The English sides are alive and kicking (Picture: Getty)

The Champions League group stage has reached the halfway stage with all four English clubs remaining in real contention to qualify for the knockout stages after Christmas.

Manchester City and Arsenal are in the most dominant positions out of the Premier League quartet, and only a severe collapse in form will likely see them fail to advance in the competition.

Manchester United and Newcastle, meanwhile, have plenty of work left to do, but their fate remains very much in their hands.

Here are the Champions League group stage permutations and what all four English clubs need to do to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Manchester United

United are currently sat in third place in Group A with three points – one point behind Galatasaray and six behind group leaders Bayern Munich.
Andre Onana saved a last minute penalty to secure United’s win over Copenhagen (Picture: Getty)

Rather simply, Manchester United will qualify if they win all of their remaining games.

Wins over Copenhagen and Galatasaray are almost a necessity, given United host Bayern at Old Trafford in their final game, and six points in their next two games would leave them in the top two as they prepare to host the German giants.

If Bayern beat Galatasaray in two weeks time then six points from the clashes with the Turks and Copenhagen will be enough to secure progression.

Arsenal

Arsenal occupy the summit of Group B with six points, one p...