Five Champions League clubs to avoid in the next round

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Arsenal and Manchester United have sealed their spots in the Champions League knockout rounds, who should they be hoping to avoid?

With the Champions League group stage rolling to a close, we look at five teams that many would rather avoid ahead of the first knock out stage, and obvious choices Barcelona and Real Madrid are not included…

PSG

PSG are currently second in Group A and if they finish in this position, they will be one of the most dangerous teams that a top placed side can draw. They’ve scored more goals than Barcelona in the group stage to date. They are third in the French League which suggests inconsistency and unpredictability which can make them very dangerous in any single match situation.

Malaga

Malaga have spent a lot of money over the last couple of seasons and they have dominated a group that includes AC Milan. They look as though they will win the group which means drawing against another second place team. They look well drilled, organised and a candidate to make at least the last eight. Malaga are consolidating among the top five clubs in Spain and they have only conceded two away goals in the league this year.

Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund have struggled in the Bundesliga this season but they have played some of the best football in the Champions League in a group which includes Real Madrid, Manchester City and Ajax. They will fancy their chances of winning this group and they are a side that most teams will want to avoid throughout the tournament.

Juventus

The Serie A leaders will have to play very badly in their final group game not to go through to the last 16. If they can hold their second position behind Shakhtar then they will be another of the big name second placed sides that group winners would rather steer clear of. They have one of the meanest defences around with only four goals conceded, two of which came against Chelsea in their opening match.

Bayern Munich

The German league leaders are always right up there when it comes to the Champions League. The disappointment of losing the final last season means they will be fired up to win it as soon as they hit the last 16. They could still end up second in the group and would become one of the most difficult sides for any group winner to play against.

image: © andyjakeman