Sports
English clubs set for successful night in league phase finale
Read our Champions League predictions here…
The final matchday of the expanded Champions League league phase begins and ends this Wednesday, with plenty of places in the round of 16 and the knockout playoffs still up for grabs.
The top 8 teams in the league standings from Matchday 8 will go straight through, while those in positions 9-24 will head into playoff ties.
Every Premier League side still have a chance of qualifying inside the top eight, but it is set to be a competitive evening of action amongst Europe’s elite.`1
We take a look at some of the big games involving England’s participating clubs, as well as some other high-stakes matchups.
Wednesday
Arsenal vs Kairat Almaty (8pm)
Arsenal have already secured their spot in the knockout phase and are heavy favourites to wrap up top spot above Bayern Munich at home. Kairat have struggled in the league phase and go into this as the underdog, having taken just one point so far.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Kairat Almaty
Barcelona vs Copenhagen (8pm)
Barcelona have looked strong in Europe this season, despite a few wobbles along the way. Their form is certainly in-line with their position at the top of La Liga but Copenhagen will be no pushover despite their mid-season break. Barca’s quality and experience should tell at Camp Nou.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Copenhagen
Benfica vs Real Madrid (8pm)
Real Madrid enter the week in a strong third-place position and will see this as a chance to lay down their European credentials. Benfica are capable but have struggled for consistency under Jose Mourinho, making this tie tough for the hosts in Lisbon.
Prediction: Benfica 1-2 Real Madrid
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham (8pm)
Tottenham head to Frankfurt knowing a win would guarantee them a place in the top eight. Frankfurt have been one of the less assured sides in the competition, and Spurs should take confidence from earlier results in the competition, despite Thomas Frank’s future still under intense scrutiny.
Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 1-2 Tottenham
Liverpool vs Qarabag (8pm)
Liverpool sit in a great position heading into the final game at Anfield and the Reds should control this match at Anfield. Qarabag have been competitive at times against some of Europe’s top opposition but lack the depth and quality to keep pace with the Reds at home.
Prediction: Liverpool 4-0 Qarabag
Manchester City vs Galatasaray (8pm)
City still have work to do after mixed recent results in the league phase. A home match against Galatasaray represents a great opportunity chance to pick up points and stake their claim to move into the top eight, although it will depend on results elsewhere.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Galatasaray
Paris Saint-Germain vs Newcastle (8pm)
PSG and Newcastle meet in Paris with both clubs needing a result to solidify their top-eight place. PSG’s star power should be decisive on home turf, though Newcastle’s strong showings in Europe this season means this could be competitive.
Prediction: PSG 2-1 Newcastle
Napoli vs Chelsea (8pm)
Chelsea travel to Naples for what could be a pivotal match in their bid for a top-eight finish. Napoli have been unpredictable in the league phase under Antonio Conte but possess enough attacking threat to make this a tight encounter. A narrow away victory would keep Chelsea firmly in contention for that automatic qualification spot.
Prediction: Napoli 1-2 Chelsea
