Liverpool’s hopes of securing a fourth Europa League crown will be tested by eight Champions League dropouts in early 2024
Liverpool continue their Europa League adventure on Thursday night as Austrian outfit LASK Linz travel to Anfield.
The Reds have enjoyed a relatively stress-free return to UEFA’s secondary European competition after finishing fifth in the Premier League last term.
Should Jurgen Klopp’s side secure victory on home soil on Thursday, their quest to make May’s showpiece final in Dublin will be handed a substantial boost as they secure qualification for the first knockout rounds.
Additionally, should Royale Union Saint-Gilloise beat Toulouse in the other Group E encounter, the Reds will secure a bye to the round-of-16 stage in March due to finishing top of the group.
By that time, Liverpool could be pitting their wits against some familiar faces as eight teams from the Champions League are set to drop into UEFA’s secondary competition in the New Year.
As it stands, Galatasaray are set to finish third with two games to go in Group A. However, Manchester United, currently rock bottom, are just one point behind their Super Lig side ahead of their visit to Turkey on Wednesday.
In Group B, Arsenal currently lead the way and know that a point against Lens on Wednesday night will secure their passage to the Champions League knockout rounds, with the Ligue 1 side set to finish third and drop into the Europa League in February.
Braga, RB Salzburg, and Feyenoord are currently occupying the third-place positions in Groups C, D, and E.
Group F, containing Newcastle United and European heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan is a little less straightforward with three points separating first and fourth place. As it stands, it will be the Italian giants who are consigned to Europa League football in the New Year.
Meanwhile, Red Star Belgrade and Shakhtar Donetsk could make the drop from Groups G and H.
The first knockout round will take place on February 15 and 22, 2023.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be set to resume their European campaign when the round of 16 begins on March 7.