The Champions League group phase is set to conclude on Wednesday evening, with all six Premier League teams still in contention for a spot in the knockout stage. Arsenal, who have had a perfect run so far, are on the verge of securing top spot in their group and will host Kairat Almaty. A draw would be sufficient for Mikel Arteta’s team to finish first.
Liverpool, currently in fourth place with 15 points, will welcome Qarabag, and a win would guarantee their top-eight spot. However, a draw would leave them vulnerable, as eight other clubs are also on 13 points, which could force them into a play-off.
Tottenham, with 14 points, occupy fifth position and will travel to Frankfurt. A win would ensure their qualification for the last 16, but a point may not be enough to secure automatic qualification, as 11 other teams could still overtake them.
Newcastle, who thumped PSV 3-0 last week, have boosted their chances of snatching an automatic spot. They will face current holders Paris Saint-Germain, and a win would secure their progress to the last 16. Even a point may be enough, given their strong goal difference.
Chelsea, with 13 points, occupy the last automatic spot and will travel to Napoli. The Blues need a win to boost their hopes of qualifying for the last 16, but a victory alone may not be enough. A draw would give teams circling below, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, a chance to overtake them.
Manchester City, who need a win at home to Galatasaray to stand a realistic chance of direct progression, are currently behind five teams on goal difference. With a draw unlikely to be enough, given that eight teams are level on points, the pressure is on Pep Guardiola’s team to deliver.
The final match day of the Champions League group phase promises to be thrilling, with all six Premier League teams still in contention. The outcomes of these matches will determine which teams will progress to the knockout stage, setting the stage for an exciting next round of the competition. The results will have significant implications for the teams involved, with some facing the prospect of a play-off or elimination from the competition.
