5 video games deep within the UEFA Champions League, the image is turning into clearer within the league part as we come into the sixth spherical of play. Liverpool are the one workforce to have gained all 5 of their video games for a complete of 15 factors which locations them two away from unbeaten Inter. Though 10 factors is predicted to be sufficient for a prime 24 end and due to this fact a UCL knockout berth, there isn’t any assure as a result of this can be a model new format which is taking part in out for the very first time proper now. Arne Slot’s males have booked at the least that and needs to be joined by the Nerazzurri, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and undefeated Atalanta BC. Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal, AS Monaco, Aston Villa, Sporting CP, Stade Brestois 29 and Lille OSC are additionally effectively positioned to advance past the league part. Nonetheless, some huge names occupy the unsuitable finish of the desk with Paris Saint-Germain at present in an elimination berth whereas Actual Madrid are barely within the prime 24 with each having suffered three losses. Purple Bull pair Leipzig and Salzburg are additionally surprisingly low whereas VfB Stuttgart, Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk would possibly shock some.

We take a more in-depth look because the three remaining video games edge nearer.

Certified groups

Liverpool: To date, the Premier League-leading Merseysiders are the one workforce to be assured of at the least a playoff spot though they could but — and virtually actually will — e-book an computerized round-of-16 berth by means of a top-eight end. With Girona (away), Lille (house) and PSV Eindhoven (away) to return, it’s onerous to see Slot’s aspect not marching on mechanically and the extra pertinent query is likely to be whether or not or not the Reds find yourself profitable all of their video games or at the least remaining unbeaten.

Shock performers

Liverpool main the best way just isn’t actually an enormous shock however their mixed Premier League and Champions League kind does benefit additional point out given Slot’s seemingly seamless transition into life at Anfield. Of the highest eight, few would have guess on Monaco of Ligue 1 being up there whereas Atalanta forming a part of an unbeaten Serie A pairing with Inter additionally warrants reward. From ninth downwards, Aston Villa are nonetheless inside touching distance of the highest eight together with Sporting CP, Brest and Lille which is arguably the place many of the shock lies by way of groups punching above their weight. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Milan are additionally upwardly cell and correcting surprising sluggishness after current upticks in continental outcomes.

Shock strugglers

There isn’t a getting away from the truth that PSG are the standout title right here with Luis Enrique’s males overwhelmed by Arsenal, Atleti and now Bayern in addition to being held at house by PSV Eindhoven. With video games in opposition to Salzburg, an unexpectedly susceptible Manchester Metropolis and Stuttgart, there’s a main risk that the French giants don’t even advance to the knockouts. Ligue 1 is at present being buoyed by Monaco, Brest and Lille and Paris dropping out so prematurely could be an unlimited blow to France’s UEFA coefficient efficiency which had been respectable up till very just lately. Actual occupying the ultimate of the highest 24 locations was under no circumstances anticipated however they’re two factors higher off than PSG whereas Metropolis and Juventus are inside two factors of the defending UCL titleholders. The early proof is that UEFA’s format shakeup is definitely making issues fascinating and the ultimate three video games can be extraordinarily excessive stakes for the likes of Les Parisiens.

Coefficient storylines to date

How the league part is impacting that UEFA coefficient system has change into one thing of a three-horse race of late with England romping away in prime spot by way of a possible further Champions League spot adopted by Portugal and Italy. The seven EPL sides have a bonus over their 5 Portuguese rivals however the eight Italian representatives may effectively flip that tide despite the fact that Bologna look more likely to drop that quantity to seven. Germany’s Bundesliga, Spain’s La Liga and France’s Ligue 1 are scrapping away at pretty even standings to Belgium and Czechia within the chasing pack however will probably be powerful to reel in all three of the leaders even at this early stage — particularly the English — with even the Germans a good approach again in fourth from second and even third.

Key sixth spherical video games

All 3 p.m. ET

• Tuesday, Dec. 10: Atalanta vs. Actual Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen vs. Inter and RB Salzburg vs. PSG.
• Wednesday, Dec. 11: Arsenal vs. Monaco, Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona and Juventus vs. Manchester Metropolis.

The sixth spherical of video games guarantees some absolute crackers with unbeaten Atalanta a very powerful activity for struggling Actual on Tuesday whereas Leverkusen tackling Inter may have ramifications within the prime eight and PSG play for his or her UCL lives away at lowly Salzburg in Austria. On Wednesday, a few of the most in-form sides go up in opposition to one another with Arsenal internet hosting Monaco and Dortmund being visited by Barca is of significance to the highest eight whereas Juve vs. Metropolis is surprisingly a mid-table contest coming into this one.

Standings

Key: Positions 1-8 qualify for Spherical of 16 whereas positions 9-24 qualify for Knockout Section Play-Offs and positions 25-36 are eradicated.