Liverpool Unseeded For Europa League Knockout Phase

Reds could face a heavyweight in last 32.

EPL: Rafael Benitez, Fulham v Liverpool (Getty Images)
Liverpool face the prospect of being drawn against some tricky opponents in Europe next year after UEFA today confirmed that the Reds will not be seeded for the knock-out phase of the Europa League.

Poor goal difference in their Champions League group means that Rafa Benitez's side have missed out on being named as one of the 16 seeds in the new-look competition.

Seeded teams have the additional advantage of playing the second leg at home.

Everton and Fulham, England's other representatives, are also unseeded.

"Liverpool will not be one of the seeded teams," a UEFA spokesman said, according to Press Association Sport.

"The top seeds are the 12 group winners from the Europa League and the best four third-placed sides from the Champions League.

"Among the clubs dropping down from the Champions League, Juventus and Unirea Urziceni won more points than Liverpool, while Marseille and Wolfsburg had a better goal difference."

The round of 32 begins on February 16. The Europa League final will be held in Hamburg on May 12.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

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