From draws of previous years it can be found that UEFA favors a scheme where a team plays at home against the next lower ranked team, and (as a consequence) plays away against the next higher ranked team.


When the draw concludes and there are 8 groups of 5 teams, a computer draw will take place to determine the fixture schedule with factors such as stadium clashes and climatic conditions (it is not possible to play in some northern countries in mid-December) taken into account. Each club plays home and away alternately in its group