Six Premier League clubs now know their potential Champions League last-16 opponents after the playoffs concluded, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle all in the hat for Friday’s draw
Premier League clubs now have a clearer picture of their Champions League last-16 opponents following the completion of the play-offs. The English top-flight still boasts six clubs remaining in the competition going into the last-16.
Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool are fully prepared for the knockout stages, having secured their place in the next round automatically. They have been accompanied by current league leaders Arsenal. Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham were also amongst the teams to automatically guarantee their positions in the last 16. Meanwhile, Newcastle faced a bit more work, having missed out on a top-eight finish.
However, they ultimately managed to cruise through, having demolished Qarabag 9-2 on aggregate. The draw for the last 16 will occur on Friday morning, whilst also revealing their potential pathway to the final in Budapest. But with the play-off encounters now all wrapped up, each side can whittle down their potential adversaries to two. The Daily Star Sport guides you through the possibilities for each Premier League team.
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Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s team were already aware that Bayer Leverkusen could be their opponents in the last 16. Such a draw would see Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie face off against their former club.
However, that’s not the only possibility for the North London side. Atalanta could also be their potential adversaries after the Italian team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Borussia Dortmund in the playoffs.
Chelsea
Chelsea could potentially face off against a fellow Premier League outfit in the shape of Newcastle after Eddie Howe’s squad comfortably dispatched Qarabag. Alternatively, it could be French opposition for the Blues.
Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco clashed in the play-offs, with the former advancing courtesy of a thrilling 4-3 aggregate triumph.
Manchester City
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City will be matched with two teams they encountered in the group phase. On paper, a fixture against Bodo/Glimt seems far more favourable than one against Real Madrid.
Yet Bodo got the better of Pep Guardiola’s squad in the Arctic Circle, whilst City emerged victorious over a faltering Real team at the Bernabeu. The Norwegians also put in a much stronger performance in the playoff phase, comfortably defeating Inter, whilst Los Blancos struggled to overcome Benfica.
Newcastle
Whilst Newcastle could potentially clash with Chelsea on the European stage, an even tougher draw may await the Magpies in the form of Barcelona.
The Spanish champions have also automatically secured their place in the next round, having finished fifth in the league stage.
Liverpool
Current Premier League champions Liverpool will be striving to add to their existing six European titles. However, they face a challenging last-16 draw.
The Reds could potentially face either Atletico Madrid, who trounced Club Brugge on their journey to the knockouts. Arne Slot’s team could also possibly meet Galatasaray after the Turkish side managed to overcome Juventus following a thrilling tie that went into extra time in Turin.
Tottenham
Igor Tudor’s team have an identical draw to Liverpool, with Atletico Madrid potentially lying in wait. Galatasaray are also potential adversaries for the North London club.
Champions League Round of 16 possible fixtures
- Arsenal/Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen/Atalanta
- Chelsea/Barcelona vs Newcastle/PSG
- Liverpool/Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid/Galatasaray
- Man City/Sporting vs Real Madrid/Bodo Glimt
*Seeded teams will play the second leg at home.