Extra frustration for Arsenal and defeats for Actual Madrid and Liverpool

The Champions League returns tonight and we’re right down to the ultimate eight groups slugging it out to be topped Europe’s finest.

The English illustration was trimmed from six to 2 in a brutal spherical of 16 that noticed Manchester Metropolis, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham all crash out.

Arsenal and Liverpool stay though neither aspect is in good type.

Right here, we have a look at the quarter-final ties and supply our Champions League predictions.

TUESDAY

Sporting CP v Arsenal (8pm)
On paper, Arsenal must win this tie over two legs however the first recreation in Lisbon comes at a fragile time for Mikel Arteta and his gamers. Having seen their quadruple hopes dashed by the EFL Cup last defeat to Manchester Metropolis, they’re now down to only two attainable trophies following the weekend exit from the FA Cup by the hands of Championship aspect Southampton. Arteta rotated his squad at St Mary’s and it backfired spectacularly. The Spaniard has completed a lot proper on the Emirates however till the trophy cupboard is replenished query marks will stay.
Sporting displayed their energy at residence within the final spherical. Having misplaced the away leg 3-0 to Bodo/Glimt, they blew the Norwegians away within the return, successful 5-0 after extra-time.
If Arsenal are nonetheless fragile, Sporting are ok to use it.
Prediction: Sporting CP 2-2 Arsenal

Actual Madrid v Bayern Munich (8pm)
One other aspect smarting from a weekend setback are Actual Madrid. Saturday’s last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Actual Mallorca put a serious dent of their hopes of regaining the Liga crown from Barcelona and the trophy is now the Catalans’ to lose.
Historically, Madrid are a special animal in Europe and they’ll have to be at their finest tonight. There could also be a return to the beginning XI for Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao whereas Kylian Mbappe should be at his deadliest if Madrid are to take a lead again to Germany.
Bayern have been relentless this season, a degree demonstrated once more on Saturday. Trailing 2-1 heading into injury-time at Freiburg, Vincent Kompany’s males scored twice to win 3-2 and keep their nine-point lead over Dortmund on the summit.
The health of Harry Kane is vital with a choice over his availability set to be made simply previous to kick-off. We expect he performs and Bayern win.
Prediction: Actual Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich

WEDNESDAY

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (8pm)
Simply 4 days after clashing in La Liga, these two groups slug it out as soon as once more. Having additionally met within the semis of the Copa del Rey, they are going to be sick of the sight of one another. 
Barca gained on the weekend, gaining a psychological edge due to Robert Lewandowski’s fortuitous late objective on the Metropolitano. Atleti may even have nightmares about their final journey to Camp Nou, after they have been crushed 3-0 however nonetheless progressed to the Copa last after successful the primary recreation 4-0.
Diego Simeone might want to placed on a defensive clinic for his workforce to safe an excellent end in Catalonia and it might be all of the darkish arts are utilised.
We expect Barca win however the tie will stay very a lot alive.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain v Liverpool (8pm)
If Liverpool carry out the way in which they did in opposition to Manchester Metropolis on the weekend, then this tie will likely be over by 10pm tomorrow evening. Arne Slot’s males have been abject on the Etihad, shedding 4-0 within the FA Cup, and giving a second-half show that known as the Dutchman’s future at Anfield into query. A visit to the Parc des Princes shouldn’t be a recreation the Merseysiders would need right away and so they should tighten up defensively to maintain the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Need Doue quiet.
The Parisians have struggled to copy their devastating type of final season however they appear to be clicking on the proper time with 4 wins on the trot, together with convincing residence and away victories over Chelsea within the earlier spherical.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Liverpool