Poppa's Picks

Sevilla X Barcelona - Saturday 3:00PM ET
The Blaugrana visit Sevilla in an attempt to get one step closer to La Liga champions.  They currently have a one point lead in the standings over Real Madrid with a ridiculous 93 total points.  But the Galacticos could not ask for a better matchup to try and steal some crucial points from Barce on Saturday.  Sevilla has already defeated Barcelona in the Copa del Rey earlier in the season.  Dani Alves has said he wants to be Champions in Seville, a task which would need to see Real Madrid lose or tie to be completed.  I do think Barcelona wins a close one here 2-1.  Goals from Bojan and Dani Alves.  Negredo for Sevilla.

Palermo X Sampdoria - Sunday 9:00AM ET
With 2 games left in the Serie A, Sampdoria are current incumbents of Italy's last Champions League.  They sit in 4th place with 63 points, while Palermo trails them by only 2 points.  This is similar to the Spurs X Man City game, the difference between Champions League and the Europa League.  Sampdoria are on a roll with 5 consecutive wins, but Palermo is also in form led by Miccoli's 18 Serie A goals.  It should be a tight one, but I see Palermo taking full advantage of their home-field advantage and go on to win 1-0, Fabrizio Miccoli again.

Arsenal X Fulham - Sunday 11:00AM ET
Arsenal have a difficult matchup here against Europa League Final makers Fulham.  The Cottagers will want to end the season in form and boost their confidence with what would be a great win against the Gunners in the Emirates.  Not to mention, we have a little derby match here so its personal.  AND to add a little more London flare, Tottenham can move into that direct Champions League spot with an Arsenal loss here, as they have an almost automatic victory against soon-to-be relegated Burnley.  Looks like that emotional Spurs victory over Arsenal at White Hart Lane a few weeks ago can actually pay off.  This is pretty much the only buzz in the EPL, with Chelsea and Manchester United facing weaker sides Wigan and Stoke, respectively.  Arsenal will pull it off though with a 1-1 tie to barely hold on to 3rd place.  Zamora and Arshavin.

Lille X Marseille - Saturday 3:00PM ET
Lille host recently crowned champions Marseille in a must-win showdown.  With only 2 games left, Lille sit tied with Auxerre for second place with 67 points.  Lyon have a much less challenging opponent in 10th place Valenciennes.  They are only two points behind second with 65 points, so Lille will have to win if they want to keep their Champions League hopes up.  With Lille hosting, I see a 1-1 draw here, Cheyrou and Gervinho the scorers.

Poppa's Picks: Champion's League Edition

Lyon X Bayern Munich - Today 2:45PM ET

Bayern hold a slight advantage on aggregate with the crucial 1-0 win in Germany.  The game will not see key players Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan.  Lyon coach Claude Puel has asked for Lisandro and company to step it up on the attack and take advantage of their home field advantage.  On the other side of the ball, Louis Van Gaal has also claimed Bayern will implement an attacking style of play as to keep Lyon on their heels in order to defend their lead.  Lyon went to Madrid and qualified; look for them to do the same at home.  Lisandro equalizes, Makoun brings them back to Madrid for the Final, 2-0 in France.*


Barcelona X Inter - Wednesday 2:45PM ET

The Nerazurri stunned big, bad Barcelona 3-1 in the first game earning them a clear advantage heading into this leg.  However, Barcelona do not buckle under pressure.  In fact, they usually do just the opposite.  Inter will have to close down the wing threats of Messi and Dani Alves.  I think Mourinho knows "parking the bus" in front of the net probably won't work against the Blaugrana.  Look for a nail-biter here at the Nou Camp, with Barce taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Messi and Iniesta.  But Eto'o will net a 2nd half goal to give Inter a 2-1 Cinderella-type story to head to the Final with.**


*My biased for Lyon does not apply in this decision
**This decision also has nothing to do with a Mourinho biased.  I only want him to win Champions Leagues with Porto.

Poppa's Picks

Poppa's Picks of the games to watch is back in full force with a ton of important games this weekend

Inter Milan X Juventus - Friday 2:45PM ET
Diego's been called back up for this showdown at the Guiseppe Meazza.  Juventus are looking to finish the season with a spot in the Champions League.  With just 5 games left they'll need to win this game in order to take try and take that 4th place spot away from Palermo.  A more dier Inter also need a victory here to keep up with Roma who are one point ahead in the race for the Scudetto.  Inter have the extra burden of facing the world great Barcelona in the Champions League next week.  It'll be interesting to see how Jose Mourinho deals with this one.  I think both sides will lose points here.  A soild Inter defense will keep it 1-0 until a late equalizer from new Italian citizen Amauri ties it up.  Zanetti scores for Inter Milan.

Manchester City X Manchester United - Saturday 7:45AM ET
The first major derby of the weekend is going to be a great one.  City have been on a roll, winning 6-1, 5-1, and 3-0 in their last 3 matches.  United on the otherhand have been eliminated from the Champions League, lost to league leading Chelsea, and tied a weak Blackburn side since their last victory.  City want a chance at the Champions League next year, but have Tottenham on their tail.  Expect them to go ahead by two, and get a 2-1 victory at home in this heated rivalry.  Tevez will stick it to Sir Alex with two goals.  Nani will net one for the Red Devils.

Tottenham Hotspur X Chelsea 12:30PM ET
After beating Arsenal Wednesday for the first time in 11 years in the Premiere League, Tottenham and North London see another historic derby at White Hart Lane.  Chelsea can make a big statement here and almost wrap up the English League with a win.  They have been in fantastic form opening up a 4 point lead in the table.  Tottenham are also playing well, and are looking to snag that last Champions League spot from current incumbents Man City.  Chelsea's Brazilian star Alex said his dad thinks Chelsea are going to win the EPL, so I'm going with poppa-dukes.  Chelsea will make a show of it 3-0.  2 goals from Drogba, and Malouda will tack one on.
Bordeaux X Lyon - Saturday 3:00PM ET
Bordeaux suffered a tantalizing loss to Le Mans Wednesday, and slipped behind Lyon in the standings.  However they still have a game in hand on the former champions, giving them a huge advantage in claiming Ligue 1's last Champions League spot.  But if Lyon win this game like I think they will, it will be hard for Saturday's host to steal it away.  Lisandro will keep up the scoring and net one for Olympique Lyonnais before Pjanic finishes Bordeaux 2-0.

Real Madrid X Valencia - Sunday 3:00PM ET
The talent on the pitch when these two Spanish giants square off will be immeasurable.  Having said that, Valencia is still miles away from Real.  Madrid will finish the season with something to prove, and may in fact win out, putting all the pressure they can on last year's trophy winners Barcelona.  Although David Villa and company will slip up on this one, I think they'll still hold on to that 3rd place spot, so you'll definitely see them in the Champions League next season.. Cristiano Ronaldo will score again, as well as a substituted Benzema.  The Galacticos 2-0.


Other Games to Watch

Wolfsburg X Werder Bremen - Saturday 9:30AM ET
Always a good game when these two sides meet, two of the richest clubs in Germany.
Stuttgart X Bayer Leverkusen - Saturday 12:30PM ET
Stuttgart tries to hold back Leverkusen's title hopes even more in this one..
Espanyol X Barcelona - Saturday 2:00PM ET
Must be the weekend for derbies, let's see if the red hot Blaugrana can keep it going in this Barcelona classic.
AS Roma X Lazio - Sunday 12:30PM ET
Another European derby match.  This game means so much to the city of Rome, but perhaps more for Inter.
FC Porto X Vitoria Guimaraes - Sunday 3:15PM ET
Probably means more for Vitoria than Porto, but a good battle in the North nonetheless.

Poppa's Picks: Champions League Edition

Lyon X Bordeaux - Tuesday 2:45PM ET
Bordeaux travel east to Lyon in the first leg of the "Bataille de France."  Bordeaux have been in exceptional form, sitting atop the leaderboard domestically.  However Ligue 1 is officially the hottest race in Europe with just 3 points separating the top 6 teams.  Marseille has recently brought down both these powerhouses, eliminating Bordeaux from the League Cup last week and stripping Lyon of some much needed points.  Look for Lyon to try and capitalize at home, with a lot of attacking play.  Bordeaux won't score away. 1-0 Lyon.  Bafetimbe Gomis or Lisandro will score.

Bayern Munich X Manchester United - Tuesday 2:45PM ET
Rooney and company will be relishing the opportunity to return to England with an advantage.  This Manchester team has a chip on its shoulder after being written off with no Cristiano.  They proved this in the last fixture by destroying AC Milan 7-2 on aggregate.  Not to mention a dominate 4-0 win this weekend domestically.  Bayern is still looking for someone to really step up in the Champions League.  Their top scorer is Arjen Robben in the competition with just 2 goals.  Bayern are also coming off a major loss to Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, losing their first place standing.  Robben and the Germans will get a decent result in Munich 1-1.  Nani scores for Man United.

Arsenal X Barcelona - Wednesday 2:45PM ET
Forward Nicklas Bendtner has recently stated, "Messi can be stopped."  I beg to differ...Arsene Wenger has already expressed concern over the upcoming tie, and little Arshavin has said the Gunners aren't good enough to challenge Chelsea and Manchester for the title.  Meanwhile Barce seem very focused, and a visit to London shouldn't ruffle their feathers all that much (unless you're Thiery Henry).  Andres Iniesta has already ruled himself out for the match, but I think the Spanish side will still come away with the victory 2-1 over Arsenal.  Messi, Arshavin, Xavi the scorers.

Inter Milan X CSKA Moscow - Wednesday 2:45PM ET
Inter were dazzled by Roma over the weekend, but that shouldn't hurt their confidence all that much.  After eliminating a strong Chelsea, Mourinho's side seem to have the formula down in the late stages of the competition.  With the Russian League just getting underway earlier this month, CSKA are fresh enough to challenge the Italians.  They've won 2 and drawn once thus far domestically.  But a lack of recent competition may hurt their chances.  Inter will take their home leg 2-0 in the Guiseppe Meazza.  Two for Cameroonian international Samuel Eto'o.

Poppa's Picks

A lot of important matchups this weekend as the European leagues inch closer to their close...

Bayern Munich X Stuttgart - Saturday 10:30AM ET
The Bundesliga leaders will look to take advantage of the Leverkusen X Schalke matchup and separate themselves from the pack.  Stuttgart has to travel to the Allianz Arena, their first time on the road since the 4-0 pounding from Barcelona.  Bayern have yet to lose at home this season, and are rejuvenated with their opportunity in the Champions League quarterfinals.  Focused on the title, they will whip a demoralized Stuttgart 3-0.  2 from Mario gomez and a Thomas Müller strike will do it.

Chelsea X Aston Villa - Saturday 11:00AM ET
Chelsea cannot choke at home against Aston Villa.  Chelsea's recent slip ups in the league against Blackburn and Manchester City have allowed the likes of Man United and Arsenal to make up some ground late in the Premiere League.  The threatening Agbonlahor and the Villans have been drawing too many games lately, dropping them to 7th place where they are tied with Liverpool.  Chelsea will hold on and finish their campaign strong, as they look to win their first title with out the "Special One."  A 2-1 win against Villa...Lamps and Anelka score for the Blues while Ashley Young nets one for the side from Birmingham.

AS Roma X Inter Milan - Saturday 1:00PM ET
The Serie A leaders travel to the Eternal city this weekend to ward off the dogs (get it Roma, dogs) that are just 4 points behind Inter.  Although there are still 8 fixtures left in the lengthy Serie A season, this game is probably the most important down the stretch.  An injured Francesco Totti will miss this classic.  A determined Jose Mourinho side coming off a 3-0 win against Livorno will get a good result, keeping Roma in 2nd.  Stalemate here 0-0.

Leverkusen X Schalke 04 - Saturday 1:30 PM ET
3rd place Leverkusen hosts 2nd place Schalke who sit just one point behind the mighty Bayern Munich.  Leverkusen in turn is just 2 points behind Schalke.  This is the tightest race in Europe with one game (3 pts) separating these three teams.  This fixture is one of the many prominent matches in the upcoming weeks in Germany.  Both these teams will still host Bayern in the dying weeks of the season.  Leverkusen will use its home field advantage to pull off a 1-0 victory.  Your boy Stefan Kießling will score the lone goal.

Benfica X Sp. Braga - Saturday 3:15PM ET
This is Braga's chance to make history.  They are behind the 1st place Eagles by a slim 3 points, however they are travelling south to the Estadio da Luz where Benfica are a perfect 10-0-1.  The Arsenalistas will enter the match with plenty of vigour and spirit, with this their best chance in history at the title.  But Benfica's potent attack won't get too comfortable at home.  They'll be good for at least one goal, but only after Braga goes up 1-0.  A heated 1-1 draw between the two, with only 6 games left to determine the champs.  Mossoró and Cardozo the scorers.

Other Matchups
Galatasaray X Fenerbahce - Sunday 12:00PM ET
Sevilla X Villareal - Sunday 1:00PM ET
Real Madrid X At. Madrid - Sunday 3:00PM ET

Poppa's Picks

Only 8 weeks of fixtures keep the Bundesliga season alive, so this WILL come down to the wire. Especially because these next 3 weeks Leverkusen, Bayern, and Schalke will all play each other once. Keep up with the Bundesliga's nail-biting finish.

Schalke 04 X Stuttgart - Friday 2:30PM ET
Schalke continue to chase Bayern Munich, behind the leaders only two points.  However, Champions League contenders Stuttgart are a road block to the title this weekend.  Schalke who have only lost twice at home this season will host the showdown.  This will be a pretty good game given the great talent on the pitch.  Kevin Kuranyi will score, and Jefferson Farfan will add one on.  Schalke continues their run 2-0.

Sevilla X Deportivo Coruña - Saturday 4:00PM ET
Sevilla are coming off a heartbreaking last minute loss to Real Madrid last weekend in La Liga.  Deportivo sit in 6th place, only 2 points behind 4th place Sevilla.  Diego Perotti and company will want to prepare their stadium for the 2nd leg against CSKA with a win on Saturday, so look for a very attack oriented Sevilla.  However they won't be able to come away with the victory in this 1-1 draw, goals from Alvaro Negredo and
Mexican star Andres Guardado.

Ajax X PSV Eindhoven - Sunday 11:30PM ET
3rd place Ajax square off against PSV who are 4 points ahead of them in 2nd.  With 8 games left in the Eredivisie, the battle for Holland's other Champions League spot is on.  Ajax will be playing in Amsterdam, and have not lost in Dutch competitions since last year (December).  But a strong PSV will want an opportunity at the Champions League, after a solid performance in the Europa League this season.  Ajax will win 1-0, with another from Luis Suarez.

Bayer Leverkusen X Hamburg SV - Sunday 12:30PM ET 
Live on Sunday is a battle from the top of the German table, and Stefan Kießling's Leverkusen is playing phenomenal so watch it!  They currently sit in 3rd, a point behind Schalke, and 3 behind Bayern.  Like Schalke though, Leverkusen face a bit of an obstacle this weekend.  Hamburg is right behind them, but with 7 points less.  They'll be tired after a pressure packed match versus Anderlecht Thursday in the Europa League.  Although this may play in Hamburg's favor, I think it'll be enough to hinder their chances Sunday and allow a Kießling strike to attack Germany's first place spot.

Barcelona X Valencia - Sunday 2:00PM ET
Perhaps the most anticipated event of the weekend is this matchup at the Camp Nou.  Messi's 19 goals versus David Villa's 17.  Deloitte's two richest clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently tied with 62 points a piece.  Yes, that is roughly 20 wins out of the 25 games already played in Spain.  The Madridistas really want to see Valencia take one from Barce, but they won't even take 2 points.  Barcelona are getting in form for their Champions League showdown against Stuttgart with a win against the Bats.  2-0, Zlatan and Pedro will score.

Poppa's Picks: Champions League Edition

Today's Games

Porto X Arsenal 2:45PM ET
Porto head to London up 2-1 on aggregate after a favorable 1st leg.  However the Dragons are struggling, tying their last fixture against Olhanense and dropping a goose egg in a 3-0 loss to Sporting.  Arsenal are in much better form, but they'll miss Cesc Fabregas and Aaron Ramsey along with the players that were out last leg ( RvP, Gallas).  Porto has never won in London, losing 6 times there, including a loss earlier this Champs League season at Stamford Bridge.  Everything seems to favor Arsenal which is why I'm taking Porto today to leave England with a 1-1 tie.  Goal from Falcao, and watch out for little Arshavin.

Bayern Munich X Fiorentina 2:45PM ET
The Germans will be in Florence today after tying 1-1 to a Koln goal by former Bayern forward Lukas Podolski.  Fiorentina on the otherhand just lost a heart breaker 2-1 to Juventus.  Bayern have done very well in Italy as of late, their last result a 4-1 defeat of Juventus last season.  They also tied Fiorentina 1-1 last year in Florence in the group stage.  Not to mention the Germans have 7 wins and 3 draws in their last 13 away fixtures.  I say they hang on 1-1 in Italy, with goals from van Bommel and Gilardino.

Wednesday's Games

Real Madrid X Lyon - Wednesday 2:45PM ET
No away goals for Madrid means they need to score early and often to assure their spot in the next round.  They are definitely capable of putting away 3 or 4, as we saw this past weekend in a thrilling 3-2 win against Sevilla.  But don't underestimate this Lyon squad with the likes of Michel Bastos and Bamatimbe Gomis exploding off the bench.  I believe Real Madrid will win 2-1, but lose in aggregate due to a sneaky goal from the French side.  Scorers: Higuain, Kaka, Lisandro Lopez.

Manchester United X AC Milan - Wednesday 2:45PM ET
All eyes will be on the return leg at Old Trafford.  Will Beckham get the start?  Can Rooney keep scoring?  Will Clarence Seedorf lead another Champions League title run??  Sorry, but no.  Manchester have been solid at home this season as usual.  With a 3-2 lead going into the match, I am going to tip my hat to Sir Alex and take Manchester to hold strong.  However they will lose 2-1 at the hands of Ronaldinho and Thiago Silva goals.  Rio Ferdinand will put one in for the homeside to clinch a spot in the next round.

Poppa's Picks

Werder Bremen X VfB Stuttgart - Saturday 9:30AM ET
Although these two teams only sit in 6th and 8th place respectively in a competitive Bundesliga this season, they are playing great football lately.  These sides need points if they want to participate in European competition like they are both still doing this season.  Bremen is coming off of four wins and a draw in its last 5 German competitions.  Similarly, Stuttgart have won 7 of their last 8 Bundesliga games, and are tied 1-1 on aggregate ahead of a snd leg Champions League match against heavy favourites Barcelona.  Get up early to watch this 2-1 Bremen win.  Pizarro and Torsten Frings' goals will trump Cacau's lone score.

Fiorentina X Juventus - Saturday 12:00PM ET
Out of form Fiorentina host 5th place Juventus in Florence.  Although this rivalry has seen better days, I think we are in store for a good one on Saturday.  Juve are also shaky in their last few fixtures, but are having a decent season nonetheless.  A determined Juventus, ahead of Europa League competition will win 2-1 with a late goal to help them climb towards a Champions League spot.  Gilardino scores for Fiorentina, Del Piero and Amauri for the Bianconeri.

Fulham X Tottenham Hotspur (FA Cup) - Saturday 12:20PM ET
London-Town derby for this FA Cup Quarterfinal, as Tottenham travels to Craven Cottage.  Fulham is coming off of an awesome February, winning 5 times and drawing 3 in all competitions.  All this without Clinton "the Deuce" Dempsey.  But Tottenham also had a real good month (4-1-2), losing only to Wolverhampton.  Tottenham are coming off an important victory against Everton, and Fulham should rest up and focus on their Europa League tie against Juventus.  It'll be a close one, but Tottenham will go through in extra time with a Jermaine Defoe goal 2-1.

AS Roma X AC Milan - Saturday 2:45PM ET
Italy's in for a treat with a weekend classic that hasn't lost it's intensity over the years.  Currently the Rosaneri sit behind neighbors Inter in 2nd, while Roma is trailing them by only 3 points in 3rd place.  The Romans have not lost in 19 straight Italian competitions, with a record of 14-0-5!  Meanwhile Milan is coming off 4 straight Serie A victories.  Roma will want to rebound off their devastating elimination to Panathinaikos in the Europa League, while Leonardo's boys are more focused on next week's showdown at Old Trafford.  Look for Roma to continue their amazing streak and pull off another victory at home.  1-0, goal from Perrotta.

Real Madrid X Sevilla - Saturday 4:00PM ET
This should be a classic between La Liga's 2nd and 4th place clubs.  Gonzalez Navas and company visit the Santiago Bernabeu where Real Madrid are a perfect 12-0 this season.  Sevilla have been somewhat inconsistent, but have played well against the big guns.  They've already knocked off Valencia, Barcelona, and the Galacticos this season.  If Real Madrid scores first, Sevilla could be in for a smokeshow, but I think they'll hand Pellegrini's squad their first draw at home this season, 2-2 in the Spanish capital.  CR9 and Gonzo Higuain for Madrid, Negredo and Luis Fabiano for the away team.

Poppa's Picks

Chelsea X Manchester City - Saturday 7:45 AM ET
Chelsea look to take advantage of their soil and grab at win at Stamford Bridge this weekend to keep first place.  Meanwhile Mancini and 4th place City will try and get any points they can to stay in European contention.  The Citizens are coming off of a stalemate with Liverpool last week, and the Blue's a slip up in Italy.  Let's not forget the Wayne Bridge/John Terry saga that goes along with the match.  I think Chelsea will come off the Champions League loss strong.  Drogba, Lampard, Essien will give Chelsea a 3-1 win over Carlitos Tevez's lone goal.

SUPER Sunday...

Rangers X Celtic - Sunday 7:30AM ET

This is one of the biggest rivalries of all time in any sport.  As always these Glasgow teams are dominating the Scottish Premiere League, but Rangers hold a 7 point lead with one less game and 8 matches to go.  If Celtic wants to make a run for first, they'll have to start here.  I think Rangers will wrap it up this weekend with a 2-0 win at home.

Everton X Tottenham Hotspur - Sunday 8:00AM ET

Two of your leading scorers in the EPL face off in this London-Liverpool duel.  Jermaine Defoe and Tottenham are holding strong at 4th place in a fierce English League, losing only once in their last 9 games.  Luis Saha and company have been in form in England as of late, knocking off the likes of Man U and Chelsea.  But Everton really choked on Thursday by losing to Sporting 3-0 to end their Europa League season.  Look for Harry Redknapp's boys to send Everton home losers once again, 2-0.  Niko and Tom Huddlestone will score.

Carling Cup Final - Manchester United X Aston Villa - Sunday 10:00AM ET

Its that time of the year, where we begin wrapping up League Cups.  The English start first when Sir Alex's boys square off against the Villans at Wembley Stadium.  Manchester have been challenged much more in the competition having to knock out the likes of Man City and Tottenham.  Although, this is not the Premiere League nor the FA Cup, games that involve a shiny trophy for the winner are always a little more fun to watch.  Manchester will defeat Villa 2-0, goals from Valencia and Vidic.

Sevilla X Athletic Bilbao - Sunday 1:00PM ET

A win for 7th place Athletic would see them most likely jump into a European spot.  But Sevilla are coming off of a solid result in Russia on Wednesday, and have the home field advantage.  Look for Sevilla to play strong at home in order to creep up towards 3rd place Valencia.  Sevilla will win this nail biter 1-0.  Alvaro Negredo will do it again.

Sporting C.P. X FC Porto - Sunday 3:15PM ET
Sporting finally broke their BIG no-win streak with a BIG surprise.  They have qualified for the next round of the Europa League.  However 14 points separate these two teams in 3rd from 4th place.  Porto are coming off a BIG win against Sp. Braga, and look focused on being the "tortoise" of the Liga Sagres this year.  These games are always close, so I'll say Porto wins 2-1 in Alvalade.  Goals from Varela and Falcao.  Yannick scores for the Lions.

More Matchups to Watch
Villareal X Deportivo - Sunday 11:00AM ET
Bayern Munich X Hamburg SV - Sunday 11:30PM ET
Atletico Madrid X Valencia - Sunday 3:00PM ET

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.

Poppa's Picks

Manchester United X Everton - Saturday 7:45AM ET

The Liverpool - Manchester showdown is a common theme in the Premiere League this week, and this one's an early start.  Manchester are coming off of a surprise win at the San Siro on Tuesday.  However Wayne Rooney's former club will look to extend their 3-game win streak in the Barclay's Card as they host the Red Devils at Goodison Park.  But with commanding force in the midfield Marouane Fellaini out for up to six months, the Blues may find it difficult to run the midfield.  With a healthy team I would give Everton the draw, but Manchester will win 2 goals to 1.  At least one from Rooney, and Saha or Donavan net one for Everton.

Inter Milan X Sampdoria - Saturday 2:45 PM ET

The Serie A's 5th place Sampdoria have been in form as of late.  They are undefeated in their last 5 matches with 4 straight victories.  Jose Mourinho's side must be somewhat concerned in hosting  Antonio Cassano and company prior to their Champions League battle against Chelsea.  Although they sit comfortably ahead in the Italian League with a cushion of 7 points, this is a must win for the Nerrazurri.  Inter will take this one 2-0, Sneijder and Balotelli as the scorers.

Manchester City X Liverpool - Sunday 10:00AM ET

By next season this could be an Arab showdown in Britain.  But for now its just a battle of two English giants, fighting for spots in European competition.  One point separates City from the Reds, who sit in 4th and 5th respectively.  The City of Manchester Stadium will see a 1-1 draw, keeping things steady at the top of the table.  Give goals to topscorers Carlitos and Fernando Torres.

Werder Bremen X Leverkusen - Sunday 11:30AM ET

Week 23 of the Bundesliga will see 1st place Bayer Leverkusen challenged by an inconsistent Bremen side.  The team is on a 2 game win streak in the league after disappointingly losing 5 straight league fixtures.  We'll see if Torsten Frings' boys can hold their own against league leaders Leverkusen at home.  Leverkusen is virtually unstoppable this season, as they make an undefeated (13-0-9) run towards the German title this year.  Expect to see Stefan Kießling score the lone goal away to keep Leverkusen in first.

Besiktas X Galatasaray - Sunday 12:00PM ET

It's a tight race in the Turkish Süper Lig.  These two Istanbul giants will square off on in an action packed Sunday around Europe.  Title-holders Besiktas currently sit in 5th place, just 7 points behind and one game less than leaders Fenerbahce.  Galatasaray's stacked squad is 2 points behind Fenerbahce and also has one less game.  Although they are coming off a tie and a loss respectively in the league, I see home-side Besiktas squeezing this derby out 1-0 in the Turkish capital.

FC Porto X Sp. Braga - Sunday 3:15PM ET

Regardless the result here, Benfica walk away beneficiaries of this clash of the North.  Porto are coming off of a solid, yet lucky result against Arsenal, but sit 8 points behind Braga, and 9 behind leaders Benfica (who have a game in-hand on the northerners).  This will be a tight game at the Estadio do Dragao.  Although Braga is playing great and are the better side this season, Porto will come away with a much needed victory Sunday, 1-0.

Other notable matches this weekend

Maritimo X Nacional - Friday 3:15PM ET

Real Madrid X Villareal - Sunday 3:00PM ET

Mallorca X Sevilla - Saturday 4:00PM ET