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Some interesting prospects are thrown up in the last 8 of the Champions League after the draw in Nyon. Liverpool and Manchester City have their tasks cut out in what will be a maiden Champions League encounter with each other, while the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich can heave a sigh of relief after what looks like a safe passage into the semis.
Last years' finalists Juventus and Real Madrid will resume rivalries just 10 months after the Cardiff showpiece, and their latest meeting promises to produce another spectacle of pyrotechnics.
From among the many speculations triggered after the draw, one certainly is that of the odds of each side. So let's weigh the same and make a few predictions.
#1 Barcelona vs AS Roma
For all of valour and valiance with which Eusebio Di Francesco's side have fought their way through here, Barcelona are still too big a task for them while their last meeting in 2015 would do nothing to inspire confidence ahead of the clash.
Even though the Giallorossis showed nerves in holding the then defending champions to a 1-1 stalemate at home, AS Roma were belted black and blue in the 6-1 drubbing at Camp Nou. And although a repeat isn't necessarily on the cards, the Blaugrana are just too hot to handle at the moment. Just ask Chelsea.
With Lionel Messi in his stride, this Barcelona team is functioning at its optimum in every department whereas the fact that new arrivals are finding their feet further flames the ambition. AS Roma are surely in for a ride here.
Prediction: Expect the Romans to put up a tough fight at the Stadio Olimpico, with Barcelona responding resoundingly again at home, led by Lionel-who-else-Messi.
Predicted score: Barcelona 6-2 AS Roma (on aggregate)
#2 Sevilla vs Bayern Munich
The Bavarians arrive on the back of arguably one of the most lopsided contests in the previous round and by all means, have been handed another low hanging fruit.
The Andalusians have made a strong case though, driving out Manchester United against all odds at Old Trafford in a historic win. However, Sevilla have stepped into uncharted waters as this would be their first time at this stage and things are about to get murkier.
Bayern have improved considerably since the 3-0 humbling against PSG on matchday 2, and are fresh from clinically dispatching Besiktas by 8-1 on aggregate. Even if Sevilla's home record looks formidable - just one defeat in 9 Champions League games and a pair of stalemates to both Liverpool and Manchester United this season - Bayern are still well placed to sneak through.
Prediction: Jupp Heynckes to oversee a victory in both legs with a dominant performance from his team who nonchalantly shake off Sevilla's threat.
Predicted score: Sevilla 1-5 Bayern Munich (on aggregate)
#3 Juventus vs Real Madrid
And then they meet again. Old foes Juventus and Madrid have always produced memorable moments whenever they take each other on - the 2017 finals, for once - and the stakes in both camps currently give us another reason to be upbeat ahead of the clash.
Whilst the Bianconeris are once again contending for the elusive treble, the Champions League is the peg that Los Blancos are hanging on to, and for all their troubles in the league, have sent an ominous statement of their European ambitions following the emphatic defeat of PSG in the last 16.
Both sides know each other very well, having been pitted together in three of the previous four seasons. Yet, the tie remains finely balanced with Juventus and Madrid sharing equal prospects here.
Prediction: Even if Ronaldo and co. are firm favourites, expect the Old Lady to get the better of them this time. But that wouldn't be without its perks though, as the Portuguese is hungry to add to his mammoth tally.
Predicted score: Juventus 4-3 Real Madrid (on aggregate)
#4 Liverpool vs Manchester City
We are witnessing an all-English affair in the Champions League after a long time - the first time since 2011 to be precise - and it seems it was worth the wait. Two attack-minded teams go head-to-head for the first time in Europe, but their 2 Premier League games this season has produced enough to look forward to this with just as anticipation if not more.
A 5-0 drubbing at the Etihad was avenged with a 4-3 thriller at Anfield, and we have another interesting tactical battle between two shrewd managers on the sidelines too.
Manchester City have been in a league of their own domestically, with one silverware already in the bag. Their form in Europe too is noteworthy, especially the performance they turned in in two games to Napoli. Liverpool are although wary of that, but aren't any half-shabby either, having steamrolled their way through defences with ridiculous ease.
Prediction: The Cityzens have an uphill task of breaking a 14-year hoodoo of winning at Anfield, but should pose a great danger in their own backyard.
Predicted score: Liverpool 3-3 Manchester City (on aggregate). City to progress on away goals.
