AC Milan vs. Feyenoord (Tuesday, 5.45pm)
© Imago
Taking a slender lead to San Siro, Feyenoord endeavour to finish the job on AC Milan when they reconvene for Tuesday's Champions League playoff second leg.
The managerless Dutch titans stunned Sergio Conceicao's side to triumph 1-0 at De Kuip in their opening encounter, and a last-16 date with either Inter Milan or Arsenal will be their reward should they maintain or increase their narrow advantage.
We say: AC Milan 2-0 Feyenoord (AC Milan win 2-1 on aggregate)
Only 1.06 Expected Goals (xG) were registered between the two clubs in last week's first leg - the second-lowest total of any UCL game this season - although Feyenoord's away matches have been anything but a dull watch so far.
However, with the Eredivisie outfit riddled by injuries and Milan fortifying the walls of their San Siro home of late, we can only envisage Conceicao's troops atoning for their first-leg wrongs and setting up a potential mouthwatering Milan derby in the last 16.
> Champions League preview: AC Milan vs Feyenoord
Benfica vs. Monaco (Tuesday, 8.00pm)
© Imago
With a Champions League last-16 tie against either Barcelona or Liverpool on the line, Benfica and Monaco reconvene for the second leg of their playoff battle on Tuesday night at the Estadio da Luz.
The Portuguese powerhouses left the Stade Louis II with a 1-0 triumph to their name from last week's first leg and now reunite with opponents hit with several suspension-related shortages.
We say: Benfica 2-2 Monaco (Benfica win 3-2 on aggregate)
All-out attack must be the formula for Monaco if they are to keep their Champions League dream alive, and the Biereth-inspired visitors should sense an opportunity against their depleted hosts.
However, Hutter has also been left incredibly short in midfield for the second leg, and Benfica should therefore be able to fight fire with fire and progress after an end-to-end battle.
> Champions League preview: Benfica vs Monaco
Bayern vs. Celtic (Tuesday, 8.00pm)
© Imago
Celtic face an uphill battle on Tuesday at Allianz Arena where they have to overturn a 2-1 first-left deficit away from home against Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League round of 16.
Harry Kane and Michael Olise gave Bayern a two-goal advantage at Celtic Park last Wednesday but Celtic's Daizen Maeda halved the scoreline with just over 10 minutes remaining to give the Scottish champions a glimmer of hope.
We say: Bayern Munich 3-1 Celtic (Bayern win 5-2 on aggregate)
Though Bayern have been somewhat weaker offensively in their past two games, their home record is phenomenal and they should be considered strong favourites.
Celtic will likely have to push forward at some point during the clash on Tuesday, and it would not be surprising if they conceded during counter-attacks.
> Champions League preview: Bayern vs Celtic
> Will Palhinha make the XI? How Bayern could line up against Celtic on Tuesday
> Jota in, Kuhn out? How the Hoops could line up against Bayern on Tuesday night
Atalanta vs. Brugge (Tuesday, 8.00pm)
© Imago
Atalanta BC will try to overturn a one-goal deficit when they welcome Club Brugge to Gewiss Stadium for Tuesday's second leg in the Champions League knockout round playoffs.
The hosts are looking to reach the Champions League last-16 for the first time since 2020-21, while the Belgian visitors are hoping to feature in the next stage for the second time in three seasons.
We say: Atalanta BC 3-1 Club Brugge (Atalanta win 4-3 on aggregate)
Atalanta left Belgium with a sense of injustice after falling to a narrow defeat following a controversial penalty call, but they will now look to channel that disappointment into motivation for Tuesday's return leg, and with home advantage in their favour, we think they will produce a free-scoring display to turn the tie in their favour.
> Champions League preview: Atalanta vs Brugge
Ben Knapton
