Champions League Knockout Picture: Premier League Giants Face Defining Matches

The UEFA Champions League returns to action in January with a defining set of Matchdays 7 and 8 fixtures, with places in the knockout stages on the line.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain are almost certain to secure a sought-after top-eight finish despite dropping points in two of their last three league-phase outings.

However, Luis Henrique’s men can likely wave goodbye to their hopes of finishing at the top of the 36-team table, as they trail pacesetters Arsenal by five points.

In addition to leading the way in the Premier League, the Gunners have strengthened their continental credentials, emerging as the top candidates to win the most prestigious club title in Europe.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a force to be reckoned with, as witnessed by the Gunners’ flawless league-phase record and an intimidating +16 goal difference.

The bookmakers’ expectations reflect the North London heavyweights’ formidable continental form, with the leading platforms naming them 7/2 favourites to lift the Champions League trophy, better odds than what were on offer last season even at the quarter final stage.

Still, Arsenal would be naive to take Inter Milan lightly when the two sides lock horns at the San Siro in the penultimate round, particularly after losing to this opposition last season.

Avoiding defeat in this mouth-watering fixture would likely propel the Gunners to a top-table finish, as they face debutants Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium in the league-stage finale.

Manchester City

Despite their domestic woes, Manchester City have fared well in the Champions League, where they sit level on points with third-placed PSG following a 2-1 win over Real Madrid last time out.

Pep Guardiola’s charges are odds-on to lock down a knockout berth, yet at 13/2, they’re lagging behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the outright title market.

However, Guardiola must be desperate to avoid the play-off round amid the Cityzens’ faltering title pursuit in the Premier League and relieve some pressure on their brutal fixture schedule.

With that in mind, the Spaniard won’t tolerate any slip-up against Bodo/Glimt (A) and Galatasaray (H) at the tail-end of the league phase, especially because Man City are huge favourites, at least on paper.

Nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for December after Man City’s flawless run last month, Guardiola will be keen to keep his side on track in the Champions League.

Liverpool

With Arne Slot’s future at Anfield hanging by a thread, hoisting the Champions League crown could be the only saving grace for the Dutch manager, provided he stays at the helm long enough.

Liverpool haven’t exactly gone from strength to strength in the Champions League despite sitting on the periphery of the top eight after the opening six rounds.

Four wins in the first six matches, coupled with two defeats, keep the Reds firmly in contention for a top-eight finish, as they trail sixth-placed Inter on goal difference alone.

Slot’s side will face Ligue 1 giants Marseille on the road in their next Champions League game, and there will be no room for error if they’re to squeeze into the top eight.

A final-day home showdown against Qarabag should be a walk in the park for the Anfield giants, even though they’re in no position to take anything for granted.

Chelsea

These are uncertain times at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea chiefs decided to cut ties with manager Enzo Maresca midway through the campaign and appoint Liam Rosenior as their new head coach.

Despite his impressive work at Strasbourg, this presents the former Hull City boss with an entirely new challenge, taking the reins of a Premier League giant in the midst of a turbulent season.

Chelsea can still automatically qualify for the Round of 16, but they cannot put their feet wrong in their last two league-phase fixtures if they’re to close a two-point deficit to eighth-placed Atletico Madrid.

Beating debutants Pafos in West London has all the makings of a must-win task for the Blues ahead of their trip to Stadio Diego Maradona to take on reigning Serie A holders Napoli.

Even if they fail to break into the top eight, Rosenior’s side should still reach the play-off round. 

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