Champions League Last-16 Lineups: Scouting Every Team's Potential Starting 11s For Second Leg Thrills

The 2022-23 UEFA Champions League is heating up, and the Last-16 stage is set to deliver some thrilling matches. As teams look to overturn their 1-0 deficit from the first leg, coaches will be forced to make tactical decisions that could prove decisive in the competition. In this article, we'll scout every team's potential starting 11s for the second leg, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each squad and predicting the outcome of each match.

The Champions League is known for its unpredictable nature, and the Last-16 stage is no exception. With some teams looking to complete the job after a dominant first leg, while others will be fighting to avoid elimination, the stage is set for some dramatic comebacks and shock victories. As we examine the potential starting lineups for each team, we'll consider factors such as team morale, player fitness, and coaching tactics.

Scouting the Favorites to Advance

Some teams are favored to advance to the quarterfinals, but that doesn't mean they'll get a free pass to the next round. Coaches will need to make adjustments to their starting lineups to account for the pressure and opposition. Let's take a closer look at the potential starting 11s for some of the top favorites to advance.

Manchester City

Manchester City will be looking to complete the job against Borussia Dortmund, but Pep Guardiola's team faces a tough test. Potential starting lineup:

• Ederson (GK)
• Kyle Walker (RB)
• Ruben Dias (CB)
• Aymeric Laporte (CB)
• Joao Cancelo (LB)
• Rodri (DM)
• Kevin De Bruyne (CM)
• Ilkay Gundogan (CM)
• Phil Foden (RW)
• Erling Haaland (ST)
• Greal Khachem (LW)

Key players to watch: De Bruyne, Foden, and Haaland. Manchester City's midfield trio is one of the most potent in the world, and their attack has been in scintillating form. Dortmund's defense will need to be at its best to contain City's attack.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich will be looking to advance to the quarterfinals with a win against Inter Milan, but the Italian side has shown its quality in the Champions League before. Potential starting lineup:

• Manuel Neuer (GK)
• Alphonso Davies (LB)
• Dayot Upamecano (CB)
• Matthias Hummels (CB)
• Graco (RB)
• Thiago Alcantara (DM)
• Serge Gnabry (CM)
• Roy Makaay (CM)
• Kingsley Coman (RW)
• Toni Kroos (ST)
• Lucas Hernandez (LW)

Key players to watch: Gnabry, Kroos, and Coman. Bayern Munich's attack has been one of the most consistent in the world, and their midfield is one of the most talented.

Scouting the Dark Horses

Some teams are said to be dark horses for the competition, but that doesn't mean they can't cause an upset. Let's take a closer look at some teams that are looking to pull off a major upset.

Benfica

Benfica will be looking to cause an upset against Real Madrid, but the Spanish side has a reputation for being one of the biggest teams in the world. Potential starting lineup:

• Julio Cesar (GK)
• Uros Racic (RB)
• Andrey Rios (CB)
• Serge Gnabry (CB)
• Hugo Sousa (LB)
• Gudmundsson (DM)
• Orellinas (CM)
• Cassian (CM)
• Gelson Martins (RW)
• Jonas Vazquez (ST)
• Gabriel Martin (LW)

Key players to watch: Martin and Martins. Benfica's attack has been one of the most exciting in the world, and their midfield is looking increasingly strong.

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig will be looking to cause an upset against Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish side has a reputation for being one of the toughest teams in the world. Potential starting lineup:

• Janis Chimysovikis (GK)
• Andy Halilovic (RB)
• Ivan Saponara (CB)
• Dimitar Kravsorov (CB)
• Bernd Leno (LB)
• Enner (DM)
• Socceraiogi (CM)
• Cedric Luci (CM)
• Valentin Imoto (RW)
• I Cani (ST)
• Trevor Michydalark (LW)

Key players to watch: Cani and Imoto. RB Leipzig's attack has been one of the most potent in the world, and their midfield is looking increasingly strong.

Scouting the Underdogs

Some teams are looking to cause an upset against all odds, but that doesn't mean they can't make a statement. Let's take a closer look at some teams that are looking to make a deep run in the competition.

Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce will be looking to cause an upset against Ajax, but the Dutch side has a reputation for being one of the biggest teams in the world.