Liverpool braced for journey into Champions League unknown

LIVERPOOL will be praying for a total solution to their Champions League headache when the draw is made for the first two qualifying rounds of the competition today.

Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan should be low-quality opponents but faced with an eight-hour flight Liverpool would much rather a two-hour coach trip to Llansantffraid to face Welsh champions Total Network Solutions.

Matches in Azerbaijan or Armenia are also possibilities when the Reds start the defence of their crown next month after being given special dispensation by UEFA to take part in next season’s competition despite finishing outside the top four qualifying places in the Premiership.