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THREAD: We almost know the main pots for the 2020-21 UCL group stage draw (Oct 1) now. So, let's have a preview.
Pot 1 (seeds):
Bayern Munich
PSG
Inter Milan or Sevilla
Real Madrid
Liverpool
Juventus
Zenit St Petersburg
FC Porto (as UCL titleholder slot free)
Pot 1 (seeds):
Bayern Munich
PSG
Inter Milan or Sevilla
Real Madrid
Liverpool
Juventus
Zenit St Petersburg
FC Porto (as UCL titleholder slot free)
Pot 1 contains the champions of the top six leagues, plus European titleholders.
As both UCL finalists (Bayern, PSG) are in Pot 1 as national champions, the place goes to the champions of the 7th-ranked league.
This is Portugal, so FC Porto are promoted from Pot 3 to Pot 1.
As both UCL finalists (Bayern, PSG) are in Pot 1 as national champions, the place goes to the champions of the 7th-ranked league.
This is Portugal, so FC Porto are promoted from Pot 3 to Pot 1.
The good news for Portugal is it has overtaken Russia in the UEFA coefficient into sixth place, so as of next season the champions will automatically be seeded in the group-stage draw.
Next season's Russian champions will have to hope the UCL or UEL winners are top-6 champions.
Next season's Russian champions will have to hope the UCL or UEL winners are top-6 champions.
Pot 2 of the UCL group-stage draw is also almost set.
Pot 2:
Barcelona
Atletico Madrid
Manchester City
Sevilla FC (if lose UEL final)
Manchester United
Borussia Dortmund
Shakhtar Donetsk
Chelsea
Pot 2:
Barcelona
Atletico Madrid
Manchester City
Sevilla FC (if lose UEL final)
Manchester United
Borussia Dortmund
Shakhtar Donetsk
Chelsea
Pot 2 can only change if Sevilla win the Europa League, elevating them into Pot 1.
If so, Benfica move from Pot 3 to Pot 2 (if they come through qualifying). If Benfica are knocked out, Ajax move up.
Ajax are now direct to groups due to PSG and Bayern qualifying domestically.
If so, Benfica move from Pot 3 to Pot 2 (if they come through qualifying). If Benfica are knocked out, Ajax move up.
Ajax are now direct to groups due to PSG and Bayern qualifying domestically.
With three English teams in Pot 2, Liverpool know they will be in the same group as one of: #LFC
Barcelona
Atletico Madrid
Borussia Dortmund
Shakhtar Donetsk
Sevilla FC/Benfica/Ajax
Barcelona
Atletico Madrid
Borussia Dortmund
Shakhtar Donetsk
Sevilla FC/Benfica/Ajax
And if there are three Spanish teams in Pot 2 (so Sevilla do not win the UEL), Real Madrid will have to draw one of:
Manchester City
Manchester United
Borussia Dortmund
Shakhtar Donetsk
Chelsea
Manchester City
Manchester United
Borussia Dortmund
Shakhtar Donetsk
Chelsea
Pots 3 and 4 are very much dependent on qualifying, but if the highest-ranked teams reach the group stage...
Pot 3:
Benfica* or Inter Milan
Ajax
Dynamo Kiev*
FC Salzburg*
RB Leipzig
Olympiakos*
Lazio
Celtic*
(*in qualifying)
Pot 3:
Benfica* or Inter Milan
Ajax
Dynamo Kiev*
FC Salzburg*
RB Leipzig
Olympiakos*
Lazio
Celtic*
(*in qualifying)
With FC Porto in Pot 1 to take the UCL titleholder slot, and the UEL titleholder being higher ranked, Celtic (if they qualify) will definitely be in Pot 3.
Last time a Scottish club was Pot 3 in the UCL draw was 2010-11 (Rangers).
Celtic have not been Pot 3 since 2008-09.
Last time a Scottish club was Pot 3 in the UCL draw was 2010-11 (Rangers).
Celtic have not been Pot 3 since 2008-09.
Teams in Pot 4 (subject to who qualifies) include:
Atalanta, Lokomotiv Moscow, Marseille, Club Brugge, Borusssia Monchengladbach
Atalanta first for possible move up to Pot 3, but their coefficient is low and only once in last 8 seasons (last season) has it been good enough.
Atalanta, Lokomotiv Moscow, Marseille, Club Brugge, Borusssia Monchengladbach
Atalanta first for possible move up to Pot 3, but their coefficient is low and only once in last 8 seasons (last season) has it been good enough.
