Predictions: Champions League Last 16

The second set of UEFA Champions League last-16 ties begin tonight as Atletico Madrid host Chelsea and Lazio entertain holders Bayern Munich. The first legs then conclude tomorrow night as Atalanta welcome Real Madrid and Borussia Monchengladbach face the daunting task of trying to overcome Manchester City.

Matchday FM pundit Chris Coughlin gives this thoughts ahead of the midweek matches...

ATLETICO MADRID V CHELSEA - Tuesday 23rd, 8pm

Chris Coughlin

A month or so ago, this tie looked a forgone conclusion. Chelsea were all over the place under Frank Lampard and leaking goals left, right and centre whereas Atletico Madrid were storming clear at the top of La Liga with a second domestic title under legendary coach Diego Simeone looking a formality. Now, however, it should be a much tighter contest. Lampard, who did lead Chelsea to top spot in their group including a comprehensive 4-0 win over Sevilla, was replaced by Thomas Tuchel who has transformed the Blues' fortunes with Chelsea unbeaten in the German's seven games in charge so far, winning five. Atletico, however, have stumbled of late taking five points from their last four games and are without key players for Tuesday's first leg including Yannick Carrasco, Jose Gimenez & Hector Herrera as well as Kieran Trippier who is still serving his suspension for breaching FIFA's betting rules. This whole tie could well be a case of which defence comes out on top.

Prediction: 1-1

LAZIO V BAYERN - Tuesday 23rd, 8pm

Chris Coughlin

Similarly to Atletico Madrid v Chelsea, not so long ago you would've been forgiven for thinking there was only one winner here. Bayern were racing clear at the top of the Bundesliga and were on their way to becoming World Champions in Qatar against Lazio side whose form around the turn of the year was best described as "patchy" at best. The last fortnight has given this tie an intriguing new complexion. Since returning from Qatar, Bayern have taken just one point from two games against relegation-threatening Armenia Bielefeld and in-form Eintracht Frankfurt with the squad being stretched to breaking point - Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Douglas Costa, Benjamin Pavard & Corentin Tolisso are all set to miss the first leg. Lazio, meanwhile, have fought their way back into top four contention as least in Serie A, winning seven of their last eight league matches with the only defeat coming against league leaders Inter Milan on Valentine's Day. I think Bayern's squad ultimately has enough quality to see themselves through the tie as they search for back-to-back Champions League titles but it will not be straight forward by any means.

Prediction: 1-2

ATALANTA V REAL MADRID - Wednesday 24th, 8pm

Chris Coughlin

There will be many Real Madrid fans who are just grateful to even be in the knockout stages. Despite finishing top of their group, they were far from convincing. Zinedine Zidane's side lost both games against Shakhtar Donetsk and were 2-0 down to Borussia Monchengladbach late on before a late rally rescued an ultimately crucial 2-2 draw. Domestically, Real are applying the pressure on Atletico with four straight wins to move to within three points of the La Liga summit. As for Atalanta, their method of "attack is the best form of defence" appears to be their plan once again. The Italians, who are an emerging force in Europe after an impressive debut campaign in the Champions League last season, sit fifth in the Serie A, are the second top scorers in Italy's top flight this season and will face Juventus in the Coppa Italia final in May. On paper, this is a very exciting matchup and, if Atalanta can unsettle Real as many sides have done this season, they have every chance of taking a lead back to the Spanish Capital.

Prediction: 2-2

MONCHENGLADBACH V MAN CITY - WEDNESDAY 24TH, 8PM

Chris Coughlin

Is there any stopping Manchester City right now? Pep Guardiola's men come into the first leg in Budapest on the back of 17 straight domestic wins plus Kevin De Bruyne who made his first start since returning from injury in Sunday's 1-0 win against Arsenal. My main observation of Manchester City is that, whilst you cannot question the quality of their attacking assets, their defence is what will lead them to at least one trophy this season. Ruben Dias has been a sensational addition. In fact, his form combined with John Stones' rejuvenation, means that Aymeric Laporte is no longer a guaranteed starter which was unthinkable given the Frenchman's performances over the last few seasons. Their opponents, Monchengladbach, will be seen as many as lambs to the slaughter. The Germans come into the tie having lost 2-1 at home to second-bottom Mainz on Saturday and are winless in four league games. They do possess talented players across the pitch in the likes of Alessane Plea, Marcus Thuram, Florian Neuhaus and Nico Elvedi but even with that quality at their disposal, this will be a tough ask for the Foals to beat City. Coach Marco Rose is set to leave at the end of the season to take over at Borussia Dortmund and I expect this to be his last foray into Europe with Monchengladbach.

Prediction: 0-3