Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League last 16, while Arsenal, Man City, Aston Villa and Celtic are battling to join them - but may have to go through a play-off; the new 36-team format features a single league;

Much has changed in this season's Champions League, the knockout play-off phase being one major new introduction

It's been a journey into the unknown, but the new-look 36-team Champions League is finally reaching the climax of the league phase.  While we're starting to get some kind of idea of who's going to go through,

Arsenal sit fifth in the Champions League table heading into tonight’s action, having won four of their opening six games. They drew with Europa League holders Atalanta and lost to Inter Milan but have otherwise impressed, with the 5-1 win away at Sporting CP surely their standout performance.

Nine teams have already secured passage to the Champions League knockouts with a game to spare, giving them a considerably less stressful final fixture.

While Liverpool narrowly missed clinching top spot with a game to spare in the Champions League despite a 2-1 defeat of French side Lille on Tuesday, manager Arne Slot said finishing in the top eight and avoiding two playoff games was the most important thing.

UEFA overhauled the Champions League format this year introducing a new league phase system akin to domestic leagues across Europe.

Pep Guardiola’s side would have been among the favourites to win the competition outright before a ball was kicked this season but are sat 24th in the Champions League table heading into tonight’s huge clash at Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool could seal their place in the top eight but the picture is lot less rosy for Manchester City, Real Madrid and PSG