The 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League comes to a close this week. Desh Parthab takes a look at five players who could steal the headlines of their respective teams.
It was a dismal first leg for English clubs during the Round of 16!
Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool recorded defeats whilst Manchester City could only muster a draw against a resilient RB Leipzig outfit. Under fire Chelsea boss Graham Potter earned just his second win of 2023, in their bout with Leeds during the weekend’s domestic action.
Since assuming the reins of the Blues, they’ve netted just 26 goals in his 27 fixtures (across all competitions) and will need a minimum of two on the night if they want to stand any chance of progression.
Portuguese heavyweights Benfica have a two-goal advantage going into their home clash with Club Brugge. Similarly, Scott Parker is another English manager under pressure – his Belgian outfit have won just twice in his ten league fixtures in charge (six draws, two losses). Despite their recent struggles, Club Brugge are yet to concede an away goal this term – the only remaining club in the tournament to boast that record.
Bayern Munich also have a second leg advantage ahead of their home bout with Paris Saint Germain. The Parisian’s are without Brazilian talisman Neymar (injury), however, they have a certain Frenchman who has broken yet another record.
Sterling’s superb UCL record to boost the Blues
I’m backing Raheem Sterling to fire Chelsea through to the quarters! The English speedster has attempted 7 shots across his previous 3 league appearances, missing 2 big chances. Sterling is no stranger to the UEFA Champions League, having made 12 appearances last season in the sky blue of Manchester City (who crashed out in the semis to eventual winners Real Madrid).
More to come from in-form Rafa Silva
Benfica’s Rafa Silva has unleashed 22 efforts in the Champions League this season – putting him in the top 5 from all players in the tournament. The midfielder has returned 4 goals from those attempts, hitting the frame of the goal 3 times. In addition to this, he has created 12 chances across his 7 European appearances this term.
Star man Mane poised to start for Bayern
Sadio Mane is back with a bang! The African superstar is set for his first start for the Bavarian’s this year, following back-to-back appearances off the bench. During that period, he attempted 2 shots, missing one big chance. Furthermore, he created 3 chances in that spell so keep an eye out for him.
Mbappe to lead Paris attack against stubborn Bayern defence
As is the case, PSG’s hopes now rest on Kylian Mbappe’s shoulders. The twenty-four-year-old comes into this one on the back of 5 goals and an assist across his previous 3 league appearances. His 10 goal involvements (G7 A3) on the European stage this term is currently a tournament leading total and I think he extends that in this one. It will be a tricky contest, afterall Bayern are yet to concede at home in the UCL this season.
Kulusevski a real threat
Dejan Kulusevski’s Italian experience could prove the difference in Tottenham’s all important home clash with the Rossoneri as they look to continue on their European quest. The Lillywhite’s attacker has attempted 6 shots across his previous 3 league appearances. Furthermore, he has created 7 chances in that spell so be sure to look out for him. Antonio Conte was previously at the helm of Milan’s city rivals Inter whom he guided to victory in 4 of their 5 derby fixtures (across all competitions).
