All six English clubs reached the Champions League knockout phase; Newcastle face a play-off. Betting angle: back Arsenal and Liverpool as likely deep runners given form; Newcastle’s play-off creates a single-match market for value bettors and in-play opportunities ahead of the Last 16 draw.
Champions League group stage ends with all six English sides progressing
The Champions League league phase concluded dramatically as all six Premier League clubs advanced. Arsenal topped their group with a perfect record, while Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City secured top-eight finishes. Newcastle United dropped out of automatic qualification and must contest a knockout play-off to reach the last 16.
Key dates and format
The draw for Newcastle’s knockout play-off will take place on Friday at 11:00 GMT. The Last 16 draw follows on February 27 after the play-off winner is decided. Group winners are seeded and drawn against group runners-up, with restrictions applying for same-country match-ups.
Arsenal
Arsenal completed the group stage with eight wins from eight to finish top of their pool. Consistent attacking displays and defensive balance made them the tournament’s only perfect side in the groups.
Potential opponents
Seeded as a group winner, Arsenal’s realistic opponents in the Last 16 include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen depending on the draw.
Betting outlook
Arsenal’s form suggests they are strong favorites to progress to the quarter-finals. Punters might favour backing Arsenal to advance and consider markets such as Arsenal over 1.5 goals across two legs or Arsenal to reach the quarter-finals.
Liverpool
Liverpool finished the group stage strongly, ending with six wins from eight and high-scoring performances. Their late surge leaves them one of the teams to watch heading into the knockouts.
Potential opponents
Liverpool could be drawn against Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus or Atletico Madrid.
Betting outlook
With attacking momentum, Liverpool is an attractive selection for progression markets and goal-based bets. Consider backing both teams to score or Liverpool to score multiple goals over two legs when assessing value.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham maintained excellent European form to finish fourth in the group standings, notably winning all four home fixtures without conceding.
Potential opponents
Spurs may face Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus or Atletico Madrid in the Last 16.
Betting outlook
Tottenham’s defensive solidity at home makes them suitable for home-leg and clean-sheet markets. For longer-term bets, backers could consider Tottenham to reach the quarter-finals if matched against less-established European sides.
Chelsea
Chelsea secured progression with a crucial win away to Napoli, finishing among a group of teams on 16 points but placed sixth.
Potential opponents
Chelsea could draw Monaco, Qarabag, PSG or Newcastle in the Last 16 — an all-English tie versus Newcastle remains a possibility.
Betting outlook
Chelsea’s unpredictability suggests caution. Short-term markets like match-winner or both-teams-to-score could offer better value than outright progression bets unless the draw looks favorable.
Manchester City
Manchester City recovered on the final matchday to leap into the top eight and secure a spot in the knockouts, finishing narrowly ahead of rivals.
Potential opponents
City could face Bodo/Glimt, Benfica, Real Madrid or Inter Milan in the Last 16.
Betting outlook
Given City’s pedigree, many bettors will still back them to advance despite tough possible opponents. Consider handicap markets or player-specific prop bets if the draw pairs City with elite continental rivals.
Newcastle United
Newcastle’s late equaliser conceded earlier in the campaign cost them an automatic top-eight finish. They now face a knockout play-off against either Monaco or Qarabag to secure a Last 16 place.
Potential pathway
The play-off winner will then face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the Last 16.
Betting outlook
Newcastle’s play-off creates a one-off match betting market where value can be found, especially pre-match and in-play. Bettors can also consider futures tied to Newcastle’s success in the play-off and potential subsequent match-ups.
What this means for bettors
All six English teams progressing keeps many high-profile markets active. Group winners like Arsenal offer safer progression bets, while teams with one-off play-offs or volatile form (Newcastle, Chelsea) produce niche value and in-play opportunities. Monitor the play-off draw and Last 16 pairings closely to identify favorable matchups before committing to longer-term wagers.
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An impressive Champions League league phase for Premier League clubs has come to an end with a dramatic conclusion.All six English sides have advanced
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