The final sixteen of the Champions League for this season are forming. With the conclusion of the group stage’s five rounds, twelve teams have advanced to the knockout phase with only one matchday of the group schedule remaining.
Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Defending Champions Manchester City (the defending champions), and Real Madrid (the most successful team in the tournament’s history) have all maintained unblemished records thus far. Additionally, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid have yet to suffer a defeat.
Meanwhile, Barcelona has secured advancement from their group for the first time in three years, whereas Arsenal’s magnificent array of attacking talent has also captivated audiences.
Regarding the other United Kingdom-based clubs vying for Champions League supremacy, Celtic are eliminated, at the same time, Manchester United and Newcastle are the lone EPL clubs still fighting for a placement in the last 16.
Join us as we deliver our expectations for British clubs in the 2023/24 Champions League.
Manchester City
Group G
While the defending champions have a pristine record and have won five consecutive games, the team’s performances to date have not been flawless. City has maintained a solitary clean sheet thus far – against Young Boys at home – despite being assigned to the most vulnerable group in the competition. On Tuesday, they overcame RB Leipzig despite falling behind by two goals following a dismal 45 minutes, which midfielder Phil Foden described as the worst he has ever witnessed from Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Despite this, the treble winners will enter the final 16 title defence with a sense of assurance due to a few factors. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to return from injury as soon as possible. Secondly, the City’s season consistently reaches its pinnacle during the latter half. In addition, despite their defensive frailties, The Cityzens are still topping the betting sites UK to successfully defend their throne by a significant margin (2/1), above Bayern Munich (4/1). Real Madrid (6/1) and Arsenal (7/1).
Arsenal
Group B
The Gunners’ response to a disastrous, yet only loss in Lens merits tremendous credit, as Mikel Arteta’s squad reeled off three consecutive victories, including Wednesday’s destruction of the same opponent (6-0), which propelled them to the top of Group B.
In general, Arsenal’s performance this season has been less fluid than in the previous campaign, and the goalkeeping position is in grave doubt. However, their current steeliness suggests they are capable of causing significant harm in the knockout stage. Undoubtedly, they are delighted to be back in Europe’s preeminent competition, as evidenced by the fact that they are leaders of the Premier League.
As far as predictions go, dependent on the final 16 draw, Arsenal is a prime candidate to dethrone its English foes.
Manchester United
Group A
In Istanbul, Erik ten Hag’s squad should have prevailed. They twice held a two-goal lead thanks to Fernandes’ excellent form but were unable to secure a victory when their third draw of the competition arose.
United must now pray that Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw while they hunt for three points against the Bavarian giants. Sure, Bayern Munich has already advanced as group champions. Still, it remains difficult to envision Ten Hag’s appalling defence containing Harry Kane and company if Thomas Tuchel selects a formidable side.
United’s season has been unpredictable and uninspiring to watch, and between the two Premier League sides still fighting for a place in the final sixteen, Newcastle are more likely to achieve this feat.
Newcastle United
Group F
It’s an absolute disgrace and something that ruins the game. This past Tuesday evening at Parc des Princes, an injury-time penalty given to the home side was a complete absurdity that cost the visitors three invaluable points; Kylian Mbappe converted from the penalty spot to earn Paris Saint-Germain a 1-1 draw.
However, Eddie Howe’s injury-stricken team still possess a glimmer of hope. If they secure a home victory over AC Milan and PSG cannot overcome group leaders Borussia Dortmund, they will qualify over the French team due to their superior head-to-head record. Therefore, anticipate St. James’ Park to deliver an unforgettable atmosphere in two weeks!
