Its worth pointing out that the 3rd placed teams from the champions league group stages drop down into the Europa League.
With the 5th matchdays in the champions league group stages this week (yesterday and today) we are now beginning to see a clearer picture of which teams from the champions league group stages might get into the Europa League last 32.
With regards to the English teams in the champions league group stages, Manchester City in group A, and Manchester United in group C have now played 5 matches each.
In group A Manchester City have to win their final group match. If they draw or lose they are out. But even if they win they still have to rely on the other result in the group. If Napoli win away against Villarreal, Manchester City will be out, otherwise Manchester City will be through. Manchester City are guaranteed at least though to be in the Europa League, and they can not win the group. But the overall important point is that it is not in Manchester Citys own hands.
In group C Manchester United have to draw or win to go through. If they lose they go out. They are at least guaranteed a place in the Europa League, and can win the group. To win the group they can either draw, and Benfica lose, or win, and hope Benfica draw or lose. If Manchester United and Benfica finish on the same points Benfica will top the group on head to head record. At least for Manchester United it is in their own hands and not reliant on the other result in the group.
Arsenal and Chelsea play their 5th champions league group stage match tonight in a few minutes.