Friday , March 29 2024

Manchester City to qualify but Arsenal and Leicester City to crash out: Jamie Redknapp’s predictions for the Champions League last-16.

Arsenal were drawn against Bayern Munich for the fourth time in five years in the toughest tie for an English side in Monday’s Champions League last-16 draw.

Arsene Wenger must find a way to guide his side past the German champions, while Leicester City have been paired with Sevilla and Manchester City face Monaco.

People will say that Arsenal can’t catch a break in the Champions League but Bayern Munich are not the same force they have been in previous years.

The Germans still have a formidable team but Arsenal need to forget the names on the team sheet and look at their performances. While they were eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga this time last year, Bayern are now top only on goal difference.

In recent years Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have been the danger men and while they are still fabulous players, they are not getting any younger. Bayern may be favourites but playing the second leg at the Emirates could give Arsenal a big advantage.

If Arsenal have all their big players fit then they have a great chance.

DANGER MAN: Arturo Vidal – An all-action midfielder with great energy who plays every game as if it’s his last. I’m looking forward to his battle with Granit Xhaka.

VERDICT: Bayern Munich go through.

ODDS TO QUALIFY: Bayern Munich 3/10, Arsenal 5/2.

City will be pleased with this draw, although Monaco are a tough team who Pep Guardiola’s side must not take for granted.

Monaco are comfortable in their own skin and a rejuvenated Radamel Falcao has helped them score a staggering 53 goals in Ligue 1 this season – more than three goals per game.

At this stage two seasons ago they beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates and, with the first leg at the Etihad, City need another performance like their group-stage victory over Barcelona.

By February, you would hope Guardiola will have a better understanding of his best XI. If he can get a settled defence and stop his side conceding goals then City should progress.

DANGER MAN: Radamel Falcao – Scored 12 goals this season and has a point to prove after barren loan spells with Manchester United and Chelsea. If he scores the goals that knock out City, Falcao will have gone some way to paying back United!

VERDICT: Manchester City go through.

ODDS TO QUALIFY: Manchester City 1/5, Monaco 7/2.

Their brilliant result against Manchester City in the Premier League shows that anything is still possible for Leicester.

No one at the club will have thought they would ever be in this position and it will be a great occasion for them.

While I wouldn’t write Leicester off, Sevilla will be a very tricky test. They have a wealth of experience in European knockout football, having won the Europa League in the last three seasons, and should prove too much for Leicester.

DANGER MAN: Vitolo – The winger is an exciting talent who can trouble Leicester. The 27-year-old has become a key player for Spain with three goals in his last five internationals.

VERDICT: Sevilla go through.

ODDS TO QUALIFY: Sevilla 8/15, Leicester 11/8.

Manchester United and Tottenham were both handed great draws against Saint-Etienne and Gent in the Europa League. I expect both sides to take the competition seriously.

Both Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino will want to win a trophy this season and victory offers a route into the Champions League.

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