Old Enemies Meet Again

It was a case of deva vu all over again for the two remaining English clubs as both were paired against enemies from the past.

Arsenal have the hardest assignment as they were given the draw that everyone was hoping to avoid - Barcelona and a certain Lionel Messi. Memories of the last time Arsenal encountered Barcelona may still haunt them. That of course was Barcelona's Henrik Larsson inspired 2-1 victory in the 2006 final, a game Arsenal looked like winning for the most part. It has come at the worst time for Arsenal as Barcelona seem to have recovered some of their awesome form that deserted them in the months after Christmas. Unsurprisingly Lionel Messi leads the way as ever in dragging Barca back to their incisive best. Arsenal are on a charge in the league at the moment and have built up something of a head of steam. This confidence they will need to maintain and bring with them into the ties with Barca. In many ways, if Arsenal overcome the daunting challenge, it may well be the makings of their young team - a defining moment in their development.

There are other factors to be taken into account of course. Cesc Fabregas will be playing against the team he left at a young age, and if the non-stop rumours are to be believed, his eventual destination in the not too distant future. Conversely, Thierry Henry will be against his former employers (or sitting on the bench perhaps). Back in 2006 he was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, and spent the immediate aftermath of that final complaining about the rough treatment he received in the game. He still ended up there - and it has now come full circle.

For Manchester United, the draw brings far better memories - Fergusons first triumph in this competition after years of failed attempts. However, it was a success that United failed to build on in Europe, and Bayern exacted revenge by knocking out United a couple of years later. That was an elimination that signalled an overhaul of United's tactical approach in Europe, with Ferguson bringing in Veron and adopting a more continental five man midfield. It was a system that took years to perfect.

United would have to be viewed as favourites for the tie. While Bayern are decent going forward with Ribery and Robben influential from wide positions, their defence isn't strong and United should expose this - especially with the form they have recently found and their now more destructive use of a five man midfield in the big matches.

In terms of going forward in this competition, if Arsenal do make it to the semi finals they will likely play Inter Milan - who no doubt will be hugely boosted following their efforts at Stamford Bridge. If United get passed Bayern they face the winners of the all French tie.

Whatever the outcomes, we should all sit back and enjoy the quarter finals. On display should be a level of football that will set the purists pulses racing.