(Football news) Last year's finalists Manchester City will take on Sporting CP in UEFA Champions League round of 16. The first leg will be played in Lisbon with the return leg scheduled to take place in 3 weeks time. After playing their first final last year, Manchester City will be keen on finally getting their hands on the coveted trophy. Personally, Pep Guardiola is also waiting to win the trophy for the first time since 2011.

It goes without saying that City are outright favourites to win the tie and all Sporting could realistically do is damage limitation. Having said that Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have lost UCL ties where they were heavy favourites. Lyon, Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco have all got the better of the sky blues over two legs. Sporting are currently 2nd in the Liga NOS table, 6 points behind Porto while Manchester City are 9 points clear at the top of the Premier League table. 

Jack Grealish, Gabriel Jesus and Cole Palmer are out of contention due to injuries. Raheem Sterling is in red hot form after his perfect hat-trick against Norwich City on the weekend. Joao Cancelo was given a rest hence he should be fresh and ready to start the game. Sporting CP on the other hand drew against rivals Porto on the weekend. Winger Pablo Sarabia is the man to look out for in the tie.

The away goals rule has been abolished this season hence the first leg is less likely to decide the tie unless City win by a big margin. Pep Guardiola will like to see a lot of intent from his side so as to take the momentum into the quarterfinals. Sporting on the other hand could pull off a massive upset.

Also read: Blockbuster UCL knockouts nights return as Real Madrid take on PSG