Aston Villa have already secured their place in the Europa League's last 16 after a 1-0 win at Fenerbahce. Unai Emery's side sits on 18 points, guaranteeing a top-eight finish. They can now rest players for their final league phase match against RB Salzburg. Only Lyon, also on 18 points, have matched Villa's automatic qualification.

Elsewhere among British clubs, Nottingham Forest are poised for the knockout play-offs after a 1-0 defeat at Braga. Celtic salvaged a 2-2 draw with Bologna but remain in the final play-off spot. Rangers are already eliminated despite a 1-0 win over Ludogorets, leaving them with only pride to play for in their final game at Porto.

The final matchday on January 29 will determine the remaining six automatic last-16 spots and the play-off pairings. Forest will hope to secure a home second leg in the play-offs. Celtic must beat Utrecht to guarantee their progression. Every one of the 18 fixtures carries significant implications for the competition's knockout structure.