The sequel of the Round of 16 continues this week as teams seek to be in good standing before the return legs.
Bayern Munich is firing on all cylinders and a tough trip against Frank Lampard's blues is not an easy task. Hans-Dieter Flick has gotten a full grip on this team. They went through the group stages without a defeat and the 7-2 mauling away from home against Tottenham is one that still lingers in our minds. Chelsea got the advantage the last time both teams met. Frank Lampard managed to do an elite double over Jose Mourinho, and that should be enough boost to go into this tie. Lampard has his squad strengthened with the arrival of Tammy Abraham but faces the conundrum of having to choose between Tammy and Giroud as the latter was a class act over the weekend.
Barcelona will be far away in Naples as they seek to put last season's disappointments behind them. A not-so-convincing performance in the group stages but secured a place in the knockouts. Setien faces Gattuso in his first UCL tie with the Catalan giants. He may have had some stick thrown at him for his gameplay, but a win allows him to win the hearts of his fans. Gattuso has gotten good results recently and will up this tie as a test to see how he matches up against the best. Messi got back on the scoresheet after his goal drought. Gattuso must get his team to stop the magic of Lionel Messi. Manolas gets to do this job, but a collective effort from Napoli could prevent Messi from being trigger-happy.
Lyon will wait for the arrival of Juventus at the Groupama Stadium. Rudi Garcia has not impressed in the competition. He faces the Old Ladies of Italian football with a hungry Ronaldo - scoring in his 11th consecutive Serie A match. Memphis Depay is out for the rest of the season. Lyon comes into the tie without their talisman but can call on Dembele and Aouar to see this tie through. Sarri has depth in his squad and can call on any when the need arises. Dybala has not hit top gear this season. De Ligt and Bonucci form that great defensive pairing at the back for Sarri. Qualification depends on this defence to shut out the Lyon attack.
Pep's Man City will do a flight to the Spanish capital to take on Zinedine Zidane's men. Zidane has had an on-and-off season. Injuries have been a bother to his team's progress. He will be without Eden Hazard but can call on the likes of Vazquez and Isco to deliver. Vinicius has not hit the heights expected of him though. Federico Valverde has been a revelation this season. Pep bolsters his squad with the arrivals of Laporte at the back. Manchester City have struggled without him, and his return is very much appreciated. Pep eyes this competition after City's 2-year ban from UEFA. A good result away from home against the competition's best will get his 3rd UCL trophy.
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