The Champions League is right around the corner, but before that comes the group-stage draw for the 2018/19 season. In this event, the 32 teams competing in the tournament will be split into eight groups where they will battle it out for a spot in the knockout round.
All the participants will be split into one of four pots, with the defending European champions and league holders being placed in pot 1. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming draw.

When and where?

In Monaco on Thursday, 30 August

What time?

The draw is scheduled to begin at  15:30 GMT

Who are participating in this season's Champions League?

Since the playoffs are due to wrap up on Tuesday and Wednesday, a few spots are up for grabs. Here are that teams that you will see in the 2018/19 season.

• England: Man City, Tottenham, Man United, Liverpool
• Spain: Real Madrid, Atlético, Barcelona, Valencia
• Germany: Bayern Munich, BVB, Schalke, Hoffenheim 
• Italy: Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Inter Milan
• France: PSG, Lyon, Monaco
• Russia: Lokomotiv Moskva, CSKA Moskva
• Portugal: Porto 
• Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk
• Turkey: Galatasaray
• Belgium: Club Brugge
• Czech Republic: Viktoria Plzeň

What are the pots?

• Pot one: Real Madrid, Atletico, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Man City, Juventus, PSG, Lokomotiv Moskva. 
• Pot two: BVB, Porto, Man United, Shakhtar Donetsk, Napoli, Tottenham, Roma.
• Pot three: Schalke, Lyon, Monaco, CSKA Moskva.
• Pot four: Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Hoffenheim.

*Liverpool, Valencia and Viktoria Plzeň's pot will be revealed when the playoffs end.

What are the rules for the draw?

Only one team from each pot will be placed in one group. Also, two teams from the same league cannot be put in the same league.

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