© Imago
Aiming to take down another Italian giant in this season’s Champions League, Feyenoord will welcome Inter Milan to De Kuip on Wednesday.
Despite sacking their manager, the Dutch side slayed AC Milan in last month’s playoffs, and they now host Inter for the first leg of their last-16 contest.
We say: Feyenoord 0-1 Inter Milan
In their last two Champions League games at De Kuip, the hosts have beaten Bayern Munich and Milan, so they are certainly no pushovers.
Yet, a decimated squad might succumb to Inter’s vast reserves of nous and experience, leaving them with a deficit to make up next week.
> Champions League preview: Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan
© Imago
Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen‘s paths will cross on the European stage for the first time when they go head-to-head in the first leg of their all-German last 16 tie in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The two sides have met on three occasions already this season, with Die Werkself remaining unbeaten, knocking Bayern out of the DFB-Pokal already here at the Allianz Arena.
We say: Bayern Munich 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Alonso’s Leverkusen still need to prove they are up for the big occasion, after losing last season’s Europa League final, as well trips to Liverpool and Atletico in the League Phase, and Bayern at home in the Champions League are often unstoppable.
Form for Kompany’s men has been hit and miss on the continent, and six games have passed without victory against Die Werkself, but they will still be favourites, and should take a lead of some sort into next week’s return leg.
> Champions League preview: Bayern vs B. Leverkusen
© Imago
With a lot to live up to following a nine-goal extravaganza in the league phase, Benfica and Barcelona cross paths once again on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 battle at the Estadio da Luz.
The Portuguese giants eked out a 4-3 aggregate success over Monaco in the playoffs to earn another date with the Blaugrana, who were only out-performed by Liverpool in the first stage.
We say: Benfica 1-3 Barcelona
Another nine-goal classic is surely off the cards, but do not expect a lack of goalmouth action between a ruthless Barcelona side and a Benfica crop boasting one of the tournament’s most lethal attackers in Pavlidis.
What should be an entertaining watch for the neutrals should be an even better watch for fans of Barcelona, as Flick’s fearsome attackers have our vote to overwhelm their Portuguese hosts and earn a healthy first-leg lead.
> Champions League preview: Benfica vs Barcelona
> Gavi starts as Raphinha closes in on Kaka: Predicted Barcelona XI vs. Benfica
> Will Gavi return? Barcelona injury, suspension news vs. Benfica
© Imago
Seasoned Champions League winners meet the perennial also-rans in Wednesday’s last-16 first leg, as Paris Saint-Germain welcome Liverpool to their Parc des Princes base for a heavyweight encounter.
Arne Slot’s men more or less swept aside the competition to top the league phase table, while the Ligue 1 champions annihilated Brest 10-0 on aggregate during a playoff pummelling.
We say: Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Liverpool
PSG may be breezing past their fellow Ligue 1 foes with consummate ease, but Enrique’s men now face a significant step-up in quality against a Liverpool side boasting enviable resources in all thirds of the pitch.
Slot’s men will not have it their own way by any stretch, especially given their patchy away form, but they are well-rested following a weekend off and have our backing to eke out a potentially critical win before they endeavour to finish the job at Anfield.
> Champions League preview: PSG vs Liverpool
> Salah to extend UCL record? Predicted Liverpool XI vs. PSG
> A milestone for Marquinhos: Predicted PSG XI vs. Liverpool
> Teenager banned, four missing: Liverpool injury, suspension list for PSG clash
