Champions League picks, predictions, odds: Manchester City to advance, Real Madrid beat Liverpool

The second leg of the Champions League round of 16 draws to a close this week with two games on Tuesday and two more on Wednesday, and you can catch all the action on Paramount+. Inter and Manchester City go into their games on Tuesday as favourites, while Real Madrid will look to finish off Liverpool on Wednesday as Napoli look to do the same to Eintracht Frankfurt. Once this round is completed, the quarterfinals will be held on April 11. Here are our predictions for each match and more:

Tuesday’s show schedule

(All times USA/East)

Wednesday’s broadcast schedule

(All times USA/East)

Coverage begins each day at 3 p.m. with Champions League Today on CBS and Paramount+. Paramount+ will offer a multicast feature that will allow subscribers to watch two matches simultaneously in split-screen viewing. You can try one month free using the code: ADVANCE.

Match options

Real Madrid vs Liverpool

A match to watch: Liverpool collapsed in the first leg because Real Madrid found it too easy to go through a midfield full of players who were either out of form or too green for these tougher tests. From the 5-2 defeat of Fabinho Form soared but then crashed to earth against Bournemouth as Liverpool went down 1-0. Liverpool’s first priority should be a clean sheet if they can disrupt their Luka Modric then maybe they can keep this close.

Most likely to score: Another one who probably went off the boil against Bournemouth, Mohamed Salah he had just rounded into form after a 2022 that was, by his dizzying standards, rather heartwarming. He’s starting to find his best role alongside Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez and while he’s more of a creator than in the past, he’s appeared with plenty of shots at Manchester United’s hammer. In the big games he starts to perform again.

Man of the Match Selection: One feels that at least for a moment Liverpool can give themselves something to believe in. He will undoubtedly put all kinds of pressure on the Madrid goal, but if Thibaut Courtois is on song between the sticks, it could be the difference between a major Champions League upset and a run to the last eight for the title holders.

Match prediction: Against almost any other team on the pitch, there could be a convincing case for players to blink under the pressure and intensity that Liverpool will likely bring. But Real Madrid tend not to bend, so while there may be moments of serious tension, they will have to hold on for a 2-1 defeat that will see them through to the quarter-finals. — James Benge

Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Selected game | Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt

A match to watch: Evan Ndicka vs. Hirving Lozano – This duel will be key as the defender has been one of the German team’s best players this season, but he will be up against Lozano who with his pace can cause a lot of problems for Frankfurt’s defence. Napoli’s forward line is certainly a big danger for Frankfurt and Ndicka’s performance is the one to watch to understand how the game will go on Wednesday.

Most likely to score: Victor Osimhen – The Nigerian striker has already scored 21 goals in 27 matches this season and opened the scoresheet in the first leg in Germany. He has already shown that he can cause plenty of problems for the German defense and we are likely to witness something similar in the second leg at the Stadio Maradona.

Man of the Match Selection: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Who else? Quaradona, as he is now being called in Napoli, is the man of the moment as he scored another stunning goal against Atalanta on Saturday. He is the key player behind Napoli’s success this year and has already scored eleven goals in 22 games, while also providing 11 assists to his teammates.

Match prediction: Napoli should do very easily in the second leg at home as well and are certainly expected to win. Choose: Napoli 3, Eintracht 0. -Francesco Porcio

Manchester City vs RB Leipzig

Selected game | Manchester City vs RB Leipzig

A match to watch: Phil Foden vs. Marcel Halsenberg — While Foden struggled against Crystal Palace at the weekend, he has been a spark plug for Manchester City since returning to the starting line-up. Even when he’s not scoring, Foden’s fearlessness makes him direct, giving opposing full-backs matches. With two goals and one assist in his last three matches, Foden will give Pep Guardiola the option to unlock an organized RB Leipzig defence.

Most likely to score: Erling Haaland — Who else but Haaland can go here. When City need a goal, there is nowhere better than their Norwegian marksman. With 33 goals in all competitions, Haaland is so close to averaging a goal per game and could get even closer to that mark by scoring the match-winner. All Haaland needs is one touch to get things done. His influence is undeniable.

Man of the match selection: Rodri — He is the metronome that keeps Manchester City going. Sometimes it can be easy to forget that Rhodri is on the field unless you’re the opponent trying to combine attacks. Sitting deep, Rodri is able to protect his backline while also quickly turning defense into attack with the vision to see what the best pass is to open up a counter attack. Also, Rodri is integral to what City do.

Match prediction: Goals will go at a premium with teams going into the match evenly matched. City know that if they are not careful, RB Leipzig will have no problem hitting them on the counter, but a goal from Haaland will be enough to see the match out. Choose: Manchester City 1, RB Leipzig 0. -Chuck Booth

Porto vs Inter

Selected game | Porto vs Inter

A match to watch: Pepe vs Lautaro Martinez – This will clearly be one of the most, if not the most crucial duel to watch in this second leg of the tie. Portuguese defender Pepe must contain Lautaro Martinez, which he did very well in the first leg at San Siro. The Argentinian forward will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing display in Spezia when he missed a penalty as Inter lost 2-1 at home.

Most likely to score: Romelou Loukakos – Big Rom already scored the decisive goal in the first leg three weeks ago, but this time he will likely have more space when the Nerazzurri attack, as Porto need to win the game if they want to reach the quarter-finals. Especially in the second half, Lukaku’s pace can become one of the turning points of this clash.

Man of the Match Selection: Andre Onana – The Inter goalkeeper will likely be involved as Porto need to score two goals and his saves could determine the final outcome of this second leg. He has been one of the surprises of the season so far for this Nerazzurri side and is my pick for man of the match this time around.

Match Prediction: Despite Porto needing to win this game, I see Inter as top contenders to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010, when they last won the Champions League under Jose Mourinho. Choose: Inter Milan 2, Porto 1 — Francesco Porcio