Paddy’s picks: English teams in European action
My predictions for the English teams in European action this week. Liverpool take on Real Madrid at Anfield, Man City travel to Germany to take on Red Bull Leipzig and Man United host Barcelona at Old Trafford. The first leg of Champions League last 16 for both Man City and Liverpool as Man United play their second leg of Europa League round of 32 game against Barcelona. Liverpool meet Real Madrid for the second year in a row at knockout stages as Madrid beat Jurgen Klopp’s men in the final of 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League.
The timely return of Virgil Van Dijk is crucial for Liverpool as they achieved clean sheets against both Newcastle and Everton. Liverpool are capable of putting a great performance together at home as they beat Barcelona three nil in the semi-final of 2018/2019 UEFA Champions League. Liverpool might sacrifice the Premier League and go all out to win the Champions League this season. Real Madrid are currently second in LaLiga and are currently eight points behind leaders Barcelona. Toni Kroos is ruled out of the first leg clash and his experience will be missed at Anfield. My opinion is that Liverpool have improved lately and I think tonight’s match will be a 1-1 draw.
Man City travel to Germany for their first leg of last 16 clash against Red Bull Leipzig. Man City created multiple chances and it was ridiculous that they only drew against Nottingham Forest. Man City have never won the Champions League but have a great chance of winning it this year due to arrival of striker Erling Haaland. Leipzig are currently fifth in the Bundesliga and only four points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Emii Forsberg scored in Leipzig’s win against Wolfsburg and the home side will be looking for him to score against Man City. It will be difficult for Man City with been away from home but I think the away side will win 0-3.
Man United take on Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League clash on Thursday evening at Old Trafford. The first leg between these teams was fantastic with it been end to end and finished in a 2-2 draw. It went 11 minutes against Leicester before Marcus Rashford touched the ball as he scored two goals against The Foxes. Rashford’s goals have been crucial in Man United’s renaissance as the English forward has scored 14 Premier League goals. Man United will also rely on the experience of Casemiro as he is back available after serving a suspension for the last three Premier League games. Barcelona are top of LaLiga but wasn’t impressed with them in the first leg and it’s a tough battle going to win at Old Trafford as Man United have not lost at home since August against Brighton. It won’t be easy but I think Man United will win 2-1.
Hope you enjoy the English teams in Europe throughout the week in both Champions and Europa League.