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Newcastle could have the backing of their Premier League rivals when they take on AC Milan, knowing that progression in the Champions League could do wonders for the English top-flight’s coefficient.
The European competition format is changing to a Swiss League system from next season, as we say goodbye to the tradition group stage that we have grown accustomed to over the years.
Instead of eight pools of four teams playing each other twice, 36 teams – four extra teams – side drawn against eight teams, playing four home and four away.
Of those four new teams, two will be allotted to the league’s that finish highest in the coefficient tables, which are based on the performance of teams in European competitions.
England are currently third in that table, with Manchester United’s struggles having a knock-on effect on the rest of the league, but progression for Newcastle – which is still up in the air – could prove vital for the Premier League’s hopes of a fifth qualification spot.
Currently, Germany lead the race with 12.93 points, followed by Italy (12.86), England (11.88) and Spain (11.81), with these four leagues the most likely contenders given they have the most teams in Europe to begin with.
This coefficient is a numerical value attributed to a division with the intention of quantifying its strength on the continent, determined by competition results.
Two points are given to a team for every win in a continental competition, a draw one and none of course for a defeat.
Bonus points are handed out for reaching certain stages; four for playing in the group stages, five for the Last 16 and one each for the quarters, semis and final in the Champions League.
For the Europa League it is four for winning the group, two for finishing second and one for reaching the knockouts, and in the Conference League it is two for topping the group, one for finishing second, and one for reaching the semis and final.
Each team’s totals are added up and an average is taken at the end of the competition, hence why the leagues with the most teams have the best chance of snatching another spot.
Manchester City and Arsenal have already ensured their progression in top spot, United are out of the competition, but Newcastle could still make the Last 16 if results go their way.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, West Ham and Brighton have all qualified from the Europa League, and Aston Villa are into the hat for the next round of the Conference League, meaning a number of English sides have a chance of going deep.
Spain and Germany have four teams into the Last 16 across all competitions, and another two out the groups but not necessarily confirmed as first or second place, and could therefore still face a play-off round.
Italy, currently in second place, have three through to the Last 16 and another three into play-off rounds, and they could have another with AC Milan in with a chance in the Champions League.
Wednesday night’s game, therefore, could be a crucial one in the hunt for that fifth qualification spot, with Newcastle and AC Milan facing each other; the Premier League could gain important points at the expense of big rivals Serie A – and visa versa.
Equally, Brighton and West Ham can still secure the bonus points for winning their groups in the Europa League this week, another crucial clash for coefficient points.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
