Uefa Europa League 2015/16: Possible opponents for Liverpool in quarter-finals

How it works

As with the last 16 stage, the draw for the quarter-finals is open. Teams from the same division can be drawn against each other meaning it is no holds barred in Nyon. There are no teams dropping down from the Champions League, no seeded sides automatically drawn at home in the second leg and no prospect of the competition's biggest hitters being kept apart.

Liverpool

In the battle between English football's two most successful clubs it was Liverpool who prevail against Manchester United. The damage was done in the first leg as Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino struck, before Anthony Martial's penalty gave United hope early in the second leg. But Philippe Coutinho free-kick ended any hope of a comeback from Louis van Gaal and ensured that the Merseysiders will fly the Premier League flag in the Europa League.

Possible opponents in last eight: Athletic Club (Uefa coefficient 32), Borussia Dortmund (10), Sevilla (19), Shakhtar Donetsk (23), Sparta Prague (62), Sporting Braga (37), Villarreal (40)

Best case scenario: No longer the superpower of the club scene in the Czech Republic, Sparta Prague represent the most presentable option for Liverpool in the last eight. Ranked well outside Uefa's top 50 on the continent, Prague are a far cry from the side which reached the semi-final of the European Cup 24 years ago. Sporting Braga, despite their late salvo against Fenerbahce, represent beatable opponents given their struggles in the Portuguese top flight where they are all but out of the running for a top three place.

Worst case scenario: Take your pick. The manner in which they swept aside Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16, particularly in the first leg as they dismantled Mauricio Pochettino's side, makes favourites Borussia Dortmund one to avoid even if it would mark Jurgen Klopp's return to the club he left at the end of last season. Defending champions and back-to-back winners Sevilla are next on that list after they crushed FC Basel having dropped down from the Champions League.