2019-20 Europa League knockout stages Who could Arsenal, Man U and Co meet in the last 16

There is plenty of British interest in what takes place in Nyon on Monday when the draw for the 2019-20 Europa League knockout stages is made.

Five sides from the United Kingdom will be involved after Arsenal, Manchester United, Wolves, Celtic and Rangers all secured safe passage through to a round-of-32 featuring some giants from the continent.

But how does the draw work and who is likely to face who? Check out our in depth guide to the Europa League draw covering every side.

When is it?

The Europa League round-of-32 draw will take place on Monday December 16 at UEFA's HQ in Nyon, Switzerland.

What time is it?

The draw will commence at midday (GMT) following proceedings regarding the Champions League last-16.

TEAM GUIDE - SEEDED

Ajax

Manager: Eric ten Hag

Star man: Hakim Ziyech

They will be one of the leading contenders having dropped in from the Champions League. But ending up here in the first place represents a major drop-off for a side that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

Only a late, late, late strike from Lucas Moura in Amsterdam kept them out of a final against Liverpool and having been beaten at home by Valencia on the last round of this season's group stage, complacency caught up with them.

Still have talented stars such as Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek and if they stay in January, nobody will fancy drawing the Dutch giants.

Who could they face? - APOEL, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Arsenal

Manager: Freddie Ljungberg (interim)

Star man: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

They were 90 minutes away from lifting the trophy last season, only for London rivals Chelsea to teach them a lesson in Baku.

Unai Emery, who is a master in this competition, is now gone and interim boss Freddie Ljungberg will hope he is given the chance to take this side into the knockout stages early next year.

Defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt aside, the game that ended Emery's reign, it was a positive group stage with only Braga (15) scoring more goals than Arsenal. Will believe they can go all the way again provided they avoid a tough early draw in Rome or Donetsk.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg

Basel

Manager: Marcel Koller

Star man: Arthur Mendonca Cabral

Locked in a fierce title race with Young Boys in the Swiss Super League, confidence is sky high under Marcel Koller right now.

Topping their group ahead of Getafe, who finished a point behind them, represents a strong start to the campaign and having conceded just four goals in six group games, much of their ethos centres on being solid at the back.

While not a household name among the seeded teams, they are organised and will believe they can stifle anybody on the road in the first leg.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Benfica

Manager: Bruno Lage

Star man: Carlos Vinicius

Much like Ajax, there will be disappointment in some Benfica quarters that they are preparing for the Europa League - not Champions League - at the start of 2020.

They were in the easiest group in the Champions League with Zenit, Lyon and RB Leipzig for company, but could only muster two wins from six games, one of which came in the final round to ensure they did not finish bottom.

They look suspect at the back but will back themselves to score goals with Carlos Vinicius in the side.

From a narrative perspective, a meeting with Wolves, who are flooded with Portuguese stars, would be fascinating.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Braga

Manager: Ricardo Sa Pinto

Star man:

Another Portuguese side to cast our eye over. Only this time, Braga are not entering on a low of missing out in the Champions League.

Ricardo Sa Pinto's side scored the most goals of any side in the Europa League group stages with 15 as they went the whole campaign unbeaten.

They will not fear any of the sides in their list of potential opponents. If you're Steven Gerrard and Rangers, this is one of those teams placed in the 'do not want' category.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg

Celtic

Manager: Neil Lennon

Star man: James Forrest

One of the big things levelled at Brendan Rodgers before he left to take over at Leicester was his disappointing record in European competition.

But one thing his successor Neil Lennon has done is produce a campaign so strong it caught even the most optimistic supporters by surprise. From the win against high-flying Lazio in Rome to the demolition job of Rennes at home, the Parkhead side are full of confidence at this level.

There are tough sides in their list of potential opponents, none more daunting than a return to Rome to face AS Roma.

A match-up against Nuno Espirito Santo's Wolves would have the hallmarks of a real cracker.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Espanyol

Manager: Pablo Machin

Star man: Wu Lei

The curious case of Espanyol is fast becoming harder and harder to explain.

Rooted to the foot of La Liga, Pablo Machin's squad look to be among the favourites to drop down to the second division.

And yet here they are, seeded having topped Group H, ahead of the round-of-32 draw in the Europa League. It was not the strongest line-up with Ludogorets, Ferencvaros and CSKA Moscow for company, but they could only beat what was in front of them.

Tougher tests ahead, no doubt, but do not bet against this weird domestic-European trend continuing.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Gent

Manager: Jess Thorup

Star man: Jonathan David

Zero defeats shows Gent are not to be messed with.

The Belgian side may not possess the glamour of an Inter Milan or Manchester United, and will be way down the bookmakers' favourites, but Jess Thorup has put together a side who can be greater than the sum of their parts.

Keep an eye on Canadian teenager Jonathan David. A big draw and a big performance could see his market value rocket as he continues an impressive campaign.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolves

Inter Milan

Manager: Antonio Conte

Star man: Lautaro Martinez

It was in their hands, that is what really bothers Inter Milan fans. Yes, it was the Group of Death. Yes, they needed to beat Barcelona at home in the final round to qualify. But Inter Milan will be full of regrets following another botched Champions League campaign.

Dethroning Juventus in Serie A will be their main priority from now until the end of the season but they arguably have one of the best starting XI's left in the Europa League and can count themselves among the favourites.

If Antonio Conte decides he wants to be a little bit greedy, he could blow the competition away.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Istanbul Basaksehir

Manager: Okan Buruk

Star man: Arda Turan

History made, whatever happens from now, as this is the first time Istanbul Basaksehir have qualified for the round-of-32. They are in unfamiliar territory and expectations will only continue to rise if they keep upsetting the odds.

Enzo Crivelli was the man who stole the headlines following a 2-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach - ensuring the German side missed out with Roma joining Basaksehir - that secured top spot in the group.

The Istanbul intimidation factor will play into the thinking of the side they get - particularly with the second leg in Turkey.

LASK

Manager: Valerien Ismael

Star man: Peter Michorl

For those unfamiliar with Austrian football, LASK topping a group including Sporting Lisbon, PSV Eindhoven and Rosenborg came as a real surprise.

Three adrift of the increasingly popular Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, Valerien Ismael's side are continuing to slip beneath the radar.

Have proven they belong at this level with an impressive group stage, losing just once.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Malmo

Manager: Uwe Rosler

Star man: Arnor Ingvi Traustason

Uwe Rosler's side made light work of their group and have shown a real solidity in the campaign so far.

They will always concede chances - and ultimately goals - but in striker Markus Rosenberg, they have someone who will always give them a chance in the knockout stages.

Will be one of the preferred draws for the unseeded British sides, though.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Manchester United

Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Star man: Marcus Rashford

There were moments when things looked a little bit hairy, but Manchester United's season looks to be firmly back on track.

Rotation has been key to the group stages for United and yet they still managed to top their group. Teenager Mason Greenwood has impressed and bagged twice in the final game of the group against AZ Alkmaar.

Expect regular starters such as Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay to feature more regularly from the knockout stages.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been galvanised following wins over Tottenham and Manchester City and only a trip to face Roma would put the frighteners up those at Old Trafford. Will be confident of a deep run.

Who could they face? - APOEL, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg

Porto

Manager: Sergio Conceicao

Star man: Vincent Aboubakar

To the casual observer, Porto are more typically playing a role in the knockout stages of the Champions League, not the Europa.

But Sergio Conceicao's side are where they are and stayed disciplined in a tricky group that included Steven Gerrard's Rangers.

At times, it was not spectacular and two defeats from six games showed room to improve, but they are seasoned pros at this stage of European competition and will be buoyed having navigated a relatively tough group compared to some rivals.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg, Wolves

RB Salzburg

Manager: Jesse Marsch

Star man: Erling Braut Haaland

Whatever people made of wonderkid Erling Braut Haaland or the passionate team-talk given by boss Jesse Marsch at Anfield at half-time, it was hard not to be entertained by Red Bull Salzburg.

A 4-3 thriller at Anfield put most of their squad on the radar of the rest of Europe's top sides and their draw away to Napoli led to a civil war between players and the owner at the Italian club.

Much of their chances depend on how many players are lured away in the January window. Keep Haaland and they will be a force for a number of teams left in. Lose the big man and it could be a tough slog.

Who could they face? - APOEL, AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Getafe, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg, Wolves

Sevilla

Manager: Julen Lopetegui

Star man: Munir El Haddadi

Julen Lopetegui was bordering on a management laughing stock after being ditched by the Spanish national team in the days prior to the 2018 World Cup before then going on to flop at Real Madrid.

He was yanked away from the limelight and it proved to be a blessing as he now thrives at Sevilla, having placed them in serious title contention in La Liga.

They absolutely walked their way into the round-of-32 with five wins from six matches and they will have absolutely no fear as they watch events in Nyon. A rich pedigree in this competition can only help inspire the current crop.

Who could they face? - AZ Alkmaar, Bayer Leverkusen, CFR Cluj, Club Brugge, Copenhagen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Ludogorets, Olympiacos, Rangers, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg, Wolves

TEAM GUIDE - UNSEEDED

APOEL

Manager: Thomas Doll

Star man: Giorgos Merkis

An impressive home win against Sevilla, who won their group, proves the Cypriot side can mix it with the best when everything clicks.

Have experience in the Champions League and will be confident of progressing if they avoid one of the heavyweight favourites.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg

AZ Alkmaar

Manager: Arne Slot

Star man: Myron Boadu

Unfortunately for AZ Alkmaar, Astana are no longer in the competition. A 6-0 win at home was followed by a 5-0 win away and that glossed over what was a mixed group campaign.

Draws home and away with Partizan Belgrade will raise concern, as will the final game collapse to Manchester United.

Will need to seriously fix their woes at the back if they are going to make a deep run.

Who could they face? - Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Bayer Leverkusen

Manager: Peter Bosz

Star man: Leon Bailey

The odds were always stacked against Peter Bosz's side when they were drawn in a Champions League group with Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

And while they beat Atletico Madrid at home, the German side never truly looked like they would inflict a major casualty and they unsurprisingly fell into the Europa League.

They showed in a recent win away at Bayern Munich that they can hurt any side with their blistering pace on the counter-attack. Sought after attacker Leon Bailey is the one to watch in this side.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

CFR Cluj

Manager: Dan Petrescu

Star man: Alexandru Paun

Escaping from a group that included high-flying Lazio is reason to celebrate in itself, whatever happens from here.

The Romanian side, who finished runners-up in Group E, ended the campaign beating Celtic and so they will have renewed confidence ahead of the draw.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Club Brugge

Manager: Philippe Clement

Star man: Ruud Vormer

With five minutes to go at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid fans were speechless, watching their side stand on the brink of defeat to Brugge.

It was testament to the work done by Philippe Clement and his staff that they went to Spain and went toe-to-toe with the Champions League giants - even if the night ended 2-2 courtesy of a Casemiro strike.

Took heavy defeats at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain but will believe they can progress if they avoid Manchester United, Arsenal or Inter Milan.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Copenhagen

Manager: Stale Solbakken

Star man: Viktor Fischer

Winning just two of their six group games, Stale Solbakken's side were a tad fortunate the level of competition was such that they could progress to the round-of-32.

Viktor Fischer is doing his best with nine assists - a club best this season - but they will need to find a way to put teams to the sword when it comes to knockout football.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Eintracht Frankfurt

Manager: Adi Hutter

Star man: Daichi Kamada

They may be flattering to deceive in the Bundesliga, sat in mid-table, but the German side sure now have to make a lot of noise in Europe.

It was a win at the Emirates in the group stage that sealed Unai Emery's fate as he was sacked soon after.

Daichi Kamada earned plenty of plaudits following his brace in north London and performances like that will keep a number of Adi Hutter's squad in the shop window.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Getafe

Manager: Jose Bordalas

Star man: Angel Rodriguez

Once again pushing for direct entry into the Champions League with another strong campaign in La Liga, Jose Bordalas' side are the real deal.

They held their nerve to navigate through a tricky group - winning away at Trabzonspor and Krasnodar - and will possess no fear for those who they could be drawn against.

A packed out night at their Coliseum in February won't be high on many opponent wish-lists, that much is certain.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg

Ludogorets

Manager: Aleksi Zhelyazkov

Star man: Claudiu Keseru

Solid, if unspectacular, is the best way to describe Ludogorets' group stage campaign.

Two wins, two draws and two defeats was enough to claim second spot behind Espanyol in Group H.

Dependent on the form of Claudiu Keseru in attack to upset the odds. Will be backed to bow out at this stage given the quality of the seeded sides.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Olympiacos

Manager: Pedro Martins

Star man: Youssef El Arabi

For a Champions League campaign that started with so much promise having held Tottenham to a draw in Greece, it took a goal three minutes from time against Red Star Belgrade to avoid bowing out of Europe entirely.

Better at home than on the road, Pedro Martins' side will need to find a nous on their travels if they are to make their intimidating environment at home count for something.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Rangers

Manager: Steven Gerrard

Star man: Alfredo Morelos

Steven Gerrard has Rangers competing whenever they take to the field and their qualification for the knockout stages, the first time looking ahead to European football after Christmas since 2010-11.

Much will be made about the draw with so many big names waiting among the seeds.

But there is something about Gerrard, a Liverpool legend, going head-to-head in a 'Battle of Britain' against Manchester United.

Rangers and United last met in the Champions League a decade ago and with a strong following undoubtedly ready to make the trip to Manchester, that could easily be one of the ties of the tournament so far.

With Alfredo Morelos leading the line, Rangers will always have a fighting chance of winning the game.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Salzburg, Sevilla

Roma

Manager: Paulo Fonseca

Star man: Nicolo Zaniolo

There is plenty to enjoy in this latest incarnation of Roma's side.

Whether it be Chris Smalling's renaissance at the back, Nicolo Zaniolo's emergence as one of the finest young players in European football or Edin Dzeko's profligacy in front of goal, Fonseca has this group singing from the same hymn sheet.

It turned into a nervy Group J campaign, edging out Bundesliga title chasers Borussia Monchengladbach by a point, but they progressed and now they can turn on the style in the Italian capital.

Arguably one of the biggest dangers from the unseeded teams, the likes of Arsenal, Celtic and Manchester United will - even if they don't admit it - be keen to avoid the Giallorossi in the first knockout stage.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Shakhtar Donetsk

Manager: Luis Castro

Star man: Junior Moraes

One of the last early Christmas presents remaining teams will want is an arduous trip east to take on Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Ukrainian side will need to stop feeling sorry for themselves after throwing away a golden opportunity to reach the last-16 of the Champions League, losing 3-0 at home in the final round against Atalanta.

Junior Moraes is a fine player and will put fear into any defence in the competition, but their own vulnerability in defence will remain a major cause for concern whoever they draw.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Sporting CP

Manager: Emanuel Jose Batista Ferro dos Santos

Star man: Bruno Fernandes

Have plenty of experience at this level but will have been disappointed to finish second behind LASK.

Would be interesting to see Bruno Fernandes, frequently linked with a move to Europe's elite, take on a side like Arsenal, Inter Milan or Manchester United.

Not the force of previous years but still one of the tougher assignments from the unseeded selection.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, Malmo, Manchester United, Salzburg, Sevilla

Wolfsburg

Manager: Oliver Glasner

Star man: Wout Weghorst

It may have been Borussia Monchengladbach who have caught the eye in the Bundesliga but Wolfsburg out-performed their domestic rivals in the Europa League by reaching this stage.

Second to Genk is not something special to write home about but the Germans were efficient, racking up 11 points from six games to progress.

Need to keep their discipline having collected 13 yellow cards in the group stages. They add up and could prove costly down the line.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Arsenal, Basel, Benfica, Braga, Celtic, Espanyol, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Manchester United, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

Wolves

Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo

Star man: Joao Moutinho

So much for Wolves struggling to balance the Premier League and the Europa League.

Nuno Espirito Santo's players are continuing to have their fans dreaming they can go all the way with the firepower of Raul Jimenez and invention of Joao Mourinho driving them on.

Only Braga, who scored the most goals of any side in the group stage, could beat them and Wolves will take heart from the fact they almost beat the Portuguese side in their own backyard.

Depth is the biggest issue for Wolves and depending on additions in January, Wolves' fortunes in this competiton will hinge on keeping their preferred starting XI fit.

Lose someone like Jimenez, Moutinho or Ruben Neves and the dream could unravel pretty quickly.

Who could they face? - Ajax, Basel, Benfica, Celtic, Espanyol, Gent, Inter Milan, Istanbul Basaksehir, LASK, Malmo, Porto, Salzburg, Sevilla

How does the draw work?

The 12 group winners and 12 runners up from the Europa League group stage are joined by the eight third placed teams dropping down from the Champions League.

Seeded teams will consist of the Europa League group winners along with the four best third placed teams entering from the Champions League.

These teams are then drawn against the unseeded sides to set up 16 head-to-head matches in February, with the seeded teams ensured to host the second leg.

The main restrictions heading into the draw are that teams cannot face a team from their Europa League group nor one from the same country.