AliousTottenham Hotspur aiming for European boost after tough league season
Tottenham will be looking to make a strong impression in the Champions League following what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign.
Rooney and Walcott predict early exit for Spurs
With the next Champions League round set for 10–11 March and 17–18 March, all four Premier League representatives have progressed to the last 16. However, former England internationals Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott are not optimistic about Spurs’ chances.
When asked how far Tottenham could go in the competition, both pundits suggested the North London club will be eliminated at the round-of-16 stage.
Spurs have already secured their place in that phase and will face either Galatasaray or Atletico Madrid, after the two sides came through their respective play-offs. Galatasaray defeated Juventus 7–5 on aggregate, while Atletico Madrid overcame Club Brugge 7–4 to advance. The draw will determine whether they meet Spurs or Liverpool.
Rooney also expects Newcastle United to bow out in the same round as Tottenham, whereas Walcott believes Eddie Howe’s side can reach the quarter-finals.
Mixed forecasts for the Premier League’s elite
Discussing the other English contenders, Rooney predicted that Chelsea will progress further than Spurs and make the quarter-finals. Walcott, meanwhile, expects both Chelsea and Tottenham to fall at the last-16 hurdle.
As for Liverpool and Manchester City, Rooney forecasts semi-final appearances for both, while backing Arsenal to reach the final.
Walcott goes one step further with Arsenal, tipping the Gunners to win the Champions League for the first time in their history. He also predicts Liverpool will make the semi-finals, with Manchester City exiting in the quarter-finals.
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