Lille v Manchester United: Henrik Larsson was offered the opportunity to spearhead Manchester United's Champions League revenge mission against Lille at the Stade Felix-Bollaert.
Larsson, whose last appearance in the competition was as a match-changing substitute in Barcelona's Final victory over Arsenal in May, was preferred to Louis Saha in a Red Devils side looking to atone for two miserable results against the French outfit 12 months ago which helped condemn them to a humiliating group stage exit.
Edwin van der Sar was also back after his broken nose, while Wayne Rooney returned from a domestic suspension eager to end a 15-game barren run in Champions League combat.
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal: Arsene Wenger opted for an attacking Arsenal side in tonight's clash at PSV Eindhoven.
Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor partnered captain Thierry Henry up front, while fit-again Alexander Hleb returned to midfield. Philippe Senderos played at centre-back, with William Gallas moving to the right side of defence.
Celtic v AC Milan: Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink recovered from his hamstring injury to start the first leg of the last-16 tie against AC Milan at Parkhead.
Kenny Miller, with three goals in the competition so far, came in for Craig Beattie whose hamstring injury ruled him out.
With Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley ineligible, manager Gordon Strachan drafted in Darren O'Dea to partner Stephen McManus in defence and Evander Sno to replace Hartley in midfield. Aiden McGeady also came in, at the expense of Jiri Jarosik.
Milan legend Paolo Maldini, 38, was making his 100th Champions League appearance. The 2005 finalists were without the cup-tied Ronaldo and started with Alberto Gilardino as their lone striker, supported by Brazilian playmaker Kaka.