However, it's hard to see Stephen McManus et al denying a Kaka-directed attack from getting the away goals that will ultimately prove costly.

Verdict score draw

PSV EINDHOVEN v ARSENAL Tuesday, Philips Stadium, 7.45 The first time these clubs met, at this ground in September 2002, Arsenal produced one of the defining performances of the Wenger era, devastating PSV 4-0. Not that they'll need such a display here. Ronald Koeman's young side are gutsy but lack the sophistication even of five years ago. And a Champions League-hardened Arsenal should withstand any attack, before filleting them on the break.

Verdict away win

REAL MADRID v BAYERN MUNICH Tuesday, Santiago Bernabeu, 7.45 Were it not for the arrogance both these clubs are renowned for, there'd be something poignant about this. Two punch-drunk former champions slugging it out while the real contenders get on with business. So dreadful have both been recently, this is arguably the hardest tie to call. Still, while a woefully prosaic Bayern have fallen away in their domestic title race - sacking Felix Magath along the way - Real have been grimly defiant enough to at least stay in touch.

Verdict home win

LILLE vMANCHESTER UNITED Tuesday, Stadio Felix-Bollaert Live, RTE Two, 7.00; UTV, 7.30 Revenge in the air. Last time these two met, United were reeling from a 4-1 defeat at Middlesbrough, an absent Roy Keane's name was being sung from the stands and Milenko Acimovic scored the goal that eventually left Alex Ferguson's side bottom of their group. Different scenario, different outcome. Lille have only won one of their last five, while United are purring.

Verdict away win

ROMA v LYON Wednesday, Stadio Olimpico, 7.45 Remember how Gerard Houllier took Liverpool tantalisingly close to the big time, before the expectation got to him and it all imploded? Turns out he's no one-trick pony. Having almost seen Paul Le Guen's excellent work at Lyon through to fruition last season, the cracks are showing again. Some questionable transfer-window moves have been followed by a domineering league lead cut, and he now must face an unrestrained Roma.

Verdict home win

BARCELONA v LIVERPOOL Wednesday, Camp Nou, 7.45 Live, RTE Two, 7.00 Having so shrewdly distanced themselves from the distractions of a title race and the domestic cups, there's the looming feeling Liverpool are set to repeat their absurd heroics of 2005. And, with the cosmos appearing to come into alignment for them again, never could they have encountered a better time to face the champions - squad discontent, manager and chairman at war, key players hobbled. All in Steven Gerrard's dreams of course. For while Barca haven't quite reached last season's majesty, they're still top of la Liga.

With Ronaldinho in effective if not exceptional form, they should outpass Liverpool here, even if a brave performance sets up another melodramatic night at An"eld.

Verdict home win

FC PORTO v CHELSEA Wednesday, Estadio do Dragao, 7.45 Live, Setanta, 7.00 Jose Mourinho returns home? again. When an already-qualified Chelsea played here last season they were charitable enough to allow Porto the three points they needed. They won't be so generous this time. For all this season's infighting, Chelsea seem to have a sense of mission about this competition and, resurgent in the Premiership, should roll over Porto.

Verdict away win

INTER MILAN v VALENCIA Wednesday, San Siro, 7.45 Arguably the tie of the round. The run-away Serie A leaders against a Valencia side that would be in a similar position in Spain were it not for some crippling injuries at during winter. Still, while Valencia have recovered and Inter remain untested since the group stages ended, the Italians are in simply unyielding form.

Verdict home win Compiled by Miguel Delaney Stephen McManus: faces Kaka