MX23RW : Friday, April 12 17:10:50| >> :600:366427:366427:

Champions League quarter-finals: Five things to look out for

Champions League quarters: Five things to look out for
© Reuters
Manchester City will look to continue their quadruple bid when they face Tottenham while Manchester United face the daunting challenge of Barcelona.

The first legs of the Champions League quarter-finals take place this week. Here, Press Association Sport looks at some talking points ahead of the games.

United's Barca challenge

Manchester United come up against Lionel Messi
Manchester United come up against Lionel Messi (Nick Potts/PA)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United pulled off a shock to beat Paris St Germain in the last round and it was probably that result that clinched the manager's job full time for the Norwegian. Performances since have tailed off slightly and the challenge ahead of them as they face Barcelona and, of course, Lionel Messi, is huge. Barca are closing in on an eighth LaLiga title in 11 years and will be keen to make the most of Real Madrid's elimination from the Champions League.

City's quadruple push

Manchester City boss Guardiola has played down quadruple talk
Manchester City boss Guardiola has played down quadruple talk (John Walton/PA)

Manchester City are the favourites for the Champions League and with good reason given their sustained excellence in four competitions this season. Manager Pep Guardiola described the quadruple as "almost impossible" at the weekend but it is actually far from inconceivable. The Champions League has been the one hurdle they have consistently failed to clear, however. Guardiola has often referred to a lack of experience on the European stage for that, although that may not be relevant in this round as they face a Premier League rival in Tottenham.

All-English clash

Manchester City will be the second visitors to Tottenham's new stadium
Manchester City will be the second visitors to Tottenham's new stadium (Nick Potts/PA)

City's tie with Spurs is an enticing one, starting with the first leg at the London club's new stadium on Tuesday. City's superiority is evident in the 16-point gap between the two sides – from second to third – in the Premier League but a big domestic advantage counted for nothing when they faced Liverpool at the same stage last year. Then City lost 3-0 in the first leg at a fevered Anfield. Spurs will hope the atmosphere at their new stadium will work in their favour, although Kevin De Bruyne has dismissed it. "I don't care about the stadium," he said.

Liverpool eyeing last four again

Liverpool go into their clash with Porto in good form
Liverpool go into their clash with Porto in good form (Martin Rickett/PA)

Last year's beaten finalists Liverpool may fancy their chances of reaching the last four again after being drawn against Porto, a side they beat 5-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie last season. The Reds' priority may be the Premier League but defeat here would represent a big missed opportunity. Porto are also without veteran defender Pepe for Tuesday's first leg at Anfield through suspension.

Ronaldo fitness

Cristiano Ronaldo has had a fitness scare in recent weeks
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a fitness scare in recent weeks (Martin Rickett/PA)

Five-time world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo has been out for the past two weeks with a thigh injury but is expected to return for Juventus' clash with Ajax. Manager Massimiliano Allegri took no risks against AC Milan at the weekend, holding the Portuguese back in a bid to ensure his fitness for Wednesday in Amsterdam. Ronaldo, who has won this competition five times, relishes such occasions.

Share this article now:
Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt pictured in March 2019
Read Next:
Balague: 'Man City are not in for De Ligt'
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool33257175205582
2Manchester CityMan City32262483216280
3Chelsea33206757342366
4Tottenham HotspurSpurs322111060342664
5Arsenal32196765402563
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd32187761431861
7Leicester CityLeicester33145144644247
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32138114039147
9Everton33137134642446
10Watford32137124747046
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham33126154150-942
12Crystal Palace33116163943-439
13Bournemouth33115174461-1738
14Burnley33106174060-2036
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3398163143-1235
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3196163246-1433
17Southampton3289153653-1733
18Cardiff CityCardiff3284202861-3328
RFulham3345243076-4617
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3335251963-4414

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account