After all the group stages have been said and done, we are now at the best part of the champions league. The last 16 round. I find this the best stage as the stakes are high and surprises can always be thrown up from the weaker teams. Especially in the second leg when everything is on the line.
The first match can often be low scoring and safety first but in the second leg with goals needed all hell can break loose and we have seen some great ties over the past few years as team have needed to overcome a deficit with the clock running out.
This year, like every other year has thrown up some great battles with Barca - PSG the top one from where i stand. Barcelona are a fading force and PSG have the attacking power to destroy an team on the day. A fast hungry attack against a tired but experienced defense. I hate Neymar as a player but he can either make or break a tie depending on how petulant he feels on the day.
Atletico - Chelsea should be a great battel as always and Sevilla - Dortmund a clash of styles and attitude. Chelsea have bought a serious team and have some very good players now. Their manager is not very experienced and I can see Atletico scraping though a tight affair. They have the experience and manager to make it happen.
Dortmund are always a joy to watch as they play to win. I always enjoy watching them as it is full on football. Sevilla can be exciting but practical and it will make for a good tie.
For the rest I would be happy enough to place an accumulator with,
Man City
Bayern
Liverpool
Juventus
Madrid
to get through to the next round. I might actually do that as well. Liverpool could be a bit suspect with all of their injuries but form in Europe over the past few years has been very solid and Leipzig are not the strongest opposition.
Matches will be in Feb - Mar so there is a while to go before this all plays out but we will be excited to see some good action after the xmas period.