Wendesday, Feb 22
Football: It's the business end of the Champions League and the last 16, with the first legs this week and the second legs in a fortnight.
At the start of the season, I predicted that Arsenal would struggle in the Premiership without Patrick Vieira but would still progress
it to the final stages of the Champions League.
However, I fear Arsene Wenger's men could be overrun at the Bernabeu in the mouthwatering clash with Real Madrid.
The relatively unknown coach Juan Caro has brought some stability to the Spanish club and they have won their last five La Liga matches. Comparatively the Gunners have won only one of their last five, look woefully short of confidence, Thierry Henry has stalled on signing a new deal and Sol Campbell needs his mummy.
Also on Wednesday night, Liverpool travel to Benfica. Ummm, that will be exciting.
Thursday, Feb 23
But it's Thursday's clash that really whets the appetite, as Chelsea renew their friendly rivalry with Barcelona. The pair met at the same stage last season, with Barca winning at home 2-1, then losing 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. It was an epic encounter, laden with controversy and fine, attacking football.
The first leg is at Stamford Bridge, which could favour the Spaniards and Chelsea don't have enough in their armoury to get through - however, I said the same thing last year.
Finally, Alex McLeish's Rangers host Villareal, in what had to be the plum draw for the Scots. Having experienced the passion at Ibrox first hand, I would love to see the Glasgow side win.
Now that we know McLeish will be departing Rangers in the summer, he will be desperate for his side to make a point and scramble through to the last eight.
A Liverpool vs Rangers draw in the quarter-final would be a special match-up.
