sport news How the race for the extra Champions League spots currently shapes up... with ... trends now
The Champions League as we know it will see a massive overhaul come the end of the 2023-24 season.
The revamped expansion of the competition, will see the number of teams increased to 36 and a change to the 'Swiss League' format.
With the expansion of Europe's top competition, it means that two extra Champions League spots will be offered to the top two countries leagues who finish the season with the highest coefficient.
So who is likely to benefit - and why is the outcome of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League quarter-finals so important.
Here is everything you need to know about UEFA's coefficient ranking and which two European League's are currently poised to take the extra two spots.
Next year's Champions League will look very different as UEFA have revamped the competition to keep it entertaining and more competitive
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin revealed that under the new rules, two leagues can earn an extra position in the Champions League
1. Italy - 17.714
Teams left (4): Atalanta, AC Milan, AS Roma, Fiorentina
Teams out (3): Inter Milan, Lazio, Napoli
Italy are looking posed to nip one of the two extra spots up for grabs in Europe next season.
However the draw has not been kind to them and they potentially could face a fall from grace in the coefficient rankings.
In the Europa League, the quarter-final draw has produced an all Italian clash between Roma and AC Milan, whilst Atalanta will face strong favourites Liverpool.
However the England and Germany clashes in both the Champions League and Europa League should mean that they will win one of the extra spots.
Maximum possible coefficient score: 22.375
2. Germany - 16.500
Teams left (3): Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen
Teams out (3): Union Berlin, Eintracht Frankfurt, SC Freiburg
Germany currently sit second in the coefficient rankings, with only three teams remaining in Europe across the three competitions.
Germany earning the extra position will and is all coming down to the two England vs Germany clashes.
Germany will need Bayern Munich vs Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham to go in their favour if they are to secure an extra slot in Europe next year.
Maximum possible coefficient score: 21.072
3. England - 16.500
Teams left (5): Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, West Ham, Aston Villa
Teams out (3): Manchester United, Newcastle, Brighton
With five teams left in Europe, England find themselves in a prime position to grab one of the extra spots in Europe next year.
However it will be no easy task, especially because of the two England/Germany clashes which are sure to swing the extra spot in favour of the winners of those results.
Arsenal face Bayern Munich in the Champions League, whilst West Ham go up against Xabi Alonso's unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.
The tie has certainly not be in favour of the English teams - as current title holders Man City were paired with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in their quarter-final clash and will have to go up against Arsenal in the semi-finals if both England teams progress to the next round.
Maximum possible coefficient score: 22.375
4. France - 14.750
Teams left (3): Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Lille
Teams out (3): Lens, Stade Rennais, Toulouse
Maximum possible coefficient score: 20.750
5. Spain - 14.562
Teams left (3): Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid
Teams out (5): Real Sociedad, Sevilla, Villarreal, Osasuna, Real Betis
Maximum possible coefficient score: 17.687
West Ham are the other English club who can heavily influence if England earn the extra spot or not
If the Hammers manage to beat Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League quarter-final tie, it would swing the extra spot in England's favour
The coefficient ranking to simply put it, is about the best average performance of all teams taking part in Europe for each country - and the two leagues with the best score earns an extra spot in next year's European competition.
How are points won?Across the three competitions
