Arsenal's UCL group-stage opponents are about to be confirmed ahead of draw

Here we take a look at the teams battling it out to join Arsenal in the Champions League group stage draw as the play-off round will be completed within the next fortnight

It's seven long years since Arsenal were involved in a Champions League group stage draw, but the wait is almost over.

The Gunners had missed out on qualifying for Europe's premier competition for six seasons in a row, but after finishing runners-up to Manchester City in the most recent Premier League campaign, Mikel Arteta has succeded in ensuring that famous anthem will soon ring around the Emirates Stadium.

But which teams can the north London outfit be paired with? Well, that question will be answered from 18:00 CET on Thursday, August 31 - one day before the summer transfer window slams shut - as that's when the draw for the group stage takes place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Of course, as per UEFA rules, clubs cannot be drawn against teams from the same association. This means, for example, Arsenal will avoid being paired with their Premier League rivals so they can't face holders Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United in the group stage.

Although, there is a strong chance Arteta's side will come up against one of Europe's big guns with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich - all champions of their respective domestic leagues last season - the standout teams from Pot 1 along with Europa League specialists Sevilla.

With the first two pots already set in stone, it's all about who could be Arsenal's opponents from Pots 3 and 4. As things currently stand, they can face one of Shakhtar Donetsk, Red Bull Salzburg, AC Milan, Lazio or Red Star Belgrade from the former with Union Berlin and Lens the only possible options from