Champions League permuations as Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City and Aston Villa face decisive matches
Champions League permuations as Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City and Aston Villa face decisive matches
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Wednesday night promises to be a chaotic one with the new-look Champions League group stages coming to an end. For the first time in the new format, every team in the competition will be in action at the same time. And there's plenty still at stake - particularly for clubs in the Premier League.
Liverpool have already sealed their spot in the next round, while Arsenal are on the verge of securing a spot in the last-16 and avoiding a perilous play-off. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are also in a positive position heading into the final group game. At the other end of the spectrum, 2023 champions Manchester City face a nightmare scenario and could be eliminated altogether. Take a look at the permutations that could occur on what promises to be a thrilling evening of European action.
The top eight teams in the league phase qualify automatically for the last 16 while the teams from ninth to 24th enter a play-off round, with those from 25th downwards eliminated from Europe altogether. City occupy 25th spot after a troubled start to the season and are two points adrift of the cut-off.
The good news for the 2023 winners comes with a winnable fixture on paper, at home to the Belgian champions, and a straightforward calculation – win and City will finish above Brugge on goal difference, taking all other considerations off the table and advancing them to the play-off.
