Supporters were treated to some rare January action in the Champions League as the revamped competition nears the end of the league stage.
The penultimate round of fixtures leaves Game 8 – which sees all 18 matches take place at the same time next Wednesday – well prepared as Europe's heavyweights battle for their place in the knockout stages.
For some, Their place in the last 16 is assuredwhile others are fighting for a top-eight finish that would see them avoid a nervy play-off in February. Beggars can't be choosers, however, with some of the continent's elite still opting out for any route into the knockout rounds.
Much remains up in the air, but the statistics experts Select have predicted how the final Champions League table may appear.
Liverpool AND Barcelona are the only two teams guaranteed to finish in the top eight and will automatically enter the last 16, but Arsenal are almost certain to join them barring a terrific blowout against Girona. of Premier League the leaders are also given an 89.1% chance of finishing first at the end of Game 8, with Barca the only other team capable of stealing top spot.
Inter are equally likely to finish in the top eight and have been given a 97.7% chance of avoiding the play-offs. Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen AND Milan are all favorites to enter the last 16, while Aston Villa the eighth are predicted and they are expected to overcome the champions of the Europa League Atalanta.
Side of Bergamo and Lille both are given roughly a one-in-three chance of making the top eight, with Feyenoord AND Borussia Dortmund gave the appearance of being dragged straight into the last 16.
Things look less optimistic for the European giants Bayern Munich AND Real Madridboth are guaranteed a play-off spot but look increasingly unlikely to make the top eight. The German side are given just a 7.9% chance of finishing eighth or higher – just 0.6% more than impressive debutants Brest – while the reigning champions have only a 2.9% chance of avoiding an unwanted play-off.
Celtic have guaranteed their place in the play-offs despite being unlikely to make the top eight, but the Bhoys are in a stronger position than Paris Saint-Germain AND Manchester City. The French giants sit in the top 24 behind them 4-2 win over Cityzens on Wednesday, but still have a 14% chance of elimination. They visit Stuttgart in their last outing.
Man City are in real danger after a hugely disappointing campaign. They host Club Brugge in the 8th matchday and will be favorites to enjoy victory in that encounter. A win would guarantee qualification for the play-offs, but Select give them a 36.2% chance of losing. Nervous times for Pep Guardiola and his players.
Predicted Champions League table after the 8th match
POSITION |
Club |
---|---|
1. |
Liverpool |
2. |
Barcelona |
3. |
Arsenal |
4. |
Inter |
5. |
Atletico Madrid |
6. |
Bayer Leverkusen |
7. |
Milan |
8. |
Aston Villa |
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 Bruges |
21. |
Sporting CP |
22. |
Paris Saint-Germain |
23. |
Benfica |
24. |
Stuttgart |
25. |
Manchester City |
26. |
Dinamo Zagreb |
27. |
Shakhtar Donetsk |
28. |
Bologna |
29. |
Red Star of Belgrade |
30. |
RB Leipzig |
31. |
Sparta Prague |
32. |
Storm Graz |
33. |
Girona |
34. |
Salzburg |
35. |
Young boys |
36. |
Slavic Bratislava |