The 2018/19 Champions League last-16 draw is set. All four Premier League clubs know their fate and supporters can start to plan their European trips.

The last-16 round of games marks a significant point in the football calendar; this is the business end of the campaign.

Some of England’s biggest clubs will be happy with their pairings, others not so much. But that is the beauty of the draw.

The 2018/19 last-16 draw has managed to throw up a couple of mouth-watering ties and neutrals will be eagerly anticipating the first leg in February.

Without further ado, let’s get down to the last-16 clashes. Premier League football followers will be keeping a close eye on teams across the continent ahead of all four double headers.

 

MANCHESTER UNITED vs PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

United’s resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues but the Red Devils are likely to fall short in this double header. Defensively, the Premier League side can be found wanting and PSG could run riot over two legs.

The first leg in Manchester will be telling. United HAVE to pick up a positive result at Old Trafford to stand any chance of advancing to the quarter-finals. 7/10 for the Red Devils to avoid defeat could be the way to go.

Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Edison Cavani will fancy their chances against the United back four. One of the best attacking units in world football, PSG will be confident of getting the job done over two legs.

Even if United manage to win at Old Trafford, PSG are very strong in front of their own fans. The Ligue 1 champions are 3/10 to advance to the next round and plenty of punters will be expecting a comfortable aggregate victory.

TIP: Man United to win OR draw the first leg @ 7/10

TO GO THROUGH: Paris Saint-Germain

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Tottenham did exceptionally well to reach the last-16 and Spurs fans will be confident of another big Champions League night. Mauricio Pochettino will have his side raring to go ahead of the first leg at Wembley Stadium.

The Premier League side know that victory is an absolute must on February 13^th. Taking the 13/5 for Spurs to win and both teams to score may prove prudent – this has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.

As with United, I still fancy Dortmund to progress over two legs. The Bundesliga leaders are juggling their domestic commitments but Lucien Favre’s side have the strength in depth to compete on multiple fronts.

A much closer contest to call, both teams are priced at 22/25 to advance to the last eight. It could go down to the wire but Dortmund’s consistency just edges it for me – Spurs could fall short once again.

TIP: Spurs to win and both teams to score in first leg @ 13/5

TO GO THROUGH: Borussia Dortmund

 

LIVERPOOL vs BAYERN MUNICH

Liverpool are out of both domestic cup competitions but Jurgen Klopp will be going all out in the Champions League. The Reds have a rich history in European football and another huge night under the Anfield floodlights beckons.

4/5 for Liverpool to advance to the next round is an excellent price but the 10/11 for Klopp’s men to win the first leg is even better. Liverpool have been sublime at Anfield this season and another positive performance awaits.

But this Bayern side is beatable. In fact, the Bavarians have struggled to inspire confidence for large parts of 2018/19 and Liverpool fans will be confident of success. The German giants aren’t the side that they were five years ago.

Bayern are still strong though and they will push Liverpool to their limits. Take the 11/20 for both teams to score in the first leg at Anfield. Both teams may end up scoring in both games but Liverpool should edge through to the quarter-finals.

TIP: Liverpool to win @ 10/11

TO GO THROUGH: Liverpool

 

SCHALKE 04 vs MANCHESTER CITY

Last but not least, we have Schalke and Manchester City. The German side have struggled to inspire confidence in the Bundesliga this season and a heavy defeat awaits if City go all out in the first leg.

Schalke will create opportunities on home soil though and that makes both teams to score a viable selection. Given Man City’s recent woes at the back, 7/10 is a solid price for a goal at both ends on February 20^th.

Pep’s side is back to full strength after a few injury issues and that can only mean positive things from a City perspective. The Blues are still in contention for all four major trophies in 2018/19 but this is the top priority.

Winning the Champions League is Guardiola’s main objective this campaign and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see City run riot. Over 2.5 away goals in the first leg at 7/5 is worth a punt given Schalke’s struggles in 2018/19.

TIP: Over 2.5 Man City goals in first leg @ 7/5

TO GO THROUGH: Manchester City

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Four British clubs entered the 2018/19 Europa League group stages and three managed to reach the knockout rounds. Could another British team go on and lift Europe’s secondary club trophy this campaign? It would be foolish to bet against it…

The Champions League remains the pinnacle of European football but the Europa League is certainly improving. With the lucrative offer of a spot in next season’s Champions League up for grabs, teams have started to prioritise this competition in recent years.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Celtic are still in contention to lift the trophy this campaign. Plenty of punters will be getting behind all three clubs ahead of the knockout rounds. Without further ado, let’s take a look at who they are paired up with in the last-32.

BATE BORISOV vs ARSENAL

BATE will be fresh after two months off but that could have a negative impact on the hosts in this clash. The Belarusian side will need to perform at their highest level to stand any chance of giving Arsenal a contest on February 14^th.

The Gunners are expected to take the Europa League seriously and BATE will be wary of a good hiding. However, home advantage in the first leg should help and 3/4 for both teams to score is well worth considering.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are red hot favourites to progress. 1/20 isn’t much of a price at all when you think about it but the Gunners will be determined to avoid an embarrassing defeat. The Europa League could be Arsenal’s best chance of silverware in 2018/19.

Unai Emery’s side have lost three of their last seven games in all competitions but Arsenal fans shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet. The Gunners will face BATE after a difficult run of Premier League games and Arsenal could run riot if looking to rebuild confidence.

TIP: Both teams to score @ 3/4

TO GO THROUGH: Arsenal

 

CELTIC vs VALENCIA

Celtic are 5/2 outsiders to advance to the next round – and with good reason. The Scottish champions haven’t been anywhere near as dominant in 2018/19 than in previous years and Brendan Rodgers may choose to focus on the domestic title race.

Beating Valencia over two legs is going to be very difficult indeed. The Bhoys have worked their way up to top spot in the league but only on goal difference. Retaining the crown is their top priority and it could come at the expense of the Europa League.

Valencia have been hit and miss this season but the Spanish outfit did manage to secure a 2-0 victory over Manchester United before crashing out of the Champions League. On that effort, you’d fancy Valencia to get past Celtic in the last-32.

Currently 11^th in the La Liga table, Valencia’s top-flight status is safe and that should give Marcelino’s men the freedom to push for Europa League glory. 11/10 for the visitors to grab a first leg advantage is an excellent price.

TIP: Valencia to win the first leg @ 11/10

TO GO THROUGH: Valencia

 

MALMO FF vs CHELSEA

Malmo will not be straightforward by any means. With just one defeat in their last 15 games in all competitions, the Swedish side will be full of confidence ahead of this clash. Chelsea cannot afford to allow complacency to sneak in.

Like BATE, Malmo last took to the field in December. Uwe Rosler’s side have scheduled one friendly fixture to take place before the first leg but that might not be enough. However, the 8/11 for over 0.5 Malmo goals carries plenty of appeal.

Chelsea have gone through a rough patch in recent weeks but the Blues should have enough class to put Malmo to the sword. Maurizio Sarri may wring the changes for this clash; he has tended to give fringe players a chance to impress in this competition.

I’m expecting Chelsea to send out a statement of intent here. 8/11 for the Premier League giants to take a lead into half-time is worth snapping up. The Blues could end up running away with this one if they go all out for the win.

TIP: Chelsea to lead at half-time @ 8/11

TO GO THROUGH: Chelsea

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

It’s not often that a ‘Super Sunday’ lives up to its Sky-created name. This Sunday is a little different, however, as three of the top four are in action along with a recent Premier League champion.

These are season-changing results in the title race and top four battle. Leicester are in need of a positive result after a turbulent start to 2019. We look for some of the best football bets of Sunday’s action below...

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs LEICESTER CITY (1:30pm)

Tottenham host Leicester with the slightest thought of returning to the Premier League title race.

Liverpool dropped points last time out, meaning Spurs are only five points behind league-leading Manchester City, though a victory for the Reds on Saturday would put them eight points off top spot.

Leicester have made a habit of inconsistency. It is predictable in its own way, though.

A five-match winless run has seen league defeats to Wolves and Southampton but they held their own against Manchester United last weekend and took a point off Liverpool prior to that.

Claude Puel is still under significant pressure, but his Leicester side, despite being bland at times, have shown an ability to upset the top six. Wins over Manchester City and Chelsea serve as a warning to Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham have not been at their best of late, needing late drama to beat Newcastle and Wolves. They are getting the job done in the absence of Harry Kane.

Heung-min Son has been the key man – the South Korean international is 6/5 to score anytime at Wembley on Sunday.

The wings are a key area for Leicester if they are to take anything from this match. Harvey Barnes and James Maddison are expected to start on the flanks – Spurs’ full-backs have been vulnerable defensively at times this season.

This could be quite an open game as Tottenham commit bodies forward and Leicester transition quickly. There were nine goals in this fixture last season, and another goal fest looks a good bet.

TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6

PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Leicester City (Priced at 23/2 with 888sport)

 

MANCHESTER CITY vs Chelsea (4pm)

Manchester City are top of the Premier League at the time of writing. They will likely be back in second when this one kicks off but will be playing to return to the summit.

Chelsea sit fourth but could be level on points with Arsenal (currently sixth) by Sunday afternoon. Maurizio Sarri has seen his side struggle on the road of late, losing their last three in all competitions.

A thumping of Huddersfield at Stamford Bridge was a good result, though anything less would have been a real disappointment for the Blues as they aim for a Premier League top four finish.

The reverse fixture ended in an improbable 2-0 Chelsea win. Sarri’s side barely got a kick in the first half before N’Golo Kante gave them the lead on the stroke of half-time.

David Luiz made it two as Chelsea improved after the break. Chelsea’s defence has not looked capable of such a performance of late, though the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain should give them an extra threat in the final third on Sunday.

Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s respective transfer sagas have loomed over Chelsea in recent weeks as the team has faltered on the pitch. The defeats to Arsenal and Bournemouth are fresh in the memory, giving City confidence they can win comfortably.

Sergio Aguero netted a hat-trick last weekend for the reigning champions and will start ahead of Gabriel Jesus on Sunday.

Only two players have scored more Premier League goals than Aguero this term despite his injury absence. His 10/11 price to score anytime is on the short side – the 13/4 to score first is a better bet.

Beating struggling Huddersfield aside, Chelsea have been poor of late. Manchester City showed their superiority over the chasing pack with their drubbing of Arsenal last weekend. This match could take a similar pattern.

TIP: Manchester City (-1) to win @ 6/5

PREDICTED SCORE: Manchester City 3-0 Chelsea (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*