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Aston Villa are through to the Europa League last 16 already - but with one round of matches to play in the league phase, only two of the other three British sides have a chance of joining them.

Europa League trophy — The final of the Europa League will take place on 20 May at the Besiktas Stadium in Instabul, Turkey [Getty Images]

There is one round of matches to go in the league phase of the Europa League, with the four British sides having mixed fortunes.

Aston Villa are already through to the last 16, Nottingham Forest are in the play-offs, Celtic may join them but could also be knocked out, while eliminated Rangers only have pride to play for.

Villa sealed their place in the last 16 thanks to a 1-0 away win against Fenerbahce on Thursday. That took Unai Emery's side on to 18 points from seven matches, meaning the Spaniard can rest players for next Thursday's home game against RB Salzburg.

"The Europa League is important for us and we have got in the top eight and this is the most important now of course," said Emery.

French outfit Lyon are also on 18 points but are top of the league as they have a goal difference four better than second-placed Villa.

Only Lyon and Villa have guaranteed last-16 places, with 17 teams mathematically in with a chance of getting one of the other six positions.

How the top half of the Europa League looks [BBC]

Forest and Celtic eye play-offs, Rangers already out

The sides that come ninth to 24th will compete in the two-legged knockout play-off ties in February and there could be two British sides involved.

Forest fell to a 1-0 defeat by Braga in Portugal, a result that practically confirms Sean Dyche's side will be in the play-offs.

Mathematically, Forest, in 16th, can still finish eighth, but would need to beat Hungarian team Ferencvaros at the City Ground and hope the eight sides directly above them all dropped points.

However, Forest will still be keen to win next Thursday as the sides coming ninth to 16th will play the second legs of their knockout play-off ties at home.

Celtic were 2-0 ahead against Bologna, but down to 10 men, before the Italians fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. However, the point leaves Martin O'Neil's side on eight points and occupying 24th spot, the last of the play-off places.

They will guarantee a top-24 position if they beat Dutch side Utrecht at home, but are likely to be out if they drop points.

"We've given ourselves a chance - that's all, a chance - of qualifying and from that viewpoint, I'm delighted," said O'Neil.

Rangers secured their first win of the league phase by beating Bulgarian side Ludogorets 1-0 but they are still eliminated after picking up just one point from their opening six games.

Danny Rohl's side are 31st and next go to Portugal to face a Porto side aiming to finish in the top eight.

Rangers are one of six sides who cannot make the play-offs, along with Sturm Graz, Nice, Utrecht, Malmo and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

But every one of the 18 matches to be played on the final day has something riding on it.