The UEFA Champions League returns with the highly anticipated round of 16 first legs. As Fantasy Football managers gear up for the matches, we delve into the predicted line-ups and team news for this week's fixtures, highlighting key players to watch.

Leverkusen vs Arsenal

In the clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal, Leverkusen will field Blaswich in goal, supported by a defensive line of Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba, and Grimaldo. The midfield will see Palacios and García, while Culbreath and Maza will provide width on the flanks. Terrier and Kofane are set to lead the attack. However, Leverkusen faces injury concerns with Arthur, Badé, and Lucas Vázquez sidelined, and Schick's participation remains uncertain. Notably, García and Kofane are at risk of missing the next match if they receive a booking.

On the other side, Arsenal's starting XI includes Raya as the goalkeeper, with Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, and Hincapié forming the defense. Zubimendi and Rice will anchor the midfield, while Eze adds creativity. The attacking trio consists of Saka, Gyökeres, and Martinelli. Arsenal will be without Merino, Ødegaard, and White, and Saliba, Calafiori, and Trossard are listed as doubtful. Additionally, Nørgaard risks suspension with a potential booking.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea

Paris Saint-Germain will line up with Safonov in goal, backed by a defensive unit of Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield will feature Zaïre-Emery and Vitinha, with João Neves providing width. Doué and Dembélé are expected to lead the attack. Fabián Ruiz is currently injured, but the rest of the squad is fit.

Chelsea's starting XI includes Jørgensen in goal, with a defense comprising James, Chalobah, Fofana, and Cucurella. In midfield, Caicedo and Andrey Santos will operate, while Palmer and Fernández will provide width. The attacking duo will consist of Pedro Neto and João Pedro. Chelsea will miss Colwill and Gittens due to injuries, and Estêvão is doubtful. Both Fernández and Andrey Santos face the risk of missing the next match if they receive a booking.

Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP

Bodø/Glimt's lineup features Haikin in goal, with Sjøvold, Bjørtuft, Gundersen, and Bjørkan in defense. The midfield will be manned by Evjen and Berg, while Brunstad Fet provides width. The attacking trio consists of Blomberg, Høgh, and Hauge. There are no injury concerns for Bodø/Glimt.

Sporting CP will start with Rui Silva in goal, supported by a backline of Vagiannidis, Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, and Fresneda. João Simões and Hjulmand will occupy the midfield, while Catamo, Francisco Trincão, and Luis Guilherme will provide width. Suárez is set to lead the attack. Sporting CP will be without Araújo, Pedro Gonçalves, Ioannidis, Ricardo Mangas, and Geovany Quenda, but there are no doubts regarding the rest of the squad. Suárez risks suspension with a booking.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City

Real Madrid's lineup features Courtois in goal, with the rest of the details to be confirmed as the match approaches. This fixture promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to secure a strong position in the knockout stage.

As the round of 16 kicks off, fans and Fantasy Football managers alike will be keenly watching these matchups, hoping for standout performances from their selected players.