British teams find out opponents in Europa League

The British sides have learnt their fate at today’s Europa League draw in Geneva.

Rangers face arguably the toughest task in the last 32 of the competition, facing Portuguese club, Sporting Lisbon. Walter Smith’s side qualified for the Europa League, through finishing third in their Champions League group.

Rangers will have to call upon the Ibrox faithful to spur the club on, especially when the second leg is a particularly intimidating visit to the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

The Glasgow club beat the Portuguese giants in the quarter-final on their way to the final in 2008. If they overcome Sporting, a meeting against Lille or PSV Eindhoven waits.

Liverpool will travel to Sparta Prague for their first leg. Sparta finished second in the group behind CSKA Moscow, but Roy Hodgson’s men should be wary of the Czech side, who have a huge European pedigree.

If Liverpool beat Sparta Prague, the last 16 opponent would be Lech Poznan or Braga.

Big spenders, Manchester City have also been given a favourable tie against Greek team Aris Salonika. Roberto Mancini’s side coasted into the knockout stages, stunning Italian giants Juventus, so should find this tie easier. However, the Aris fans are known for giving a hostile reception, meaning an away win could be tough.

If City win the tie, they will face either Turkish team Besiktas or Ukrainians Dynamo Kiev.

All three British teams are attempting to make the final, this year in Dublin.

Female First - Chris Mayer