Europa Conference League draw LIVE: West Ham United discover last-16 opponents
West Ham will also find out who they face in the Europa Conference League knockout rounds
The draw for the Europa League last-16 takes place this morning as the group stage winners are paired against the play-off winners in the knockout rounds.
Arsenal were among the eight clubs to top their respective Europa League group so are seeded for the draw which takes place at 11am.
Manchester United are also through after defeating Barcelona in the two-legged play-off. Erik ten Hag’s men played out a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp in the opening leg before coming from behind to win 2-1 at Old Trafford last night. Fred cancelled out Robert Lewandowski’s penalty before Antony came off the bench to send the Red Devils into the last-16.
As United came through the play-offs they are unseeded for this draw meaning they will face one of the group winners – except Arsenal who are from the same country – in the next stage of the competition.
Following the Europa League draw will be the draw for the Europa Conference League last-16. West Ham are involved in that one after finishing top of their group and despite struggles in the Premier League this year the Hammers have been solid competitors in Europe.
Follow along for the Europa League and Europa Conference League last-16 draws:
The Europa League last-16 draw
Here we go then, it’s time for the Europa League last-16 draw. Here are all the teams that will feature in the latest knockout round:
Seeded: Arsenal (ENG), Betis (ESP), Fenerbahçe (TUR), Ferencváros (HUN), Feyenoord (NED), Freiburg (GER), Real Sociedad (ESP), Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL)
Unseeded: Union Berlin (GER), Manchester United (ENG), Juventus (ITA), Bayer Leverkusen (GER), Roma (ITA), Sevilla (ESP), Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR), Sporting CP (POR)
Man Utd defeat Barcelona to reach Europa League last-16
Manchester United have had 19 goals scored by substitutes this season, the most of any big five European league side.
Man Utd defeat Barcelona to reach Europa League last-16
Since making his Manchester United debut in February 2020, Bruno Fernandes (25 – 12 goals, 13 assists) is one of just five players to have been directly involved in 25 or more goals in major European competitions, alongside Robert Lewandowski (37), Kylian Mbappe (33), Karim Benzema (27) and Mohamed Salah (27).
The death of John Motson is the death of the last ‘voice of a sport’
The sudden death of John Motson – the BBC’s legendary football commentator – at the age of 77 on Thursday has prompted plenty of fond reminiscence around ‘Motty’s best moments, iconic quotes and most famous gaffes.
Anyone over a certain age, with at least a passing interest in football, can picture Motson in his sheepskin coat, lip mic thrust into his face and still hear his boyishly enthusiastic tones waxing lyrical about something happening on the pitch in front of him.
His endless supply of niche and almost arcane statistics, in an era where finding those stats was infinitely harder than just logging on to Wikipedia or doing a quick Google search, became his calling card.
He left an indelible mark on the UK sporting consciousness and most football fans will be able to recall at least one iconic Motty moment – for better or worse.
The death of John Motson is the death of the last ‘voice of a sport’
No modern commentator can become synonymous with a sport in the way Motson did with football
When and where is the final?
The Europa League final will take place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary on 31st May 2023.
Only Marcus Rashford (17) has scored more goals for United at Old Trafford this season than Fred’s five.
Man Utd defeat Barcelona to reach Europa League last-16
Leicester and Arsenal share attacking ‘identity and philosophy’, believes Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers hopes his Leicester City side can take on Premier League leaders Arsenal at their own game this weekend.
The Foxes boss concedes he is wary of the Gunners’ quality but hopes his players can give as good as they get at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be hoping to tighten their grip on top spot after moving two points clear of champions Manchester City, with a game in hand, last week.
Leicester and Arsenal share ‘identity and philosophy’, believes Foxes boss Rodgers
The Leicester boss concedes he is wary of the Gunners’ quality.
When are the fixtures?
The last-16 ties will be played on Thursday 9th March and Thursday 16th March with the seeded teams having home advantage in the second legs.
Can Arsenal play Manchester United?
No, not in this round. Clubs from the same national league can only draw one another from the quarter-finals onwards.
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