Thursday 20 December 2012 15:46, UK
The Europa League last-32 draw has thrown up a number of potentially difficult ties for the four English clubs involved.
Metalist Kharkiv (Newcastle) Despite topping their group ahead of European regulars Bayer Leverkusen, Metalist Kharkiv remain a somewhat unknown side amongst European audiences. Ranked as the 29th best side in Europe by UEFA - ahead of the likes of Tottenham, and Newcastle themselves - Metalist finished a respectable third in the Ukrainian league behind Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv Pardew has frequently put out weakened sides in the Europa League this season and is unlikely to relish a Thursday night trip to the Ukraine in the midst of a Premier League relegation battle. Metalist last faced an English side when they played Everton in the 2007-08 UEFA Cup and were beaten 4-3 on aggregate. At the time, Everton boss David Moyes described Metalist as "very good team". They topped their group ahead of Bayer Leverkusen with Cleiton Xavier grabbing five goals in six games - he will undoubtedly be the biggest threat to Newcastle's backline.