The six English clubs left in Europe have learned who they will be facing in the quarter-finals, and for two of them – Tottenham and Manchester City, have been paired together.
With four Premier League clubs in the last eight of the Champions League, there was always a good chance of at least one all-English tie and that is what we got as competition favourites City were paired with Tottenham.
With the semi-finals also pre-drawn – City or Spurs know they will face the winners of Ajax v Juventus.
Last season’s beaten finalists Liverpool will be pleased with their draw as they were paired with the perceived outsiders Porto.
And we could see a Liverpool v Manchester United semi-final, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have something of a hurdle to overcome as they will take on Barcelona.
The draw has seen City’s odds cut further and are into 9/4 favourites.
Michael Triffitt of BetVictor commented: “Manchester City remain 9/4 favourites for the champions League after been paired with fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham. The Citizens are 1/4 to make the semi-final with Spurs 11/4. Manchester United are 11/4 shots after drawing Barcelona, whilst Liverpool are 4/1 from 5/1 to lift the trophy after been drawn to face Porto with the Reds 2/9 to reach the semi final.
“An all English final shortens to 15/8 from 5/2 although Manchester City against Barcelona is deemed the most likely and now just 3/1 from 5/1 pre draw and 14/1 at the start of the competition. England are still 8/13 to produce the winner having four chances.”
? The quarter-final draw ?
? Most exciting tie? #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/bpkwkVKvdH
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 15, 2019
In the Europa League, and it was contrasting fortunes in the draw.
Favourites Chelsea will be happy with being paired against Slavia Prague, but Arsenal less so as they were handed the toughest looking tie with Napoli.
If Arsenal win they will take on the winners of Villarreal v Valencia, whilst Chelsea will face Benfica or Eintracht Frankfurt if they get through.
On the Europa draw, Michael Triffitt of BetVictor added: “In the Europa League well supported Chelsea have shortened to 7/4 favourites from 5/2 after been handed a quarter final draw with outsiders Slavia Prague. Arsenal drift to 9/2 from 7/2 after been given a tough tie with Napoli who are 7/2 from 3/1. With Chelsea avoiding those giants in a possible semi final they look well placed to make the final.”