Liverpool are renowned for their Champions League exploits but they are also three-times winners of the Europa League and have been installed as favourites to land the trophy in 2023-24.

The Reds, 7/2, head a strong English challenge which includes European debutants Brighton and Europa Conference League champions West Ham. 

The Seagulls are 14/1 second favourites to prevail at the first attempt while the Hammers are 20/1.

Seven of the last ten winners have been Spanish clubs and there is strong La Liga representation this season with Real Betis and Villarreal each quoted at 16/1 to get their hands on the trophy.

No Italian side has won the competition since the turn of the century but Roma and Atalanta get respectful quotes of 16/1 and 20/1.

Dan Childs's Europa League outright tips:

Bayer Leverkusen @ 20/1
Real Betis @ 16/1
Sporting Lisbon @ 25/1

Odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and subject to fluctuation

Setting the scene…

Eight teams from the Champions League group stage will be involved in the knockout round playoffs and there is every chance that some of them could seriously contend for the trophy.

However, there is an opportunity for the 32 original entrants to get a step ahead because the eight group winners will qualify automatically for the round of 16.

Among the teams eyeing up a round of 16 slot will be Liverpool, who will fancy their chances of dominating LASK, Union Saint-Gilloise and Toulouse in Group E.

However, there are some competitive sections and the hottest could be Group B which pits Brighton alongside Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens.

What	Europa League
Where	Final will take place at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin
When	21st September, 2023 to 22nd May, 2024
How to watch	TNT Sports
Odds	Liverpool 7/2, Brighton 14/1, Villarreal 16/1, Roma 16/1, Real Betis 16/1, West Ham 20/1, Atalanta 20/1, Bayer Leverkusen 20/1

Bayer Leverkusen @ 20/1

The draw has been kind to Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, who have been selected alongside Qarabag, Molde and BK Hacken in Group H.

It is 30 years since Leverkusen last claimed a piece of major silverware by winning the 1992-93 German Cup, but they have a great chance to settle into the competition and could go a long way.

They won the Uefa Cup, as it was then known, in 1987-88, and might be ready to contend for another European trophy.

Dan Childs' Tip:

Leverkusen are off to a flying start in the Bundesliga, winning each of their opening three games, and look capable of kicking on and having a strong season on domestic and European fronts.

Alonso has made some excellent summer signings including the captures of midfielder Granit Xhaka and attacker Nathan Tella from Arsenal and Southampton.

Leverkusen have also retained some talented players, including highly-rated defender Edmond Tapsoba and attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, and they look equipped to go a long way.

Real Betis @ 16/1

Real Betis have exited at the round of 16 stage in each of the last two seasons but they could go a fair bit further in 2023-24.

They finished sixth in La Liga last season and have started reasonably well this term, taking seven points from four games.

Manuel Pellegrini's side are well-versed at coping with a busy schedule and the squad looks stronger after the few eye-catching additions including the signing of classy midfielder Isco from city rivals Sevilla.

Dan Childs' Tip:

Betis should fancy their chances of faring well in Group C at the expense of Rangers, Sparta Prague and Apollon Limassol.

There is nothing much for Betis to fear and, if they can advance with the minimum of fuss, they will be hoping for a bit of luck when it comes to the knockout stage draw.

The Andalusians look better equipped than they were last season and could go deep.

Sporting Lisbon @ 25/1

Sporting Lisbon have not lifted a European trophy since winning the European Cup Winners Cup in 1964, but they were quarter-finalists in last season's Europa League, losing out 2-1 on aggregate to Juventus, and could go further this season.

Ruben Amorim's side have taken ten points from four league games this season and their squad looks well-balanced after the arrivals of Danish international midfielder Morten Hjulmand and Swedish striker Victor Gyokeres.

They gained some good experience in the competition last season, including a round of 16 success over Arsenal, and are capable of doing even better.

Dan Childs' Tip:

Sporting are one of the big guns in Group D alongside Serie A side Atalanta. 

However, they have a good chance of outperforming the Bergamo side and they look highly likely to finish above their other sectional rivals Sturm Graz and Rakow.

Amorin's team are bidding to become Portugal's first winners of the competition since Porto in 2011, and they look overpriced at 25/1.

Dan Childs's Europa League outright tips:

Bayer Leverkusen @ 20/1
Real Betis @ 16/1
Sporting Lisbon @ 25/1

Odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and subject to fluctuation