Here’s a closer look at the dates for Chelsea, Tottenham, Man City, Liverpool, Man United and Celtic in the Champions League groups…
Chelsea
Group C with Atletico Madrid, Roma and Qarabag
With Chelsea drawing Atletico Madrid, all eyes will be on the September 27 when the Spanish side host their first Champions League game at the Wanda Metropolitano. Is there an ounce of possibility that Diego Costa could feature for the Blues against Atleti? One could argue there is a greater chance of the Spaniard turning up in the stands wearing a red-and-white scarf…
FIXTURES
Tuesday 12 September: Chelsea v Qarabag
Wednesday 27 September: Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Wednesday 18 October: Chelsea v Roma
Tuesday 31 October: Roma v Chelsea
Wednesday 22 November: Qarabag v Chelsea
Tuesday 5 December: Chelsea v Atletico Madrid
***
Tottenham
Group H with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and APOEL
Spurs will have to do it the hard way after drawing Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. The standout tie will see Real duo Luka Modric and Gareth Bale return to face their former employers at Wembley on November 1.
FIXTURES
Wednesday 13 September: Spurs v Dortmund
Tuesday 26 September: APOEL v Spurs
Tuesday 17 October: Real Madrid v Spurs
Wednesday 1 November: Spurs v Real Madrid
Tuesday 21 November: Dortmund v Spurs
Wednesday 6 December: Spurs v APOEL
***
Man City
Group F with Shakhtar Donetsk, Napoli and Feyenoord
Pep Guardiola’s side will be favourites to top their group, though a trip to Ukraine on Matchday 6 to face Shakhtar Donetsk could prove crucial.
Manchester CityGetty Images
FIXTURES
Wednesday 13 September: Feyenoord v City
Tuesday 26 September: City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Tuesday 17 October: City v Napoli
Wednesday 1 November: Napoli v City
Tuesday 21 November: City v Feyenoord
Wednesday 6 December: Shakhtar Donetsk v City
***
Liverpool
Group E with Spartak Moscow, Sevilla and Maribor
The Reds will have revenge on their mind when facing Sevilla twice before Christmas. Jurgen Klopp’s side lost 3-1 to Sevilla in the 2016 Europa League final, and they host the Liga outfit on September 13 before travelling to Spain on November 21.
FIXTURES
Wednesday 13 September: Liverpool v Sevilla
Tuesday 26 September: Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Tuesday 17 October: Maribor v Liverpool
Wednesday 1 November: Liverpool v Maribor
Tuesday 21 November: Sevilla v Liverpool
Wednesday 6 December: Liverpool v Spartak Moscow
***
Manchester United
Group A with Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow
The Red Devils have been handed a favourable group, with Jose Mourinho’s side set to host Portuguese champions Benfica on Halloween.
FIXTURES
Tuesday 12 September: United v Basel
Wednesday 27 September: CSKA Moscow v United
Wednesday 18 October: Benfica v United
Tuesday 31 October: United v Benfica
Wednesday 22 November: Basel v United
Tuesday 5 December: United v CSKA Moscow
***
Celtic
Group B with Bayern Munich, PSG and Anderlecht
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will make the trip to Celtic Park this season, with the Scottish champions hosting Bundlesliga winners Bayern on Halloween.
FIXTURES
Tuesday 12 September: Celtic v PSG
Wednesday 27 September: Anderlecht v Celtic
Wednesday 18 October: Bayern v Celtic
Tuesday 31 October: Celtic v Bayern Munich
Wednesday 22 November: PSG v Celtic
Tuesday 5 December: Celtic v Anderlecht
