© Imago
Still on course for a historic Champions League achievement, Lille welcome Borussia Dortmund for the return leg of their round of 16 tie on Wednesday.
The Mastiffs have the opportunity to reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever, following an impressive performance in the first leg last Tuesday.
We say: Lille 2-1 Borussia Dortmund (Lille to win 3-2 on aggregate)
This is a tough one to call, given Lille’s strong home record in the Champions League and Dortmund’s pedigree in the competition.
However, the visitors have not been entirely convincing of late, and while they have held their own on the road in this season’s tournament, they have not exactly been a tough side to break down, suffering two defeats in five away outings.
> Champions League preview: Lille vs Dortmund
© Imago
Aiming to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, Aston Villa welcome Club Brugge to Birmingham on Wednesday, starting the second leg of the sides’ last-16 tie with a two-goal advantage.
After Brugge’s late implosion in Belgium, Villa are certainly in the driving seat, and they must now try to finish the job at Villa Park.
We say: Aston Villa 2-2 Club Brugge (Aston Villa win 5-3 on aggregate)
While Aston Villa are much tougher to beat on home turf, Club Brugge have already proven to be fearless, and they will expect to put pressure on their hosts’ suspect defence.
With a handy advantage following last week’s first leg, Villa should still get the job done – albeit facing a few scares.
> Champions League preview: Aston Villa vs Brugge
> Martinez available for Champions League clash? Predicted Villa lineup vs. Brugge
© Imago
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid reconvene for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at the Metropolitano on Wednesday night, with Los Blancos leading 2-1 after a nail-biting clash last week.
Brahim Diaz netted the late winner for Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the Bernabeu last Tuesday, after Rodrygo and Julian Alvarez had scored sensational goals for both sides in either half.
We say: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid have won every previous European tie against Atletico, also finding a way to get over the line in two Champions League finals against their local rivals, and they are the favourites to do so again.
The advantage is not as healthy as Ancelotti would have liked, and they are likely going to suffer greatly at some point during the evening, but Los Blancos so often find a way.
> Champions League preview: Atletico vs Real Madrid
> Llorente to move into midfield? Predicted Atletico lineup vs. Real Madrid
> Who will make way for returning Bellingham? Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs. Atletico
> Will Rudiger return from minor illness? Real Madrid injury, suspension news vs. Atletico
© Imago
Barring one of the most extraordinary comebacks in football history let alone the Champions League, Arsenal will be celebrating progression to the quarter-finals after Wednesday’s last-16 second leg at home to PSV Eindhoven.
Records were sent tumbling in the Gunners’ 7-1 annihilation of Peter Bosz’s side in the first leg, but Mikel Arteta’s returned to their toothless ways in the Premier League over the weekend.
We say: Arsenal 1-1 PSV Eindhoven (Arsenal win 8-2 on aggregate)
After the chaos of last week’s first leg, the entertainment value should plummet on Wednesday, as a rotated Arsenal side spare their energy for the weekend’s blockbuster Premier League outing with Chelsea.
PSV can therefore hold out for an uneventful draw, not that it will make much difference as Arsenal stroll into the last eight without breaking a sweat.
> Champions League preview: Arsenal vs PSV
> White starts in experimental XI: Predicted Arsenal lineup vs. PSV
> Saka update after Martinelli boost: Arsenal injury, suspension list for PSV
