The TV schedule for ESPN’s coverage of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 ties has been released, and I have to say, I think “The Worldwide Leader in Sports” has it exactly right. Not only did they select the best ties of the round to broadcast (their first legs, at least), these are the teams that appeal most to American viewers, the target audience.

You can make the valid argument that Manchester United is the most recognizable name here in the States, but their match against Lyon will likely not make for great viewing and thus will not be televised on ESPN.

Only a couple more week until the Champions League restarts and I couldn’t be more ready to see the best teams in Europe go at it after some of the dreadful games we’ve seen this winter. If you’d like to see my predictions, scroll down to the date of the Round of 16 draw where you’ll find capsules for each tie and my picks to advance.

Here’s the ESPN TV schedule:

Tuesday, February 19:

Arsenal vs. AC Milan (2:30 PM ET; ESPN2)
Celtic vs. Barcelona (5:00 PM ET; ESPN Classic)

Wednesday, February 20:

Liverpool vs. Inter Milan (2:30 PM ET; ESPN2)
AS Roma vs. Real Madrid (5:00 PM ET; ESPN Classic)