TUESDAY:
BAYERN MUNICH V RED BULL SALZBURG
I was very surprised to see Bayern play a back three in the first leg as its a system they don't usually play. The decision to play that system nearly backfired as their performance was dull and they needed a late equaliser from Kingsley Coman to avoid an embarrassment.
Julian Nagelsmann will want a better performance from his players if his side are to win this second leg and I'm sure he'll get one. I can't see them play a back three again as that experiment didn't really work in the first leg and with the quality of players they have, I'm certain that they'll put in a performance here.
Salzburg put in a competitive performance in the first leg as they were resolute defensively and a threat on the counter right throughout. They may have conceded late on but they'll still be proud of the performance they put in against one of the favourites for the competition.
The result from the first leg will give the Austrian champions something to take into this game as it will give them a platform to build on. The second leg will be tougher than the first but Salzburg will still be looking to build on the draw they got from the first leg.
PREDICTION: 3-0
I'm going for a convincing Bayern Munich win here as I think they'll put in a much better performance than they did in the first leg. With the top players that they have, I can see that very much being the case.
LIVERPOOL V INTER MILAN
The first leg looked like it could go either way as both sides had some very good chances. Inter will of course be kicking themselves for the chances they missed as they were on top for some of game and their missed chances came back to bite them as Liverpool went on to gain the upper hand in the tie.
Liverpool are now firm favourites in this tie as they're leading 2-0 from the first leg plus they'll have the crowd behind them with this leg being at home for them. A full capacity Anfield on European nights can make the game intimidating for the opposition because of the atmosphere inside the stadium. I can see the fans play a big part in helping Liverpool towards the Quarter finals.
Inter moved top of Serie A with their 5-0 win over Salernitana on Friday which will give them confidence going into this second leg. This will be a tough game for Simone Inzaghi's side as they've got the Anfield atmosphere to deal with and a two goal deficit to overturn but their recent win will still give them some confidence.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I'm going for a Liverpool win in this second leg because I think they'll have enough quality to hold on and add to their two goal lead. With the crowd behind them and likely to play a big part in this game, the reds should win this one without too many problems.
WEDNESDAY:
MAN CITY V SPORTING LISBON
Man City already have one foot in Quarter finals following their 5-0 win in the first leg where they were just completely ruthless. Some teams do ease off in the second leg with that kind of lead but I can't see that happening with City as they'll be looking to add to that lead like they always do whenever they play.
They completely outplayed Man United in the Manchester Derby on Sunday and particularly in the second half which they dominated from start to finish. They made their rivals look like an average team and I can see them carry that performance into this game.
Sporting Lisbon will just try and keep the score down so they can avoid another humiliating defeat. That's all they can do really as there is literally no chance of them going through and they're up against a world class team in Man City. They will try and play their game but they'll still try and keep the score down so they don't get beaten as heavily as they were in the first leg.
PREDICTION: 3-0
I'm going for another comfortable win for City here because I can see them put in another ruthless performance. I don't think the score will the same as it was in the first leg but I still think City will win this one fairly convincingly.
REAL MADRID V PSG
Since their defeat in the first leg in Paris, there have been some rumours surrounding Carlo Ancelotti's future as Real Madrid manager which I find absolute rubbish. They 're 8 points clear at the top of La Liga and they're still in this tie. They may not be one of the favourites to win the competition but they can still reach the next round with the deficit only being one goal.
Having the return leg at the Bernabeu could benefit Real as home advantage can have a part to play the outcome of the game. With the crowd on their side and the quality they have, they'll fancy themselves to turn this tie around.
PSG will still be favourites for this game as they have a one goal advantage and the players to see the game through. Everyone knows the quality they have going forward in their front three plus they also have quality in both midfield and defence. They have been criticized defensively over the years but in recent seasons they have looked more solid.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with Real Madrid in the past like Kylian Mbappe has and he's recently been linked with them again. He'll be more focused on getting PSG through to next round as he has a job to do with the French side first before potentially becoming Real manager if Ancelotti does go.
PREDICTION: 1-2
I can see this one be another close game like the first leg was and I think PSG will edge it again. Real may have home advantage on their side but I think PSG have a bit more in quality which should be enough for them to go through.
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