2015-16 Uefa Europa League: Possible opponents for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the knock-out stages

How it works

Eight teams, including Manchester United, have dropped down from the Champions League. The four third-placed teams who finished with the most points will join the 12 group winners from the Europa League group phase one one side of the draw. On the other will be the remaining four third-placed teams from the Champions League and the 12 Europa League group runners up.

No team can be drawn against a team from their same league in the draw for the last 32 stage - and the last 16 stage - meaning Liverpool and Tottenham will avoid a meeting each other and Manchester United. For now.

United, Porto, Olympiakos and Bayer Leverkusen were the four best third-placed sides to drop out of the Champions League.

Liverpool

Despite their uninspiring conclusion to the group phase, Jurgen Klopp's side finish as group winners after their 0-0 draw away at FC Sion. A point was good enough on the night, but considering their potential opponents in the next round, maybe a runners up spot would have been better.

Liverpool's possible opponents in the last 32: Shakhtar Donetsk, Galatasaray, Sevilla, Valencia, Fenerbache, Borussia Dortmund, FC Midtjylland, Villarreal, Marseille, Saint-Etienne, Sporting Lisbon, Fiorentina, Anderlecht, Sparta Prague, FC Augsburg

Best case scenario: Sparta Prague and FC Ausburg would appear the preferred options on paper.

Worst case scenario: It's going to be Borussia Dortmund, isn't it? Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, drawn against the club where he established himself as one of Europe's brightest coaches, seems too perfect not too happen. There are plenty of other possibilities to trouble the Reds, however, including defending champions Sevilla. The chance to eliminate Gary Neville's Valencia is perhaps the most enticing option there.

Tottenham Hotspur

A hat-trick from Erik Lamela ensured Mauricio Pochettino's side claimed top spot in their group. But, like Liverpool, the way the groups have finished means there is little reward for finishing first this time.

Tottenham's possible opponents in the last 32: Shakhtar Donetsk, Galatasaray, Sevilla, Valencia, Fenerbache, FC Sion, Borussia Dortmund, FC Midtjylland, Villarreal, Marseille, Saint-Etienne, Sporting Lisbon, Fiorentina, Sparta Prague, FC Augsburg

Best case scenario: FC Sion, FC Augsburg

Worst case scenario: Perhaps Fiorentina, who knocked Spurs out of the competition last season? Defending champions Sevilla, maybe?