UEFA Champions League 2016 round of 16 predictions
Now the fun really begins.Two long months have passed since the end of the UEFA Champions League group stages and the serious business of the knockout stages now takes on priority in the European football calendar.Spanish teams once again look like the ones to beat despite England also having three representatives, the joint most in the round of 16.None have particularly favourable draws mind you and at this stage, it’s very much all to play for. Let’s delve into each of the games in a little more detail:
#1 Paris Saint Germain vs. Chelsea
Chelsea have done an about turn since Guus Hiddink took temporary charge of the club following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
The Special One was known for the way in which he would have his teams surround the referee and complain about every single decision in a bid to influence the officials.
We saw it at work the last time these two did battle during the same competition last season when an innocuous Zlatan Ibrahimovich tackle resulted in a red card after the entire Chelsea side took it upon themselves to ensure the punishment was severe.
In the event, PSG went on to win the tie against all the odds and they come into this match as indisputably the kings of France. In fact, the very thing that may count against them in this match.
They are yet to lose in the league this season and are already 24 points ahead in the race for the title. To put it into perspective, they could lose the next eight games straight and still be top of the pile.
No competition whatsoever, but that’s exactly what the Blues will give them. A number of players are aware that they’re playing for their places as they wait for the summer arrival of a new manager.
Are the hosts up for the fight, in what is likely to be Ibra’s last chance to win the trophy with his current employers before an expected summer move?
Prediction: PSG with the advantage