Every Champions League last-16 tie predicted as 6 Premier League sides eye glory

BIG DEBATE: The Champions League last 16 features former winners in Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Liverpool and Manchester City – as well as favourites Arsenal and minnows Bodo/Glimt

The Champions League last 16 this week features all six Premier League teams as England seeks a first winner in six years – with Arsenal the favourites to conquer the continent.

Now into the second year of the new format, the knockout play-off phase allowed the likes of Newcastle and Real Madrid to book their spots alongside those teams who finished among the top eight of the league phase.

Newcastle have a mouthwatering clash with Barcelona, whom they lost to earlier this season at St James’ Park, whilst Real have their seemingly annual clash with Manchester City. Arsenal, who have won every game in Europe this season, take on Bayer Leverkusen with their north London rivals Tottenham facing Atletico Madrid.

The Champions League has proved to be a welcome break from domestic matters for Tottenham, who have bucked their Premier League form on the European stage.

Chelsea take on holders PSG, needing to find their best if they are to down the defending champions. Liverpool take on Galatasaray, who have already beaten them this season.

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Six-time winners Bayern Munich face Atalanta with Harry Kane spearheading their bid for another European crown. The Englishman is on course to break Bundesliga records with his goalscoring feats showing no sign of stopping – and a Champions League win on his CV would further cement his legacy.

Bodo/Glimt have been the story of this season’s Champions League and the Norwegian minnows downed Inter Milan to make the last 16. They have been drawn against Sporting Lisbon, giving one of them a huge opportunity with a spot in the last eight in their sights. Mirror Football’s writers have cast their eye over the last 16 ties and predicted who will still be dreaming of European glory.

Sam Meade

Arsenal can already look forward to a last-eight clash, as can Atletico Madrid in all likelihood. Bayern too will have too much for Atalanta, despite their obvious quality. Newcastle’s European journey may well come to an end against Barcelona – their only hope will rest on taking a lead back to the Camp Nou.

PSG haven’t been as electric as last season but have the quality to see off Chelsea. Pep Guardiola already has one Bernabeu win this season and City are beginning to click, which is why I’d back them to see off Real across the two-legs.

Liverpool will gain revenge over Galatasaray, albeit they could be much more dangerous than people fear. And I reckon the feel-good story of the campaign will continue as Bodo/Glimt march on.

Predicted quarter-finalists

Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Bodo/Glimt, PSG, Manchester City.

Jeremy Cross

This is when the Champions League finally gets interesting. And the tournament has thrown up so mouthwatering last-16 ties.

Chelsea will struggle to get the better of holders Paris Saint Germain, in a repeat of last summer’s Club World Cup final, while Manchester City and Real Madrid resume battle in what has become the biggest rivalry in Europe. Pep Guardiola’s men should overcome the Spanish giants.

I expect Liverpool, despite their woeful form, to overcome Galatasaray, but the same cannot be said of Newcastle and Tottenham.

Eddie Howe’s men will do well to beat Barcelona, while Tottenham take on Atletico Madrid in the middle of a shambolic run of form which leaves them resembling someone unable to win a one-ticket raffle.

Arsenal, meanwhile, still have a Quadruple in their sights and should have no problems dispatching Bayer Leverkusen, in what is the easier half of the draw.

Predicted quarter-finalists

Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt, PSG, Bayern Munich.

Andy Dunn

In typical Premier League fashion, there has been a lot of talk about English club football being the dominant force in Europe, a lot of preening over the six-team representation in the last 16.

Over this next week or so, there is going to be a reminder that we are not as formidable as every English pundit on radio and TV seems to think we are. Against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona respectively, Spurs and Newcastle each have a puncher’s chance but that is about it. Third and first in La Liga, Atleti and Barca will power through.

The tough ones to call are the heavyweight meetings between Paris St Germain and Chelsea, and Real Madrid and Manchester City. These could come down to the managerial jousts, and Luis Enrique and Guardiola might well prove too smart for Liam Rosenoir and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arsenal and Liverpool will not have it all their own way at Bayer Leverkusen and Galatasaray respectively, but they will have far too much in the return home legs.

Predicted quarter-finalists

Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Bodo/Glimt, PSG, Manchester City.

Daniel Orme

Looking at the obvious candidates for the quarter-finals, Arsenal should progress against Bayer Leverkusen and are my favourites to go all of the way and lift the trophy.

They should be joined by Spanish duo Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who will beat Premier League opposition in Newcastle and Tottenham respectively. German giants Bayern Munich should also continue their run but will be pushed all the way by Atalanta.

It then gets slightly more difficult to predict. Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain will provide difficult opposition for Chelsea but the Blues have already got the better of them in the Club World Cup so don’t rule out a repeat.

Manchester City also have a tricky assignment on their hands as they aim to get past perennial winners Real Madrid. The Spanish side have been vulnerable this season though, so could well be eliminated by City.

A shock could be on the cards between Liverpool and Galatasaray. Arne Slot’s side have been impressive in Europe but given their flaws this season, the Turkish side could well get the better of them.

Bodo/Glimt have also been one of the stories of the Champions League this season and could use the Arctic Circle as an advantage to find a way past Sporting Lisbon.

Predicted quarter-finalists

Galatasaray, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bodo/Glimt, Manchester City.

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