UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Preview
The UEFA Champions League has eventually reached its final rounds. Every player and team in Europe dreams of winning the coveted trophy. The 32 teams were whittled down to 16 teams, which promise to provide thrilling match-ups. Bayern Munich, the defending champions, have been drawn against the current Premier League leaders, Arsenal while FC Barcelona will face Manchester City. Below we have broken down all the match-ups and provided vital details about each tie.
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matches:
· Manchester City - FC Barcelona
· AC Milan - Atletico Madrid
· Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Paris Saint-Germain
· Galatasaray - Chelsea
· Schalke 04 - Real Madrid
· Olympiakos - Manchester United
· Zenit St. Petersburg - Borussia Dortmund
· Arsenal - Bayern Munich
The First leg will run from 18th to 19th February and 25th to 26th February while the Second leg will run from 11th to 2th March and 18th to 19th March.
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match previews
Manchester City vs. FC Barcelona
Two of the strongest teams in the UEFA Champions League match-up in round of 16. Manuel Pellegrini is used to the threat posed by Barcelona because he has encountered them numerous times while he was at Malaga. However, that does not mean that the 2012 English Champions, Manchester City, will have an easy time against FC Barcelona.
During this year, Manchester City have had a rampant force at Etihad but have really struggled during away matches thus their encounter at Camp Nou will be very difficult. In addition, Lionel Messi has suffered injuries this year, but he is expected to be 100% healthy when this matches kick-off. The prospect of watching Sergio Aguero against Messi is really thrilling.
Our Prediction: If Messi plays Barcelona if not Manchester City
Bet365.com odds:
Manchester City to qualify 2.75
AC Milan vs. Atletico Madrid
This is an intriguing fixture since both teams are very defensive. Atletico Madrid have a very strong defense that aims at starving their opponents. However, Milan’s defensive strength is remarkable and cannot be ignored. In the first leg, it will be difficult to beat the Italian side at San Siro especially because AC Milan considers the Champions League their priority.
Atletico will be the favorite in this tie although AC Milan will fight hard because they are the only remaining Italian club.
Our Prediction: Atletico Madrid to qualify
Bet365.com odds:
Atletico Madrid to qualify 1.36
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. Paris Saint-Germain
This year, Leverkusen have been a tough side in the Bundesliga, both in away and home matches. Despite having tough players like Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, PSG may suffer humiliation especially during the first leg to be held in Germany.
PSG have never made it to the semi-finals, but this season they have high hopes of reaching the next stage. Leverkusen will be very strong to beat.
Our Prediction: PSG to qualify
Bet365.com odds:
Bayer 04 Leverkusen to qualify 3.50
Galatasaray vs. Chelsea
Didier Drogba will return to take the side he helped to win the European trophy in 2012. This will be a repeat fixture for Jose Mourinho because he played against Galatasaray last year while managing Real Madrid.
The chances of Chelsea losing this tie are very minimal because they have a plethora of attacking players. Additionally, Galatasaray are not so good when away from home. Chelsea are certainly the favorites because they have a very strong mix of youthful players and experience in the game.
Our Prediction: Chelsea to qualify
Bet365.com odds:
Schalke 04 vs. Real Madrid
In this tie, it is expected that Real Madrid will proceed to the quarter finals. With Cristiano Ronald leading the charge, Schalke have very minimal chances of proceeding into the next level. The all-mighty Real Madrid is meeting one of the clubs that have been under-performing in world football.
Our Prediction: Real Madrid to qualify
Bet365.com odds:
Olympiakos vs. Manchester United
Manchester United has not been performing well under David Moyes compared to Ferguson’s era. However, The Red Devils should have an easy time with the Greek side Olympiakos.
Manchester United holds a perfect record against Olympiakos in most matches they have met in the Champions League. Given that Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie will have recovered from their injuries, Manchester United will have a strong team against their opponents.
Our Prediction: Manchester United to qualify
Bet365.com odds:
Manchester United to qualify 1.25
Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Borussia Dortmund
Jurgen Klopp’s side were the runners-up in last year’s Champions League. Borussia Dortmund are respected in the competition because they are a force to reckon. If Zenit have legitimate hopes of beating Borussia, they will have to work and struggle really hard.
Although Borussia have not been great recently, they have enough time to put their house in order and most of their injured stars will be back by February.
Our Prediction: Dortmund to qualify
Bet365.com odds:
Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
The Gunners tied with Borussia and managed to finish second in their group. Arsene Wenger’s side has had an impressive start this season. However, they have been drawn with the reigning champions and the competition’s main favorites.
Bayern Munich are more stronger than last season having won a historic treble some few months ago. Even with Mesut Ozil running the show, it will be hard for Arsenal to beat Bayern, both in the first and second leg.
Our Prediction: Bayern Munich to qualify
Bet365.com odds: