UEFA Champions League: Possible round-of-16 opponents for English sides
As the group stage of the UEFA Champions League drew to a close on Wednesday night, 16 teams qualified for the knockout round.
The top two teams from each group qualify for the next round of Europe’s premier club competition, while teams finishing in third place move into the Europa League’s round of 32.
Teams are drawn against each other in the next stage of the Champions League keeping in mind three basic rules:
1). Teams topping their groups will face teams finishing in second place.
2). Two teams that have been in the same group in the previous stage will not play each other in the knockout round.
3). Two teams from the same country cannot be drawn against each other.
With this in mind, Bettor.com analyses probable opponents for the English sides battling it out in the Champions League.
Chelsea FC
Probable opponents: FC Internazionale, Olypique Lyonnais, Valencia CF, FC Kobenhavn, AS Roma, AC Milan
The English Champions have not tasted European glory despite their domestic dominance in recent years. The Blues face a tough task ahead in the knockout round, with teams like Inter Milan and AC Milan as probable opponents.
The West Londoners crashed out of the competition last season, when they met Jose Mourinho’s well disciplined Inter.
Manchester United FC
Probable Opponents: FC Internazionale, Olypique Lyonnais, FC Kobenhavn, AS Roma, AC Milan
Manchester United could be paired with Italian opposition in the form of Inter Milan, AC Milan or AS Roma.
The Red Devils have faced one or other of the Italian teams in previous seasons, and have a decent record against them of late. They beat Inter Milan two seasons ago, but were knocked out in the semi-finals by AC Milan in 2007. Also in 2007 they thrashed
AS Roma 7-1 at Old trafford after losing the first leg in Rome. Only AC Milan have given them a tough time in recent seasons.
Arsenal FC
Probable Opponents: Schalke 04, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid
Arsenal, who secured qualification in the next round by virtue of their win on the final matchday against Partizan Belgrade, face the toughest draw among the English sides.
European giants Barcelona and Real Madrid could prove to be the major stumbling blocks between the Gunners and a place in the quarter finals.
German heavyweights Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 await the North Londoners, if they avoid being paired up with the Spanish sides.
Either way Arsenal will have to show some real grit and determination if they are to keep their hopes for European silverware alive.
Tottenham Hotspur
Probable Opposition: Olypique Lyonnais, Olympique Marseille, Valencia CF, FC Kobenhavn, AS Roma, AC Milan.
Tottenham Hotspur, who were the only English side to make their debut in the Champions League, are likely to be drawn against a slightly easier continental opposition.
Spurs finished as winners of Group A, which also featured reigning European Champions Inter Milan.
The North Londoners who have built-up their reputation in Europe as an attacking side, through their free flowing football and lightning quick counter-attacks, will fancy themselves against French sides such as Lyon or Marseille.
However, manager Harry Redknapp will know that there is no easy opposition at this crucial stage of the competition.
The draw for the next round will be made on 17 December in Nyon, Switzerland.
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