Champions League action returns this week with the first leg of the last 16. Below are previews of each match taking place.
Liverpool v Real Madrid
Liverpool and Real Madrid are set to meet once again in February and March 2023. While some fans may recall the poor treatment they received during the Final in Paris last season, this time both matches will be held in their respective home stadiums. Hopefully, fans will have a more positive experience overall. The players are concentrating on what appears to be a tightly contested match on paper.
Although both Real Madrid and Liverpool have struggled to meet expectations in their domestic leagues, they have demonstrated the ability to excel in the Champions League in recent years. Real Madrid emerged victorious in the previous season’s tournament, defeating three Premier League clubs en-route to another championship title. However, they will be missing two crucial midfielders for the upcoming First Leg, and their performance has been less than satisfactory throughout the season.
Similarly, Liverpool has also faced some setbacks, but both teams seem to be entering the First Leg of this tie with more favourable form and increased confidence.
In contrast to the previous week, this match has the potential to ignite early on with a goal in the first half. I anticipate at least three goals being scored during the game. While Liverpool is expected to set the pace of the game, their defence has not been in top form, which may favour Real Madrid in what could be an action-packed match.
Match Result Prediction
Real Madrid to win.
Score Prediction
Liverpool 1 – 2 Real Madrid
Eintracht Frankfurt v Napoli
Eintracht Frankfurt has only suffered one defeat in the seven games they have played in all competitions since returning from the World Cup break, and they have won three of their last four matches. After losing 1-2 to Borussia Dortmund at home, they have managed to secure five consecutive victories, scoring at least two goals in each of those wins.
A definite positive for Eintracht is that there are no fresh injury concerns in the team.
Napoli are currently on track to become Italian Champions for the first time since Diego Maradona led the 1990 team to victory in the Scudetto. It will be an incredible accomplishment for the club that has been consistently ranked in the top four in Italy for several seasons but has not managed to break through until this season.
Both teams come into this match in great form, with an impressive scoring record, particularly when playing at home or away. Over the last eighteen months, they have demonstrated their ability to deliver strong performances in European competitions. It’s worth noting that Eintracht Frankfurt has surprisingly been more effective away from home.
Despite winning the Europa League, Frankfurt had only managed to win one of their previous six home games in European competitions before defeating Marseille. However, they have since won five consecutive matches at home following their overall defeat to Borussia Dortmund. While this will undoubtedly boost their confidence, facing Napoli, who are currently dominating the Italian league, will likely still evoke some concerns.
Match Result Prediction
Napoli to win.
Score Prediction
Eintracht Frankfurt 0 – 2 Napoli
