D-Day for Rafa's Reds as UEFA give verdict

UEFA are expected to give Liverpool a place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League today.

The 14 men who make up UEFA's executive committee will vote on the matter during a telephone conference and although there is a block of members who believe the rules should not be changed, president Lennart Johansson is likely to succeed in persuading the majority to agree that the champions should be allowed to defend their crown.

The title-holders are usually guaranteed an automatic place in the group stages but that scenario is highly unlikely and, indeed, Liverpool themselves would be content with a place in the final qualifying round.