English football is making a great comeback on the European scene, with 3 clubs grabbing positive results in the Champions League.
For the first time in history there are no less than 5 clubs from England in the knock-out phase of the Champions League.
Spurs played first against the Italian giants, Juventus, and no one gave them a chance in the first leg away in Turin, especially after they went down 2-0 in the first 10 minutes. But the London club regrouped and managed to draw in the first leg, and will be going into the second leg of this tie with great optimism.
Other two clubs that played earlier were Manchester City and Liverpool, both winning in their away matches and probably securing their place in the next knockout round. Citizens demolished Basel 4-0, whilst the Reds rampaged Porto 5-0 in their first tie.
Objectively speaking it looks as one of these two teams, City and Liverpool, have the best chances of winning the Champions League this season. Both teams have been playing brilliantly both in their domestic competition and in Europe.
But, as said, there are 5 teams left, and the other two playing their matches next week in the Champions League are the current Premier League title holders Chelsea and the second team from Manchester, United.
Let's take a look at the odds, opponents and give our say on the final outcome of these two matches.
Chelsea vs Barcelona
Chelsea got the thoughts opponent as they will be facing the great Barcelona on 20th February. Even the online bookies and gambling sites are giving slim chances for Blues to continue their European story. You can check the odds via the best UK betting apps.
It goes without saying that any club is an underdog against Barca that has fully fit Messi, but it comes as no surprise once we take a look at the current form of the two.
Chelsea, shadow of a team they were only a season ago, and if Antonio Conte doesn't perform some miracle against the Spaniards it will most probably be the end of him as the gaffer of the Blues.
Miracles do happen, but not that often. This will most probably be the end of the road for one English club, but it will still leave 4 in the running's.
Sevilla vs Man Utd
Unlike Chelsea, Manchester United will be going to Spain with a much easier task at hand. The Red Devils will face Sevilla on 21st of February, game in which they are clear favourites.
And even thou the Spanish club must be taken seriously they are light years away when it comes to individual player quality. Paul Pogba and the gang should be more than enough to go past the Spanish team.
Mourinho's team is playing some good football at the moment and are occupying the second position in English top tier, but are trailing behind City a massive 16 points, so it's safe to say that the Portuguese manager will rest some of the first team players in league games to have them fresh on February 21st.
UEFA rankings for club competitions
With all of the great results coming from English clubs this season, it is no wonder that they top the UEFA rankings. Again, this is great news and a definite sign that the English football is making a remarkable comeback this season.
There has been a lot of frustration among the fans when it came to European football, but this is the year that English club football will show all its might to the rest of the Europe.
