Champions League: How the permutations look for English sides

26 November 2015 01:46

The Premier League's four representatives all face crucial matches in the final round of Champions League group games next month.

Here Press Association Sport looks at the permutations which could come into play for each.

Manchester United

Louis van Gaal's side must win against group leaders Wolfsburg to be guaranteed of qualifying for the knockout stage - and victory would also mean they top Group B.

United are a point ahead of PSV Eindhoven so a draw would also be enough if the Dutch side lose at home to CSKA Moscow.

Defeat for United would mean PSV only need a draw to go through to the last 16, as they have the better head-to-head record, while Van Gaal's men would drop down to the Europa League.

Manchester City

City have already qualified for the knockout stage but would need to beat Borussia Monchengladbach and hope Group D leaders Juventus lose their away game in Seville in order to finish top and avoid the European heavyweights in the last 16.

Juventus only need a draw to be sure of topping the group as they have a better head-to-head record against Manuel Pellegrini's side, having beaten them twice.

Arsenal

The Gunners' hopes of making the last 16 - an achievement they have managed for each of the last 15 seasons - rest on Arsene Wenger's men beating Olympiacos by two clear goals in Greece.

Victory would see Arsenal join the Greek side on nine points, and will either have to match Olympiacos' 3-2 result at the Emirates or win by two clear goals. That is a tall order - the Gunners have lost all three previous Champions League games at Olympiacos.

Arsenal are guaranteed at least to go into the Europa League.

Chelsea

Jose Mourinho's side need a point at home to Porto to be sure of making the last 16 - but a draw would also mean Chelsea would concede top spot to their manager's former side.

If Chelsea lose and Dynamo Kiev beat Maccabi Tel Aviv then Mourinho's side would miss out and drop into the Europa League.

Source: PA