Champions League preview

Giggs: 100 not out

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Teams

• AC Milan
• Arsenal

• More teams +

  • Celtic
  • Manchester United
  • Olympique Lyonnais
  • Sevilla

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• Champions League on Sky
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• Betting

Tuesday night's European exploits saw Liverpool and Chelsea both take substantial steps in their bids for a quarter-final spot and now it is the turn of Manchester United, Arsenal and Celtic to do likewise.

Don't forget that there are various ways you can follow the Champions League fare with Sky Sports. Check out the viewing options, and also the broadband streaming, while skysports.com will also be providing an in-depth service.

Arsenal's tie with Milan has certainly caught the attention and it will be an expectant, if cold, Emirates crowd that awaits kick-off in North London.

It seems likely that the battle could well be won in a midfield minefield that houses warriors in the shape of Mathieu Flamini and Gennaro Gattuso and artists in the sophisticated form of Cesc Fabregas and Kaka.

Milan's creative epicentre is lauded as the world's finest by many and the Brazilian's moniker is one Arsenal's Fabregas will one day hope to inherit.

Saturday's drubbing at the hands of Manchester United will hardly enhance spirits in the capital but it is also worth noting Milan's toils this season domestically are hardly the stuff of legends - with a fifth placed standing in Serie A testimony to their struggles.

While Arsene Wenger insists what transpired at Old Trafford will not unduly affect his players, Sir Alex Ferguson will be desperate for a repeat performance in Lyon.

The French champions are perennially cast as the competition's dark horses but it's probably fair to say Black Beauty has more chance of tasting glory in Moscow come the season's close.

Alain Perrin's charges top Ligue 1 from Bordeaux but they lack the assured strut of previous campaigns and Ferguson will be demanding nothing less than a solid result to take back to Manchester.

Ryan Giggs is likely to make his 100th Champions League appearance at Stade Gerland and the Welshman will be keen to enter the centurions club with a display to remember.

Celtic welcome Barcelona to Parkhead equipped with a resolute mindset not to be overawed by Frank Rijkaard's 'who's who' of international stars.

In the group stages Rangers showed Barca that a trip to Glasgow is not one for the light-hearted but Gordon Strachan will be well aware should a 0-0 stalemate ensue again - while impressive - it is unlikely to be a good enough result to take to Camp Nou.

There can be no underestimating the talent at Rijkaard's disposal, but while the likes of Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o can all paint individual masterpieces, this season they have just as often flattered to deceive.

Wednesday's remaining tie sees Sevilla travel to Turkey in order to take on this term's surprise package Fenerbahce.

Given Sevilla's immaculate record in Europe over the past two seasons, in claiming successive Uefa Cup titles, Fener boss Zico will be eager to secure a first-leg lead given home advantage.

Click below for individual match summaries:

Arsenal v Milan

Celtic v Barcelona

Fenerbahce v Sevilla

Lyon v Man Utd