UEFA Europa League: Round Of 16, CSKA Moscow Host FC Porto, Manchester City Take On Dynamo Kiev

The Round of 32 featured some intriguing match-ups in the UEFA Europa League, but the fat has been completely trimmed from the competition, leaving us with nothing but serious quality in the Round of 16. Unfortunately, start times and days aren’t staggered like Champions League, meaning four games will be taking place at one time, leaving the world’s football junkies with some seriously difficult choices. Sorry Liverpool, but CSKA Moscow vs. FC Porto looks like the most fun early kickoff. The most intriguing late game might include an English team, though, since Manchester City vs. Dynamo Kiev looks like a potentially great matchup.

Porto have been destroying their domestic league in Portugal, but CSKA are probably a tougher test for than anyone in that league, with Benfica being the only team one could call debatably better than CSKA. The Russian side is likely to throw out a 4-4-2 diamond with two of Tomas Necid, Vagner Love, and Seydou Doumbia up top. The incredible Hulk spearheads the Porto attack, while the Portuguese club might have a slight advantage in the center of midfield.

It’s tough to say if City will throw out a complete first choice lineup, but regardless, they’ll have their hands full with Artem Milevskiy and company. The Ukranian’s domestic scoring record has dropped off a bit lately, but he has five goals in Europa league and his skills include much more than just finishing. City will have a tough time dealing with Ognjen Vukojevic in the middle as well. Still, despite these talents, City is the deeper and more talented side, and they should be slight favorites.

The early games, including CSKA Moscow vs. FC Porto and Liverpool FC vs. Braga kick off at 1 pm ET. The late games, including Dynamo Kiev vs. Manchester City, kick off at 3:05 pm ET.