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The outlook for the Champions League and Europa League became much clearer on Friday after the quarter-final and semi-final draws concluded.
England’s elite teams have drawn favorable draws in the Champions League round of 16, notably Manchester City and Chelsea, who will face Borussia Dortmund and Porto respectively.
Additionally, there is a chance that Arsenal will face off against old Manchester United foes in the Europa League final after dodging in Friday’s draw.
Here, Sportsmail columnist Chris Sutton has taken a close look at upcoming European matches, and thinks he’ll be on top …
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
MANCHESTER CITY V BORUSSIA DORTMUND
While all eyes are on Erling Haaland and this apparent audition, as it will be billed, let’s not forget about Jadon Sancho taking on his former club.
This is a dangerous draw for City, Dortmund are an unpredictable group, and they have come out of the competition at this stage three years in a row, which will be playing on their minds. Still, as good as Dortmund’s attack is, I will support City to achieve it.
REAL MADRID V LIVERPOOL
Stop Karim Benzema and it is very likely that he will stop Real Madrid. Luka Modric is 35 years old, Sergio Ramos 34 and Toni Kroos 31. This group is doing well and they are third in La Liga. Liverpool can win this despite their own struggles. The question is: which Liverpool appears? The one who fired RB Leipzig with ease? Or the Premier League pipsqueaks we’ve seen recently?
BAYERN MUNICH V PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
I make Bayern favorite to win the Champions League. They have that arrogance about them. They were there, they did it, they got the 2020 winners jerseys. We’re always reminded that Ligue 1 is a one-horse race, but PSG are fighting to win it this season. They have fabulous players, yes, but Bayern are such a unit and they will love their chances here.
PORTO V CHELSEA
If you had offered this tie to Thomas Tuchel before the draw, he would have broken your hands. Porto? Yes please. So Real Madrid or Liverpool in the semi-finals, instead of City, Bayern or PSG? Yes, please again! Defensively Chelsea are in such a good place. If they can start to get a little more consistent in the last third, they can do some serious damage.
First leg matches: April 6-7; second legs; April 13-14 (the team on the list plays the first leg at home)
SEMIFINAL 1: BAYERN MUNICH / PSG V MAN CITY / BORUSSIA DORTMUND
SEMIFINAL 2: REAL MADRID / LIVERPOOL V PORTO / CHELSEA
EUROPEAN LEAGUE
GRANADA V MANCHESTER UNITED
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says trophies are an “ego thing” and that progress is best measured by league position. Come on, Ole. Don’t be a killjoy. What good is playing in cup competitions if not to win trophies? United have a great draw here. Come and go and win the Europa League. Increase that ‘ego’.
ARSENAL IN SLAVIA PRAGUE
Slavia Prague flees with the Czech league. They are well trained, super fit, dangerous in set pieces and they like to get in your face. They knocked out Leicester and then a Rangers team on top of their title win. This is not going to be a backward step for Arsenal, who have shown signs of neglect in recent weeks.
First leg matches: April 8; 2nd leg matches: April 15 (the team on the list plays the first leg at home)
SEMIFINAL 1: GRANADA / MAN UNITED V AJAX / ROMA
SEMIFINAL 2: DINAMO ZAGREB / VILARREAL VS ARSENAL / SLAVIA
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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