Team Focus: Real Madrid

The defending Champions surprisingly finished second in their Group behind BVB. But the draw was kind to them and they will meet Napoli in the next stage.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Last season their defence way very solid, however this year they are struggling as they have not managed to keep any clean-sheets in the Group stage. Keylor Navas (6.0) is their keeper and the 4 man back line does not change a lot. Marcelo (6.4) is a great pick but is has recently suffered an injury and is a doubt for the first leg against Napoli. Danilo (5.2) could step in for him, but he is currently not in great form so Nacho (4.7) could also be an option. Captain Sergio Ramos (6.2) and Raphael Varane (5.5) are the centre-backs and Dani Carvajal (5.8) is the first choice at right-back, but currently injured as well so make sure to check if he is fit again for the match against Napoli.

Segrio Ramos (Photo: footballprognosis.com)

Midfield
There was plenty of rotation in midfield due to injuries, but the standard midfield of Real Madrid is Casemiro (5.3), who is responsible for defensive duties and is very important for their performances. Their defence is not the same when he does not play and he was really missed when injured. Luka Modrič (7.1) is very important in connecting the midfield and attack while Toni Kroos (7.2) is also very reliable and also covers most of the indirect set pieces. Modrič is unfortunately also injured at the moment but should be fit in time to play against Napoli.

Toni Kroos (Photo: pinterest.com)

Attack
There is not much to say about Real Madrid's attack as everybody know the famous BBC Trio. Cristiano Ronaldo (12.1) is the top pick - as always he is a fantastic goalscorer. Gareth Bale (11.6) is currently injured and will be out for the Last 16 as well. Karim Benzema (10.6) is the striker and he scored 4 times and added one assist as well. He faces competition in Alvaro Morata (8.4) though, who also scored twice and added one assist.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo: blogncc.com)

Prediction
Real Madrid will be very tough to beat, but as no team has managed to defend the Champions league Trophy up to date, we believe another team will win it this year as well. Real should be able to beat Napoli surely, but the real battle begins in the Quarter finals...

Team Focus: Porto

Porto were solid in the Group stage, finished second in the group behind newcomers Leicester City. They face a difficult task in the next round as they have drawn Juventus.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Legendary keeper Iker Casillas kept 3 clean sheets and is in much better form than at the start of his Porto career. Alex Telles (4.8) is a fine choice for your fantasy team, he gets forward a lot and got 2 assists in the Group stage. Ivan Marcano (5.0) and Felipe (4.5) are the centre-backs while Maxi Pereira (5.1) and Miguel Layun (5.4) compete for the remaining position in the defence.

Iker Casillas (Photo: twitter.com)

Midfield
Forward Andre Silva is classified as a midfielder and was therefore a must have in your Fantasy team in the Group stage. He scored 4 goals and is in the Dream team of the first stage of the competition. Otavio (4.5), Diego Jota (4.9) and Oliver Torres (6.0) are other options in midfield, but we strongly suggest  to keep faith in Andre Silva, he is Fantasy gold.

Andre Silva (squwaka.com)

Attack
Jesus Corona (5.8) is the only player to mention in attack, he managed 1 goal and one assist in the Group stage. The forward position is taken by Andre Silva as already mentioned in the Midfield section.

Prediction
Porto will have to put in a truly special performance agains Juventus if they are to eliminate them. We  believe this is highly unlikely and Porto will end their run in the Last 16.

Top Fantasy Players of the Group Stage

Team Focus: PSG

PSG were on course to win their group but a slip-up on Matchday 6 when they failed to beat Ludogorets and therefore finished behind Arsenal. The draw was also not favorable to them as they will face Barcelona in the next round.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Alphonse Areola (4.6) is the preferred keeper and managed to keep one clean-sheet in the 6 matches they played and he also saved a penalty in the process. Serge Aurier (5.4) is the number one right-back, he managed one clean-sheet and an assist, but then Thomas Meunier (4.4) got his chance and took it very well, scoring a well-struck goal and one assist. Thiago Silva (5.9) and Marquinhos (5.4) are the centre-backs, while the top defender from fantasy perspective is Layvin Kurzawa (5.4), the very attacking left back, who also managed to get an assist in the Group stage.

Layvin Kurzawa (Photo: goal.com)

 Midfield
Blaise Matuidi (6.6) was the top midfield pick from PSG in the Group stage, scoring twice and adding one assist. Angel Di Maria (9.0) is the other, more expensive option, scoring twice and assisting once as well. Adrien Rabiot (5.3) and Marco Verratti (6.3) are mainly focused on defensive duties and are therefore less appealing fantasy assets. New signing Julian Draxler is also surely one to watch as he is always dangerous in attack.

Angel Di Maria (Photo: thescore.com)

Attack
Edison Cavani (9.3) is the side's topscorer, netting 6 goals and one assist in the Group stage. The "Matador", as often called, is certainly a top pick as he is also in the Dream Team of the Group stage. Lucas Moura (7.0) has one goal and two assists, however we do not suggest putting him in your team as he is more an attacking midfield player and not a forward as classified in the official UEFA Fantasy game.

Edinson Cavani (Photo: mercadofutebol.com)

Prediction
The draw was not very kind to PSG and we believe they will find it very difficult to beat Barcelona over two legs. It seems like PSG will have to wait another year for a chance of UCL glory.
 

Team Focus: Napoli

Napoli have done well in the Group stage, winning their group, but had an unlucky draw - they will meet Real Madrid, who surprisingly finished second behind Borussia Dortmund.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Experienced Pepe Reina (5.3) is Napoli's number one keeper, but we suggest not picking him as Napoli are having big trouble at keeping a clean-sheet. They only managed one in the Group stage. Faouzi Ghoulam (5.5) seems to be the best pick in defence, as the left-back takes corners and gets forward a lot, he already added 3 assists to his name. Elseid Hysaj (5.3) is the right-back, while Kalidou Koulibaly and Raul Albiol are centre-backs.

Faouzi Ghoulam (Photo: sportwitness.co.uk)

Midfield
Slovakian star Marek Hamsik (8.5) is the player to pick from Napoli's midfield, he is very attacking and scored twice in the Group stage. Allan (6.1), Piotr Zielinski (5.7) and Jorginho (5.7) are other options, however there is no doubt Hamsik is the top choice.

Marek Hamsik (Photo: ilpallonaro.com)

Attack
Dries Mertens (7.5) managed to earn himself a position in the Group stage Dream Team, scoring 2 goals, 2 assists and earned 2 penalties. Jose Callejon (7.5) is also in fine form, while Arkadiusz Milik (7.6) was doing great until his serious long term injury. His replacement Manolo Gabbiadini (6.4) also took his chance and scored once as well. On current form, Dries Mertens is certainly the man to pick.

Dries Mertens (Photo: pasqualemadonna.blogspot.com)

Prediction
Napoli are great in attack and could put a couple of goals behind Keylor Navas, but the key question is if they can keep the defending Champions from scoring. This seems very unlikely, so we believe Napoli will end their run in the Last 16.

Team Focus: Monaco

AS Monaco have been a pleasant surprise this season. They won their group comfortably and will meet Manchester City (more info on them here) in the Last 16.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Croatian keeper Danijel Subašič has kept Morgan De Sanctis out of the starting place with great performances and will be a big asset for Monaco in the knockout round as well. Their defence has been quite stable, but have kept only 1 clean sheet in the Group stage. Their defenders are, however, also very dangerous in attack. Djibri Sidibe (5.1) has scored one and added an assist from RB, Kamil Glik (4.6), their CB also scored once. His partner at CB is Jemerson (4.4) who is also a nice budget pick and Benjamin Mendy (5.4), the LB also has 2 assists to his name already. Fabinho (5.4) deserves a special mention, he is a defender who plays in midfield and also takes penalties whenever Falcao is not on the pitch.

Fabinho (Photo: goal.com)

Midfield
Thomas Lemar (6.0) scored twice in the Group stage and is a great pick. Bernardo Silva, who recently attracted interest from Jose Mourinho's Manchester United also, he scored twice as well. Another option is his fellow Portuguese Joao Moutinho (6.1).

Bernardo Silva is a great midfield option for your fantasy team (Photo: itv.com)

Attack
Valere Germain scored once and assisted one goal, but the resurrected Radamel Falcao is certainly the one to have if he can continue playing in his recent form. He scored 12 goals in 15 matches in League 1 this season.

Radamel Falcao (Photo: goll.ge)

Prediction
Monaco have been great this season and are currently also leaders in the French League 1. They will face a wounded lion in Manchester City but could be on course to upset the English team and progress to the next round. It is really a 50-50 odd match if looking at their recent performances.

Team Focus: Manchester City

Manchester City had very high expectations this season after Pep Guardiola arrived this summer. They did well in the Group stage, even beating Barcelona at home in the process, but finished the group in second place. They had an ok draw, as Monaco are an opponent they should be able to beat.

Goalkeeper & Defence
The defence has been a big problem for Manchester City, who just cannot stop conceding goals. After signing Claudio Bravo (5.1) from Barcelona, they thought they would have solved this position, but it seems more and more like a mistake they let Joe Hart go. The Chilean has not been the answer to their problems and has been under critic a lot. Also the expensive signing of young English defender John Stones (5.2) has left them vulnerable at the back. They are yet to find a stable formation as they switch from 3-4-3, 4-2-3-1 and other alternatives regularly. Aleksander Kolarov (5.2) has been a regular starter, whether at CB or LB, Nicolas Otamendi (5.2) is their main CB, while Pablo Zabaleta (4.7) has been the RB most of the time. It seems the solution would be the return of Vincent Kompany, but he has been struggling with injuries all season.

Nicolas Otamendi (Photo: express.co.uk)

Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan has been in great form for Manchester City, but unfortunately ended the season already as he suffered a long-term injury. When in form, Kevin De Bruyne (9.4) is certainly one to consider, while David Sliva (8.5) and Raheem Sterling (7.5) are good picks as well. The recent emergence of Leroy Sane (6.8) suggests he is one to keep an eye on as well.

Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his goal against Barcelona (Photo: skysports.co.uk)

Attack
There is only one name that comes to mind when talking about Man City's attack - that is Sergio Aguero (10.1) of course. He notched 3 goals and 2 assists in this season's competition, but has slightly lost his form recently, so it would be smart to wait and see how new signing Gabriel Jesus will fit into the team. You can read more about his prospects HERE.

Sergio Kun Aguero (Photo: thesun.co.uk)

Prediction
If Manchester City continue playing as the have in recent weeks they might find it very difficult against Monaco, who are very strong in attack and have a formidable defence. However we still believe they will find some of the form they were in at the start of the season and go through to the Quarter Finals. You most certainly expect that Guardiola will try his best to go as far as possible, like he showed with Bayern and Barcelona.

Team Focus: Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen were ver good in the Group Stage, the went through undefeated and finished only behind Monaco, and sent Tottenham to the Europa League. Now they meet Atletico Madrid in the Last 16.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Their goalkeeper is Bernd Leno (5.5), who kept 2 clean sheets in the 5 matches he took part in. Omer Toprak (5.5) and Jonathan Tah are the centre-backs, while Wendell (5.4) is the left-back. The right back position is taken by Benjamin Henrichs, he is however classified as a midfielder. Toprak is the top pick from the bunch as he is sure to start when fit and brings an aerial threat at set-pieces.

Omer Toprak (Photo: africa.tvcnews.tv)

Midfield
Slovenian midfielder Kevin Kampl (6.5) was the top performing midfielder in the group stage, scoring an important match winner at Wembley to beat Tottenham. The best pick is probably Hakan Calhanoglu (8.3), the free kick maestro, who also takes most of the penalties. We suggest to avoid other midfield picks, especially considering their opponent - Atletico Madrid.

Hakan Calhanoglu & Kevin Kampl (Photo: fussballportal.de)

Attack
Javier Hernandez Chicharito is their star player in attack and probably the only one to consider for your fantasy team beside Julian Brandt (6.7).

Javier Hernandez Chicharito (Photo: morror.co.uk)

Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen have done great so far, but the draw was not too kind to them, as Atletico Madrid will probably prove to be too strong for them.

Team Focus: Leicester City

Leicester City's debut appearance in the Champions league has been great. They won their first 3 matches and only lost to Porto on Matchday 6, when they already secured first place in the group.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Kasper Schmeichel (5.7) is their first choice keeper, and he recorded all of their 4 clean sheets in this year's competition. Captain Wes Morgan (5.7) is the leader of their defence, partnered by centre-back Robert Huth (5.7) and they are both dangerous in attack as well - the tall defenders do well at set-pieces. Christian Fuchs is the top pick from their defence though, as the left-back covers many corner and free kicks and is always ready for getting assists. Danny Simpson (5.4) is the right back, but does not offer much in attack so we suggest to avoid picking him.

Leicester City's Captain - Wes Morgan (Photo: skysports.com)

Midfield
The standout pick is surely last season's Premier League Player of the Year - magician Riyad Mahrez (8.1), who also takes penalties and direct free kicks - he scored 4 goals in the competition already. Marc Albrighton (5.9) and Danny Drinkwater (5.9) are the only two other options, but we still suggest to get Mahrez as the top fantasy pick from Leicester's team. He is currently on international duty though, so make sure to check how Algeria is doing at the African Cup of Nations.

Riyad Mahrez (Photo: bbc.co.uk)

Attack
Last years revelation Jamie Vardy (7.3) is not in the same incredibe scoring form this season, and is still searching for his debut goal in the Champions League. New signing Islam Slimani (6.9), on the other hand, seems to be the better pick with a lower price, especially since he has a great understanding with his compatriot Mahrez. Anyway, if you choose to have an attacking asset from Leicester City, riyal Mahrez is the one to choose.

Jamie Vardy (Photo: canoncrested.com)

Prediction
Leicester's fairytale story seems to be coming to an end. They meet Sevilla in the Last 16 and the spanish team will most likely prove to be too strong for the reigning Premier League Champions.

Team Focus: Juventus

Juventus have been excellent so far, they won their group and will meet Porto in the Last 16.

Goalkeeper & Defence
The legendary Gigi Buffon has kept 3 clean sheets and saved a penalty during his 5 appearances in the Group stage. They like to play in a 3-5-2 formation, so the 3 Italian centre-backs are all great picks for potential clean sheet points: Bonucci (6.1), Chiellini (6.3) and Barzagli (5.9). Young Rugani (4.9) also played some part and even scored his debut goal, while Medhi Benatia (4.7) is also an option, if not injured. Alex Sandro (5.4) is the preferred left-back, playing very high forward and dangerous for a goal or an assist. On the other hand Dani Alves (6.1, currently still injured) has been fantastic as well.

Buffon (Photo: forzaitalianfootball.com)

Midfield
New signing Miralem Pjanić (7.5) is the top pick from midfield, he is on most of the set-pieces, providing assists and goals for the Italian Champions. Sami Khedira (6.4) is also a standard member of the starting 11, but his duties are mostly defensive. Claudio Marchisio also returned from injury and new signing Rincon still needs to prove he was a worthy signing.

Miralem Pjanić (Photo: bleacherreport.com)

Attack
Club record signing Gonzalo Higuain (9.5) scored 3 times in this seasons competition, his Argentine partner Paulo Dybala (8.3) scored only once as he was injured most of the time, while Mario Mandžukić (7.8) added 1 goal as well. Higuain is certainly the top pick in Juve's attack but keep an eye on Dybala as well, he is the penalty taker as well.

Higuain & Dybala (photo: espnfc.com)

Prediction
Juve have a great team and will surely prove to be too strong for Porto in the Last 16. They look very strong and will have a great chance to reach the semi-finals again this year.

Team Focus: Borussia Dortmund

Thomas Tuchel's side have been fantastic in the Group stage, winning their group in front of the defending champions Real Madrid. Now they meet Benfica and look on course to reach the Quarter Finals.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Roman Bürki has been great in goal, but has suffer an injury, so Roman Weidenfeller had to step in. Bürki returns after the winter break though and will regain the position for the Last 16 almost certainly. Marc Bartra (5.0) is playing really well in the heart of BVB's defence, mostly partnered by Sokratis (5.5). Piszczek (5.2) is the preferred right back and gets forward a lot, while Marcel Schmelzer (5.3) is on the left side of the defence. They do not keep many clean sheets, but offer some attacking threat.

Marc Bartra & Lukas Piszczek (Photo: bundesliga.com)

Midfield
Julian Weigl has proved himself as a regular DM, sometimes partnered by Gonzalo Castro who can also play a little further upfront. World Cup hero Mario Götze (7.9) is doing well as an attacking midfielder, however there is plenty of headache for Fantasy managers as Tuchel rotates his team a lot, so Shinji Kagawa, Andre Schürrle, Christian Pulisic are options as well. It is difficult to choose between these options, but we suggest to keep faith in Mario Götze. 

Mario Götze (Photo: 90min.com)

Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (10.0) is certainly a top pick in attack. He is in fantastic form and looks to continue that way as soon as he returns from international duty, he is currently representing Gabon as they host the African Cup of Nations, so make sure to check on the results to make sure he is back on time for their match against Benfica. Marco Reus (9.6) has also returned from injury, and he came back as strong as ever, scoring  hat trick in his first start in the Champions League. Ousmane Dembele has also been a revelation this season, however we do not consider him a great fantasy pick, as he is classified as a forward, while playing mostly on the wing.

Aubameyang and Reus doing their "Batman & Robin" celebration (Photo: 101greatgoals.com)

Prediction:
With Aubameyang in the form of his life and Marco Reus returning from injury, BVB will be a nightmare for any defence and can go very far in the CL.

Team Focus: Benfica

Benfica finished second behind Napoli in the Group stage and will meet Borussia Dortmund in the Last 16 matchup.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Artur Moraes is the first choice in goal, keeping veteran Julio Cesar on the bench. Moraes kept 2 clean sheets and saved a penalty in the 5 matches he played in the group stage. Benfica have a new star in defence, a young swedish centre-back Victor Lindelöf (5.0), who attracted interest from many teams, including Mourinho's Manchester United. His CB partner is mostly Luisao, while Alex Grimaldo and Nelson Semedo are wing-backs. Both are also dangerous in attack and therefore good fantasy picks for a very low price (Grimaldo 4.0, Semedo 4.6).

Victor Lindelöf (Photo: dailystar.co.uk)

Midfield
Gonçalo Guedes (5.5) is the stand-out option in midfield, with 2 goals scored in the Group stage, while Pizzi (6.9) and Fejsa (4.9) are the other two options. We suggest to avoid other midfielders as it is unsure who will play. 

Gonçalo Guedes (Photo: BleacherReport.com)

Attack
The only player we suggest to consider is Eduardo Salvio (5.4), he has added 3 goals and 4 assists to his account already, while he is also the first choice penalty taker for Benfica. Other possible picks are Franco Cervi, Kostas Mitroglu and Jonas, however as they battle for one position alongside Salvio, we suggest to choose him if you wish to cover Benfica's attack.

Eduardo Salvio (Photo: squawka.com)

Prediction
We believe Benfica will find it hard to beat Borussia Dortmund and will end their season in the Champions league in the Last 16.  

Team Focus: Bayern München

Bayern München have a new manager this season since they parted way with Pep Guardiola at the end of last years season. Carlo Ancelotti has had a slow start, but has found some form before the winter break and he looks continue strongly in 2017. 

The German Champions were disappointed losing out to Atletico Madrid in the Group Stage and will meet Arsenal once again in the Last 16.

Goalkeeper & Defence
With the best goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the world between the sticks their defence always looks strong. Nevertheless, they have had some defensive vulnerabilities since Jerome Boateng hasn't had the best season with Mats Hummels as his centre-back partner. The experienced and always reliable Phillip Lahm has also suffered some critics at right back and David Alaba as well. They are all great players though and we believe they will continue on the highest level again after the winter break. Especially Alaba is a great fantasy pick as he gets forward a lot and can also score from long range.

Manuel Neuer (Photo: espn.co.uk)

Midfield
Joshua Kimmich might have surprised many being Bayern's top midfield pick in the Group stage, but we still believe Douglas Costa is the one to keep an eye on when playing on the wing. Another fantastic pick is Arjen Robben, whose only concern will be to stay fit after his regular injury problems. Same goes for Franc Ribery who is also in good form whenever playing. Thiago Alcantara is currently facing injury problems and will face a race against time to be fit for the match against Arsenal. Arturo Vidal could be a good option too, he seems to do very well in the important matches.

Arjen Robben extended his contract with Bayern München (Photo: metro.co.uk)

Attack
The polish striker Robert Lewandowski is in fantastic form and is a great fantasy asset to have in your team. Thomas Müller, on the other hand, has suffered a dip in form as he hasn't found a suitable position in Ancelotti's 4-3-3 position. A switch to 4-2-3-1 might be the solution for the German star as he likes to float behind the striker, they have tried it out in a couple of games before the break and it is quite likely they switch to the style that brought them their UCL Trophy under Jupp Heynckes.

Robert Lewandowski (Photo: youtube.com)

Prediction
If Bayern keep playing the way they started just before the winter break, they will be extremely hard to beat and the top favorites to win the UCL besides Barcelona.

Team Focus: Barcelona

Barcelona are the bookies favorite to lift the trophy in this year's Champions League. They topped the group in from of Manchester City and will meet PSG in the Last 16.

They are currently not in top form and are in 3rd position it the domestic title race.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Marc Andre Ter Stegen is their first choice keeper, he has kept 3 clean sheets, saving a penalty as well in the process. Their struggles in defence have been limited to they league games as they look much more reliable at the back in the Champions league. Jordi Alba and Pique are the best picks in defence as they offer attacking potential as well, Samuel Umtiti looks a solid pick at 5.5 as well, however he faces a battle with the experienced Javier Mascherano for a starting spot alongside Pique. Sergio Roberto is registered as a midfielder in the official UCL Fantasy game, so we suggest you avoid picking him as he will earn less points in case of a clean sheet.

Jordi Alba & Pique celebrating (Photo: Sportskeeda.com)

 Midfield
Arda Turan would be a fantastic pick if he could earn a regular starting place. He is in great scoring form, scoring a hat trick on Matchday 6. He will almost certainly start from the bench, therefore Ivan Rakitič is our top Blaugrana midfield pick. The legendary Andres Iniesta is another fine option, while Sergio Busquets is focused on defensive duties and is not a favorable fantasy pick because of that.

Ivan Rakitič and Andres Iniesta (Photo: sports.sf.fr)

Attack
There is not much to say about the star trio in attack - the famous MSN. Lionel Messi is this seasons topscorer, scoring 3 hattricks and a total of 10 goals and 2 assists. Neymar is the assist king with 7 assists, while Luis Suarez has 2 goals and 3 assists, earning a penalty as well. All of them are great picks, but Messi is Messi, so try to fit him in your team.

Suarez, Messi & Neymar (Photo: inbooks.net)

Prediction
As said, they are favorites to lift the Trophy, however the face a difficult opponent in PSG, so they need to be at their best in the next round already.

Team Focus: Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid won their group in front of Bayern comfortably and will meet another German team in the next round - Bayer Leverkusen.

They sit 4th in Primera Division, behind Real Madrid, Sevilla and Barcelona but they haven't made any mistakes in the Champions League and are on course tho reach the Quarter Finals again.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Jan Oblak kept 4 clean sheets in the UCL Group stage this season (Photo: marca.com)

The number 1 keeper Jan Oblak has been in fine form again this year, keeping 4 clean sheets in the Group stage. He has suffered an injury though and is scheduled to return in mid-February, so Miguel Angel Moya is playing in his place and is a budget option at the price of 5.0 until Oblak returns.

Atleti's defence is very strong this season too, so all of the regular starters, such as Juanfran at right-back, Filipe Luis at left-back and Diego Godin at centre-back are great options. The last position is either Savić or Gimenez, but it is advisable to avoid the defenders as it is unsure if they will start.

Diego Godin (Photo: sempreinter.com)

Midfield
This year Yannick Carrasco is the player to have in your team, scoring 2 goals and 1 assist, Koke is again a good option and last-years hero against Bayern as well. Gabi, the club captain, is a sure starter too, but he has to focus on defensive duties and some set-pieces.

Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (Photo: Pinterest)

Attack
Atletico Madrid's star player is Antoine Griezmann, and has added 3 goals and 2 assists to his account this season. He has a new partner in attack, the signing from Sevilla, Kevin Gameiro. The frenchman has only scored once in the group stage as he mostly started from the bench, making way for club legend Fernando Torres.

Antoine Griezmann (Photo: eurosport.com)

Prediction
Last years Finalists are doing great this season as well, they should beat Bayer Leverkusen and progress to the Quarter finals for sure. From then on anything is possible for Atletico, especially if they keep their fine defensive form which proved to be too hard to break down for many teams in the last seasons.

Team Focus: Arsenal

We are starting a series of articles today where we will have a look at every team that is in the Last 16, their best performing players and good fantasy picks.

The order of teams is alphabetical, so we start with Arsenal.

Arsenal topped the group in front of PSG and will meet FC Bayern in the Last 16 round again.

Arsene Wenger's team is in very good shape this season and are currently in 4th position in the Premier League, one point behind Liverpool and Tottenham and 8 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Goalkeeper & Defence 

Photo: joe.co.uk

David Ospina was the preferred keeper in the Group stage and he has kept 2 cleansheets in 6 matches. It is almost certain he will make way for the number 1, experienced goalie Petr Cech in the knockout stage.

Hector Bellerin is the right-back and get into many forward positions on the wing as well. The first choice centerback pairing is captain Laurent Koscielny - Shkodran Mustafi. Per Mertesacker has been injured for most of the season and it will be difficult for him to win back his starting position as Mustafa is playing very well. Nacho Monreal is on left-back, also almost certain to play when fit.

Mustafi & Koscielny proving to be a very fine partnership at the center of Arsenal's defence. Photo: metro.co.uk

Midfield

Mesut Özil is the top performer in midfield this season. Last year the playmaker was leading the assist charts in England, this season he also added 4 goals in the group stage. The only other midfielders worth considering for your fantasy team are Iwobi, at 4.8 a great budget option and Aaron Ramsey if he manages to regain a starting position.

Mesut Özil (Photo: mirror.co.uk)

Attack

Alexis Sanchez is the best choice in attack, however he was moved to the right wing position after Olivier Giroud returned to the striker position after a poor start to the season. He has also regained scoring form and will be hard to ignore if he keeps scoring. 

Alexis Sanchez & Olivier Giroud celebrating (Photo: dailymail.co.uk)

Prediction:
If they manage to beat FC Bayern and earn a Quarter Final place, anything is possible. This could be the year for them to go very far in the Champions League.

Transfer News UPDATE - Champions League sides'

FC Bayern Munich have confirmed the signings of Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Süle from Hoffenheim. Süle (21 years old) is a centre-back who impressed a lot during the Olympic games in the Summer where he helped Germany to a silver medal. He signed a 5 year deal for a reported fee of 25 million Euros. Rudy joined on a free transfer, signing a 3 year contract. Both will join their new club in July 2017.

Photo Credits: Mirror.co.uk

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the club's chairman, said he is delighted to bring the duo to Munich: "We are very pleased and happy that Niklas Süle and Sebastian Rudy come to Bayern.

"The transfer of two players of the German national team is an investment in the future of the club. Sebastian Rudy comes for free. For the transfer of Niklas Süle we have found a fair and serious solution with TSG Hoffenheim."

Rudy spoke of his elation at moving to Bavaria, saying: "It is an absolute dream for me to go to Munich. FC Bayern is one of the greatest clubs in the world," he said, while Süle added: "In terms of it being a farewell I feel a little wistful too, but I can mature further with one of the best teams in the world." (source: Goal.com)

Yaya Toure a new addition to Man City's CL squad

Pep Guardiola said Yaya Toure will be recalled to the Manchester City squad for the Champions League knock-out stages.Yaya was excluded from the City squad for the group stage after Guardiola decided the Ivorian did not fit in his plans.

That decision caused Toure's agent, Dimitri Seluk, to hit out at Guardiola in the press, which in turn lead to Toure being excluded from match day squads until Seluk apologised. 

Toure then lost 8 kilograms of weight as he worked to get back into the team and he has proven to be a key player for City since earning a recall at Crystal Palace in November.

A season-ending knee injury for Ilkay Gundogan was also a big factor for the recall of Toure who will now be added to City's squad list at the expense of the German midfielder.

Photo: mancity.com

Player Watch: UCL Players at the ACON

Make sure you keep an eye on the African Cup of Nations 2017, which starts tomorrow and is hosted by Gabon. There are plenty of top players involved, so make sure to check up on the progress of the Tournament - some UEFA Champions League stars are on international and will not return to their Club until they finish.

The Final is on February 5th, only one week before the Champions League is back!

One of the player is also Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), BVB will surely be hoping he returns as soon as possible, especially since he is in red hot form this season, scoring 16 goals in the Bundesliga and 4 in the UCL this season.

Photo Credits: Bild.de

Other players taking part at the ACON 2017 are:

Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny (Egypt)
Atlético: Thomas Partey (Ghana) 
Benfica: Pelé (Guinea-Bissau)
Dortmund: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
Juventus: Mario Lemina (Gabon), Medhi Benatia (Morocco) 
Leicester: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Islam Slimani (Algeria), Daniel Amartey (Ghana)
Monaco: Nabil Dirar (Morocco), Adama Traoré (Mali)
Napoli: Faouzi Ghoulam (Algeria), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)
Paris: Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast)
Porto: Yacine Brahimi (Algeria)

Leicester City star and the Preamier League player of the season last year Riyad Mahrez is Algeria's star player.

Photo Credits: Huffingtonpost.com

PSG will also be hoping their left-back Serge Aurier will be back soon, however Ivory Coast are the defending champions and will be favorites to life the trophy again.

Photo Credits: Supersports.al