Desh Parthab takes a look at five players who could shine as the curtain comes down on the first leg round of 16 Champions League matches. Players in the spotlight this week include Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah and more!
The Champions League continues this week as we conclude the first leg Ro16 matchups. Last week Bayern, AC Milan and Dortmund all emerged as 1-0 victors over PSG, Tottenham and Chelsea respectively.
No doubt, those London outfits will regret their less-than-impressive away goal returns in the tournament with Spurs (G2) and Chelsea (G4) unable to convert chances.
Their English counterparts, Manchester City (G4) have also been misfiring on their European travels and are in Germany to face a spirited RB Leipzig side led by Marco Rose.
Since his arrival, the club have enjoyed a formidable run, losing just once in their previous 20 fixtures (W15 D4), across all competitions.
Liverpool are the only English club to play their first leg of the tie at home – in what is a replay of last season’s Champions League final. I’m certain the Anfield faithful will rally behind the Reds who will be desperate to banish memories of last season’s final.
Salah’s return to form a worry for Ancelotti
An in-form Mo Salah is just what Klopp ordered. The Liverpool talisman has looked a shade of the unstoppable force we’ve become accustomed to for periods this season. However, some green shoots have started to appear! Across his previous three appearances in the English topflight, he returned a goal from his 10 shots. Furthermore, he delivered an assist from his two chances created during that period so keep an eye out for him.
Peter Drury commentary for the counter and Salah goal last night pic.twitter.com/GUYhGs60Sl
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) February 14, 2023
Muani and Frankfurt plot Napoli upset
Kolo Muani and Eintracht Frankfurt will be keen to put the brakes on Napoli’s stunning season. The Frenchman comes into this one having netted on each of his previous two Champions League appearances – including the all-important strike to send The Eagles through to the knockout rounds. The Germans have been drawn against Europe’s form team – with the Italians dropping just 7 points in the Serie A and winning five of their six group stage fixtures. I expect Muani to give the fans something to celebrate, in what may be his final home UCL appearance for the club.
⚡️ No player has contributed to more goals in the Bundesliga this season than Frankfurt’s Randal Kolu Muani (10). pic.twitter.com/neFQh3WUfY
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) January 28, 2023
Mahrez could play key role against rock-solid Leipzig
Mahrez will need to at his magical best when Manchester City face off against RB Leipzig. The African superstar has delivered two goals and an assist across his six Champions League appearances, and I think he adds to that this week. With City faltering in the league, I anticipate Guardiola will take no chances in Europe and back his well-rested winger to shine under the European lights.
1 minute of Mahrez Magic to bless your timeline. You’re welcome pic.twitter.com/Bod706nlhd
— (@ErlingRoIe) February 13, 2023
Szoboszlai poised to strike against wobbling City?
Dominik Szoboszlai may just get in behind a City defence that have kept just a single clean sheet in their previous five fixtures, across all competitions. The Hungarian hitman has delivered two goals from his six shots across his previous three home league appearances. Furthermore, he delivered an assist from his four chances created during that period, so be sure to look out for him.
This Szoboszlai goal was absolutely foolish my GOODNESS pic.twitter.com/uzIFBQEYF3
— Aaron West (@oeste) September 10, 2022
Red-hot Martinez to fill his boots against Porto?
Lautaro Martinez has netted eight goals across his previous 10 appearances in all competitions. The Inter dangerman is firing on all cylinders, as seen by his 84 shots in the Serie A – a league-leading total. No fewer than 15 of those have come in his previous three appearances, with two nestling in the back of the net. I back him to hand Inter a first-leg advantage, ahead of their trip to Portugal.
My love hate relationship with Lautaro Martinez continues pic.twitter.com/Qvy1PWnUH3
— TSS (@TheSpursScout) January 18, 2023
