- Newcastle grouped with big names on Champions League return
- Man United paired with Bayern Munich
- City’s position as favourites strengthened
Newcastle United are set to face off against European powerhouses Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan in Group F of the 2023-24 Champions League. This marks their return to the group stage after nearly two decades, their last appearance being in the 2002-03 season. The draw has pitted them against three teams with strong recent European track records.
Historic European heavyweights matched in Group A,
Manchester United have been matched with Bayern Munich in Group A, reminiscent of their memorable clash in the 1999 final. FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray complete the group, offering an enticing mix of matchups.
Favourable draw for City, tough task for Celtic
Holders Manchester City find themselves in a relatively kind Group G, with RB Leipzig, Young Boys, and former European Cup winners Red Star Belgrade. It appears to be a favourable draw for City, giving them a decent shot at advancing.
Arsenal, making their return to the competition after a hiatus since 2016-17, are placed in Group B. They will take on PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens, and Europa League champions Sevilla. This group promises exciting clashes, particularly with the inclusion of strong contenders like Sevilla.
Celtic, placed in Group E, have a challenging path ahead. They are up against the likes of Atletico Madrid, Lazio, and Feyenoord. It’s a tough draw, demanding their best performance to compete effectively.
Magpies get tough draw
Newcastle’s long-awaited comeback to the elite European stage has been highly anticipated after their fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season. However, their draw couldn’t have been more testing. Led by manager Eddie Howe, they will encounter PSG, who reached the final in 2020, seven-time European champions AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund, who won the competition in 1997 and appeared in the final a decade ago. However, it should be noted that many bookmakers have made Howe’s side second favourites to win the group.
The Champions League group stage for the 2023-24 season presents an enticing mix of historical rivalries, potential upsets, and intriguing clashes among top-tier teams from different leagues. Football enthusiasts across the globe can eagerly anticipate a thrilling tournament ahead.
City remain bookies favourites after draw
Champions League holders Manchester City’s position as pre-tournament favourites has been strengthened by the draw. At the time of writing, they are 2/1 with bet365, ahead of Bayern Munich (11/2) and Real Madrid (8/1). Arsenal are rated as a 10/1 chance, Manchester United 20/1, with Newcastle 25/1.
Bettors should look closely at the draw and analyse how teams have started the season when picking outrights such as Champions League winners and teams to qualify from groups or win groups.
Group Stage Draw:
Group A: Bayern Munich, MANCHESTER UNITED, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
Group B: Sevilla, ARSENAL, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Group E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, CELTIC
Group F: Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, NEWCASTLE UNITED
Group G: MANCHESTER CITY, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Group H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
The group stages will run from 19 September to 13 December, with the final at Wembley on 1 June.
