Everton FC fans have had a blast on their Europa League adventure so far – but interest has been further piqued with Liverpool’s failure in the Champions League.
Following a third-place finish in their Champions League group, Brendan Rodgers’ side are now in the Europa League – as an unseeded team, no less – opening up the possibility of a Merseyside derby in Europe.
But when can the Blues draw the Reds? And how is the last 32 shaping up overall?
What stage have Everton qualified for?
They are in the last 32 – which means there is still a potential eight games to play until reaching the final in Warsaw on May 27.
Will they be seeded?
After confirming their spot at the top of their group with a win over Wolfsburg, the Blues will be one of 16 seeded teams. They seeded teams are made up of the 12 Europa League group winners and the four best Champions League dropouts.
Can they face Liverpool?
The big question. Not in the last 32, no, despite LFC being unseeded for the draw. There will be country protection for that stage of the competition, so no Tottenham either, despite their second-place finish. They could face them from the last 16 onwards – although there are no seedings at that point.
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So who could they face?
Villarreal, Torino, Celtic, PSV Eindhoven, Dnipro, Sevilla, Young Boys, AaB, Guingamp, Trabzonspor, Roma, Anderlecht, Ajax.
When is the draw?
The draw will be held on December 15.
When will the games be played?
The first legs will be played on February 19 2015, and the second legs will be played a week later on February 26 2015. Everton will play at Goodison Park in the second leg.
Best case scenario?
Guingamp. Having qualified ahead of POAK and Dinamo Minsk, the French cup holders hold no fears for the Blues. Currently 16th in Ligue 1
Worst case scenario?
Sevilla. The current holders let their foot off the pedal after qualifying and were pipped to top spot by Feyenoord, but are still a very dangerous opponent. Roma wouldn’t exactly be pleasant, either.
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