The Champions League draw is just around the corner and for Arsenal, it could be a chance for more silverware.
Mikel Arteta guided the Gunners back to the European contest last season, where a quarter-final run was ended by Bayern Munich.
That was the final time Arsenal featured in the traditional format of the Champions League though, with a fresh start coming for the competition.
This season kickstarts the beginning of the “Swiss format” of the contest, with a giant league phase paving the way to the knockouts.
Arsenal will face off against eight teams in the opening stages, four at the Emirates Stadium and four away.
The Gunners will soon find out their opponents for this season, which could bring about some interesting ties.
Arsenal Champions League draw simulated
So as the Champions League draw approaches, it seems wise to look at the teams Arsenal could draw in this season’s campaign.
Thanks to the Champions League draw simulator from Inker, we can take a glimpse at one possible outcome for the Gunners.
Slovan Bratislava v Arsenal
First up for Arsenal in the simulation is a clash against one of the teams from the fourth pot in the draw, with Slovan Bratislava their first opponent.
The Gunners would have to make the trip across Europe for their first match in a tricky tie that would set the tone for the competition.
Slovan Bratislava made their way through the qualification rounds, beating Midtjylland to reach this stage, requiring two late goals in the match to secure a place in the competition in dramatic circumstances.
Arsenal v Monaco
On matchday two, Arsenal were drawn against AS Monaco at the Emirates Stadium, with the side back in the Champions League after finishing second in Ligue 1 last season.
The Gunners last faced Monaco in the Emirates Cup back in August 2023 – winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
In competitive matches, Arsenal were knocked out by the Ligue 1 team on away goals back in the 2015 Champions League – which featured stars such as Dimitar Berbatov, Anthony Martial and Bernardo Silva.
Arsenal v Feyenoord
Another home game follows as Arsenal take on Dutch outfit Feyenoord in their third match of the simulated Champions League.
It would be the first meeting for the teams in recent history, with plenty of stars featuring for both teams – such as former transfer target Santiago Gimenez and Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Jurrien Timber.
Sporting CP v Arsenal
A familiar foe appears for Arsenal halfway through their league phase competition as they’re drawn to Sporting CP.
The Gunners took on the Portuguese side back in 2023, where they were knocked out in the Europa League round of 16.
A 2-2 draw away then brought about another stalemate in a 1-1 draw at home, with Sporting winning the tie on penalties.
Arsenal v Atalanta
The final three matches of the league phase is where it really starts to ramp up in difficulty for Arsenal in the simulated draw.
Starting with matchday five, the Gunners have been given Atalanta as their opponents in front of a home crowd.
The Serie A team managed to win last season’s Europa League and have been traditionally tough to beat under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Barcelona v Arsenal
A repeat of the 2006 Champions League final, Arsenal face Barcelona in their penultimate simulated draw.
The two teams last faced off in the 2015/16 season, where the Blaugrana ran out comfortable winners over two legs.
It remains to be seen if the Catalonian giants are the same force they once were all those years ago.
Arsenal v Real Madrid
If Arsenal in the simulated world wanted an easy end to their Champions League league phase, then think again.
The Gunners are drawn at home to current European champions Real Madrid in what would be an extremely tough outing.
The two teams last faced off in 2006, where Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners over the two legs in the round of 16.
Arsenal Champions League simulated draw in full
- Slovan Bratislava v Arsenal
- Arsenal v Monaco
- Arsenal v Feyenoord
- Sporting CP v Arsenal
- Arsenal v Atalanta
- Barcelona v Arsenal
- Arsenal v Real Madrid
In terms of the simulated draw, Arsenal may well have got the toughest of the tough opposition available to them.
There are plenty of teams from the top five leagues in Europe as well as those who know how to win on the European stage.
Arteta would be hoping to avoid that nightmare scenario when the draw actually plays out.
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