Champions League last eight guide: Messi form makes Barcelona favourites

David Cooper - Writer 01:07 17/03/2018
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  • The Champions League quarter-finals draw has served up some enticing clashes.

    Now that we know who faces off with whom in the last eight, we have a better idea of how far each team could go.

    Here, we preview each of the quarter-finalists.

    BARCELONA

    Key player: Who else but Lionel Messi. In the form of his life and capable of destroying teams single-handedly.

    Style: Ernesto Valverde’s side thrives with Messi as the deep-lying central point and Luis Suarez being the workmanlike goalscoring machine. 4-2-3-1 system has worked brilliantly with their midfield having an eclectic mix of everything from legs to creativity.

    Prediction: Winners

    Barcelona

    Barcelona

    ROMA 

    Key player: Edin Dzeko has four goals in eight UCL games this term, including the winner at home to Shakhtar.

    Style: Roma set up in a 4-3-3 formation. They use plenty of through balls and target Dzeko from crosses as well. The Italians are also strong from set-pieces and counterattacks. While solid at the back, they can be guilty of squandering chances.

    Prediction: Quarter-finals

    Roma

    Roma

    SEVILLA

    Key player: The hero v Man United, Ben Yedder has scored 19 goals this season and will need to be at his clinical best.

    Style: Sevilla play in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ever Banega and Stephen N’Zonzi the double pivot in midfield looking for quick through balls for the striker. They usually employ a short-passing game. Defensively pretty sound and capable of holding onto leads.

    Prediction: Quarter-finals

    Sevilla

    Sevilla

    BAYERN MUNICH

    Key player: With 32 goals in 36 games this season, Robert Lewandowski remains one of Europe’s most feared centre forwards.

    Style: Efficient and ruthless, Bayern use a 4-2-3-1 system with an emphasis on wide play, while attacking midfielder James Rodriguez is given the licence to roam. The full-backs tuck in to help dominate possession and maintain pressure on the opposition.

    Prediction: Runners-up

    Bayern Munich

    Bayern Munich

    JUVENTUS

    Key player: Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine is a match-winner and big-game performer who is still as clinical as ever.

    Style: Massimiliano Allegri’s well-drilled 4-2-3-1 formation is engrained into his men, with the improved form of Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa’s wing presence building on what is a strong and experienced back-line led by Giorgio Chiellini.

    Prediction: Quarter-finals

    Juventus

    Juventus

    REAL MADRID

    Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 12 goals in eight outings and is still very much a freak of nature despite being 33.

    Style: Zinedine Zidane has gone with a fluid 4-3-3 structure of late and is very much dependent on the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos pulling the strings, as well as Isco returning to his form of last term. Marcelo’s forward runs are also key.

    Prediction: Semi-finals

    Real Madrid

    Real Madrid

    LIVERPOOL

    Key player: Roberto Firmino’s influence is on a par with Mohamed Salah and the Brazilian has netted seven in UCL.

    Style: Jurgen Klopp’s men are one of the best teams to watch in a free-flowing 4-3-3 attacking system but question marks remain over their defensive strength and solidity against Europe’s best sides, as well as big-game experience.

    Prediction: Quarter-finals

    Liverpool

    Liverpool

    MANCHESTER CITY

    Key player: Kevin De Bruyne is perhaps the star in a world-class side boasting incredible depth and talent everywhere.

    Style: Master tactician Pep Guardiola has turned his City into an imperious machine going forward, with flair and creativity centrally and out wide giving them an extra dimension. Sergio Aguero’s goalscoring is the iceing on the cake.

    Prediction: Semi-finals

    Manchester City

    Manchester City

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