Benfica vs. Ajax (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
© Reuters
Two unfancied names for the Champions League crown will lock horns in the first leg of their last-16 clash on Wednesday, as Benfica play host to Ajax at the Estadio da Luz.
Nelson Verissimo's side finished second in Group E to advance to the knockout rounds, while their opponents strolled through Group C without dropping a single point.
We say: Benfica 1-3 Ajax
A trip to Benfica will present a significantly sterner test than what Ajax have become used to in the Eredivisie, but the hosts are still finding their feet under Verissimo and cannot expect to emulate their group-stage win over Barcelona with ease.
Borussia Dortmund, Sporting and Besiktas were all no match for this free-scoring and defensively watertight Ajax outfit in the group stage, and we expect Ten Hag's side to claim a healthy first-leg advantage on Wednesday.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Atletico vs. Man Utd (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
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Manchester United will make the trip to Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday evening looking to claim an advantage in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
The Red Devils finished top of Group F to advance to the knockout round of the competition, while Atletico claimed second spot in Group B behind Liverpool to ensure that they would be present at this stage.
We say: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Manchester United
Both teams would view a draw as a positive result ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford, and we are finding it difficult to separate them here. Man United are more than capable of finding the back of the net in Madrid, but Atletico will also expect to score at Wanda Metropolitano, so this contest could finish 1-1.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Manchester United could line up against Atletico Madrid
> Man United injury, suspension list vs. Atletico
Barney Corkhill
