Premier League giants clash in UEFA Champions League: Tough draws spark action

Matchday 1 is just weeks away, and each team will face two opponents from each of the four pots, based on UEFA coefficient rankings, playing one home and one away. Teams from the same league cannot meet at this stage, nor face more than two opponents from any single country.

Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea landed in pot one, Arsenal in pot two, Tottenham in pot three, and Newcastle in pot four. After the league phase, the top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th enter two-legged playoffs to secure the remaining knockout spots. Fixture dates will be confirmed soon, with the group phase schedule due Saturday.

Here's how the Premier League clubs stack up, ranked from toughest to easiest draws, based on opponent strength and travel demands:

1. Chelsea: Brutal Battles Await

Fixtures: Barcelona (H), Bayern Munich (A), Benfica (H), Atalanta (A), Ajax (H), Napoli (A), Pafos (H), Qarabag (A).

Chelsea face a daunting path, with three reigning domestic champions, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Napoli, plus Europa League winners Atalanta, who lost just once in last season's group stage. Benfica and Ajax add veteran pedigree.

"We're up against Europe's elite, but we thrive in big moments," Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said on X.

Cypriot debutants Pafos offer a likely win, but a grueling five-hour trip to Qarabag tests their resolve. Fans recall 2012, when Chelsea conquered Bayern, Barcelona, and Napoli en route to glory, with Didier Drogba's iconic penalty sealing the title.

2. Newcastle: Underdogs Face Uphill Fight

Fixtures: Barcelona (H), PSG (A), Benfica (H), Bayer Leverkusen (A), PSV (H), Marseille (A), Athletic Club (H), Union SG (A).

Newcastle's draw is punishing, with Barcelona and PSG from pot one, alongside Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille's hostile away trips. Athletic Club, the strongest pot four side, adds spice, especially with Nico Williams, who rejected Newcastle's interest, set to shine.

"It's a tough group, but we're ready to fight," Eddie Howe said, per the club's X post. Recent reports from Sky Sports confirm Newcastle's 73 million pounds signing of Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade as a potential Alexander Isak replacement, boosting their attack but not easing the challenge.

3. Manchester City: Champions Eye Redemption

Fixtures: Borussia Dortmund (H), Real Madrid (A), Bayer Leverkusen (H), Villarreal (A), Napoli (H), Bodo/Glimt (A), Galatasaray (H), Monaco (A).

Manchester City face a blockbuster trip to Real Madrid's Bernabeu and a chilly trek to Bodo/Glimt's Arctic Circle. However, home games against Dortmund, Leverkusen, Napoli, and Galatasaray tilt the scales in their favor.

"We respect every opponent, but we're built for these challenges," Pep Guardiola said, per UEFA's official site.

City's depth makes them favorites to top the league phase.

4. Liverpool: Slot's Reds Ready to Roar

Fixtures: Real Madrid (H), Inter (A), Atletico Madrid (H), Frankfurt (A), PSV (H), Marseille (A), Qarabag (H), Galatasaray (A).

Liverpool's draw looks tough on paper, but Arne Slot remains unfazed. "Anfield will be our fortress," he said on X, eyeing a statement win against Real Madrid.

Inter's away clash poses the biggest threat, while Galatasaray's fiery atmosphere looms. Atletico's fading aura and lower-pot sides like Qarabag and PSV should be manageable for the Reds' revamped squad.

5. Arsenal: Arteta's Gunners Poised for Progress

Fixtures: Bayern Munich (H), Inter (A), Atletico Madrid (H), Club Brugge (A), Olympiacos (H), Slavia Prague (A), Kairat Almaty (H), Athletic Club (A).

Arsenal face Bayern Munich and Harry Kane's Emirates return, plus a tricky Inter trip. Athletic Club's Nico Williams adds intrigue, but Kairat Almaty at home is a gift.

"We're excited to test ourselves against the best," Mikel Arteta said, per Arsenal's X account.

Club Brugge, Olympiacos, and Slavia Prague are winnable, positioning Arsenal for a strong campaign.

6. Tottenham: Spurs Sneak Favorable Path

Fixtures: Borussia Dortmund (H), PSG (A), Villarreal (H), Frankfurt (A), Slavia Prague (H), Bodo/Glimt (A), Copenhagen (H), Monaco (A).

Tottenham landed the easiest draw, with Dortmund the weakest pot one side and PSG's away tie their toughest test. "We're fearless and ready to compete," Thomas Frank said, per Spurs' X post.

Villarreal, Frankfurt, and lower-pot sides like Slavia Prague and Copenhagen offer Spurs a clear shot at the top eight.

The Champions League's new format promises drama, with Premier League clubs facing diverse challenges. Chelsea and Newcastle brace for grueling fights, while Tottenham and Arsenal eye smoother paths. Fans await the schedule drop to see when these battles ignite.