Three English teams on course for Champions League play-offs - could they face each other?
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Champions League Table, Fixtures, Results: Three English Teams on Course for Knockout Phase
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase is nearing its conclusion after six matchdays, with **Arsenal** leading the standings on 18 points from a perfect 6 wins, boasting a +16 goal difference (17-1).[1][2][4][6][7] Bayern Munich follows in second with 15 points (+11 GD), ahead of Paris Saint-Germain (13 points, +11) and Manchester City (13 points, +6).[2][5][7]
English clubs shine prominently: Arsenal top the table, securing a straight path to the Round of 16. Liverpool sit 9th (seeded knockout play-off spot), Newcastle United 12th, Chelsea 13th (+5 GD), and Tottenham Hotspur 11th or 19th depending on partial data, all with positive momentum and on course for play-offs.[1][2][6] This positions three English teams—likely Arsenal, Liverpool, and one of Chelsea, Tottenham, or Newcastle—for the knockout phase, raising the possibility of domestic clashes in play-offs.[1][2]
Key Standings Highlights
| Position | Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 18 | +16 |
| 2 | Bayern Munich | 15 | +11 |
| 3 | PSG | 13 | +11 |
| 9 | Liverpool | ~12 | +? |
| 13 | Chelsea | ~10 | +5 |
Matchdays 7 (Jan 20-21) and 8 (Jan 28) remain, with all MD8 games simultaneous to prevent betting issues.[2][3] Fixtures include Arsenal vs. Kairat, Tottenham vs. Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea vs. Pafos, and Liverpool at Marseille.[3] Top teams advance directly to R16; 9-24 enter play-offs (Feb 17-25), with quarters in March.[2][3]
Could English sides face off? Seeding protects top-8 hosting play-offs, but unseeded English teams risk drawing each other, adding intrigue to the run-in.[1][2][6]
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