Premier League clubs’ dream and nightmare scenarios for Champions League last

Premier League clubs’ dream and nightmare scenarios for Champions League last-16 draw

Six teams from the Premier League will feature in the last 16 draw of the Champions League with some routes more favourable than others as the likes of PSG, Real Madrid and Barcelona remain in contention

The Champions League picture just became that much clearer as the English clubs plot their possible route to the final in Budapest with the Premier League still boasting all six of its teams.

It means more than one third of the teams in the last 16 hail from English shores, increasing chances of a first Premier League winner since Manchester City in 2023. Several other major players - Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich - all remain in play.

The play-off round has just concluded, seeing the likes of Juventus and last year's finalists Inter Milan both exit the European stage. The new format is only into its second year and means the top eight seeds are split across both sides of the draw as things stand.

Friday's draw will make things much clearer as all of the teams eye the final in the Hungarian capital in a matter of months. Currently seventh seed Sporting Lisbon, and eighth seed City, could face either Real or Bodo/Glimt.

Even if the Norwegians are punching above their weight, they present a far more favourable draw than the European heavyweights. After the last 16 draw is made official, clubs will be able to see their routes to the final.

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Some are always seen as easier than others, even if it doesn't turn out that way once the whistle blows. We take a look at what each Premier League will be hoping to see, and what they'd rather avoid.

Man City

It might sound bizarre to suggest that the ideal scenario for Pep Guardiola would begin with a trip to Norway, where they were humbled 3-1 by Bodo/Glimt only weeks ago, but the other path is Real Madrid. Ironically they have won in the Spanish capital this year, something they can't say about the side from the Arctic Circle.

But on paper Bodo/Glimt should not have enough to down City across two legs. In a perfect world Bayer Leverkusen will have downed either Arsenal or Bayern Munich, to set-up a last eight tie with Guardiola's men. It would then leave them facing a semi-final against either Atletico Madrid, Newcastle, Chelsea, Barcelona, Tottenham or Liverpool.

Dream route: Bodo/Glimt, Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham

Nightmare route: Real Madrid, Arsenal, Barcelona

Liverpool

The Reds last conquered Europe in 2019 and failing to make major inroads last season was seen as a missed opportunity with Arne Slot hoping to atone for that this time round. Galatasaray present the most favourable last-16 opponent, but after that, their quarter-final opponent could be far more challenging.

If they were drawn against, and beat, the Turkish outfit it would then be one of Chelsea, Barcelona or PSG in the quarter-finals. That side of the draw would leave Atalanta or Sporting Lisbon as the dream semi-final opponent. Worst case would see them facing City or Real.

Dream route: Galatasaray, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon

Nightmare last 16 opponent: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal

Arsenal

The Gunners have gone last eight and last four over the past two years. They've been talking up hopes of the quadruple with all four trophies still in play. Bayer Leverkusen would be, on paper, the ideal opponent in the last 16. Victory there could see them face either Bodo/Glimt, Sporting Lisbon or City. The latter being the least favourable.

Come a possible semi-final clash, north London rivals Tottenham could be in play. That would be a huge occasion. Conversely, a more challenging clash could be a tie with Liverpool, Chelsea or Barcelona. As things that Arsenal haven't dropped a beat, winning all eight of their games.

Dream route: Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon, Tottenham

Nightmare route: Atalanta, Man City, PSG

Chelsea

Five years ago the west Londoners were claiming European glory. They've enjoyed some scalps this year, downing Barcelona 3-0, and Newcastle present a more favourable last-16 draw, with PSG the other starting spot. After that their all-English path could continue with a game against Tottenham, but Liverpool could equally be on the cards.

Come the last four, Arsenal, Bayern or City could lie in wait. In a perfect world, with a shock or two, Bodo/Glimt or Sporting Lisbon could make their way into the semi-finals to face Chelsea.

Dream route: Newcastle, Tottenham, Sporting Lisbon

Nightmare last 16 opponent: PSG, Liverpool, Arsenal

Tottenham

Europa League winners last year, Champions League finalists in 2019, the north Londoners have enjoyed some impressive outings in Europe. The Champions League has been the stage where Tottenham have excelled this term, contrary to their Premier League form.

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Galatasaray would be the more beatable opponent in the last 16, with Atletico Madrid the other possible draw. After the Turkish side Tottenham could be presented with a more heavyweight clash - either against PSG, Chelsea or Barcelona.

Dream last 16 opponent: Galatasaray, PSG, Sporting Lisbon

Nightmare last 16 opponent: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal

Newcastle

Eddie Howe's side hammered Qarabag in the play-off round, scoring nine times across two games, and the draw will see them face either Chelsea or Barcelona. Newcastle have enjoyed wins over the Blues in recent years, Barcelona meanwhile have beaten the Magpies already this season.

That would then leave them facing a last eight clash with either Liverpool, Tottenham or Atletico Madrid. Should they negotiate that, a perfect semi-final would see them taking on Sporting Lisbon or Bodo/Glimt. More likely is either Arsenal, Bayern or City.

Dream last 16 opponent: Chelsea, Tottenham, Sporting Lisbon

Nightmare last 16 opponent: Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal

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