It's a great time to be a footie fan, isn't it? The Champions League is back, domestic leagues are coming towards the critical stretch of the season, and now that the Super Bowl dust has settled, we only have on focus going into Spring...

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Let's get straight into it.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It):

Are Arsenal's title hopes dashed? Manchester City stormed the Emirates and beat Arsenal 3-1 on Wednesday. It wasn't long ago that Arsenal held an 8 point lead in the Premier League, and now sit second, tied on points with Man City. In a performance atypical of Pep's City, they had only 36% possession––the lowest in a game under Guardiola. It was mistakes from Arsenal and clinical finishing by City that won the game, as Arsenal could only muster one shot on target. Arsenal do have a game in hand, but can they launch a second half campaign worthy of the PL title? 

It's been a rough week for Paris Saint-Germain... After losing 3-1 to Monaco at the weekend, they again fell to Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Tuesday. Perhaps an unfair tie to see in the round of 16, but if PSG can't get through it, we'll start to ask whether or not they will ever win the Champions League. 

Is it time for Conte and Spurs to part ways? Tottenham were dismantled 4-1 by Leicester City over the weekend, and serious questions are now being asked. Expectations were massive for Spurs this season, and they simply have not delivered. Antonio Conte is a serial winner, but it doesn't appear to working in North London. They've now lost 3 of 5 in the PL, are conceding goals like a pub team, and seem to be regressing from last season. Many think Conte has one foot out the door already; should Tottenham make a change? 

Two names synonymous with the Europa League... Barcelona and Manchester United played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg of the tie. There were some big calls, some questionable, but ultimately it was a fabulous game of football. Game on in the second leg. 

Quiz Of The Week

How many European Cup Finals/Champions League Finals have Liverpool and Real Madrid combined to play in? 

(Answer at the end of the letter) 

Champions League Final Rematch

Tuesday –– 3:00 PM ET : Liverpool (+140) vs Real Madrid (+190)

It doesn't get much bigger than this. Last year's finalists have drawn each other in the opening round of the knockout stage, and both are out for blood. 

For Liverpool, this tie obviously offers up a slice of revenge for last year's final (not to mention 2018). But, in the bigger scheme of things, it offers up a chance to salvage what has been an abysmal season to this point. Liverpool aren't out of the top four race, in fact they have a MASSIVE game against Newcastle at the weekend before this fixture, but it will be uphill sledding to get over that line. Even so, Liverpool expect to be challenging for titles and trophies these days, and this season isn't bringing it. Out of both the League and FA Cups already, the CL offers Liverpool one final path to glory. 

Real Madrid have the weight of being the holders on their backs, and this opening tie isn't exactly a favor. Ancelotti's Madrid haven't sparkled this season, and must pick it up in the league if they expect to top Barcelona and retain their crown. The Champions League, however, is the specialist competition for Real Madrid. This is their tournament, and with Karim Benzema back fit and firing, they'll expect to see off Liverpool and progress. 

Liverpool must use Anfield to propel them over the line in this opening leg. Their form has been poor, but we all know what Anfield can produce on special European nights. If they can get a good result at home, they can hold on and progress. Real Madrid will be looking for more of that magic that saw them accomplish impossible comebacks en route to the final last year. 

Champions League Round of 16

The Champions League is back and continues this coming week. Keep enjoying that midweek footie...CL games this week:

Tuesday: Liverpool (+140) v Real Madrid (+190), Eintracht Frankfurt (+225) v Napoli (+115)

Wednesday: RB Leipzig (+330) v Man City (-125), Inter Milan (-125) v Porto (+350)

More Games to Watch this Weekend...

Saturday –– 12:30 PM ET: Newcastle (+160) vs Liverpool (+170)

Sunday –– 12:30 PM ET: Atletico Madrid (+100) vs Athletic Bilbao (+280)

Quiz Answer:  25! The two clubs have combined for a historic tally. 

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