Champions League Preview Knockout Round Playoffs Juventus vs. PSV Eindhoven

Champions League Preview – the knockout playoffs are here. Juventus, under the guidance of Thiago Motta, finished the league phase in 20th place and relied heavily on their defensive stability, conceding only seven goals. However, their attack has been inconsistent, scoring just nine times in the competition so far. Their recent form has been promising, with a 2-1 victory over Como in Serie A, where Randal Kolo Muani netted a brace. At home, Juventus are tough to break down and will look to control possession against PSV.

PSV Eindhoven narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing 14th in the league phase. Their attack has been their biggest strength, highlighted by a thrilling 3-2 win over Liverpool in their final league match. However, their defence has shown vulnerabilities, with their most recent Eredivisie outing ending in a frustrating 1-1 draw with Willem II. They will need to be sharp at both ends of the pitch to stand a chance in Turin.

Player 45 Picks: Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus): In fine form, with two goals in his last match. Expect him to be a key goal-scoring threat, particularly from counter-attacks and set pieces. Luuk de Jong (PSV Eindhoven): An experienced striker with excellent aerial ability, making him a major threat from crosses and set-pieces.

Predicted Score: Juventus 2-1 PSV Eindhoven

Champions League Football Preview: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid

It is a battle between two European heavyweights, as reigning champions Real Madrid travel to Manchester to face a City side that is still trying to regain top form. City finished the league phase with a crucial 3-1 victory over Club Brugge but have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, including a 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. However, with Erling Haaland leading the attack, they remain one of the most dangerous teams in Europe, especially at home.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have been inconsistent in La Liga but found form in Europe with three consecutive wins to finish their league phase campaign strongly. Their ability to strike in transition will be key, as they aim to exploit City’s sometimes high defensive line. With Kylian Mbappé in top form, Madrid will look to hit on the counter and break City’s defensive structure.

Player 45 Picks: Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian striker will be the focal point of City’s attack and will likely find the net, especially with Madrid’s occasional lapses in defence.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): His electric pace and finishing ability make him the biggest threat on the break, and he could be decisive in a high-intensity match like this.

Predicted Score: Manchester City 3-2 Real Madrid

Brest vs. Paris Saint-Germain

A rare all-French Champions League matchup sees Brest take on PSG, with both sides finishing the league phase on 13 points. PSG, though, edged into a seeded playoff spot thanks to their superior goal difference. They are coming into this match on a 16-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a dominant 4-1 win over Monaco last week. With Mbappé an Ousmane Dembélé in fine form, they will be expected to dictate play.

Brest have surprised many with their deep Champions League run but were beaten 5-2 by PSG in Ligue 1 earlier this month. They will need to tighten up defensively and will rely on their physicality to make it a difficult contest for the visitors.

Player 45 Picks: Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): A strong contender to score, given his incredible form and PSG’s dominance in recent weeks. Ludovic Ajorque (Brest): If Brest can create chances, Ajorque’s aerial ability makes him their best bet to score against a sometimes vulnerable PSG defence.

Predicted Score: Brest 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain

Sporting Lisbon vs Borussia Dortmund

Sporting Lisbon or Sporting CP just about made it into the playoffs, finishing above the qualification cutoff. They have struggled with inconsistency in Europe, but their league form has been strong. A recent 1-1 draw with Porto showed their defensive resilience but also their struggles to kill off games. They will need to be clinical against a Dortmund side that finished 10th in the league phase.

Dortmund have had an up-and-down season and recently replaced their manager with Niko Kovač. They have the talent to be dangerous, but a 2-1 defeat to Stuttgart in their last Bundesliga outing raises questions about their ability to grind out results away from home.

Player 45 Picks: Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting Lisbon): Their main creative force and likely to be involved in any goal-scoring opportunities, whether from open play or set-pieces. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund): In excellent scoring form and Dortmund’s primary goal threat, expect him to get into dangerous areas and potentially find the back of the net.

Predicted Score: Sporting Lisbon 1-2 Borussia