Merseyside rivals hope to avoid European derby

LIVERPOOL and Everton will be praying that the draw today does not transform the final Champions League qualifier into the most tense and dramatic Merseyside derby of all time.

The unique ruling which allowed Liverpool to defend their European crown came with the condition that they would be given no "country protection" and under UEFA's seeding system there is a one in 15 chance of the Reds being drawn against Everton.

Both clubs are desperate to avoid such a confrontation, for the prize for winning the two-legged final qualifying round would be a guaranteed €15 million for making the Champions League group stage.