THE league phase of the Champions League comes to an end tonight – and all six English sides could end up booking their immediate passage to the last 16.
All 36 teams in the competition will be involved in a blockbuster evening, with each of the games kicking off at 8pm.
Arsenal are going into their meeting with Kazakh minnows Kairat Almaty knowing that they are already through without having to go into the play-offs.
The Gunners maintained their 100 per cent winning record with their victory at Inter Milan last week and they have qualified for the last 16 alongside Bayern Munich.
Liverpool already have 15 points on the board ahead of their showdown with Qarabag.
And a win for Arne Slot’s side would be enough to ensure they join Premier League rivals Arsenal in the last 16.
But after a 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven had a big impact on their goal difference, a draw might not be enough to avoid the play-off round.
Tottenham have a golden opportunity to turn their faltering season around.
If they beat Eintracht Frankfurt, who have already fallen out of contention to extend their Champions League campaign, they are certain to finish in the top eight.
Thomas Frank’s side overcame ten-man Borussia Dortmund to make sure they went into the final matchday with their fate in their own hands.
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But eight teams are only a point behind Spurs, so a draw or defeat could leave them facing a play-off clash.
Newcastle have a daunting trip to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain tonight.
Both sides are locked on 13 points and the winner will book their spot in the last 16.
But a draw could see them drop out of the top eight and the losers would be primed to fall into the play-off positions.
Chelsea appear to be in a strong position – but they are still not certain of a place in the last 16 even if they beat former Stamford Bridge chief Antonio Conte and his Napoli side.
The Blues are one of the sides on 13 points, so it could all come down to goal difference.
That made the slender win over Pafos on the last Champions League matchday even more frustrating for boss Liam Rosenior.
If Chelsea lose or draw, it is likely that they will have to make do with a play-off berth.
Manchester City did not do themselves any favours when they fell to a shock defeat against Bodo/Glimt last week.
They already have a play-off spot at minimum, but their goal difference means they have a good chance of breaking into the top eight if they bag three points at home to Galatasaray.