Of the seven possible rivals for the last 16 of this season’s Champions League, Barça will be hoping they don’t come up against either of the two English teams. Since Frank Rijkaard took over as coach, Barça have met English teams every season in the Champions League with mixed fortunes. The seven teams who Barça could face are Arsenal, Liverpool, Roma, Schalke, Celtic, Olympiakos and Fenerbahce. It is quite clear that Arsenal, Liverpool and possibly Roma would be more difficult opponents than the other four.

Liverpool were responsible for Barça’s exit last season, winning 1-2 in Camp Nou and then despite losing 0-1 at Anfield, going through on away goals. Many Barça fans would love a chance to get revenge, but it certainly wouldn’t be easy. Manager Rafa Benitez has proved himself to be a master tactician and he would no doubt have a plan on how to beat Barça again. Fernando Torres is adapting well to the game in England and he would be highly motivated against Barça, Torres nearly always played well at Camp Nou and is one of the only forwards who can say he got the better of Carles Puyol more than once. Apart from the other Spaniards who play at Anfield who would all surely raise their game, Barça would have to watch out for Steven Gerrard who is in excellent form for the reds. Add to this one of the tightest defences in the Premiership (nine goals conceded in 15 games) and Barça should know they would be in for a tough time.

If Liverpool would be difficult, Arsenal would probably be more so. Although Thierry Henry would get a chance to play his old club, Arsenal would be the ones out for revenge after losing the 2006 Champions League Final to Barça in Paris. Sitting on top of the Premiership, Arsenal have surprised a lot of people this season. Many thought they would miss Thierry Henry, but Arsene Wenger’s youngsters have responded brilliantly to this season’s challenge. Led by ex-Barça player Cesc Fabregas, they started the season in great form, going unbeaten until Sevilla beat them 3-1 two weeks ago. Since then they have lost momentum a bit due to Fabregas being out injured, and last weekend they lost their first league game of the season 2-1 at Middlesborough.

Roma would be the only other difficult team, they are currently second in the Italian league, five points behind leaders Inter Milan. However, Italian football seems to be going through a bit of a crisis at the moment and I don’t think Barça would be too troubled by being drawn with Roma.

Barça should never really need to fear anyone, but having been knocked out in 2005 by Chelsea, and in 2007 by Liverpool, playing Fenerbahce or Olympiakos would surely be preferable. Of course, playing Arsenal or Liverpool would be more exciting but I think Barça can save the English teams for the semi-final and final.