Europa League Week 5 Preview: Who will secure their spots in the next round

With the Champions League now out of the way, we now turn our attention to the Europa League. So far, only five sides are definitely through to the round of 32, while three teams have no chance at qualifying. Who are they? Well, the teams whose European football ambitions have ended are Everton, Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel-Aviv, and Eastern European side Vardar. Meanwhile, the sides already in the knockout rounds are Arsenal, Lazio, Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev, Romanian side FC Steaua București, and Zenit.
That means that there are numerous other teams still battling for a spot. Here are some of the permutations for the various groups ahead of matchday five.
GROUP A

With Maccabi already eliminated, it's a battle between Villarreal and Eastern European sides Astana and Slavia Prague for the top two places in Group A. The Yellow Submarine, of course, are in pole position not just to qualify but to secure top spot, which they can by beating Astana later today. Even a draw will be fine if Slavia fail to win. A loss for Villarreal will be fine if Slavia also lose due to their better head-to-head.
GROUP D

Despite their struggles in Serie A, AC Milan have been quite solid in the Europa League. The Rossoneri will be through if they win against Austrlia Wien today. If they draw, and Rijeka fail to win, they still will secure a spot in the round of 32.
GROUP E

Atalanta is another Serie A side who have been doing quite well in Europe's second-tier competition. La Dea simply need to avoid defeat to book their ticket to the knockout rounds, and they take on an already-eliminated Everton later today.
GROUP H

Arsenal are already through and simply need a draw to secure their spot as group winners. Meanwhile, below the Gunners, everyone else has everything else to play for as it's going to be a very interesting three-way battle for second spot. For Koln, it's win or go home. The same goes for the team above them in the rankings.
GROUP K

Simone Inzaghi's Lazio have been flying high in both Serie A and the Europa League and have already qualified for the round of 32 as group winners. Still, the Biancocelesti certainly won't be resting on their laurels, as they will want to finish their campaign unbeaten. Meanwhile, Nice will join them with a win. Interestingly, although they have just one point, Vitesse are not out just yet. In fact, if they can manage to beat Lazio, and Nice and Zulte draw, they will still keep themselves in the running - but they also will have to beat Nice on the final matchday.