Champions League draw 2025-26: How will Premier League clubs fare?

The 2025-26 Champions League will feature a record six Premier League clubs for the first time. The group stage draw takes place on Thursday 28 August in Monaco ahead of the league phase's start on 16 September. The final will be held at Budapest's Puskas Arena on 30 May 2026, with holders Paris St-Germain and 15-time winners Real Madrid among the favourites.

Arsenal

After reaching their first semi-final in 16 years last season, Arsenal have strengthened up front with Victor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke. Manager Mikel Arteta is under pressure to end a five-year trophy drought and believes the new signings can help the Gunners claim Champions League glory for the first time. (UEFA coefficient: 15th)

Chelsea

Club World Cup and Europa Conference League winners, Chelsea return to Europe's top competition after two years. Enzo Maresca's side, who have won all four major UEFA tournaments, have added Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens to bolster their attack as they look to re-establish themselves on the continental stage. (UEFA coefficient: 14th)

Liverpool

Premier League champions Liverpool aim for European success after a last-16 exit to PSG. New manager Arne Slot guided the Reds to top spot in the expanded group stage and has since signed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike. They will target a record eighth European Cup. (UEFA coefficient: 5th)

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola's side disappointed last season, finishing third in the league and exiting in the knockout play-offs. City have replaced Kevin De Bruyne with Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders and will view progression to the last 16 as a step forward on their quest for a second Champions League trophy. (UEFA coefficient: 4th)

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe's team made their first group-stage appearance in 20 years in 2023-24, highlighted by a 4-1 win over PSG at St James' Park. Limited transfer business and uncertainty over Alexander Isak threaten their campaign, but opponents will fear the atmosphere on a big European night in Newcastle. (UEFA coefficient: 85th)

Tottenham Hotspur

Returning to the Champions League after winning the Europa League, Tottenham endured a record-low league campaign last season. New manager Thomas Frank, who has no prior experience in the competition, has guided them to two early Premier League wins following the signings of Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus. (UEFA coefficient: 31st)

The 2025-26 Champions League will provide a stern test for six English clubs as they seek to balance domestic ambitions with continental success.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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