Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jacob Murtagh

Michael Owen's Champions League predictions including Real Madrid vs Man City

The remaining Champions League round of 16 first legs take place this week with Chelsea and Manchester City both in action.

They will be hoping to do better than Premier League counterparts Liverpool and Tottenham, who have work to do in their second legs after falling to defeats against Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig respectively.

Chelsea host Bayern Munich at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, while Napoli take on Barcelona in the other game.

City travel to the Bernabeu on Wednesday for a crunch clash against Real Madrid, with Lyon hosting Juventus in the week's other tie.

Betvictor ambassador Michael Owen has looked into his crystal ball to preview the action:

Chelsea vs Bayern Munich

Pedro looks in good spirits ahead of the game (AFP via Getty Images)

"Both these sides were knocked out of the Champions League at this stage of the competition 12 months ago, but I expect the Bundesliga champions to take a lead back to Munich for the second leg next month when they visit Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

"Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was the Blues’ captain when they won their sole Champions League crown against Bayern in their own back yard back in 2012 and they go into the tie on the back of completing a league double over neighbours Spurs at the weekend.

"Bundesliga league leaders Bayern also beat Spurs home and away in the group stages of the Champions League earlier in the season, and I think they will edge what promises to be a cracking tie."

Napoli vs Barcelona

Lionel Messi will look to continue his scoring spree (SIPA USA/PA Images)

"Napoli have won six of their last seven games in all competitions and they have beaten Liverpool and Juventus at home already this season, but I believe it will be honours even when Barcelona visit the San Paolo.

"Barca have only won six of their last 16 European ties on the road, but they have only lost two of their last 29 Champions League ties although one of those defeats was their 4-0 semi-final second leg humbling at Anfield last spring."

Lyon vs Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal (REUTERS)

"Lyon have won just one of their last eight home European ties and I expect the Bianconeri to take a narrow lead back to Turin for the second leg.

"Juventus currently top the Italian league while Lyon are only seventh in Ligue 1 although they are going very well in their domestic cup competitions. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in a record-equalling 11 successive Serie A games for Juve and his considerable powers show no signs of waning – he may again be the difference between the sides. "

Real Madrid vs Man City

Raheem Sterling in training ahead of the game (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

"Real Madrid must do without Eden Hazard for the visit of Premier League champions Manchester City with the former Chelsea star reported to have fractured his right ankle during my former club’s 1-0 defeat at Levante. He will also miss Sunday’s Clasico with Barcelona.

"Pep Guardiola will be hoping to have Raheem Sterling, who missed his side’s 1-0 win at Leicester City at the weekend, back from injury and I expect to see City take a lead back to the Etihad next month in what promises to be a wonderful occasion at the Bernabeu.

"There was only one goal between the sides over the two legs in the Champions League semi-final four years ago – and that was a City own goal – but I would be surprised if we failed to see opportunities at both ends in what promises to be a hugely entertaining game."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.