Liverpool are set to face Union SG in their final Europa League game tonight, but their qualification is already secured.
Jurgen Klopp will field a rotated side, which could feature a strong youth contingent in what is a reward for qualifying early. As a result, winning their group has allowed them to go straight into the Last 16, rather than have to play an extra two games for finishing second. And we don't have long to wait for the draw for the next round as next week (December 18) is the official date.
Joining them in the Last 16 are eight Champions League sides, all of whom finished third in their groups with several sides missing out by the slimmest of margins. Nevertheless, their focus now turns to the second-tier European competition and these eight teams could pose the biggest threats to their hopes of winning the only trophy that has eluded Klopp.
Of course, there are threats within the competition already and we will focus on them in due time, but we remain on the clubs who will drop down into the Europa League.
With the Champions League all wrapped up, here are the eight teams ranked in order of difficulty, who will join Liverpool in the knockout stages for the ties set to take place from March 14, 2024.
5. Lens
The French side were close to edging out PSV but missed out by a point. Most will point towards their huge 6-0 loss at the hands of Arsenal and instantly dismiss their chances of going far in the Europa League, but they did hand Arsenal a 2-1 defeat earlier in the competition. A tricky away day might be in store for Liverpool should they face them but they should be able to turn the screw at Anfield. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Feyenoord
The Dutch side struggled on the whole and even lost out to Celtic in their final group game. That was the Scottish side's first win in the competition for a decade which doesn't do much for their reputation. However, they ran Atletico Madrid close in Spain and showed signs of excitement and unity, but they should be a more straightforward exercise for Klopp's side. | AFP via Getty Images
7. BSC Young Boys
The Swiss side managed to secure third with just one win and one draw as Red Star finished rock bottom with just one point - which came against Young Boys. They conceded three in both games against Manchester City and certainly lack any real firepower or real experience at the top level to trouble Liverpool. | Getty Images