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Five teams in Europe: UCL preview for the Premier League quintet

After a winter layoff that by English football’s relentless standards felt like an eternity, the most sought after piece of silverware available is back.

Previous seasons Premier League sides have come under scrutiny in the Champions League, this time around that has all changed. A record five English clubs qualified for the last 16, culminating in some mouth-watering ties to sink your teeth into over the month of February.

Many eyes will look to Real Madrid vs PSG as the most hotly anticipated encounter, as Paris aim’s to redefine the landscape amongst the world’s largest clubs. Despite this there are plenty of other fixtures you ought not to miss.

Juventus vs Tottenham

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The Italian champions will welcome a Spurs side brimming with confidence after a group stage few could barely imagine, let alone predict. Last season’s dismal performances are a thing of the past as the London side have acclimatised to Wembley, dismissing the notion of the national stadium becoming a hindrance. Five wins and one draw this time out was made even more impressive considering they topped a group containing back to back champions Real Madrid and a formerly free scoring Borussia Dortmund.

The highlight was without doubt beating Los Blancos at home 3-1 and will live long in the memory of any Spurs fan. Although, it’s worth mentioning Pochettino’s managerial masterstroke of starting both Kane and Llorente up front at the Bernebau was something nobody saw coming. He was duly rewarded with a 1-1 draw for his bravery and it will be fascinating to see if he employs the same tactic again in Turin. Tottenham’s defence was notoriously solid throughout the group as was Juventus, hopefully neither will be able to nullify Kane’s blistering form and the exploits of the outstanding talents last season’s finalists possess in Higuain and Dybala.

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Juventus finished runners up in their group to Barcelona appearing overly pragmatic on occasions, suffering from the loss of Dani Alves’s creativity drown the right channel. Alves, an ever available outlet, at times last season appeared unplayable. The sale of Bonucci was equally poor business for a usually shrewd operator in the transfer market, meaning they’re potentially weaker than last year but never to be overlooked.  Not to forget in his final season, Buffon will be desperate to add that last elusive trophy to the cabinet before he hangs up his gloves.

The fact Tottenham aren’t considered as substantial underdogs for this tie is a real testament to the enormous progression this squad has made and continues to do so, this next challenge may just be the toughest yet. Although, beating both last year’s finalists in one campaign would give this side every bit of belief they could dethrone even the most resolute of European giant.

FC Basel vs Manchester City

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As with their Premier League form, Manchester City were imperious in what proved to be a routine group stage. Easing past Napoli both home and away is a feat few will match this season and shows the outlandish class Guardiola has pieced together in order to make Italy’s most tactically astute side appear mundane.

The outfit from Naples do play in a similar manner as City, working in players such as De Bruyne’s favour allowing pockets of space for the Belgian to exploit and delicately weave passes once Napoli’s press has been negotiated. The opponents this time round in FC Basel are considerably more likely to allow Manchester City the monopoly of possession, instead adopting a counter attacking strategy similar to what we’ve seen from most Premier League sides this season.

Basel should be praised for finishing second in their group, scoring 11 and beating Manchester United will be seen as a big scalp. Confidence must be taken from that result as the Swiss club may become suffocated by immense City pressure over both legs and will attempt to prey on any defensive lapses as a means of getting forward. FC Basel may prove to be resilient, but the Manchester City juggernaut should progress into the quarter finals without major discomfort. 

FC Porto vs Liverpool

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Throughout the earliest stages of this competition Liverpool proved just how inconsistent they can be, at times Klopp’s side are mercurial but equally lacklustre at others, often all within the same game. Using the match against Sevilla as an analogy, Klopp’s side appeared to be cruising three goals to none by the half hour mark due to an electrifying start. Somehow, a second half to forget left them with only a single point as Liverpool showed an inability to manage the game or defend even the largest margin.

Acquiring Van Djik may well help to put a stop to this, but its undeniable Coutinho’s connective passing and vision allowing a fluid transition from midfield to attack will be sorely missed. Porto will be petrified of a frontline capable of dismantling Manchester City and scoring an enormous haul of 23 group stage goals. In spite of this, the Portuguese side will understand that their style of play is suited to playing the Reds. Porto may sit back, making it difficult for Liverpool to find gaps and break them down, then looking to break with pace out wide.

Not only this, but Porto are specialists from set pieces of which Klopp’s defence has come under heavy scrutiny during his tenure at Anfield. Providing they play the way we know they can Liverpool should overcome this task, although as we’ve seen before a meltdown is not beyond them.

Chelsea vs Barcelona

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Chelsea had a difficult group to contend with and suffered mixed fortune throughout, eventually finishing second to Roma based on their head to head record. Conceding six goals in two games against Roma is concerning, as if the Blues are to progress deep into this competition they will face far stiffer competition. In contrast Conte will be delighted with finding the back of the net 16 times, thanks helping hand from Qarabag FK who conceded ten of those.

As the only English side to finish second in their group, Chelsea were left with a problematic draw for the knock out round, regardless of their illustrious history with Barcelona it’s fair to say they would rather have avoided them. Barca barely put a foot wrong in the opening stage of this competition, only conceding a solitary goal throughout six encounters and remaining undefeated. Scoring nine was impressive yet scarcely sensational, reflecting a mentality change from the all-out attacking style of the MSN era.

Ernesto Valverde has created a wonderful balance in a formerly top heavy line-up, Paulinho may not possess the finesse of Busquets but it’s difficult to argue against his enthusiasm. The Brazilian’s contribution ultimately leading to a much tighter defence than previous managers. Another blessing for the Catalans is that even though Coutinho is ineligible for this competition, it allows vital assets such as Iniesta some much needed rest in league encounters. This may give the Spaniard a new lease of life in eurpoe, the last thing Chelsea need after his last gasp winner at Stanford Bridge nine years ago.

Sevilla vs Manchester United

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Jose Mourinho, the master of knock out football returns once again to the later stages of the tournament that has defined his career. Except, it’s been eight long years since he last tasted success of this magnitude and he will be hungry to progress deeper than either of his last two predecessors managed in the Champions League.

The group stage was negotiated in typical Mourinho fashion, only conceding three goals was impressive, in contrast losing to FC Basel 1-0 was not. That blip aside it was business as usual for a United side appearing increasingly reminiscent of old. Sevilla have suffered mixed fortunes this season, sixth in the league is rather underwhelming and their Champions League form has maintained in the same vein.

The 5-1 loss to Spartak was abysmal, 1-1 draw with Maribor lacklustre and 3-3 comeback against Liverpool was sensational, unpredictability may well be their greatest strength. Manchester United will be prepared for the worst and a couple of away goals to take back to Old Trafford would likely prove priceless.

Written by Harvey Sayer.

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