Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Champions League, Football
Joe Adams
Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Champions League, Football
The Premier League has only just returned, but some teams are already turning their attention to the Champions League.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle have all qualified for Europe's elite competition. Pep Guardiola's winning machine will be aiming to defend their crown, whilst the Magpies will be hoping to make an impression on their long-awaited return to the tournament.
And we have taken a look at each teams' dream and nightmare groups ahead of the official draw on Thursday afternoon. So without further ado, here is who each team could come up against.
Dream group: Feyenoord, Manchester United, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Nightmare group: Bayern Munich, Man United, AC Milan, Lens
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Erik ten Hag spent last season in the Europa League, crashing out of the quarter-finals to Sevilla and will be drawn from UEFA's Pot 2 this time round.
Considering their potential opponents, Dutch giants Feyenoord would arguably be their easiest task from Pot 2. It is difficult to predict the rest of their group due to the ongoing play-offs, but supporters may hope for Red Star Belgrade or Young Boys, who actually beat United in the 2021 Champions League group stage.
But it could be considerably harder, with Bayern Munich arguably the toughest opponents from Pot 1, whilst Italian giants AC Milan are also a tough challenge from Pot 3.
Pot 4 is slightly more difficult to assess. Whilst Lens lack European experience, they pushed Paris Saint-Germain all the way for the Ligue 1 title last season.
Dream group: Feyenoord, Arsenal, Red Star Belgrade, Antwerp
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Nightmare group: Bayern Munich, Arsenal, AC Milan, Lens
The Gunners return to the Champions League after a six-year absence, with supporters ready to savour every moment after a brilliant 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
Mikel Arteta's side are alongside United in Pot 2 which includes the likes of Antwerp. Therefore, fans will have a similar view to the Red Devils regarding their dream group.
Arsenal will be desperate to avoid Bayern Munich, though, who have been a thorn in their side in the past, while AC Milan are no easy feat.
Dream group: Man City, Porto, Celtic, Shakhtar Donetsk
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Nightmare group: Man City, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Union Berlin
Fresh off winning the treble, Manchester City will be favourites for this season's competition and are the Premeir League's only representatives from Pot 1.
Despite having two Champions League titles to their name, Porto may represent the easiest task from Pot 2. That being said, Guardiola will understandably back his players against anyone.
Looking at Pot 3 and 4, Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk may represent their best chance of progressing through to the knockout rounds, with City thumping both sides in recent history.
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14-time European champions Real Madrid could be waiting for them in Pot Two, whilst AC Milan are lurking close-by.
Dream group: Feyenoord, Porto, Copenhagen, Newcastle
Nightmare group: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Newcastle
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After 20 years away from the Champions League, Newcastle return to Europe's biggest stage full of anticipation.
Feyenoord and Porto look to be their best options, while Danish side FC Copenhagen could represent their best chance of progression.
On the other hand, European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Real Madrid would be an almighty test for Eddie Howe's side. Add AC Milan to the list and Newcastle could be dealt the worst hand of everyone.