With just one round of Champions League fixtures left to play, much has been decided in terms of qualification.
So what’s left to watch for in the final round of games? Well here’s what we’d like to see.
Arsenal to qualify above PSG and draw Bayern in the next round.
Both Paris St Germain and Arsenal remain unbeaten in Group A, but due to the prioritisation of head-to-head records over goal difference, that means, despite scoring 14 goals in five games, Arsenal will probably finish second in their group… again.
To finish top they’d have to better PSG’s result, although they’d probably still end up drawing Bayern Munich, who will qualify in second place in their group.
It would then be classic Arsenal to somehow win their group and still face an elite side in the next round.
Group B to provide some actual drama.
Most groups are all sewn up in terms of qualification, with the top two decided in five of eight – look to Group B however, and it’s genuinely tight at the top.
That’s because in a group which has seen scores of 4-2, 3-3 and 3-2, the top three are separated by just one point: Benfica and Napoli have eight points each, while Besiktas sit third with seven.
Furthermore, the top two will play each other in the final round of group fixtures, meaning third-place Besiktas will face bottom side Dynamo Kyiv, at home no less. Interesting, very interesting…
Celtic to get their first win.
All has not gone to plan for Celtic in Group C, although given the strength of a group containing Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach, the fact they’ve amassed as many as two points is not to be sniffed at.
A thrilling 3-3 draw against Manchester City, as well as a point against Gladbach have been the highlights, but a 7-0 hammering by Catalan giants Barcelona did nothing for the Scottish side’s image.
The Bhoys travel south to Manchester for their final game, and with City guaranteed to finish second, a weakened side may take the field and give Celtic the chance to go out with a victory, although no chance of a Europa League consolation prize.
Atletico Madrid to maintain their perfect record.
Let’s be honest, we were all a little disappointed to see Atletico Madrid concede a goal against FC Rostov; we’d hoped the Spanish side would maintain their perfect defensive record.
But they are the only side in the competition to have won all their games, winning five from five in a group containing Bayern Munich, Rostov and PSV Eindhoven.
Atletico have scored just seven goals, but an eighth, against Bayern, could be all they’d need to complete six wins from six as they head into the round of 16.
Tottenham to win at Wembley.
Oh, what a catastrophe this has been for Tottenham. After a superb domestic season in 2015/16, this was supposed to be Spurs’ time to shine on the biggest stage, perhaps repeating their quarter final appearance some years ago, when Gareth Bale was in season.
It hasn’t worked out that way, however. Defeats at home to Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen have seen to that, and while the north London side did record an impressive win in Russia against CSKA Moscow, it hasn’t been enough.
Spurs can still qualify for the Europa League however, and with one last chance to win at Wembley, it would be nice to see Tottenham do just that.
Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund to be a blockbuster.
When two sides as entertaining as these come together, you just know it’s going to be a 0-0 affair.
We can hope otherwise, and with Dortmund having scored eight in their last game against Legia Warsaw, the signs aren’t bad.
Real meanwhile have endured mixed form, relying on late goals for two of their wins, and drawing twice also. They can still finish above Thomas Tuchel’s side, so there’s all to play for – fingers crossed for goals.
