3 big teams who may not qualify from Champions League group stages

3. Arsenal

Two wins in three games really isn’t a bad conversion rate for the Gunners, who have this season been playing some top quality football. However, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund join them in the three-way tie for first place with six points, making it too close for comfort yet for Arsene Wenger’s outfit.

They would still be favourites to reach the knockout rounds, you say? Here are a few reasons why they could be the team out of the three vying for a spot that could get booted out:

1. Away fixtures - Out of the three teams, Arsenal are the only team that play two games away from home. Unfortunately for them, both those games are against the teams they are fighting against directly for a spot in the final 16, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli.

2. Pre- and post-Champions League matches - Currently lying in first in the Premier League, Arsenal will be looking to focus on their title challenge as well, along with their exertions in the Champions League.

However, a closer look at their fixtures show that they have tough games against their direct rivals right before and/or after each of their two important away games against Borussia Dortmund and Napoli, fixtures for which they might need to rotate their players.

In between their game against Dortmund comes a home game against second-placed Liverpool and an away trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

They face Everton before travelling to Naples, followed by an away fixture against 2011-12 Premier League champions Manchester City following their last Champions League fixture.

With Wenger expected to keep one eye on these games, their focus from the Champions League might wane, while the Gunners’ players will have to be managed as well, which could disrupt their chances of making the last 16.