The draw for the knockout phase play-offs will be held pretty swiftly after the group stage is completed, with teams learning their fate on 31 January. Then the first legs will be played on 11-12 February and the second on 18-19 February. That gives the top eight teams a useful spell without European football as the round of 16 begins on 4 March.

The Champions League returns for the final round of the league phase on Wednesday, which could prove to be a chaotic evening of action across the continent as all 18 matches kick-off together at 8pm UK time.

The Champions League tonight faces a thrilling final set of group games as the inaugural edition of its new league phase draws to a close. Those who finish in the top eight of the Champions League table will be seeded and head straight to the round of 16,

Aston Villa look a "very tired team" from their Champions League exploits so far, but it is still "worth it" says fan and host of Married to Claret and Blue podcast Rupert Pybus. Unai Emery's side have the opportunity to qualify for the Champions League top eight when they host Celtic on Wednesday night.