Liverpool Champions League draw verdict: Five-time European champions avoid big guns to draw Spartak Moscow, Sevilla and Maribor

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Liverpool will have to overcome Spartak Moscow, Sevilla and Maribor to book a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League this season.

The Reds were in pot three and handed a favorable draw as Jurgen Klopp's side prepare to test themselves at Europe's top table again.

Anfield will be rocking when Sevilla, who beat Jurgen Klopp's side in the Europa League final two season's ago, visit the iconic ground.

Jurgen Klopp will lead his side into the Champions League having overcome Hoffenheim

Team: Spartak Moscow 

The Russian champions were in pot A so Liverpool dodged a bullet in missing one of the heavyweight European clubs. 

But a trip to Moscow in the dead of winter will not be an easy proposition for the Reds at Otkrytie Arena.

August Massimo Carrera was promoted to first-team manager of the side last season after an interim spell in charge and led the Russian side on a strong run which climaxed in claiming the title by seven points.  

Key man: Quincy Promes

Promes scored 11 goals for Spartak last season and is their key attacking threat. The 25-year-old Dutch striker boasts electric pace which could stretch the Reds on the counter attack.

Having received his football education in his homeland, Promes moved from Twente to Spartak in 2014 and has gone from strength to strength. 

He has 21 international caps to his name and is relatively slight in stature, offering a running rather than physically imposing challenge to defenders.  

Danger rating: 6/10

Sevilla overcame Liverpool the last time these two sides met in European competition

Champions League nights will be back at Anfield in what will be a special atmosphere

Team: Sevilla

Sevilla have incredibly impressive pedigree in continental competition in recent years and dealt Liverpool heartbreak in the 2015-16 Europa League final.

Jurgen Klopp's side will be looking for revenge and relish the chance to get one back over the Spanish side. 

Sevilla have been weakened since then by the departures of Monchi and Unai Emery but can be seen as the strongest opponents obstructing the Reds in the group stage. 

Key man: Steven N'Zonzi

The former Stoke man has become an integral part of the Sevilla line-up in midfield. 

A commanding presence in the middle of the pitch, N'Zonzi boasts a delicate touch to complement his raw power to break up play. 

Set-pieces are seen as a weakness for Klopp's side and they will have to be particularly wary of the towering Frenchman.  

Danger rating: 7/10

The Reds have the attacking prowess to trouble the European elite this season

Team: Maribor

The minnows of the group will be expect to to be dealt with easily enough by Liverpool fans. 

A trip to Slovenia awaits which should provide tricky test in terms of a hostile atmosphere but anything other than six points from the two games will be a disappointment.  

Key man: Marcos Tavares

The Brazilian captain of the team will look to inspire the underdogs with his leadership in what will be a tough campaign. 

Tavares is a former Brazil youth international and plays the number nine role. 

The 33-year-old may be past his best but is vastly experienced with more than 300 appearances for Maribor.  

Danger rating: 3/10