The 2018-19 UEFA Champions League resumes this week with second leg of the round of 16.
Sportsnet’s soccer panel of broadcasters, writers and pundits offer their picks and predictions below.
BAYERN MUNICH vs. LIVERPOOL
James Sharman: Many pundits have a suspicion Liverpool have the artillery to score on the road, and progress to the quarterfinals after playing to a 0-0 draw at Anfield. After all, the Reds were the better team in the first leg, and if not for a profligacy in front of goal, would have been in a far better position entering Wednesday’s second leg.
Not so fast, though. Bayern are looking much more like the typical Bayern Munich these days. They have reeled in Borussia Dortmund to go top of the Bundesliga, and cruised to a six-goal performance on Saturday over Wolfsburg, having hit five goals the week before against a very good Borussia Monchengladbach.
Adding to the improved form is a team with some serious chips on the shoulders of three veterans. Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels were all ingloriously dropped for good, for the German national program last week. Muller is suspended for this one, but the entire saga seemed to be handled clumsily, and a message will want to be sent, adding another layer of intrigue to this match.
The Germans had an extra day of rest, but are also missing Joshua Kimmich, while Liverpool have Virgil van Dijk back from suspension. All in all, it has the ingredients to be a classic.
Prediction: A 1-1 draw; Liverpool advances on away goals.
FC BARCELONA vs. OLYMPIQUE LYON
Peter Galindo: Barcelona probably felt aggrieved to have been held to a 0-0 in Lyon in the first leg. It’s especially troublesome since one counter-attack from OL could change the complexion of the tie on Wednesday at the Camp Nou.
Manager Ernesto Valverde will have a couple fitness concerns heading into this second leg. The primary worry is Ousmane Dembele, who suffered a hamstring injury in Barcelona’s win over Rayo Vallecano on the weekend. If Dembele is unable to feature, Philippe Coutinho could start on the wing, though he’ll have to improve significantly from his showing over the weekend.
Lyon, meanwhile, should have a full squad available. Manager Bruno Genesio also rotated his starting 11 over the weekend against Strasbourg so some key players will be fresh for this crucial match.
Whoever is available, it’s difficult to foresee Barcelona misfiring to the same level of the first leg. While they may not be the same free-flowing side we’re used to seeing, this Barca is able to sit back and absorb pressure, which could be imperative in this game.
Prediction: Barcelona wins 2-0 to advance 2-0 on aggregate.
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JUVENTUS vs. ATLETICO MADRID
Dan Riccio: We saw Manchester United overturn an incredible deficit away to Paris Saint-Germain last week, but that doesn’t have me believing Juventus will do likewise on Tuesday in Turin. It is a home match for the Bianconeri, but it is Atleti’s defensive record that seems to be the hurdle that is too large to overcome. The Spanish side hasn’t allowed a goal since Feb. 9! They are the picture of defensive stability.
Juventus will need Cristiano Ronaldo to prove his worth if they are to move on to the quarterfinals. He is supposed to be the missing piece to their Champions League puzzle and an exit at this stage can be seen as nothing short of a complete failure. The task seems too large for one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Prediction: A 1-1 draw; Atletico advances 3-1 on aggregate.
MANCHESTER CITY vs. SCHALKE O4
Geoff Lowe: The comeback win by Man City in the first leg was somewhat of a shock given the gap in current form between the two sides – the Citizens, of course, lead the Premier League while Schalke are in the midst of fighting off relegation in Germany.
We don’t expect any more surprises at the Etihad on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side has been nearly unbeatable at home so far this season, losing just twice in Manchester in all competitions. And with the advantage of three away goals, City holds all the cards as they look to book a ticket to a ticket to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Manchester City wins 3-0 to advance 6-2 on aggregate.
