16. Basel2014-15: Lost to Porto in round of 16 • 2015-16: Didn’t qualify • 2016-17: Group stageNext opponentfrom: Barcelona, Besiktas, Liverpool, Man City, PSG, Roma, TottenhamOdds: 300/1 (16th favourites)Basel suffered the joint-heaviest knockout-phase defeat – 7-0 to Bayern Munich in 2012 – and if the last 16 draw frowns upon them, there’s a small chance that record could come under threat. The 124-year-old, passionately supported lot from St. Jakob-Park nevertheless kept four clean sheets in their group – admittedly a comparatively weak one – and in 20-year-old forward Dimitri Oberlin, boast an intriguing talent.Ricky van Wolfswinkel will be out of his depth, though, and barring a dance-off with Besiktas, Basel will be out of the competition in March.15. Besiktas2014/15: Didn’t qualify • 2015/16: Didn’t qualify • 2016/17: Group stageNext opponentfrom: Basel, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Shakhtar DonetskOdds: 150/1 (joint-12th favourites)Besiktas won Group G with 14 points:an impressive feat.But while Istanbul and Champions League miracles have featured in the same fairy tale before, there’s not much chance of Pepe, Adriano and Ricardo Quaresma taking winners'medals back to the city.Besiktas’s bulging club of 30-something foreigners includes the aforementioned trio plus Gary Medel, Atiba Hutchinson, Ryan Babel, Jeremain Lens and Alvaro Negredo. Babel, Brazilian entertainer Talisca and multifaceted Germany-born Turkey forward Cenk Tosun have impressed this season –but the Black Eagles need to draw Basel to have anything more than an outside chance of flying into the quarter-finals.14. Shakhtar Donetsk2014-15: Lost to Bayern Munich, last16 • 2015-16: Group stage • 2016-17: Didn’t qualifyNext opponent from: Barcelona, Besiktas, Liverpool, Man United, PSG, Roma, TottenhamOdds: 250/1 (15th favourites)Condemning Manchester City –albeit a depleted version –to their first defeat in 29games,and overcoming the odds to finish six points ahead of third-placed Napoli in Group F will have lifted Shakhtar.Brazilian duo Taison and Bernard are pests to control on their day, but Facundo Ferreyra –who failed to see a second of Premier League action during a year at Newcastle –is the man entrusted with grabbing their goals. Shakhtar simply must capitalise upon playing at home – or, as is the case, 200 miles from it in Kharkiv – to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.13. Porto2014-15: Lost to Bayern Munich in quarter-finals • 2015-16: Group stage • 2016-17: Lost to Juventus in last16Next opponent from: Barcelona, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, PSG, Roma, TottenhamOdds: 150/1 (joint-12th favourites)Only PSG, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea scored more than Porto in the group stage. Their issue has been keeping goals out, with neither Iker Casillas nor the now-first-choice keeper Jose Sa able to prevent them.The Manchester United-linked Danilo Pereira and Hector Herrera form a tough central midfield partnership, while winger Yacine Brahimi and striker Vincent Aboubakar – both of whom are having fine seasons – mean they could give more vaunted opponents a fright or two.12. Sevilla2014-15: Didn’t qualify • 2015-16: Group stage • 2016-17: Lost to Leicester in last 16Next opponentfrom: Besiktas, Man City, Man United, PSG, Roma, TottenhamOdds: 150/1 (joint-12th favourites)Wissam Ben Yedder thrived in the group stage, netting six goals, but inadequate support for the former futsal star buried Sevilla’s hopes of pipping Liverpool to top spot. Jesus Navas and Nolito have both disappointed since swapping English benches for Spanish fields, Clement Lenglet and Guido Pizarro have lacked discipline, while Steven N’Zonzi reportedly wants out.Still, the likes of canny composer Ever Banega, attacking midfielder Joaquin Correa and striker Luis Muriel (as an impact substitute against tired legs)will give their last 16 foes concern.11. Roma2014-15: Group stage • 2015-16: Lost to Real Madrid in last16 • 2016-17: Didn’t qualifyNext opponentfrom: Basel, Bayern Munich, Porto, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Shakhtar DonetskOdds: 66/1 (11th favourites)Roma weren’t expected to escape a group comprising Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, yet alone win it. They did so to snatch a fatter chance of an easier last 16 assignment, but equalling their finest European Cup/Champions League campaign – they were losing finalists in 1984 – is a pipe dream.Roma didn’t use the €77m they got for Mo Salah and Antonio Rudiger on replacing them, and devoid of the Egyptian expressthey lack an outstanding creator to supply ever-reliable frontman Edin Dzeko. Aleksandar Kolarov is still capable in defence, Diego Perotti is a crafty player and Radja Nainggolan(when he keeps his cool)is a beast – but the Giallorossi have too many weak players for the elite teams they will eventually have to face in the knockout phase.10. Juventus2014-15: Lost to Barcelona in final • 2015-16: Lost to Bayern Munich in last16 • 2016-17:Lost to Real Madrid in finalNext opponentfrom: Besiktas, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, PSG, TottenhamOdds: 20/1 (joint-seventh favourites)Juventus looked disorientated defensively at the start of this season following the departure of Leonardo Bonucci, but they’ve been far sturdier of late, keeping clean sheets at home to Barcelona and away to Milan, Napoli and Olympiakos.Miralem Pjanic, Juan Cuadrado and Douglas Costa (who has finally got going after a forgettable start) all create, while Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain have 25 goals between them this term. Unfortunately for Juve, unless they draw Besiktas in the last 16, they’ll likely require a couple of heroic European performances from a man who turns 40 in January to go any further. Gigi Buffon’s done that before though, right?9. Chelsea2014-15: Lost to PSG in last 16 • 2015-16: Lost to PSG in last 16 • 2016-17: Didn’t qualifyNext opponentfrom: Barcelona, Besiktas, PSGOdds: 22/1 (ninth favourites)Chelsea’s net is guarded by Thibaut Courtois. He is shielded by three centre-backs including the infallible Cesar Azpilicueta. That defence is guarded by the indefatigable N’Golo Kante. It’s fair to say a full-strength Chelsea aren’t easy to score past.Offensively, Antonio Conte’s charges aren’t on the level as some of their last 16 contemporaries, but in Eden Hazard they have a wizard capable of spellbinding the meanest of backlines, and in Alvaro Moratastriker who is supremely efficient. Chelsea can only face Barcelona, their 2015 and 2016 conquerors PSG, or Besiktas in the first knockout round. While they’re certainly capable of upsetting the former pair, they’ll be desperately hoping for the latter.8. Tottenham2014-15: Didn’t qualify • 2015-16: Didn’t qualify • 2016-17: Group stageNext opponentfrom: Basel, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Porto,Sevilla, Shakhtar DonetskOdds: 20/1 (joint-seventh favourites)Is there a better finisher in world football than Harry Kane? Spurs’ issue is how often they can get the 24-year-old into shooting positions against Europe's best. Kieran Trippier provided invention down the right in the home win over Real Madrid, but Christian Eriksen has had a quiet season by his high standards.Spurs are, nevertheless, one of the strongest defensive sides in the competition and will have taken huge confidence from taking 16 points from a possible 18 in a group against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.7. Manchester United2014-15: Didn’t qualify • 2015-16: Group stage • 2016-17: Didn’t qualifyNext opponentfrom: Bayern Munich, Juventus, Porto, Real Madrid,Sevilla, Shakhtar DonetskOdds: 16/1 (sixth favourites)Manchester United perhaps have more points than their performances deserve in the 2017-18 Premier League, partly as a consequence of David de Gea proving as impenetrable as the blast door at Fort Knox. It’s wholly plausible to envisage the 27-year-old Spaniard repeatedly frustrating a PSG or a Real Madrid, and United nicking a goal on the counter.They also look far superior with Paul Pogba in their side, while Marcus Rashford will provide a new, unpredictable threat for non-English opposition. And if Romelu Lukaku can rediscover the form that persuaded United to spend £75m on him, the three-time European champions will be genuine contenders.6. Liverpool2014-15: Group stage • 2015-16: Didn’t qualify • 2016-17: Didn’t qualifyNext opponentfrom: Basel, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Porto, Real Madrid,Shakhtar DonetskOdds: 25/1 (10th favourites)Stay with us here. Yes, Liverpool are only fourth in the Premier League. They also got thumped 5-0 by Manchester City and 4-1 by Tottenham. But the potential of a Coutinho-Mane-Salah-Firmino quartet is as explosive as their manager on the touchline. Injuries, suspension and Jurgen Klopp’s penchant for rotation have meant they’ve all had few minutes together as a foursome, but Wednesday’s 7-0 obliteration of Spartak Moscow was a jaw-dropping example of what they can do.Liverpool’s issue is keeping goals out. Simon Mignolet is inferior to rival keepers, while Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Alberto Moreno gift opponents opportunities. On their day, however, the exhilarating Reds might have a better chance than Juventus, Manchester United and Tottenham (all sides with shorter odds) of hurting the Champions League's top predators.5. Bayern Munich2014-15: Lost to Barcelona in semi-finals • 2015-16: Lost to Atletico Madrid in semi-finals • 2016-17: Lost to Real Madrid in semi-finalsNext opponentfrom: Besiktas, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, Roma, TottenhamOdds: 8/1 (fifth favourites)There’s not much buzz around Bayern. PSG sent them back to kindergarten in September with that 3-0 win (although Bayern at least won the return match after both sides had qualified). The German champions have also slipped up a few times early on in the Bundesliga.However, as one multiple Champions League-winning coach replaced another, the 2012-13 kings have rediscovered their rhythm. Summer importCorentin Tolisso is beginning to find his feet;Robert Lewandowski is one of the deadliest marksmen around;Arjen Robben remains rapid, predictable yet somehow unplayable;David Alaba is a diamond on his day. Plus, they could have the magnificent Manuel Neuer back for the last16.Nonetheless, manager Jupp Heynckes must resist the urge to select Thomas Muller (who’s been getting picked on reputation for a good while) for the crunch games.4. Barcelona2014-15: Winners • 2015-16: Lost to Atletico Madrid in quarter-finals • 2016-17: Lost to Juventus in quarter-finalsNext opponentfrom: Basel, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Porto, Sevilla, Shakhtar DonetskOdds: 7/1 (fourth favourites)Barcelona may be a decayed version of the MSN-spearheaded side that swaggered to a third European crown in seven years in 2015, but their two main attackers are still capable of winning any contest. The problem is that, without their ‘N’ drawing defenders away, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have less space and less ammunition.Andres Iniesta is not the magician he once was, while Paco Alcacer, Gerard Deulofeu, Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez and Arda Turan have all failed to become the club’s next big star. Is Ousmane Dembele, the second-costliest footballer in history, the answer? The 20-year-old was injured on his first league and has just returned to training, but he certainly has the ability to be.Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is at least in fine form right now, though, while Gerard Pique comes with the experience and style that could keepBarça running smoothly. The Catalansare still fearsome, but they don’t intimidate opponents the way they did for so long.3. PSG2014-15: Lost to Barcelona in quarter-finals • 2015-16: Lost to Manchester City in quarter-finals •2016-17: Lost to Barcelona in last16Next opponent from: Basel, Chelsea, Juventus, Porto, Real Madrid,Sevilla, Shakhtar DonetskOdds: 7/2 (favourites)PSG bagged more goals than any other team in the group stage. They’ve scored more league goals this season than any other team in a major European league. They have the world's most expensive player in the world in Neymar. Kylian Mbappe is a monster. Edinson Cavani could pick out every corner of the goal blindfolded. Marco Verratti dictates play with authority.It’s easy to see why PSG are the bookies’ favourites. On the flip side, however, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is a weak link in a paramount position. Furthermore, how heavily will that almighty March collapse at the Camp Nou weigh on the minds of a club that has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals?2. Real Madrid2014-15: Lost to Juventus in semi-finals • 2015-16: Winners • 2016-17: WinnersNext opponentfrom: Besiktas, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, PSG, RomaOdds: 6/1 (third favourites)They may languish fourth in La Liga. Statisticians might be pointing out Cristiano Ronaldo’s poor domestic goals-to-shots ratio. They may only be in the draw as Group H runners-up. But ruling out a club with more than twice as many European titles as any other still in the competitionand a win-when-they-shouldn’t capacity is silly.Real Madrid have a solid goalkeeper;Marcelo, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric would make mostneutrals' World XI;Isco is a surgeon;Gareth Bale, if fit, can destroy any team. InRonaldo, they have a player who even in poor form has still just broken a new Champions League record for scoring in every group game.On top of all this, Zinedine Zidane will rest key players to ensure they’re at their peak for big Champions League dates.1. Manchester City2014-15: Lost to Barcelona in last16 • 2015-16: Lost to Real Madrid in semi-finals • 2016-17: Lost to Monaco in last16Next opponentfrom: Basel, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Porto, Real Madrid, SevillaOdds: 9/2 (second favourites)“They’re the most creative side in Europe,” said Maurizio Sarri before Manchester City slammed four goals past his Napoli team in Naples. “There’s so much to fear. They can score all sorts of goals.”Top priority for those plotting to crack the conundrum is checking Kevin De Bruyne. Even if they do that, however, they’ll have Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus hurtling at them; David Silva piercing their defence with through-balls,and Sergio Aguero lurking where you don’t want him.On top of that, John Stones looks far more stable, Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy (who hopes to be fit for the quarter-finals) form arguably the finest full-back pairing in the competition and, crucially, Pep Guardiola looks to have found a top-rate goalkeeper in Ederson – overlooking his howler in the last group game. If the 46-year-old Spaniard avoids making bizarre decisions for Champions League examinations, Manchester City will take some beating.New features you'd love every day on FourFourTwo.com
