Arsenal's knockout stage matchups

Arsenal may have been the EPL team to end up in the worst possible situation going into the round of 16.

They will have to play one of the following:

• Barcelona
• Real Madrid
• Bayern Munich
• Shalke 04

By any stretch, fingers have to be crossed that Shalke 04 is the team picked to face the Gunners.  Barcelona and Real Madrid are the top dogs of the Spanish Premier Division and while not at the top of the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich have the talent to beat anyone as evidenced by their run to the Champions League finals last season.  Shalke 04 is having a rough go this season in the Bundesliga and are actually close to relegation zone.  It may be due to the added stress of the CL in addition to a very strong domestic league. 

For the sake of the EPL, lets hope the Gunners draw Shalke 04 and get a good shot at advancing.