Simulated Champions League group stage draw: Manchester City face hostile trio, as Arsenal, Newcastle, and Manchester United find out their fate

The group stage of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League sees Manchester City enter the tournament defending Europe’s top prize for the very first time.

Full details on the UEFA Champions League group stage draw, including how to watch the procedure take place live and when proceedings will commence on Thursday evening, can be found below.

Pot allocations, how to watch live, fixture dates, potential opponents – UEFA Champions League Group Stage draw 2023/24

Ahead of the eagerly-awaited draw in Europe’s premier club competition, City Xtra have now simulated proceedings for the group stage, ahead of the real-life event itself taking place in Monaco that is due to commence from 5PM (UK) on Thursday.

Our simulation featured a trio of clubs facing Manchester City in what would likely present Pep Guardiola and his players with one of the most hostile experiences of football stadia atmosphere in the game at present.

Elsewhere and Newcastle United were faced with a tricky test on their return to Europe’s elite as they were pitted against Bayern Munich at the first stage of the tournament, whilst Manchester United were drawn against Barcelona in their group.

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Simulated UEFA Champions League group stage draw

Group A: SSC Napoli, FC Porto, Red Bull Salzburg, Real Sociedad

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Internazionale, PSV Eindhoven, Union Berlin

Group C: FC Barcelona, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Royal Antwerp

Group D: Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, SC Braga, Newcastle United

Group E: Feyenoord, Real Madrid, AC Milan, RC Lens

Group F: Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, Celtic

Group G: Sevilla, Arsenal, Lazio, Galatasaray

Group H: Benfica, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, BSC Young Boys

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When is the UEFA Champions League Group Stage draw?

The draw for the UEFA Champions League Group Stages takes place on Thursday 31st August at 17:00 BST live from Monaco.

How can I watch the UEFA Champions League Group Stage draw?

The UEFA Champions League draw will be live on TNT Sports for viewers in the United Kingdom and will also be streamed on the UEFA website.

City Xtra will also have live updates across their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as live coverage and reaction on YouTube!

When are Group Stage matches scheduled to be played?

Matchday 1: 19/20 September 2023
Matchday 2: 3/4 October 2023
Matchday 3: 24/25 October 2023
Matchday 4: 7/8 November 2023
Matchday 5: 28/29 November 2023
Matchday 6: 12/13 December 2023

What are the pot allocations for UEFA Champions League Group Stage draw?

Pot One: Manchester City, Sevilla, Barcelona, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Feyenoord.

Pot Two: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, Porto, Arsenal.

Pot Three: Shakhtar Donetsk, Red Bull Salzburg, AC Milan, Lazio, Red Star Belgrade, Braga, FC Copenhagen, PSV Eindhoven.

Pot Four: Young Boys, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Celtic, Newcastle United, Union Berlin, Antwerp, Lens.

Can Manchester City play English opposition?

Manchester City are unable to face English opposition until the quarter-final stages, with other competing clubs also restricted from playing teams within their respective domestic league.

Who are Manchester City’s potential opponents?

Pot Two: Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, Porto.

Pot Three: Shakhtar Donetsk, Red Bull Salzburg, AC Milan, Lazio, Red Star Belgrade, Braga, FC Copenhagen, PSV Eindhoven.

Pot Four: Young Boys, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Celtic, Union Berlin, Antwerp, Lens.

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