Premier League clubs' Champions League hopes ranked after nightmare draws

The draw for the Champions League last 16 took place on Friday in Nyon with each of the Premier League’s representatives having learnt who they will take on throughout the rest of the competition

The route to potential Champions League glory has been set out for the six Premier League clubs. The draw for the last-16 took place in Nyon on Friday afternoon, with clubs learning their potential opponents.

Spanish opposition is the order of the day, with Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid a blockbuster tie. Newcastle and Tottenham will take on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have a tough test in the form of reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain. The final two pairings put Liverpool up against Galatasaray, while Arsenal clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

So, which of the Premier League representatives stands the best chance of winning the competition? Mirror Football takes a look:

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The only Premier League side to book their spot in the last-16 via the play-offs, Newcastle have been handed a nightmare draw, with Barcelona set to come. And should they somehow get through that tie, they will likely return to Spain with a trip to Atletico Madrid.

The semi-finals are relatively kind - except for Arsenal - but given the testing run of fixtures that Eddie Howe’s men face between then and now, they could be flagging before then.

Potential route:

Last-16: Barcelona

Quarter-finals: Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur

Semi-finals: Bodo/Glimt/Sporting Lisbon/Arsenal/Bayer Leverkusen

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It could be argued that Chelsea have the hardest run of all of the Premier League sides. They commence their knockout campaign against PSG, although they did beat the French side already this season in the Club World Cup, they could go into that game with confidence.

Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool will likely represent their next opponents, while Real Madrid, Manchester City or Bayern Munich would be very tricky semi-final opponents for Liam Rosenior’s men.

Potential route:

Last-16: PSG

Quarter-finals: Liverpool or Galatasaray

Semi-finals: Manchester City/Real Madrid/Bayern Munich/Atalanta

Giving their Premier League woes, there is a strong argument for Spurs to be rock bottom of this list. But having been placed on the same side of the draw as their North London rivals Arsenal, Tottenham have arguably been handed a welcome draw, albeit they face a tricky start against Atletico Madrid.

Should they progress, they could potentially face Newcastle and Bodo/Glimt on the way to the final should either of those teams progress. It seems highly unlikely they will make a deep run, but it could have been worse for Igor Tudor...much worse.

Potential route:

Last 16: Atletico Madrid

Quarter-finals: Newcastle or Barcelona

Semi-final: Arsenal/Bayer Leverkusen/Bodo/Glimt/Sporting Lisbon

It’s a little bit of de ja vu for Pep Guardiola following the round-of-16 draw, with Real Madrid set to come. Given City have managed to get the better of their Spanish opponents on a few occasions recently, it’s not as daunting as first thought.

They will certainly be hoping that they will face either Atalanta or Galatasaray in the following rounds, however unlikely that may be. The more likely prospect of back-to-back games against Madrid and Bayern Munich could concern them.

Potential route:

Last 16: Real Madrid

Quarter-finals: Atalanta or Bayern Munich

Semi-finals: PSG /Chelsea/Liverpool/Galatasaray

When it comes to Liverpool’s draw, they were handed a relatively kind last-16 tie, with Turkish giants Galatasaray to come. But should they progress past the Turkish side, reigning holders PSG could lie in wait.

It’s then a nightmare clutch of clubs to come in the semi-finals, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City all potential opponents. But the Reds are still a talented side and their European pedigree should stand them in good stead.

Potential route:

Last 16: Galatasaray

Quarter-finals: PSG or Chelsea

Semi finals: Real Madrid/Manchester City/ Atalanta/ Bayern Munich

Mikel Arteta’s side not only have the kindest run of the Premier League teams but arguably of every team in the competition. Their last-16 clash with Leverkusen is followed by a showdown with either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting Lisbon.

The difficulty cranks up slightly when it gets to the semi-finals, with Barcelona potentially lying in wait but it’s a dream run for the Gunners, who will now see reaching Budapest as hugely attainable.

Potential route:

Last-16: Bayer Leverkusen

Quarter-finals: Bodo/Glimt or Sporting Lisbon

Semi-final: Atletico Madrid/Tottenham Hotspur/Newcastle/Barcelona