will find out who they will play in the group stage 2023/24 when the .
Their runners-up spot in last season’s epic title race with secured Arsenal’s return to the top table of European football for the first time since 2016/17.
And having with the additions of and in the summer transfer window, expectations are high that Mikel Arteta’s side can enjoy a deep run in the competition after Christmas.
So, with the countdown clock ticking towards the start of the draw ceremony in the glittery Principality, let’s take a look at Arsenal’s potential Champions League group stage opponents.
Who could Arsenal face in the Champions League group stage?
have been placed in Pot 2 and they will be drawn together with one team from Pots 1, 3 and 4.
, Manchester United, Inter Milan, , , RB Leipzig and Porto have also been drawn in Pot 2.
However, UEFA rules state that two cubs from the same country cannot be drawn together – meaning that Manchester City and Newcastle are off the cards.
With Barcelona, Napoli, Bayern Munich and PSG all representing significant challenges in Pot 1, the Gunners would surely prefer to be drawn with either Sevilla, Benfica or Feyenoord – who on paper at least would represent an easier draw.
Arsenal will look to avoid the Italian pair of Inter Milan and Lazio in Pot 3.
Meanwhile, several potential threats lurk in Pot 4, such as Spanish side Real Sociedad and Turkish giants Galatasaray.
A trip up north across the border to face Celtic in Glasgow would also represent a tricky-looking away-day for Arteta’s men – although it would surely be a trip to relish for the travelling Gooners.
Best-case scenario: Feyenoord, Arsenal, FC Copenhagen, BSC Young Boys
Worst-case scenario: Bayern Munich, Arsenal, AC Milan, Real Sociedad
Champions League group stage draw Pot 1
- Manchester City
- Sevilla
- Barcelona
- Napoli
- Bayern Munich
- PSG
- Benfica
- Feyenoord
Champions League group stage draw Pot 2
- Real Madrid
- Manchester United
- Inter
- Borussia Dortmund
- Atletico Madrid
- RB Leipzig
- Porto
- Arsenal
Champions League group stage draw Pot 3
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- RB Salzburg
- AC Milan
- Braga
- Lazio
- Red Star Belgrade
- PSV
- FC Copenhagen
Champions League group stage draw Pot 4
- Real Sociedad
- Galatasaray
- Celtic
- Newcastle United
- FC Union Berlin
- RC Lens
- BSC Young Boys
- Royal Antwerp
What time does the Champions League draw start?
The draw will get underway today (Thursday, August 31) at 5pm BST.
Fans can watch the ceremony live on TNT Sport 1, with coverage starting from 4.45pm.
TNT Sport subscribers will also be able to catch the draw live via the app and website.
Alternatively, UEFA’s website, YouTube and social media channels will show the draw for free.
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