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The Reds’ possible opponents for the first stage of this season’s Champions League have narrowed, as 14 clubs battle for a place in the competition in the final qualifying round.

The Merseyside club topped the first phase of the new Champions League format last season, but despite finishing first in the table, they were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.

This season, Arne Slot may rethink how to use his squad, with a top-eight finish in mind.



Now, their potential opponents are becoming much clearer.

Twenty-nine teams have already secured their place in the draw later this month, while a further 14 are competing for the final seven spots in the 36-team competition.

After completing the third round of qualifying, the play-off round is the last challenge before the Champions League line-up is finalised.

Celtic and Rangers are in contention, as is Club Brugge, home to ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

The Belgian side reached the round of 16 last season and will now face a play-off to qualify – Red Star Belgrade vs Pafos, Rangers vs Club Brugge, Ferencvaros vs Qarabag, Celtic vs Kairat, Basel vs Copenhagen, Bodo/Glimt vs Sturm Graz, Fenerbahce vs Benfica

The first legs of the play-off round will take place on August 19/20, with the second legs on August 26/27.

Winners will qualify for the Champions League, while losers will drop into the Europa League.

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England – Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle

Spain – Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Athletic Club

Germany – Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt

Italy – Inter Milan, Atalanta, Juventus, Napoli

France – PSG, Marseille, Monaco

Rest of Europe – PSV, Ajax, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Galatasaray, Union SG

The winners of the seven play-off ties will join these teams to complete the 36-club line-up.

Liverpool will discover their eight league phase opponents on August 28, with four games at Anfield and four away from home.

The draw for the league will take place on August 28.

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