Chelsea vs Bayern Munich & Napoli vs Barcelona - Champions League Preview
The Champions League is back.
Here’s a look into this week’s fixtures from the Round of 16 and my prediction for which teams are most likely to progress to the quarter-finals.
Chelsea vs Bayern Munich
A few months ago, when Chelsea were flying high in the Premier League, beating Ajax in the Champions League and looking a breath of fresh air, I would have tipped Chelsea to win this tie.
Bayern on the other hand were struggling for league form and went as far as sacking manager Niko Kovac in November.
Now though, the clubs’ fortunes have swapped, Bayern have regained top spot in the Bundesliga and Chelsea have been desperately struggling for form.
Abraham’s goals have dried up and they have really been lacking a creative spark. With a more experienced squad who have all been here before,
Bayern have to be favourites to progress from this one.
Bayern Munich to progress
Bayern currently top the German Bundesliga - whilst Chelsea sit fourth in a competitive Premier League.
Napoli vs Barcelona
Although Barcelona have been far from perfect this season, their troubles are minuscule in comparison to Napoli who are having a nightmare season in Serie A.
Currently 6th in Serie A having won just 10 games from the opening 25 games of the season, the Champions League has become their last hope of turning the season around and qualifying for next seasons competition.
The Champions League has been the one positive for them so far as they remained unbeaten in a group that featured Liverpool. Napoli are the only other side to beat Liverpool this season in all competitions, besides Atlético Madrid’s recent triumph.
That and their improved league form in recent weeks under new manager Gattuso will be some reason for optimism going into this challenging tie.
Barcelona have had their own managerial issues, last month unpopular Ernesto Valverde was sacked and quickly replaced by Quique Setien.
Although their form has been inconsistent, Barcelona have too much quality for a Napoli side who are a far cry from the team that challenged Juventus to the Serie A title in the 2017/18 season.
Barcelona to progress
Barca will be without Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Jordi Alba, whilst Napoli manager Gattuso claims his team will “play their cards” against The Spanish Giants.
Do you agree with these predictions?
Comment below!
Article by: Harry Dunnett
Edited by: Samuel Slaney
Thumbnail by: Samuel Slaney
Images from: Getty Images & Footy Renders