The Champions League draw for the knockout stages has informed the last-16 teams of their fates. The tournament will resume on the 12th of February 2019 as the knockout stage gets underway.
Just three two-legged series stand between the four English teams and the final in Madrid.
Manchester City vs. Schalke 04
Manchester City received the most favourable tie of the English sides drawing Germany’s Schalke. Although Schalke finished second in the Bundesliga last term, and second in Group D behind Porto in this year’s Champions League, they have struggled on the domestic front after 15 games.
Pep Guardiola will be licking his chops with Schalke sitting just three points ahead of the bottom three in Germany currently. By the time the two sides meet in February, Schalke could be wrapped up in a relegation survival fight.
Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United received perhaps the worst draw of any team in the Champions League last-16. Having lost to Valencia on matchday 6, preventing themselves from finishing top of Group H, Manchester United have drawn Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG’s free-flowing attack will be excited to take on Mourinho’s team. The Red Devils have allowed 29 goals this season in the Premier League. Although Mourinho attempted to park the bus at Anfield on Sunday, his team still managed to concede three times. Now, they will have to corral Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
Tottenham vs. Borussia Dortmund
Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund could put on the most entertaining tie in the last-16. The clubs have show the ability to play exciting football this term and neutrals should enjoy the series.
Dortmund currently lead the Bundesliga by nine points over Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich. The Germans topped Group A on goal difference over Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich
Liverpool will feel they could have done better than Bayern Munich in the draw for the knockout round. Although Bayern are third in the Bundesliga, they are still a top opposition. Bayern have struggled under first year manager Niko Kovac.
The manager has turned the Bavarians season around of late going undefeated in six straight games. However, reports in German indicate he nearly lost his job in October. Liverpool will feel confident in beating Bayern at home, but over the last 18 months, the Reds have shown playing away from Anfield has been difficult in Europe.
