Lionel Messi will hope to torment old foes Real Madrid this evening

After a two-month wait, the Champions League is back with a bang this evening.

We have plenty of preview content ahead of tonight’s two ties as the knockout phase kicks off.

Knockout blows

Manchester City will resume their quest for a first Champions League crown against Sporting in Portugal this evening.

In a squad packed with star quality, one man likely to be key to their hopes of success is in-form wide man Riyad Mahrez — so we put the Algerian in the spotlight. 

Tuesday’s other encounter is a clash of titans as Paris Saint-Germain welcomes Real Madrid to the French capital for what has all the makings of a classic. 

The contest will be particularly significant for Kylian Mbappe, coming up against the side he has been so frequently tipped to join once his stint in Paris is at an end.

How would the 23-year-old France international fit in at the Bernabeu if he did make the switch? 

Unlikely to welcome Mbappe in the Spanish capital next term is Gareth Bale, with Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti confirming that he will depart at the end of the season.

Still, only 32, what does the future hold for the Wales captain — and which clubs are likely to be interested in his services? 

We have also picked out our 10 players to watch throughout the Champions League knockout phase.

Premier League focus

There is also one Premier League game taking place this evening as Manchester United welcomes Brighton to Old Trafford looking to get back on the winning trail.

Back-to-back draws against Burnley and Southampton have seen Ralf Rangnick’s men lose ground in the top-four race, with skipper Harry Maguire taking a lot of criticism for his performances.

Ahead of tonight’s clash, we consider whether the Three Lions star could be in danger of losing his starting spot.

Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire is going through a rough patch

While others faltered at the weekend, the Wolves’ impressive 2-0 win at Tottenham has prompted suggestions of Bruno Lage’s side being genuine contenders for a Champions League berth.

We take a closer look at the players and manager spearheading the men from Molineux’s unlikely tilt.

Before you go

As always, our daily Transfer Talk column is on hand to deliver the latest whispers from football’s rumor mill.

Today leads on reports of Manchester United stepping up their interest in RB Leipzig’s in-demand goal threat Christopher Nkunku.

Source: Livescore.