Champions League: 4 Tasty Knockout Ties That Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea & Arsenal Could Face

2. Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Last season this was a group stage fixture, but now both teams have strengthened. Real brought in Gareth Bale to an already stellar side. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way, however, after netting a record nine times in just five games in the competition so far this term.

Argentina's Angel Di Maria is among the leading assistants too, making five goals despite no longer being guaranteed a starting spot under Carlo Ancelotti. Even with Sami Khedira injured, Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric make for a formidable midfield duo behind the front four.

City's Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini meanwhile has seen Sergio Aguero and summer signing Alvaro Negredo form a strong strike partnership. They scored 11 of 18 goals in the group stage as the Citizens finished behind Bayern Munich.

Just like Madrid the supporting cast for City have created aplenty. James Milner, Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas have ten assists between them. Any potential tie between these teams rests on the quality of the defending then.

Pellegrini will be hoping City captain Vincent Kompany can put his recent injury problems as the team is stronger with him fit and in the XI. There is also the goalkeeping issue both teams have. Joe Hart and Iker Casillas may be first choice for their countries, but not presently for their clubs.