The UEFA Champions League quarter-final first legs will take place on the eighth of April. However, which team will go all the way and win European football’s most coveted prize?
Several previous winners remain in the competition. Real Madrid have won the tournament a record 15 times whilst Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have yet to lift the historic trophy.
Can Madrid continue their brilliant record in the Champions League, or will another team conquer Europe?
Quarter-Final Predictions
Arsenal vs Real Madrid
The first matchup in the quarter-finals sees Arsenal take on Madrid.
Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to reach their first semi-final since 2008-09 when they were defeated 4-1 by Manchester United. However, the Gunners certainly have a difficult task on their hands.
Madrid have the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham in their ranks. The current holders of the competition are understandably the favourites.
Arsenal are hamstrung by their lack of forward options. Mikel Merino has been deployed as a makeshift striker after Kai Havertz’s injury in January.
It is hard to look past Madrid in this tie and the Gunners may have to bow out in the quarter-finals for the second successive season.
Prediction: Real Madrid win
Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich face the tough test of Inter Milan.
Munich thumped Bundesliga rivals Leverkusen in the previous round. Xabi Alonso’s men were sent packing by a 5-0 aggregate defeat.
Inter dispatched of Feyenoord and will be confident of beating their opponents. Simone Inzaghi’s side are one of the most underrated teams in the competition.
The battle of the strikers should make for fascinating viewing with Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez among the best in the world.
However, as Sir Alex Ferguson said, defences win you titles and Inter certainly edge that battle. Alessandro Bastoni, Benjamin Pavard and Federico Dimarco are just three of the names that the Nerazzurri boast.
Prediction: Inter Milan win
Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa
Unai Emery has guided Aston Villa to a Champions League quarter-final. The former PSG manager will look to inflict defeat on his former club.
The Parisian side knocked out one of the tournament favourites in Liverpool in the round of 16. Luis Enrique has transformed PSG into a force to be reckoned with.
This game may be a step too far for Villa, but Emery can never be ruled out. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are just two of the players at his disposal.
PSG will be hoping that Ousmane Dembele can continue his electric form. The Frenchman has recorded 36 goal contributions in a stellar campaign so far.
Prediction: PSG win
Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund
Barcelona have been phenomenal this season. The Catalan giants currently sit top of La Liga and are a rejuvenated side under Hansi Flick.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Dortmund are in crisis. The Black and Yellows sit in 11th place in the Bundesliga and may not be involved in Europe at all next season.
It is hard to look past Barcelona in this fixture especially after the two clubs met in the league phase; Flick’s side won 3-2.
Dortmund did reach the final last season, but they will need to up their game if they are to repeat that feat.
Prediction: Barcelona win
Semi-Final Predictions
Real Madrid vs PSG
This is set up to be a blockbuster of a match. Kylian Mbappe will return to Paris.
PSG will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds and will have the extra incentive of being able to deny Mbappe of his first Champions League title.
Madrid may be the favourites, but the French side will be looking to cause a major upset.
Prediction: PSG win
Barcelona vs Inter Milan
If these predictions do come true, both of these sides will be battling to face PSG in the Champions League final.
Barcelona play the most attractive football in Europe, but will it be a match for one of the best defences on the continent?
Blaugrana will certainly be the favourites but have shown they can come unstuck in several matches. A poor run earlier in the campaign saw them drop unnecessary points.
Inter are sat at the top of Serie A and do have a habit of drawing games. However, they may also upset the odds…
Prediction: Inter Milan win
Final Prediction
Inter Milan vs PSG
In a final that may shock the continent, Inter Milan will face PSG.
This game is extremely close to call. The quality of both sides has been highlighted in this piece, but who will go all the way and lift the prestigious trophy?
PSG have the attacking talent, but the naivety of Enrique’s young side may be displayed when Inzaghi’s wily Inter side come up against the Parisians.
Inter are certainly less proficient in the final third but are an experienced, proven side.
This match will be a tight contest and perhaps a cagey final, but the Nerazzurri have what it takes to conquer Europe.
Prediction: Inter Milan win