Supporters were treated to rare Champions League action in January as the revamped competition nears the conclusion of its league phase.
The penultimate day leaves matchday eight – which sees all 18 matches taking place at once next Wednesday – in fine form as Europe’s heavyweights fight for their place in the knockout stage.
For some, their place in the knockout stages is assured, while others are fighting for a top-eight spot that would allow them to avoid the nerve-racking play-offs in February. However, beggars cannot be choosers, as several members of the continent’s elite are still giving up any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Much remains unresolved, but statistics experts Opta have predicted what the final Champions League table could look like.
Liverpool And Barcelona are the only two teams guaranteed to finish in the top eight and automatically advance to the final 16, but Arsenal are almost certain to join them barring a freak implosion against Girona. The Premier League leaders also have an 89.1% chance of finishing first at the end of matchday eight, with Barca the only other team capable of stealing top spot.
Between are also likely to finish in the top eight and have a 97.7% chance of avoiding the play-offs. Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen And Milan are also all favorites for the round of 16, while Villa Aston were predicted eighth and expected to edge out the Europa League champions Atalanta.
The side of Bergamo and Lille both have about a one in three chance of making the top eight, with Feyenoord And Borussia Dortmund handed outside shots to drag themselves straight into the last 16.
Things look less optimistic for European giants Bayern Munich And Real Madridboth assured of a play-off place, but looking increasingly unlikely to make the top eight. The German team has just a 7.9% chance of finishing eighth or higher, just 0.6% better than the impressive debutants. Brest – while the reigning champions only have a 2.9% chance of avoiding an unwanted play-off.
Celtic have guaranteed their place in the play-offs even though they are unlikely to make the top eight, but the Bhoys are in a stronger position than Paris Saint-Germain And Manchester City. The French giants are in the top 24 after their 4-2 win over Cityzens on Wednesday, but still have a 14% chance of being eliminated. They visit Stuttgart on their last outing.
Man City are in real danger after a hugely disappointing campaign. They welcome Club Brugge on the 8th day and will be the favorites to taste victory during this meeting. A victory would guarantee qualification for the play-offs but Opta give them a 36.2% chance of missing something. Nervous times for Pep Guardiola and his players.
Expected Champions League table after matchday 8
Position | Club |
|---|---|
1. | Liverpool |
2. | Barcelona |
3. | Arsenal |
4. | Between |
5. | Atletico Madrid |
6. | Bayer Leverkusen |
7. | Milan |
8. | Villa Aston |
9. | Atalanta |
10. | Lille |
11. | Feyenoord |
12. | Borussia Dortmund |
13. | Bayern Munich |
14. | Brest |
15. | Monaco |
16. | Real Madrid |
17. | Juventus |
18. | PSV Eindhoven |
19. | Celtic |
20. | Club Brugge |
21. | Sports CP |
22. | Paris Saint-Germain |
23. | Benfica |
24. | Stuttgart |
25. | Manchester City |
26. | Dinamo Zagreb |
27. | Shakhtar Donetsk |
28. | Bologna |
29. | Red Star Belgrade |
30. | RB Leipzig |
31. | Sparta Prague |
32. | Sturm Graz |
33. | Girona |
34. | Salzburg |
35. | Young boys |
36. | Slovak Bratislava |
