Arsenal have been handed a tough draw against Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions league. Arsene Wenger’s side have been paired with the Bundesliga champions Bayern despite emerging winners of group A which also contained Paris Saint Germain (PSG).
Bayern Munich v Arsenal: Bayern have been Arsenal’s nemesis over the years – they have actually taken on each other 10 times in the past – but this is a different Arsenal and a different, more vulnerable Bayern. Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti is a cup specialist but Arsenal can get through in what might be the tightest tie of them all. Prediction: Arsenal
Sevilla v Leicester City: Feels like a 50/50 tie and a fascinating one at that – the cup kings of Sevilla, who have won the Europa League three years in a row, against the novices. Sevilla are flying high in La Liga and will squeeze through, unfortunately. Once again Leicester have a wonderful foreign trip. Prediction: Sevilla
Manchester City v Monaco: The City defence up against the most free-scoring team in Europe? Monaco’s double over Tottenham Hotspur will serve as an added warning but surely Pep Guardiola’s team will get their act together in time. But Monaco are significantly dangerous opponents. Prediction: Manchester City
Paris Saint-Germain v Barcelona: The most glitzy, biggest tie of the round with PSG having fallen to Barcelona in the past. Much may depend on who is fit for both sides but Barcelona are clear favourites given their extraordinary fire-power. However PSG are dangerous and have a cup specialist, Unai Emery, as coach. Prediction: Barcelona
Bayer Leverkusen v Atletico Madrid: The Germans have done wonderfully well under coach Roger Schmidt but he is coming up against Diego Simeone who has taken Atletico to the final twice in the last three years. Atletico are struggling in the league this season but have saved their best form for Europe. Prediction: Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid v Napoli: The holders have to be the favourites. There are three former Real players in the Napoli ranks – including goalkeeper Pepe Reina – and the second leg is in Italy (what an atmosphere there will be) but it is hard to look beyond Real going through if they are close to their best. Prediction: Real Madrid
Benfica v Borussia Dortmund: Like Atletico, Borussia Dortmund are not doing so well domestically this season but have been extraordinary in Europe. They are brimming with goals and attacking intent and it is hard to see Benfica living with them. Even so the Portuguese top their league and will be organised and difficult to break down. Prediction: Borussia Dortmund
Porto v Juventus: Juventus are regarded as the dark horses of the Champions League this season. No club wants to face them. They are formidable in Italy and in Europe and in Gonzalo Higuain have a world-class striker on top of his game. Porto put five past Leicester but will struggle. Prediction: Juventus
