Finally!  The Champions League is back!  Europe’s top competition kicks off 2018 with two Round of 16 1st leg fixtures today and two tomorrow!  Thus, I’ll be providing footballing shorts for each match, but with a twist.  I’ve selected one player from each squad to keep an eye on, as he will most assuredly play a part in his side producing a result, or not.  So without further ado, here we go!

FC Basel 1893 v Manchester City FC
UEFA Champions League:  Knockout Phase, Round of 16, Leg 1
St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland
Tuesday, February 13th, 2018    2:45PM EST        FS2

Tomas Vlacik (GK, FCB)

The Czech international has been been manning the posts for Switzerland’s biggest club since 2014.  In route to amassing 100 club caps, Vlacik has contributed to three consecutive Swiss Super League Titles, and has taken part in two of Basel’s three Knockout Phase caliber squads (2014-15, 2017-18).  So, keep an eye on Vlacik today as his quality will assuredly be tested against Europe’s 2017-18 betting favorites, Manchester City.

Kevin De Bruyne (AM, MC)

One of the main reason’s for City’s dominance domestically and throughout Europe this season has to be the play of Kevin De Bruyne.  The one time Chelsea youth academy player has been performing at the near highest of levels.  So good so, that his manager Pep Guardiola is on record has saying that De Bruyne could win the ballon d’Or if City snag the famed bunny ears.  That’s saying quite a lot considering the player he helped groom on the banks of the Mediterranean.  Thus, watch for De Bruyne pull the strings of Basel’s midfield and defense time and again, creating a plethora of scoring chances for his attacking ‘mates.

Juventus vs Tottenham Hotspur FC
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Round of 16, Leg 1
Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy
Tuesday, February 13th, 2018    2:45PM EST        FS1

Gianluigi Buffon (GK, JUV)

The Old Lady’s old man, Gigi Buffon, will once again be in net today.  Ranking second all-time for most UCL appearances (121) and first in UCL Finals appearances (3) without winning the Champions League, Buffon is still keeping his dream alive through continued world class shot-stopping.  Juventus come into this match against Spurs having not allowed a goal in its last 16 matches in all comps.  Therefore, keep an eye on the 40 year old Italian between the sticks, as he eyes another trip to the finals, and hopefully a winner’s medal.

Harry Kane (CF, TOT)

If there’s anyone at the moment who could end Juve’s clean sheet streak, it’s perhaps Tottenham’s Harry Kane.  The 24 year old Brit currently leads all of Europe in goals this domestic season with 23.  Yes, more than Messi (20) and Cristiano Ronaldo (11).  Thus, watch Kane try to accomplish something it took Messi more than a handful of games to do, score on Gigi.  Good luck kid.

FC Porto v Liverpool FC
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Round of 16, Leg 1
Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal
Wednesday, February 14th, 2018    2:45PM EST        FS2

Moussa Marega (CF, FCP)

A name you probably haven’t heard much of, Moussa Marega is one of the best strikers in Liga NOS.  He’s tallied 16 goals thus far this season, ranking 3rd in the league.  Couple his own goalscoring prowess with the fact that his striking partner Vincent Aboubakar is doubtful for this match, and the Mali international will be getting fed the ball earlier and often up front.  Thus, keep an eye on the center forward as he will look to take full advantage of a rather porous Liverpool backline.  I think Marega and company could actually pull of a shocker here and win the match and the tie.

Mohamed Salah (LW, LFC)

Keeping with the trend of top goal scorers, the Egyptian has been on fire since moving to Anfield this past summer.  He’s currently in second place in the race for the Golden Shoe, 1 goal adrift of the aforementioned Premier League foe Harry Kane.  Therefore, be sure to hone in on Salah, as he’s sure to dazzle with his exceptional pace down the right flank.  I’m sure he’ll cap off a run or two with his foot flicking the ball into the back of the net.

Real Madrid CF v Paris Saint-Germain
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Round of 16, Leg 1
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Wednesday, February 14th, 2018    2:45PM EST        FS1

Cristiano Ronaldo (LW/CF, RM)

As if there’d be any other chosen here.  The much maligned, but current and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo will be taking center stage at his White House in Madrid.  Despite being jeered often this domestic campaign for a lack of production and a stumbling Real squad, Ronaldo was superb in the Group Stage, accruing a record nine goals in six matches.  In addition, his overall form has improved significantly over the past several weeks, as he’s scored seven goals from the past four La Liga fixtures.  Therefore, it appears Cristiano is ready to shoot his side to an unprecedented third consecutive Champions League crown in the modern-era.

Neymar Jr. (LW, PSG)

The former Cule moved to Paris this past summer for games like these, certainly not for Ligue 1 competition.  As expected, Neymar has steamrolled his way through the French top flight producing 20 goals and 11 assists so far.  However, Ney knows his Ballon d’Or case will be maybe for or against Europe’s best in the Champions League, and that starts Wednesday as he squares off against Cristiano and Real Madrid.  Ney’s the leading man for his squad now that he’s out of Messi’s shadow.  The question is, will Neymar Jr. seize the moment or will the bright lights of the White House prove blinding for the Brazilian on the pitch?