2025-26 Champions League Preview: Premier League Clubs Compete
The 2025-26 Champions League is almost here, featuring a record six clubs from the Premier League competing in Europe's premier tournament.
However, for the first time since the 2021-22 season, there will be no Scottish teams in the main competition. Both Celtic and Rangers were eliminated in the playoff rounds, following Scotland's drop out of the top 10 in UEFA's coefficient rankings, which resulted in the loss of its automatic qualification spot.
The draw for the league phase is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, in Monaco at 17:00 BST.
This season marks the second iteration of the new Champions League format, which includes a 36-team league phase.
League phase matches will commence on September 16, with the final taking place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
Paris Saint-Germain will return as the defending champions, having secured their first title by defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in last season's final. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, with a record 15 titles, leads UEFA's coefficient rankings based on their performance over the past five years.
As the Premier League clubs prepare for the competition, predictions are welcome.
Arsenal
Arsenal enters the Champions League following a strong showing last season, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. Despite falling to eventual champions PSG, Mikel Arteta's squad demonstrated significant improvement by defeating reigning champions Real Madrid with an impressive 5-1 aggregate score across two legs.
This summer, Arsenal has heavily invested in their forward line, spending over £150 million on new signings including Victor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke. The pressure is on the club to secure major silverware, as they continue a five-year trophy drought. Arteta is optimistic that the enhanced squad depth will help them achieve success in the Champions League for the first time.
UEFA club coefficient ranking: 15th
Chelsea
Chelsea returns to Europe as Club World Cup and Conference League champions after a two-year absence. Their recent success in the Club World Cup, a reward for their 2021 Champions League victory, culminated in a notable win against PSG, the reigning European champions.
As they enter the league phase, Chelsea aims to maximize their potential and has a history of European triumphs, being the only club to have won all four major UEFA competitions. Manager Enzo Maresca has strengthened his squad with the signings of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens, aiming to establish Chelsea as a formidable force both domestically and in Europe.
UEFA club coefficient ranking: 14th
Liverpool
Last season's Premier League champions, Liverpool, are eager to reclaim European glory after being eliminated in the last 16 by PSG in the 2024-25 Champions League. Under the management of Arne Slot, Liverpool successfully navigated the new league phase, finishing first among the 36 teams.
However, their journey ended against PSG in the knockout stage. Liverpool has bolstered their squad this season with the additions of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike, and Giovanni Leoni, all aiming for the club's eighth European title.
UEFA club coefficient ranking: 5th
Manchester City
Manchester City experienced a disappointing season last year, finishing third in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League in the knockout stage against Real Madrid, without any silverware to show for their efforts. However, after winning the 2023 Champions League, City is looking to bounce back this season despite the absence of midfield star Kevin de Bruyne.
Manager Pep Guardiola has strengthened the squad with new signings Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders. After last season's struggles, reaching the last 16 would be a positive step for City. With new recruits and Reijnders stepping into the De Bruyne role, can City secure their second Champions League title?
UEFA club coefficient ranking: 4th
Newcastle United
Newcastle United, managed by Eddie Howe, made their long-awaited return to Champions League football last season after a 20-year absence, showcasing standout performances, including a remarkable 4-1 victory against PSG at St James' Park.
However, their summer transfer activity has not reflected their status as a Champions League club, with multiple striker targets turning them down, including Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro, who joined Liverpool and Chelsea respectively. There is also uncertainty surrounding star striker Alexander Isak, who is reportedly seeking a move to Liverpool despite Newcastle's top-five finish last season.
While Newcastle may not be ideally positioned for their return to the Champions League, they remain a daunting opponent for any team facing the intimidating atmosphere of St James' Park on a European night.
UEFA club coefficient ranking: 85th
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur returns to the Champions League for the first time since 2023 after enduring their worst Premier League campaign on record last season. However, they ended the 2024-25 season as Europa League champions, earning a spot in this year's elite competition.
New head coach Thomas Frank is entering uncharted territory, as he has never managed in the Champions League before. His previous continental experience was limited to leading Brondby in Europa League qualifying. So far, Frank's tenure has been promising, with new signings Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus contributing to two wins in the Premier League. The challenge remains: can they translate their domestic form into success in Europe?
UEFA club coefficient ranking: 31st
Fans can catch highlights of every Champions League game starting at 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. Additionally, there will be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday from 22:40 to 00:00.