Arsenal won't be denied
This is a big week for Arsenal, who host rivals Tottenham tonight ahead of next week's return leg in their Champions League semi-final against Villarreal.
An eighth straight home win over Tottenham would put Arsenal in the driving seat in the race for fourth place in the Premiership, and they are likely to put out a strong team in a bid to secure three points. An Arsenal victory looks on the cards, with Spurs still short of what it takes to challenge the Big Four, especially away.
Arsenal did just enough to take a 1-0 advantage to Villarreal and they will start the second leg as strong favourites to reach the final.
The Gunners are unlikely to sit back and protect their lead, however, and they can be fancied to score against Villarreal, who don't keep as many clean sheets (just two in their last 14 games) as their solid defensive record might suggest. Arsenal would have to give their worst showing in Europe to lose, and look a solid handicap chance.
Barcelona have one foot in the final after their 1-0 first-leg win in Milan, and they should finish the job with a win in the Nou Camp next week.
The game in the San Siro wasn't the classic that many expected, but Barca looked well in control by the end. With Deco back from suspension, Frank Rijkaard's team hold all the aces.
It is worth remembering that Milan took an early lead on their last visit to the Nou Camp at last season's Champions League group stage, and a repeat would put the tie in the balance again. Barcelona recovered to win 2-1 on that occasion, though, and their control of big matches is becoming increasingly impressive.
The biggest doubt about Barcelona's chance in the return leg is how much importance they will attach to victory. When they took a 2-1 lead back to the Nou Camp against Chelsea, Barca appeared content to play well within themselves and the game ended 1-1.
Rijkaard went on the offensive at the San Siro, however, and might view attack as his best form of defence.
Recommended bets: Home win for Barcelona, Arsenal on handicap.
