This Time Next Year - Mid-Week Preview | 11th, 12th & 13th March 2025

This Time Next Year.. Mid-Week Preview | 11th, 12th & 13th March 2025

By Aaron Byrne March 11, 2025 #ThisTimeNextYear

Welcome to this weeks midweek preview. We have a large amount of matches to choose from this week, so I have had a thorough look through and chosen the best matches.

These matches either have the best chance of some good value, or matches that aren't completely done and dusted; the Arsenal match for instance.

Barcelona vs Benfica

Starting with two teams bang in form in both their domestic and European leagues. Barcelona, winning 5 of their last 6 and Benfica boasting an impressive 4 wins and only 1 loss from thier last 6 matches respectively.

However, the weekend rest Barcelona received due to a devastating death within the club, could mean they are too much to handle for the travelling Portuguese side. Along with Barcalona's 1nil first leg win, should put the Spanish side in a confident pre-match mood.

Given Barcelona's recent home form, and the current form of Raphinha along with the experience from a striker like Lewandowski - it's hard to see Benfica getting anything positive from the tie.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich

Our second pick sees two giants of their domestic leagues having somewhat of an indifferent campaign in Europe. This time round, both have made it this far, but definitely not as seamlessly as has happened in the past.

The home side have been having an uncharacteristic wobble within the last few weeks, which has rarely been seen under the tutelage of Alonso. This has meant just 2 wins from their last 5. A disappointing return from such an impressive side.

Bayern however, have gone from strength to strength over the last few weeks they have won 5 of their last 8, with only 1 loss within that period.

This form has seen them amass a healthy 8 point lead on this weeks opponents in the fight to be crowned Bundesliga champions. Although, they have also had some challenging encounters this season predominantly in Europe. This nervousness seemed to be blown away with the first leg demolition last time out.

This tie should have easily been one of the ties of the round, with both teams performing excellently over the last couple of years. However, with Leverkusen's recent inconsistency and lack of goals from Boniface, we just cannot see a way back into the tie for the home side. Bayern firing on all cylinders lately and Kane's insatiable search for his first piece of silverware, should prove enough to see them through to the next stage.

Inter Milan vs Feyenoord

Our next match sees a European giant take on a very successful domestic side, with both having very contrasting fortunes this year thus far.

Inter Milan are having an enthralling head to head race with Napoli for the Serie A title. While Feyenoord have struggled this season, currently sitting in a disappointing 5th, 19 points off the first placed team.

This gulf in form and quality showed in the first leg of the tie, with Robin Van Persies men rarely threatening the Milan goalkeeper. Without playing to their full potential Milan's strikers bagged a goal apiece, and without a fantastic penalty save - it could have been more comfortable still for the Italians.

Feyenoord play very attractive football. WIth talented full backs and wingers that can cause a lot of teams trouble on their day. However, Inter's incredibly strong midfield; defence and clinical attackers mean this should be a very one sided affair again.

Liverpool vs Paris St Germain

This next match in my opinion is not only the tie of the week, but has to be the tie of the Champions league this year thus far.

The first leg in Paris was a fast paced, attacking, breathlessly entertaining goalkeeping masterclass, with the sourest of sucker-punches at the death for the Parisians - much to the delight of the travelling Liverpool supporters.

Both teams have been nearly flawless in last few matches. Liverpool, unbeaten and with 5 wins from 6, and PSG also with 5 wins from 6 - their only loss coming at the hands of their next opponents.

The quality of players on the pitch from both teams and the precarious situation of the ties outcome, hopefully means that this will be one of those must watch matches.

Enrique has finally found the answer to possible European success with the French side steering away from bank breaking foreign stars, and concentrating on amazingly talented young players, such as Barcola, Zaire-Emery and finding the best out of Vitinha.

The fact that the French side must go all out to change the tide of the tie, could ultimately mean a step to far this time around. Liverpool's amazing defence, including possibly the world's best goalkeeper, coupled with their rapid counter attack and the evergreen Mohammed Salah, could see experience prevail in this wonderful clash of styles.

Aston Villa vs Club Brugge

The next selection sees two teams who on their day can be nearly unplayable, however their days never seem to come as often as the respective fans would like, this still has the potential to be one of the ties not to be missed.

Club Brugge, have really struggled to find consistent form in the Belgian league this year. The current league champions have only won 2 out of their last 6 matches in all competitions. The same cannot be said about Aston Villa, however, after a mid-season wobble around Christmas time. They have 4 wins from their last 6 including impressive wins over Chelsea and Brentford. Alongside beating Brugge in the first leg.

Club Brugge at their best would compose a very stern test for the English side. However, even with Jutglia scoring often, this season the Belgian side have lacked consistency meaning they are 9 points off the pace to retain their domestic title.

Aston Villa's January additions of Rashford and Marco Asensio has revitalised the Birmingham side, the new firepower alongside the already impressive Watkins, Rogers, and strength of Onana and McGinn in the centre of the park, should be more than enough to see off the Belgian champions.

Athletico Madrid vs Real Madrid

We end this weeks midweek preview with another possible not to be missed match. Not only are they both Champions league winne, Spanish La liga champions and other various cup competition winners. They are also mutually despised neighbours inhabiting the same small slice of earth known as Madrid, the fireworks almost set themselves off without the need for fans doing it.

Athletico are having a wonderful season in La liga with a 3-way battle being fought out on Spanish soil. However, they have definitely had a stumble lately that needs serious attention from Simeone and his men, only winning 2 of their last 6 in all competitions could spell the end of a serious title challenge.

In contrasting form are their noisy neighbours in white - boasting an impressive 4 wins out of their last 6 with players such a Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe showing exactly why they are touted as superstars.

There are only a few teams in Europe with the defensive capabilities and the mental fortitude to overcome the might of Real Madrid, and first leg deficit. Fortunately, Diego Simeone's side are definitely of that ilk, and do have the chance of besting thier neighbours to progress to the next stage of the competition.

However, their challenge could not be greater - facing the best Champions League team ever with arguably the best Champions League manager.

All outcomes are very possible in the second leg of this tie, but in the opinion of this writer the team that always find a way will again. Unbelievable talent at their disposal Real Madrid are favourites for good reason.