Match Preview: Barcelona - Bayern

The highlight of the quarter finals, old rivals Barcelona and Bayern will go head to head. Lewandowski is on fire, Messi is on fire, so this should be exciting!

PREDICTED LINEUPS:

Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Vidal, De Jong, Sergi Roberto; Messi, Suarez

Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Alba, Davies; Thiago, Goretzka; Gnabry, Müller, Perisic; Lewandowski 

OUR PREDICTION: 

Bayern are favourites, however we think it is 50-50. This one might go to penalties, both goalkeepers are fantastic and it is almost impossible to call the winner. We say 1:1, Barcelona win on penalties.

Match Preview: Manchester City - Lyon

Lyon have done a favor to City after eliminating Juventus, however only on paper. Lyon are strong defensively and good on the counter, which migjt cause Man City some problems.

PREDICTED LINEUPS:

Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Fernandinho, Mendy; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gündogan; Bernardo, Sterling, Jesus

Lopes; Denayer, Marcelo, Marcal; Cornet, Aouar, Bruno, Caqueret, Dubois; Depay, Ekambi

OUR PREDICTION: City win 3:0.

Match Preview: PSG - Atalanta

Atalanta are this seasons positive surprise, their attack has been brilliant and they can beat any team. They will be missing their star player, Josip Ilicic, who has been sidelined for unknown reasons, many media report depression. PSG will also be without their star Mbappe, so this basically evens out. Pasalic or Malinovsky will step in for Ilicic, and Sarabia will probably move further up front as Di Maria is suspended as well.

PREDICTED LINEUPS

Sportiello; Toloi, Caldara, Djimsiti; Hateboer, De Roon, Freuler, Gosens; Gomez, Malinovsky; Zapata

Navas; Kehrer, T. Silva, Kimpembe, Bernat; Marquinhos, Gueye, Herrera; Sarabia, Neymar, Icardi

OUR PREDICTION:

Both teams know how to attack, we might see goals on both sides, but PSG should prove they have more quality and experience. We predict a tough 2:1 win for PSG.

Match Preview: Atletico Madrid - RB Leipzig

Leipzig can be very happy they made it this far, and it would be a big surprise if they can beat Atletico. The spanish side has many experience at this stage and their tactical preparation and discipline are almost perfect. There are no notable absentees on Atletico’s side, but Leipzig lost their star striker Timo Werner to Chelsea and he will not be part of the squad anymore.

PREDICTED LINEUPS:

Oblak; Trippier, Gimenez, Felipe, Lodi; Saul, Partey, Koke, Carrasco; Costa, Morata

Gulacsi; Halstenberg, Upamencano, Klostermann; Angelino, Laimer, Kampl, Mukiele; Nkunku, Olmo; Schick

OUR PREDICTION: 

A routine win for Atletico Madrid, 2:0. 

Match Preview: Juventus - Lyon

Lyon surprised Juventus in the first leg, beating them 1:0, so this match is still very open. Juventus have won the Serie A in the meantime, however they are still struggling with their form. The early end of the French Championship might prove a problem for Lyon as they won’t be match fit, and Juventus should be able to use their experience and turn the result around. However, they will be hoping Dybala will return to fitness soon enough, so they can have him supporting Ronaldo in attack.

PREDICTED LINEUPS:

Szczesny; Cuadrado, De Ligt, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Matuidi, Pjanic, Bentancur; Bernardeschi, Dybala, Ronaldo

Lopes; Denayer, Andersen, Marcal; Dubois, Mendes, Tousart, Aouar, Reine-Adelaide; Dembele, Depay

OUR PREDICTION:

Juventus will struggle to score, but the experience of the team and especially Ronaldo in attack should be enough to take them to the Final 8. Result: 2:0

Match Preview: Manchester City - Real Madrid

It doesn’t look too promising for the new La Liga Champions, Real Madrid, since they lost the first match at home 1:2 and will be without the suspended captain and talisman Sergio Ramos. Man City, on the other hand, are disappointed with their Premier League result where they missed out on the trophy, finishing second behind Liverpool.

We can still expect a tight affair, Real Madrid will have nothing to lose and are known for their ability to turn results around in the resent seasons of the Champions League.

PREDICTED LINEUPS:

Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Fernandinho, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gündogan; Bernardo Silva, Sterling, Gabriel Jesus

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Militao, Mendy; Kroos, Valverde, Casemiro; Asensio, Hazard, Benzema

OUR PREDICTION:

Manchester City will control the match with possession and Real Madrid will try to score on the counter attack. The Citizens should be able to bulid on their home advantage and progress to the Quarter Finals. Result: 2:1 

Match Preview: Barcelona - Napoli

This one is very much open. Barcelona can be happy as Luis Suarez is back from injury and this will surely boost their chances of going through. Napoli, however, are no pushovers and will be hoping to get a result this season as they didn’t qualify for the next season of the Champions League. It is quite likely they will lose some of their key players (Milik, Koulibaly) in the transfer window so this is one last chance for a big result.

PREDICTED LINEUPS:

Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, De Jong, Sergi Roberto; Messi, Griezmann, Suarez

Meret; Di Lorenzo, Koulibaly, Manolas, Hysaj; Ruiz, Zielinski, Demme; Callejon, Milik, Insigne

OUR PREDICTION:

It will be a tight affair, but Barca should be able to overcome Napoli. They will be very dependant on Messi’s magic, but the return of Suarez will help, no doubt. If the defence holds,  which is very likely, given the top form of Ter Stegen, Barcelona will go through to the Last 8. Result: 2:0

Match Preview: Bayern - Chelsea

After a 3:0 win for Bayern in London, this match is more or less decided. It is hard to imagine the German Champions will have big trouble defending their lead, although an early goal for Chelsea could add some excitement.

PREDICTED LINEUPS:

Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Thiago, Goretzka; Gnabry, Müller, Coman; Lewandowski 

Caballero; Emerson, Christensen, Zouma, Rüdiger, James; Kante, Kovacic; Willian, Mount, Giroud

OUR PREDICTION:

Chelsea will put on a great fight, but Bayern are simply too strong. Result: 2:1

Match Preview: Juventus - Real Madrid

We have reached the Final stage of the season where we will see Juventus and Real Madrid fight for the Trophy. It is a match where there is no favorite, Juventus were solid all season and will be hoping for a treble, while Real Madrid won the La Liga after a long time and will hope to become the first team to defend the Champions League Trophy.

None of the teams have any injured players, the only doubt is if Zidane will choose Bale after his return from injury or will he start Isco, who has been in fantastic form recently. Maybe Bale could be the hero from the bench?

Sergio Ramos and Dani Alves will be facing each other again (Photo: elheraldo.hn)

Predicted Lineups:
Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanić; Dani Alves, Dybala, Mandžukič, Higuain

Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modrič; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo

Dybala will play in his first UCL Final, Ronaldo in his 5th. Who will lift the trophy? (Photo: tuttosport.com) 

Our Prediction:
It will be a very balanced match, but we give the upper hand to Juventus due to their tactical adaptability. Result: Juventus win 2:1

Match Preview: Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo showed his class once again, scoring a hattrick and earning his team a huge 3:0 lead for the visit of Vicente Calderon. This will be the last Madrid derby in this stadium, so Atleti will be hoping for a miracle. They might have Juanfran back from injury, while Real will be missing Carvajal, who was in fantastic form until his injury, which has him facing a race against time to be fit for the Final in Cardiff.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero again (Photo: reddit.com)

Predicted Lineups:
Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Savić, F.Luis; Saul, Koke, Gabi, Carrasco; Griezmann, Gameiro

Navas; Nacho, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modrič; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo

Atletico will have to take their chances in order to challenge Real (Photo: 24ur.com)

Our Prediction:
The lead is too big for Atleti to turn it around, but they will surely put up a fight and hope for a miracle. Result: Atletico win 2:1

Match Preview: Juventus - Monaco

Juventus produced a fine defensive display in the first leg as they kept a clean sheet against an otherwise free scoring Monaco team. Dani Alves and Higuain were the heroes in attack, with Pipita scoring both goals from two wonderful assists by Dani Alves, who was unstoppable. Juventus might play the same lineup as in Monaco, or return to their favored 4-2-3-1 formation, with the return of Sami Khedira, so Cuadrado will most likely return to the starting 11 with Dani Alves at the RB position. Monaco missed Mendy in the first leg, but he should return for the rematch, with Dirar moving to the bench and Sidibe moving to his natural position.

Higuain scored 2, both assisted by Dani Alves (Photo: dnevnik.hr)

Predicted Lineups:
Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanić; Dani Alves, Dybala, Mandžukič; Higuain

Subašič; Sidibe, Glik, Jemerson, Mendy; Fabinho, Bakayoko; B.Silva, Lemar; Mbappe, Falcao

Buffon has not conceded a goal for more than 600 minutes in the Champions League (Photo: newstim.com) 

Our Prediction:
Juventus are such a tactically complete team, they will be able to control the match and keep Monaco from turning the result around. Result: Juventus win 3-1.

Match Preview: AS Monaco - Juventus

Monaco have been a big hit this CL Season and will try to prevent Juventus from reaching their 2 Final in 3 years. Juve are favourites, but Monaco have proven they can score against anyone, and if Mbappe and Falcao continue their scoring run, anything is possible. Both teams have a fully fit squad, the only one missing will be Sami Khedira, as he has a yellow card suspension. At Friday's training session there was a collision between Glik and Bakayoko - who suffered a broken nose and is now doubtful for the first match.

Buffon, Bonucci, Chiellini & Barzagli helped Juve to only concede 2 goals in this season of UCL (Photo: betfair.com)

Predicted Lineups:
Subašič; Sidibe, Glik, Jemerson, Mendy; Fabinho, Bakayoko/Moutinho, B.Silva, Lemar; Mbappe, Falcao

Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Marchisio, Pjanić; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandžukič; Higuain

Kylian Mbappe vs Gonzalo Higuain (Photo: sport.bt.com)

Our Prediction:
Juventus will use their experience and play cautious in the away match. Expect less Monaco goals than usual, as Juve do not concede many. Result: Draw 1:1

Match Preview: Real Madrid - Atletico Madrid

This Season we will see the Madrid Derby again, as last year's Finalists will play for a place in the Cardiff Final. They met in 2 of the last 3 Finals, with Real Madrid coming out as winners both times. Can Atletico finally beat their rivals or will the Blancos end Atleti's dream once again?
Both teams have some injury problems, as Bale and Pepe are out for Real Madrid and Juanfran, Carrasco and Gimenez are out for Atleti.

Ronaldo scored a penalty in last season's Final (Photo: sportskeeda.com) 

Predicted Lineups:
Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modrič; Isco/James, Benzema, Ronaldo

Oblak; Hernandez, Savić, Godin, Filipe Luis; Saul, Gabi, Partey, Koke; Gameiro, Griezmann

Sergio Ramos vs. Antoine Griezmann will be one of the key battles once again (Photo: football fans.ge)

Our Prediction:
Atletico will be very cautious and will focus on defending, while Real Madrid will try to score to be in a leading position for the return leg at the Vicente Calderon. As always it should be a tight encounter with a low score. Result: Draw 0:0

Match Preview: Barcelona - Juventus

Juventus took their chances and locked their clean sheet - they carry a big 3:0 lead to Barcelona. Is it possible that Barca manage another miracle? It will certainly be even more difficult as Juventus are a very experienced team and have a strong defence and legend Buffon in goal. But anything is possible in football so we should see a very exciting battle. Can Messi score against Buffon for the first time in his career?

Dybala scored twice at home but is an injury doubt for the return match (Photo: sportsnet.ca)

Predicted Lineups:
Ter Stegen, S.Roberto, Umtiti, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitič; Suarez, Messi, Neymar

Buffon; Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanić; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandžukič; Higuan

Can Messi and Neymar manage another comeback?

Our Prediction:
Barcelona will surely give it all they have, but it might be to little against a tactically strong Juventus. Result: Barcelona win 3:1

Match Preview: Monaco - Borussia Dortmund

Monaco managed to win in the away match, but it was a very difficult match for the BVB team as their bus was in a bomb attack the day before the match. It was obvious that the players were still shocked but managed to score 2 goals nevertheless. Marco Reus is also back which could boost their chances to turn it around.

Mbappe was on fire vs BVB (Photo: ligainsider.de)

Predicted Lineups:
Subašić; Mendy, Glik, Jemerson, Raggi; Bakayoko, Moutinho, B.Silva, Lemar; Mbappe, Falcao

Burki; Durm, Piszczek, Sokratis, Ginter, Guerreiro; Sahin, Weigl; Dembele, Kagawa, Reus; Aubameyang

Our Prediction:
BVB need a good start and composure in front of goal as they should have plenty of opportunities. Result: BVB win 3:1

Match Preview: Real Madrid - Bayern Munich

Real Madrid were 1:0 and a penalty down, but Arturo Vidal's missed penalty and a red card for Javi Martinez gave Real Madrid a chance which they took really well. The win could have been even bigger, however Manuel Neuer saved a couple of shots that only he is capable of saving. Robert Lewandowski, who missed the first leg due to injury is back in training and will boost Bayern' chances of turning the tie in their favor. The Germans have injury problems in defence though, as Javi Martinez is suspended and Boateng and Hummels are both injured.

One of the key battles will be Robben vs. Marcelo (Photo: newsday.com)

Predicted Lineups:
Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modrič; Vazquez, Benzema, Ronaldo

Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Alaba, Bernat; Vidal, Alonso; Robben, Thiago, Ribery, Lewandowski

Our Prediction: 
We should see an enteraining match again and with Lewandowski back, Bayern's chances are much better. Result: Bayern win 2:1 and go through on penalties.

Match Preview: Leicester City - Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid dominated in the first leg, but were unable to score more than Griezmann's penalty, so they only carry a 1:0 lead to England. Leicester will be looking for a surprise again, but Atletico Madrid have a really good defence, so it will be an uphill task.

Griezmann sent Schmeichel the wrong way from the penalty spot (Photo: mirror.co.uk)

Predicted Lineups:
Schmeichel; Simpson, Benalouane, Morgan, Fuchs; Mahrez, Ndidi, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Okazaki, Vardy

Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Savić, F.Luis; Koke, Saul, Gabi, Carrasco; Gameiro, Griezmann

Our Prediction:
Leicester City will be giving everything to upset Atletico, but Atleti should be too strong, especially in defence. Result: Atletico win 0:1

Match Preview: Atletico Madrid - Leicester City

One of the strongest defenses in the competition will host perhaps the most surprising Quarter Finalists - Leicester City. Can Vardy, Mahrez & company continue their run?

Atletico Madrid vs. Leicester City (Photo: atleticodemadrid.com)

Predicted Lineups
Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Savić, Luis; Saul, Gabi, Koke, Carrasco; Torres, Griezmann

Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, Drinkwater, Ndidi, Albrighton; Slimani, Vardy

Who will celebrate in the end? (Photo: si.com)

Our Prediction:
Atletico Madrid should be able to use their experience and win this match. Result: Atleti win 2:0

Match Preview: Bayern - Real Madrid

Defending Champions Real Madrid travel to Munich to meet Bayern, who are arguably the most in-form team in Europe at the moment. There are no major injury problems, Varane is out for Madrid and Manuel Neuer faces a race against time to be fit for Wednesday.

Photo: vtvcab.vn

Predicted Lineups:
Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Martinez , Alaba; Xabi Alonso, Vidal; Robben, Thiago, Ribery; Lewandowski

Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modrić; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich (Photo: si.com)

Our Prediction:
This could be Bayern's year, they are in top form and could be too strong for Madrid. Result: Bayern win 3:1.

Match Preview: Borussia Dortmund - Monaco

Two of the most attacking teams in the tournament will be battling for a Semi-Final place. This should be an open, attacking display with plenty goals.

Photo: Twitter

Predicted Lineups:
Burki; Durm, Piszczek, Sokratis, Bartra, Schmelzer; Weigl, Castro; Dembele, Kagawa; Aubameyang

Subašič; Sidibe, Glik, Jemerson, Mendy; Fabinho, Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Lemar; Mbappe, Falcao

Aubameyang vs. Falcao (Photo: Sport1.de)

Our Prediction:
Monaco are a very exciting team, but BVB should use their experience at the biggest stage and win. Result: BVB win 4:2