In theory. But it's also always been better in theory to finish top of the group and thay foesnt aleays workoutto be true either.
You're relying on practically the entire schedule going as predicted for it to actually be of any benefit. Theres more games that no manager wants this season so most teams will probably look to secure top 8 or 9-24 depending on their aims and then take it, concentrate on the league, play a weakened side in the last few games when they can and take whatever happens.
Between the last week of November and last week of December we've got spurs, Liverpool, united and villa amongst others. Lets say for arguments sake we've already secured a top 8 finish going into the last couple of games, i doubt we're going to be sticking out a full strength side in search of top spot that might not even give us any benefit in the last few games that are crammed inbetween that set of league fixtures.