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New wage figures show Arsenal biggest over-performers

Knockout places are up for grabs as the Champions League reaches a thrilling finale to the competition league phase.

All fixtures on this final matchday will kick off simultaneously with the action set to come thick and fast as the qualifiers for the round of 16 and knockout play-offs are determined. The second year of this new format has again set up an ending with plenty of intrigue, with only Arsenal and Bayern Munich assured of their spots in the top eight and a handful of sides fully eliminated.

It could be a big night for Newcastle United, who take on holders Paris Saint-Germain knowing a win would be enough to avoid the play-offs. Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea all also currently occupy positions in the elite eight despite their domestic up and downs, with Manchester City in contention, too — all will know plenty can change in what promises to be a hectic couple of hours of European football...

What every Premier League team needs to qualify for last 16

Tottenham

The walls are closing in on Thomas Frank but - assuming he doesn’t get sacked beforehand - he could go a step towards repairing his relationship with the fans by delivering a top-eight finish for the Europa League champions.

Sandwiching a win over Borussia Dortmund in between dismal league defeats to West Ham and Burnley, Spurs sit fifth and hold a one-point advantage over the mass of eight teams on 13 points.

They take on Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday knowing victory will seal their place in the last 16, while a draw may also be enough contingent on results elsewhere going their way.

(REUTERS)

Who has the best chance of avoiding a play-off?

Arsenal are already into the last-16 so they have am easy night.

Liverpool play the tricky Qarabag but are at home so should get something from the game.

That’s also the same for Man City though Galatasarary are stubborn opponents and City have the extra pressure of needing to win.

Tottenham’s trip to Eintracht Frankfurt is troubling, especially with their recent struggles, but Thomas Frank knows victory here could ease the pressure on him.

The hardest two matches are Chelsea and Newcastle’s.

For Chelsea, they travel to Naples and face the Serie A side in a hostile environment. For Newcastle, they go to Paris and the home of the current Champions League holders in PSG.

Both sides will need at least a draw to give themselves any chance of going through but more than likely they will need to win or else drop into the play-off positions.

Arsenal already through to last-16

For two teams, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, tonight’s matches are dead rubbers.

They are fighting it out amongst themselves for whoever finishes first in the table but both have already qualified for the last-16.

Arsenal top the table with a 100% winning record of seven from seven and have 21 points meaning only Bayern can catch them.

With 18 points, Bayern cannot finish lower than fourth even if they lose tonight meaning they have qualified for the next round proper as well.

That also means that six places in the top eight are up for grabs.

Currently sitting third to eighth are: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Tottenham, PSG, Newcastle and Chelsea. However there are five other teams all within one victory of them and could nick a qualifying spot if results go their way.

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mike Jones28 January 2026 17:06