UEL league phase final: Which teams have secured their spots? Which ones are at risk? What do Manchester United, Tottenham, and Rangers require?

The UEFA Europa League’s new format has certainly brought a whirlwind of excitement and unforgettable moments. As we approach the climax of the inaugural league phase, the tension is palpable.

With all 36 teams gearing up for their final matches, the stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling nights in the competition’s storied history. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both enjoyed significant victories in their penultimate fixtures, with United overcoming Rangers and Spurs triumphing over Hoffenheim. Both clubs have secured at least a place in the knockout play-offs, but the battle for top positions remains fierce.

As we head into this blockbuster final matchday, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+, let’s take a closer look at the current standings.

**Already Through:**
– SS Lazio

**Virtually Through:**
– Eintracht Frankfurt
– Athletic Club
– Manchester United

**Battling for Top 8:**
– Tottenham Hotspur
– Anderlecht
– FCSB
– Galatasaray
– FK Bodo/Glimt
– Viktoria Plzen
– Olympiacos
– Rangers
– AZ
– Union

**Trying to Hold Onto Play-off Spot:**
– Ajax
– PAOK
– Real Sociedad
– FC Midtjylland
– IF Elfsborg
– AS Roma
– Ferencvaros
– Fenerbahce
– Besiktas

**Currently Eliminated but with Play-off Chance:**
– FC Porto
– FC Twente
– SC Braga
– TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
– Maccabi Tel Aviv

**Already Eliminated:**
– Dynamo Kyiv
– Ludogorets
– Malmo FF
– OGC Nice
– Qarabag FK
– FK RFS
– Slavia Prague

**League Table as it Stands:**
The top eight teams are vying for automatic qualification, while those in the 9th to 24th positions are battling for play-off spots. The bottom half of the table sees teams already eliminated from contention.

**Matchday Eight Fixtures:**
On Thursday, January 30, at 20:00 UK time, the following matches will take place:

– Maccabi Tel Aviv vs FC Porto
– Olympique Lyonnais vs Ludogorets
– FC Twente vs Besiktas
– Ajax vs Galatasaray
– FC Midtjylland vs Fenerbahce
– SC Braga vs SS Lazio
– Slavia Prague vs Malmo FF
– Dynamo Kyiv vs FK RFS
– Anderlecht vs TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
– Olympiacos vs Qarabag FK
– Tottenham vs IF Elfsborg
– FCSB vs Manchester United
– Athletic Club vs Viktoria Plzen
– AS Roma vs Eintracht Frankfurt
– OGC Nice vs FK Bodo/Glimt
– Real Sociedad vs PAOK
– Rangers vs Union
– Ferencvaros vs AZ

**What Do British Teams Need to Progress?**
Manchester United find themselves in a strong position, with a victory against FCSB guaranteeing them a spot in the top eight, having already amassed 15 points from seven matches.

Tottenham Hotspur, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, are also in a promising position following a crucial win against Hoffenheim. They sit just a point behind United in sixth place. Spurs will be firm favourites when they host IF Elfsborg in their final match. A win would secure automatic qualification, while a draw could see them slip out of the top eight if results elsewhere go against them. A loss would complicate matters significantly, potentially leaving them reliant on goal difference.

Both United and Spurs have at least secured a place in the knockout rounds, as has Rangers, despite their recent defeat at Old Trafford. The Scottish side still harbours a slim chance of reaching the top eight, but they will need a series of favourable results.

**Which Heavyweights Are in Danger?**
Among the big names at risk are four-time European champions Ajax, who face a daunting task against Galatasaray. Currently sitting in 16th place, they are just two points above the elimination zone, with several clubs breathing down their necks.

FC Porto, who reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 last season, find themselves in a precarious position, along with other European stalwarts like Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and AS Roma, all of whom are just above the drop zone.

**What Does the Supercomputer Say?**
While the league table provides a snapshot of the current standings, we’ve also consulted our friends at Opta for a deeper analysis of each team’s chances of finishing in their desired positions by the end of matchday eight.

As the final matches approach, the excitement is building, and fans across Europe will be eagerly watching to see how this thrilling chapter of the UEFA Europa League unfolds.