5 talking points ahead of this week’s Champions League action

Manchester United and Tottenham face last-16 opposition from France and Germany.

The Champions League returns this week with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in last-16 action.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s revived Reds take on Paris St Germain at Old Trafford, while Borussia Dortmund and their in-form England winger Jadon Sancho head to Wembley.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the main talking points surrounding this week’s games.

Solskjaer’s big test

When United were paired with PSG during the final days of Jose Mourinho’s reign this tie was seen as nothing more than a formality for the French champions. How times have changed. United have since won 10 and drawn one of their 11 games under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a new mood of optimism has swept through Old Trafford. Solskjaer has made an impressive case for being given the job on a full-time basis in the summer. But his previous opponents in this competition, from his time at Molde, have been Ventspils of Latvia, Basel, Sligo and Legia Warsaw, and this two-legged tie presents a huge test of his tactical acumen. United are boosted by PSG being without the injured Neymar, while Edinson Cavani is also a fitness doubt. But can their defence stand up to France World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe?

Spurs stand-ins must step up

Mauricio Pochettino File Photo — Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino must decide his best attacking options against Borussia Dortmund without injured pair Harry Kane and Dele Alli (Mike Egerton/PA)

Sizzling Sancho

England v USA – International Friendly – Wembley Stadium — Rising England star Jadon Sancho will be up against Tottenham for Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday (Nick Potts/PA)

Bale force

Four-time winner Gareth Bale returns to the Champions League fresh from reaching a personal landmark at Real Madrid. Bale’s fitness is always a source of angst in the Spanish capital. But he continues to deliver on the pitch when available, and his goal in Real’s 3-1 weekend derby win at Atletico was his 100th in the colours of Los Blancos. Real’s hopes of defending a title they have won four times in the last five seasons were written off by many following the summer departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, indifferent early-season form and the October sacking of manager Julen Lopetegui. But Real head to Ajax on Wednesday after six wins and a draw in their last seven games, and knowing exactly what is needed to win this competition.

VAR to make debut

Manchester United v Reading – Emirates FA Cup – Third Round – Old Trafford — The Video Assistant Referee System will be used in the Champions League for the first time this week (Martin Rickett/PA)