Quote from: Docnaster on Today at 02:16:22 PM

We all know that when big teams are playing against smaller teams especially in the knockout UEFA Champions League competition, it's always rare to smaller teams eliminate the bigger teams but I think there are exceptions to that popular belief. The Arsenal vs Porto and Barcelona vs Napoli round of 16 ties I don't think are easy games that that can be easily predicted.

Arsenal we know have been impressive since the start of the season but when it comes to the UCL, Porto is a more successful club than Arsenal as they've won the competition before now. So you don't expect a former winner of the competition to be easily beaten. Porto understand how the UEFA Champions League competition is played and would definitely want to make a statement in their tie against Arsenal. Just like bookmakers, I'm backing Arsenal to progress but I expect the two-legged games to be a difficult one for both sides

Barcelona are the reigning champions of Spain and so are their Italian round of 16 opponent Napoli are the reigning champions of Italy and both teams have not been performing like that they did last season in their respective leagues. However, since Napoli sacked their former manager Rudi Garcia and hired the current manager Walter Mazzarri, they've improved their performance both in the league and in their final group stage game and that's why I don't expect Barcelona to easily eliminate Napoli in the round of 16.

Arsenal, has been my discussion in the previous two threads. now I discuss it again in the Champions League thread. I agree with what you said for Arsenal, and it will not be an easy matter for the Gunners to beat Porto in the next match. in fact, my question is whether Arsenal will be able to win when they visit Porto. because the first leg will be held at the Estadio do Dragao. if they are able to appear impressive, without mental pressure, the Gunners should be able to do their job well. because this match is an away match for Arsenal. so, there was no choice but to win the battle at Porto's headquarters. for the second leg, the Gunners played in front of their own supporters. as an Arsenal supporter, I don't worry too much when they play at home. and referring to betting bookies, Arsenal is indeed superior. there are no other words, as an Arsenal fan I wish them the best they can do in this competition.

Now, we are talking Napoli vs Barcelona. coincidentally, Barcelona and Arsenal are my two favorite teams. of course, I have high hopes if Xavi is able to bring his squad to appear much more established and solid. not because Barcelona is the defending La Liga champion, neither is Napoli in Serie A. these two teams can currently be said to be in an unstable condition. that's why, the bookmaker puts the odds equal to @2.55. even though it is still temporary, it means that it can be said that the two teams are equal opponents. however, Xavi should be able to manage his team better. because in terms of strength, Barcelona has much better depth. although, Gavi was absent due to injury. but at least, it looks like Barcelona has some newcomers. one of them, Vitor Reque wonderkid from Brazil. I know, this player will not immediately shine. but at least, there is additional ammunition that Xavi can use when their front line players have difficulty scoring goals. well, because this match still has quite a long time. let's just follow developments regarding the teams entering the round of 16.