Pool and United could face tough opposition

LIVERPOOL and Manchester United may have to beat Spanish or Italian opposition to qualify for the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.

UEFA yesterday confirmed the coefficients which are used to calculate each side's seeding in Europe's elite club competition and although Liverpool and United would both be seeded for the final qualifying round, there are some tricky potential opponents who will be unseeded.

These include Real Betis who finished fourth in Spain's Primera Liga and managed a win and a draw against Barcelona and Udinese who came fourth in Italy's Serie A.