Chelsea-Liverpool, Bayern Munich-Barcelona: Champions League Second Leg Ties

The crucial Champions League second leg ties are here. Here is a quick preview of the matches being played on Tuesday night.

Chelsea vs. Liverpool

Chelsea looks comfortable to book their place in the semifinals, as they are unlikely to concede three goals in such a crucial match at the Bridge. The three conceded against Bolton on Saturday in eight minutes. It was a late wake-up call for them though.

Liverpool have been boosted by their 4-0 victory against Blackburn and watching Bolton net three late goals at Stamford Bridge. We all know that Liverpool are famous for making comebacks in big games, thus they can't be totally written off.

But should Michael Essien again win his personal battle against Steven Gerrard, then I wouldn't be surprised to see the Blues go through.

John Terry has been suspended after being booked for a challenge on Pepe Reina. Ricardo Carvalho will return in centre of defense alongside Alex. Jose Bosingwa's hamstring injury rules him out of this match.

For Liverpool, Javier Mascherano will return from suspension. Rafa Benitez is likely to start Gerrard despite his groin injury.

My Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (with Chelsea going through 4-2 on aggregate)

Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona

Barcelona have all but sealed their place in the Champions League semis with the 4-0 win at Nou Camp, but must still be cautious of Bayern, who ran out 4-0 winners against Eintracht. Barca themselves won 2-0 against Recreativo Huelva.

But it will be Bayern who will be going for the kill. However, the fact that no club has ever overturned a four-goal deficit in the Champions League is against them.

It is more than obvious that Barca are favourites to go through.

Bayern hopes to welcome back Philipp Lahm to the starting lineup, but striker Miroslav Klose is out with a long-term ankle injury.

As for the Catalans, they continue to miss Eric Abidal and Gabriel Milito in defence. Rafael Marquez has been suspended following his late booking in the first leg.

My Prediction: Bayern 2-1 Barca (with Barca going through 5-2 on aggregate)