Poppa's Picks: Champions League Edition

Today's Games

Olympiakos X Bordeaux - Tuesday 2:45PM ET
The French Ligue leaders hit up Greece for their first leg in the Round of 16.  The hosts are also contending for domestic supremacy, sitting just two points behind Panathinakos.  Bordeaux are not in their best form winning only 2 of their last 5 matches in the French League and Cup.  Olympiakos on the otherhand are coming off of 3 consecutive victories, followed by a draw.  However, I'm going to say a 1-1 draw here, a good result for Laurent Blanc's crew to head back west with.

Stuttgart X Barcelona - Tuesday 2:45PM ET
Pep has called for his side to step it up for the match at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.  Pssh ya Pep, first place in Spain with 27 total wins in this seasons' competitions just ain't cutting it.  Barce knocked Stuttgart out of the CL back in '07-'08.  The Germans are just not in form this season sitting midtable in the Bundesliga.  But you never know, teams can step it up for big games.  Having said that, I'm going to give Barcelona an away victory here 2-0.  Expect little Leo Messi to put one away for the Blaugrana.

Wednesday's Games

CSKA Moscow X Sevilla - Wednesday 2:45PM ET
Brrrr Russia...The Spaniards are coming off a big win against Mallorca, as they push forward to try and secure another spot in Europe next season.  Moscow's Milos Krasic leads all socrers of the match day with 4 Champions League goals this season.  The Russians have to take advantage and make a run this year as they most likely won't see Champions League competition in the '10-'11 season.  Look to see CSKA hold Luis Fabiano and company to a 1-1 draw.  I heard if they get a good result, Roman Abramovich will give them each a case of potato vodka...Russians love vodka.

Inter Milan X Chelsea - Wednesday 2:45PM ET
Perhaps the most hyped matchup of this round sees Carlo Ancelotti returning to the San Siro to take on the Special One and former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.  The Londoners are arriving in Italy after a weekend win over Wolverhampton, and Frankie Lampard has been cleared to play tomorrow.  Ancelotti joked that the country (Italy) will be cheering on the Blues on Wednesday night.  I am not so sure its much of a joke as hated as Inter is domestically.  Inter are a very physical side for Italy, but expect Chelsea to beast the Nerazurri and return to Britain up 2-0. One from Lamps, one from Didier Drogba.