Paris Saint-Germain V Real Madrid CF
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Round of 16, Leg 2 (1-3 Aggregate)
Parc des Princes, Paris, France
Tuesday, March 6th, 2018        2:45PM EST        FS1

This matchup was supposed to be THE tie of the Round of 16, yet after a 3-1 home win for Real Madrid, coupled with a season-ending ankle/foot injury for Neymar Jr, this second leg fixture lost some of its luster— so the pundits claim.  That being said, PSG did beat mighty Barcelona 4-0 at home a year ago at this stage of the UCL, without Neymar, in fact against the Brazilian who was still donning the Blaugrana.  So, Les Parisiens should still maintain a source of confidence within themselves and in their collective play.  After all, PSG don’t need to win 4-0 this go round, only a 2-0 scoreline will suffice.  Thus, this match will still be electric on field and in the stands of the Parc des Prince.  Look for youngster Klyian Mbappe to produce moments of magic, and steal the reigns of this PSG side away from the wounded Neymar dos Santos Jr.

LSB Prediction: Paris SG will force the tempo early and often, trying to replicate last season’s first leg showing against FCB.  Rabiot and Verrati will dominate the midfield against recently banged up and out of form Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.  This will lead to chances a plenty for Mbappe and Cavani. You can  be sure they will not disappoint in front of the illuminating Parisien ultras.  PSG will strike thrice, but Ronaldo will knot the tie up with a goal of his own, sending this match into extra-time where the Galacticos strike for the match winner through captain Sergio Ramos.  3-2 Paris Saint-Germain (Real Madrid FC advances on 5-4 aggregate)

Tottenham Hotspur FC V Juventus Football Club
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Round of 16, Leg 2 (2-2 Aggregate)
Wembley Stadium, London, England
Wednesday, March 7th, 2018        2:45PM EST        FS1

Thanks to an unexpectedly gritting comeback performance by the Hotspur, once an intriguing tie has now become perhaps the standout matchup of the Round of 16.  Evenly poised at 2-2 through 90 minutes, Tottenham actually hold a slight advantage with 2 away goals.  Thus, Juventus must come out looking for goals of their own as a 0-0 or even 1-1 scoreline won’t be enough to advance past Harry Kane and company.  Expect Juventus to start Higuain, Dybala, and Madzukac up front, with Bernardeschi, Douglas Costa, and Juan Cuadrado likely to feature at some stage.  In turn, this may leave an aging Juve defense vulnerable to a young, spirited Tottenham counter-attack featuring Kane, Eriksen, Alli, and Son.  Watch out Buffon, your 2017-18 club and country season might get even worse as Juve look to be spurned out of the UCL, early.

LSB Prediction: This is the biggest match for Tottenham and its supporters since the club reached the quarterfinals in the 2010-11 season, as such, I fully expect a boisterous Wembley crowd, with chants and songs ringing around the park from beginning to end.  The club will undoubtedly feed off of this energy and put in a performance for the ages.  Tottenham appear to have finally arrived on the European stage. The squad is supremely balanced from front to back, as such Kane and company will strike for two, whilst keeping a clean sheet against the hapless Higuain and his Old Lady.  2-0 Tottenham Hotspur FC (Tottenham Hotspur FC advances on 4-2 aggregate)