent rumours on the grapevine from Italy suggest José Mourinho is slightly disillusioned with the overall lack of quality he has encountered in Serie A, and hugely disappointed with criticism coming his way from the media. His sideInter have edged ahead of an ageing Milan and capitalised on the current confusions at Juventus but this is a different test. Inter are tough at the back with the experience of Cristian Chivu and Walter Samuel and have subtlety in midfield through the cunning of Wesley Sneijder and the educated left-foot of Sulley Muntari. Solid centrally, they have less penetration from wide positions but Samuel Eto'o can snap up the chances while the controversial young powerhouse Mario Balotelli divides opinion with his skill but lack of humility. These two sides have never been paired previously at club level, but here is an opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti - the calmer of the two managers - to show that you don't have to be a dramatic ego-centric to be a successful plotter of tactics.
Key clash
Samuel Eto'o v John Terry
The Cameroonian striker was way over-priced in the swap deal that took Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona last summer. He will find Terry, his old foe, able to cope with his channel running. The striker is powerful and speedy but without subtle slight of foot. I would back the classy Terry to cope.
Verdict Chelsea, with alternatives in midfield formation, should have too much for Mourinho's men. They are more powerful and will relish the second leg at home. The sideshow surrounding the managers should not affect the Blues' focus. 3-1 over two legs.
Head-to-head N/A
Odds Chelsea 13-8 Inter 8-5 Draw 9-4
Manchester United v Milan
Leonardo has inherited a group of heroes in the twilight of their careers. No one represents the club better than the evergreen Clarence Seedorf, whose selection of pass and instant ball control are unsurpassed. The playmaker Andrea Pirlo and the snapping Gennaro Gattuso remain, while Alexandre Pato up front could provide problems for United with his change of pace. Ronaldinho retains flair and Filippo Inzaghi can still pinch a goal but I would be surprised to see David Beckham start.
Key clash
Alessandro Nesta v Dimitar Berbatov
The Italian will need all his wiles to combat United's slippery movement. Sir Alex could well use one striker in the first leg but two in the second at home.
Verdict Man Utd
Head-to-head Man Utd W1 D0 L3
Odds Man Utd 13-8 Milan 17-10 Draw 23-10
Arsenal v FC Porto
Led by the wily Jesualdo Ferreira, Porto have continued to accumulate foreign talent: 16 of their initial 26-man squad were from abroad. Losing Aly Cissokho and Lisandro López to Lyon has not handicapped their progress. Bruno Alves is a tough centre-back and Raul Meireles a talented playmaker. Hulk, cutting in from the right, has a sledgehammer of a left foot. Yet Arsenal's team movement should be enough.
Key clash
Hulk v Gaël Clichy
Attacking Clichy on his inside could be profitable, but Arséne Wenger will be more than aware of this tactic. Hulk has the pace and determination to run at defenders and this will be an interesting confrontation provided Ferreira does not use his powerhouse through the middle.
Verdict Arsenal
Head-to-head Arsenal W2 D1 L1
Odds Arsenal 6-4 Porto 9-5 Draw 23-10
