Permutations: How Chelsea can qualify for Champions League knockout stages vs RB Salzburg

Chelsea have the chance of sealing their spot in the last-16 of the Champions League on Tuesday night when they face RB Salzburg.

Graham Potter’s side have travelled to Austria for matchday five in Group E and they head to the Red Bull Arena having flipped the group on its head.

After two big wins over AC Milan, Chelsea now sit top of the group and one point ahead of Salzburg who are currently in second place, with AC Milan occupying third spot.

Graham Potter knows the group isn’t yet done and dusted, and told his players to make sure they complete the job in Austria ahead of next week’s final game against Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge.

"It would be nice to win and we know the consequences,” admitted the Chelsea head coach on being able to rest players next week should they win on Tuesday night.

“Our thoughts are to win the match. We have to take the challenge.

"We're not finished, we haven't got enough points (yet to progress into knockout stages). That's the test.”

Graham Potter during a training session at Cobham. (Alamy)

After going unbeaten in Potter’s first eight games in charge, Chelsea will fancy themselves to get over the line against the Austrian outfit.

What does Group E currently look like?

Chelsea are on seven points, Salzburg on six, Milan on four and Dinamo Zagreb sit bottom of Group E on four points.

How Group E currently looks after four games played. (UEFA)

So how can Chelsea qualify?

As confirmed by UEFA, the permutations of how Chelsea can confirm their progression into the knockout stages on Tuesday night have been revealed.

There is two ways for Chelsea to qualify on Tuesday:

1. Chelsea will be through to the round of 16 if they beat RB Salzburg
2. Chelsea can confirm progression if they draw and AC Milan win

What else is on the line?

Chelsea can also confirm themselves as Group E winners if they win and Dinamo Zagreb do not beat AC Milan.

READ MORE: Koulibaly, Cucurella, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek: The latest Chelsea team news for UCL clash vs RB Salzburg