THE NEW YORK ANFIELDER

Because of my love for Liverpool FC and my illness (the weather has been whacky in New York recently), I was up around 6am this morning to follow the draw for the Champions League Round of 16. I couldn't help but feel that the draw has been unlucky to us. While we landed a glamour tie worthy of being the center of attention for this upcoming round (sorry, I don't think Bayern Munich v. Real Madrid is as appealing), I couldn't help but feel that the other English sides got away with easy draws. They drew Lille, PSV, and Porto, arguably 3 of the 4 easiest opponents from the 2nd pot (along with Celtic). As a result, I think Manchester United are as good as through, Chelsea are as good as through, and Arsenal have a 75% chance of progressing.
Rather than bemoaning the draw like some managers do (i.e. Arsene Wenger), I think Liverpool fans should embrace this tie. It's a great chance to show the rest of the footballing world that, despite falling to Benfica last year at the same stage, that we are still a force to be reckoned with on the European stage. Both teams, I feel, will be cautious towards their opponents but will also relish the tie. It's a 50-50 chance that we'll progress, and a 50-50 chance that Barcelona will prevail. Barcelona have quality all over the pitch, but so do we. In my opinion, Barcelona have some areas that we can exploit. Here are my thoughts:
1) When the attacking front 3 are fit, I feel Ronaldinho-Eto'o-Messi are the best at what they do. It's obviously one of Barcelona's many strengths, and I think Rafa will have to neutralize their threat. Maybe play his 3 centerbacks and 2 wingbacks formation at the Nou Camp? If not, maybe Rafa could consider investing in another defensively sound fullback. As it stands, I think Ronaldinho and Messi have an advantage over Riise and Finnan on the flanks.
2) From watching Barcelona periodically, it seems to me that they have weaknesses that can be exploited down the flanks and in the middle of the park. In particular, I think their midfield is a bit lightweight, especially when it's comprised of Xavi, Deco, and Iniesta. Down the flanks, Zambrotta has yet to hit top form for Barcelona, and I think Gio could be beaten. With a potential cash infusion, maybe it'll be worth it for Rafa to splash some money on getting some extra steel in the midfield? Maybe another Momo Sissoko-type midfield who can sit in the midfield, win balls, and allow Gerrard to go forward? Or maybe buying a winger who could exploit Barcelona's fullbacks? Pennant has yet to show me that he can do the job in a red shirt, and if the situation doesn't change, I think Rafa might be wise to snap up a winger who is effective in whipping in dangerous crosses and has good pace.
3) If the Dubai-based consortium goes ahead with a takeover of Liverpool, I think Rafa should consider using some of the cash towards buying Fernando Torres. Of course, there will be questions as to whether he can settle in England and as to whether he would justify his potential transfer fee. That said, with rumors that Crouchie could be off to Newcastle, I think Torres could be a great pickup. His track record against Barcelona is phenomenal - I believe over the last 2 or 3 La Liga seasons, his strike-to-games ratio is close to 1:1. In addition, prevailing over Barcelona will give the club some extra money and the chance to win more prize money further in the tournament.
I think this tie, though daunting, is definitely not impossible. It goes without saying that Rafa will have the lads well-prepared for this tie. It's still 2 months away, but I have faith that when the time comes, the lads will show the world that Liverpool are still one of Europe's premier outfits.