This was destined, there is no other way to describe it. After two sensational clashes and a summer full of slanging mathches they had to meet, sooner or later. We had a chance to meet Inter, Roma, Lyon, Marseille or AC Milan, but it has to be Arsenal. Last time we had two absolutely memorable clashes and FC Barcelona rightly emerged victoorious in the end. Some time has passed and both teams have moved along further. So this clash once again will be the pick of this Champions League season. FC Barcelona's recent exploit in big matches has made us the most feared side in Europe at this moment. But that form may amount to nothing, if we cannot keep up with this form till February. Another crucial element will be to have our crucial players, especially Iniesta, Xavi and Messi without injury to the build up of the tie.
The rest of the line-up also have some big clashes. One of the memorable clash has to be last season's repeat of final with Inter facing Bayern. Meanwhile Mourinho's biys will once again meet Lyon in the knockout stage. Meanwhille the other Spanish side Valencia will be facing Shalke. The rest of the clashes are AC MIlan vs Totenham, Marseille vs Manchester United, Roma vs Shaktar and Chelsea vs Copenhagen. I think I will do a much bigger analysis towards the end of January.