Each of the Premier League’s four representatives will be confident they can make a big impact in this season’s UEFA Champions League, as Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United prepare to take on Europe’s elite in the coming months.
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The campaign ahead
So which Premier League sides will advance furthest in the 69th edition of Europe’s pre-eminent club competition? We make our predictions below.
Manchester City
After a series of glorious failures, the Citizens finally lifted the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy, the last team, overcoming Italian giants INter Milan in the Istanbul showpiece. Manchester City’s European exploits were a huge cherry on top of a magnificent season, as Pep Guardiola’s men delivered a historic treble. Unlike recent summer windows, it’s been a quiet period at the Etihad, with just one notable departure and arrival – club captain İlkay Gündoğan heads to Barcelona, with Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovačić drafted in as his replacement.
Prediction: Runners-up
Arsenal
At one stage last season, it appeared as if the Gunners might prevent Manchester City from winning a third consecutive Premier League title. However, a sharp drop-off in results post-January left their title hopes in tatters. Despite this, there is rightly plenty of optimism amongst the Arsenal fans – Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber have been added to the ranks of Mike Arteta’s rejuvenated side.
Prediction: Round of 16
Manchester United
Manchester United accumulated more points last season than they did in any of the previous four campaigns, as Erik ten Hag’s revolution continues to gather pace. The Dutchman has impressed many with his readiness to make tough calls, having shown no mercy to Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of 2022, before stripping Harry Maguire of the captain’s armband in pre-season. The Red Devils look in good shape.
Prediction: Quarterfinalists
Newcastle United
Two decades have passed since the Toon Army last watched their side compete in the UEFA Champions League, but Eddie Howe’s men will be ready for the challenge ahead. The ex-Bournemouth boss has moulded the Magpies into an incredibly well-drilled outfit and with several highly capable recruits having arrived at St. James Park during the summer, Newcastle United are likely to prove a tricky opponent for any side in the competition.
Prediction: Group Stage – 3rd place (qualification to UEFA Europa League)
