A successful Europa League run could be more helpful to England's coefficient ranking than qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages as the Premier League looks to keep hold of its fourth qualifying spot in Europe's elite competition.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea's Champions League hopes hang by a thread ahead of this week's final group games, and there is concern that Serie A could snatch England's fourth Champions League qualifying slot for the beginning of the 2017/18 season due to a stronger coefficient.
But with the points system weighing Europa League progress only slightly lighter than that of the Champions League, elimination from the group stage on Tuesday and Wednesday could be salvaged by a successful run in Europe's second-tier competition.
