The draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League looks great, but there will have been a collective groan from anyone looking ahead to the semi-finals.
With the inevitability of doom, Liverpool and Chelsea are set to meet again in the last four — if they make it through the quarter-finals. Their two previous semi-final meetings were tense, certainly, but the quality of football was pretty dispiriting.
Liverpool have by far the tougher ask to make it through, of course. They must first face Arsenal, while Chelsea were handed one of the two teams everyone wanted in Fenerbahce.
Schalke 04 are the other unfancied team and they will face Barcelona, while Manchester United will presumably be feeling pretty confident about meeting AS Roma again after what happened this time last year.
You can read our full coverage of the draw at the main soccer site here, where there’s also a poll running, but please come back to the blog to give us your thoughts on the matches we have in store.
Who do you see as the favourites after today’s draw? Will Schalke upset Barcelona? Will Manchester United repeat their brilliance of last year? And are you secretly looking forward to another Liverpool v Chelsea? Let us know in the comments.
PHOTO: Chelsea’s Petr Cech prepares for the penalty shoot-out against Liverpool in their Champions League semi-final, second leg soccer match at Anfield last May. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
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13 comments so far
Brilliant draw for Arsenal, very happy the only team I didn’t want was Manchester United as i thought it would be good to beat them in the final.
- Posted by PatrickFenerbahce v Schalke final, no doubt about it.
- Posted by Kevin Fylan(Porto v Monaco in 2004 remember)
We all know that even though Arsenal should get through, they won’t and it’ll be another Liverpool v Chelsea semi-final to make the neutrals cry.
- Posted by PadraicSo intriguing to get Arsenal Liverpool three times in one week. Who sits? Who plays? Rafa and Wenger will earn their money that week.
I want a Liverpool-ManU final, even if we have to bear another Liverpool-Chelsea semifinal–So be it.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2008/ 03/champions-league-draw-arsenal-liverpo ol.html
- Posted by MikeLiverpool v Man U final sounds good but I bet it would be really negative, with neither side really trying anything. My money’s on Schalke v Fenerbahce.
- Posted by Kevwriter seems awfully confident liverpool will beat arsenal. why? their record in recent years against the gunners is not good.
- Posted by nicosianThe draw itself could have been a lot more tasty with Barca and Chelsea both getting relatively easy ties, on paper at least.
- Posted by Betting Blue BoyThe semi-finals though look a lot more intriguing affair. I would love to see a Chelsea V Liverpool, Barca V Man Utd come off with Chelsea V Man Utd in the final, now that would be what the Champions League is all about.
Exeter City v Torquay United, proper football. Wembly.
- Posted by JemExeter City v Torquay United, proper football. Wembley.
- Posted by JemWITH RONALDO ON TOP FORM NOTHING IS GONNA STOP THE RED DEVILS FROM CLINCHING THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.BUT IAM WISHING FOR A MAN UTD VS LIVEPOOL FINAL
- Posted by RENDANI PHARAMELALiverpoolv Man Utd final would hopefully be better than that time they met in the FA Cup final a few years ago. Late Cantona goal, as I recall, but no football at all before then.
- Posted by KevLiverpool’s record against Arsenal is not very good, so I am happy that the Gunners are playing them and not their city rivals Chelsea or Man United.
- Posted by Nachiket KelkarAlso its good that Arsenal is not pitted against the two underdogs - Fenerbahce and Shalke. Better play a team who’s game we know inside out rather than some one surprising.
Man United should go through against Roma, but don’t think it will be as one sided as it was last year.
Chelsea and Barca should also win, but there could be some surprises in store here. And such surprises will add the extra fun. So bring em on.
I have a sneaky suspicion that Liverpool could be there or thereabouts this year. They have two players who are top of their game and have no problems scoring at this level.Gerrard has 4 goals in the competiton while Torres has 5 goals, only one behind the CL top scorer Messi at the moment. If these players can stay fit Im sure Liverpool can surprise alot of people.
- Posted by FreeBets