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Champions League quarter-finals: Five things to look out for

Manchester City will look to continue their quadruple bid when they face Tottenham while Manchester United face the daunting challenge of Barcelona.

The first legs of the Champions League quarter-finals take place this week. Here, Press Association Sport looks at some talking points ahead of the games.

United's Barca challenge

Manchester United come up against Lionel Messi
Manchester United come up against Lionel Messi (Nick Potts/PA)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United pulled off a shock to beat Paris St Germain in the last round and it was probably that result that clinched the manager's job full time for the Norwegian. Performances since have tailed off slightly and the challenge ahead of them as they face Barcelona and, of course, Lionel Messi, is huge. Barca are closing in on an eighth LaLiga title in 11 years and will be keen to make the most of Real Madrid's elimination from the Champions League.

City's quadruple push

Manchester City boss Guardiola has played down quadruple talk
Manchester City boss Guardiola has played down quadruple talk (John Walton/PA)

Manchester City are the favourites for the Champions League and with good reason given their sustained excellence in four competitions this season. Manager Pep Guardiola described the quadruple as "almost impossible" at the weekend but it is actually far from inconceivable. The Champions League has been the one hurdle they have consistently failed to clear, however. Guardiola has often referred to a lack of experience on the European stage for that, although that may not be relevant in this round as they face a Premier League rival in Tottenham.

All-English clash

Manchester City will be the second visitors to Tottenham's new stadium
Manchester City will be the second visitors to Tottenham's new stadium (Nick Potts/PA)

City's tie with Spurs is an enticing one, starting with the first leg at the London club's new stadium on Tuesday. City's superiority is evident in the 16-point gap between the two sides – from second to third – in the Premier League but a big domestic advantage counted for nothing when they faced Liverpool at the same stage last year. Then City lost 3-0 in the first leg at a fevered Anfield. Spurs will hope the atmosphere at their new stadium will work in their favour, although Kevin De Bruyne has dismissed it. "I don't care about the stadium," he said.

Liverpool eyeing last four again

Liverpool go into their clash with Porto in good form
Liverpool go into their clash with Porto in good form (Martin Rickett/PA)

Last year's beaten finalists Liverpool may fancy their chances of reaching the last four again after being drawn against Porto, a side they beat 5-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie last season. The Reds' priority may be the Premier League but defeat here would represent a big missed opportunity. Porto are also without veteran defender Pepe for Tuesday's first leg at Anfield through suspension.

Ronaldo fitness

Cristiano Ronaldo has had a fitness scare in recent weeks
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a fitness scare in recent weeks (Martin Rickett/PA)

Five-time world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo has been out for the past two weeks with a thigh injury but is expected to return for Juventus' clash with Ajax. Manager Massimiliano Allegri took no risks against AC Milan at the weekend, holding the Portuguese back in a bid to ensure his fitness for Wednesday in Amsterdam. Ronaldo, who has won this competition five times, relishes such occasions.

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Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt pictured in March 2019
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal33235577265174
2Liverpool33228375324374
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33127144653-743
12Fulham34126165054-442
13Bournemouth33119134860-1242
14Crystal Palace3399154256-1436
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton33108153448-1430
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3337233188-5716


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