This might have been another Europa League week for Albion.

Joao Pedro’s goal against Marseille kept them out of the so-called round of 32.

In fact, there are 24 survivors, of whom Albion and seven others sit out this stage while 16 get involved in the play-offs.

Former Seagulls skipper Adam Virgo, who has been co-commentating on the competition as well as European leagues for TNT Sports, will watch with interest.

Virgo said: “Not many clubs will want to play Brighton in the next round.

“They have beaten the best teams in the Premier League since Graham (Potter) came in.

“There will be teams like Milan and Rennes and Roma and Feyenoord who will be thinking, if Brighton are drawn out: 'Bloody hell, here we go!'.

“However, for Brighton is a wonderful opportunity.

“They have had a taste already of two massive clubs in Ajax and Marseille at the Amex and going to their stadiums and also a smaller side, no disrespect to AEK.

“Young Boys, teams like that, are not necessarily the biggest games on paper but they have had European exposure season after season.

“I think the balance of the group has really helped Brighton be prepared.

“If they draw a big side, I think the club will be excited.

“If you get Milan or Roma, those will be games that will be remembered forever.

“From Hereford to San Siro is a hell of a story.

“But if it’s a Galatasaray or Lens or Rennes, if they beat Milan, then they are still great games to be part of.”

So who will Albion get in the draw next Friday? Here is how the play-off round looks.

Feyenoord v Roma

Feyenoord are unbeaten in seven games and are second in the Eredivisie. helped by 22-year-old Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez with 19 goals in 20 games. Roma are sixth in Serie A and had a recent three-win run under new boss Daniele De Rossi.

Did you know? Roma beat Feyenoord 4-2 on aggregate when these clubs met in the same competition last season, after losing the first leg 1-0 in Rotterdam.

Prospects: Both teams would offer tough opposition, fairly easy travel and a spicy matchday – but one city is more attractive than the other.

Galatasaray v Sparta Prague

Gala are flying in the league with 66 points from 25 games and have conceded just 14 goals. They are spearheaded by Italian legend Mauro Icardi. Sparta also lead their league, with 17 wins in 20 games and average 2.5 goals per match. Gala have won their last eight games, Sparta their last 11.

Virgo said: “It was a surprise move to Galatasaray for Wilf Zaha and I don’t think his numbers so far are what he wanted to hit.” (Zaha has nine goals and three assists in 21 league games).

Prospects: Istanbul is a great city and it would be a red-hot tussle – but Prague could be a superb trip.

Shakhtar v Marseille

Shakhtar are fourth in the league but should go top when they play games in hand. They took their Champions League group to the final game but have not played since. Marseille have not really fired since their defeat at the Amex and are currently winless in five in league and cup.

Virgo said: “Marseille are weaker now than when they played Brighton in the group stage.”

Prospects: The story writes itself if Albion draw Shakhtar, the club Roberto De Zerbi was forced to leave. The away leg would be in Hamburg.

Young Boys v Sporting CP

Young Boys top the Swiss league but have dropped points in nine of their 23 league games and recently lost top scorer Jean-Pierre Nsame to Como. Sporting are flying, led by a league-best 16 goals from Viktor Gyokeres. Their last six league games have brought 18 points and 25 goals.

Virgo said: “I’m never a fan of drawing Portuguese teams. They are strong, physical, play good football. Sporting would be tough.”

Prospects: Sporting will be expected to go through. Lisbon looks a great away trip but it would be one of the toughest ties on offer.

Milan v Rennes

The title has surely gone but Milan are still chiselling out results, led by wily Olivier Giroud (11 goals, eight assists). Don’t overlook Rennes, who are unbeaten in nine, have won their last four and have a player to be excited about in right-sided Benjamin Bourigeaud.

Virgo said: “Rennes are in a transitional period. They have changed their manager in mid-season.”

Prospects: In many ways, Milan would be a dream draw, but there is no guarantee they go through.

Benfica v Toulouse

This is not the best Benfica of recent times but they are hanging on in there both in the domestic title race and European football. Angel di Maria is still doing great things. Toulouse are down in 12th in France and recently suffered a shock cup defeat at Rouen.

Virgo said: Toulouse won the Coupe de France unexpectedly last season and don’t have the players for European football.

Prospects: Two enjoyable cities and regions to visit in different ways. But Benfica has the ring to it.

Braga v Qarabag

Braga are the best of the rest in Portugal but are not really challenging the Lisbon giants this season, although they rarely lose at home. Qarabag are 15 points clear in Azerbaijan and have not lost in 12 games, although they have either drawn or won narrowly of late.

Did you know? If Qarabag get through, the first leg of the last 16 will be their 100th match in the UEFA Cup/Europa League.

Prospects: Braga is far more accessible and in an under-rated area of Portugal. But a trip to Baku would certainly be an adventure.

Lens v Freiburg

Lens are sixth in Ligue Un after three straight wins but no one has scored more than four goals for them. Freiburg are seventh in Germany after three straight defeats and have conceded 37 in 21.

Virgo said: “Lens is a difficult place to go. It’s sort of friendly but hostile. A bit like Brighton, they have taken the league on and gone toe-to-toe with top teams.

Prospects: A hard one to call but both offer the prospect of an English-type ground to visit.