Six matches, four losses and no wins in the first legs — every English side still has work to do to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham face steep three-goal deficits. Liverpool must overturn a one-goal deficit at Anfield, while Arsenal and Newcastle cannot afford to lose their second legs.
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen (1-1 agg.) — Tuesday, 8pm
After a draining win over Everton, Arsenal return to Europe knowing a slip will eliminate them. Mikel Arteta must manage workload and pick the best attacking combinations. Questions remain on the right wing — Noni Madueke impressed off the bench in the first leg, which could affect Bukayo Saka’s starting place — and up front: Kai Havertz seems to suit the side, but Viktor Gyokeres deserves consideration after his substitute goal at Everton. With the Carabao Cup final soon after, Arteta must avoid fatigue and injuries while finding the strongest frontline and balance. (Sam Blitz)
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain (2-5 agg.) — Tuesday, 8pm
Overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit is rare but not impossible. Chelsea created openings in Paris and will need to reproduce that attacking threat at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer key to delivering moments of quality; he has one goal in five but must produce something special. Season-long issues — chance conversion, lapses in big moments and defensive fragility — mean Chelsea need near-perfection. PSG, rested by Ligue 1 scheduling and motivated after the Club World Cup final loss to Chelsea, are dangerous. Chelsea must be clinical and disciplined. (Peter Smith)
Man City vs Real Madrid (0-3 agg.) — Tuesday, 8pm
City must achieve what no side has done against Real Madrid from three goals down in 36 previous attempts. The Bernabeu scoreline flattered Real somewhat — City controlled possession but lacked incision and urgency; Erling Haaland had an xG of zero. Pep Guardiola needs creative invention: Rayan Cherki behind Haaland and shifting Nico O’Reilly into midfield could add incisiveness, while Antoine Semenyo needs better service. City must sharpen their attacking rhythm and be fearless to avoid European exit. (Laura Hunter)
Liverpool vs Galatasaray (0-1 agg.) — Wednesday, 8pm
Liverpool need a fast start, high press and to rouse Anfield early. An early goal would settle nerves, but patience is required against a Galatasaray side capable of defending deep and striking on the counter. Conceding an away goal would probably end Liverpool’s hopes, so a complete performance at both ends — strong attacking intent and solid defending, including avoiding late goals — is essential. Historically this season, Liverpool have struggled to produce near-perfect displays, so they must put everything together on the night. (Rich Morgan)
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid (2-5 agg.) — Wednesday, 8pm
Spurs were undone by errors in Madrid; the immediate requirement is to avoid mistakes. After conceding five in the first leg, Tottenham must at least match their two away goals and find three to level or four to win. Goalkeeping errors have been a recent storyline, but Guglielmo Vicario remains the No.1. Atletico are not the most defensively conservative side, yet they can be resilient; Spurs need near-perfection in attack and defense — leaving no room for further lapses. (Charlotte Marsh)
Barcelona vs Newcastle (1-1 agg.) — Wednesday, 5.45pm
Newcastle travel to the Camp Nou with the tie finely balanced after a late penalty at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon’s recent goal will boost confidence; his pace and directness are vital on the counter. Barcelona, strong at home and in form after a 5-2 win over Sevilla, will dominate possession. Newcastle should play to their strengths: high intensity, disruptive midfield work from Sandro Tonali alongside Joelinton, and tactical discipline to frustrate Barca’s technicians. Delivering intensity for 90 minutes could put Newcastle into club folklore. (Peter Smith)