European draw likely to test British sides

LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and Celtic face the toughest ties of the five British teams when the draw for the Champions League knockout stage is made this day next week.

As group runners-up, the trio will be pitted against winners from other pools.

With rules stipulating that clubs from the same country be kept apart until the quarter finals, Arsenal have five potential opponents when the draw is made in Nyon — four of whom have won the Champions League in the past.

Porto lifted the trophy in 2004, while Barcelona and AC Milan have shared it in the last two seasons. Making up the five are Real Madrid (winners in 2002, ‘00 and ‘98) and Inter Milan, the only side who haven’t lifted the trophy.

Last year’s beaten finalists Liverpool could face a rematch with champions and Group D winners AC Milan, who they famously beat in the 2005 final before the Italian side got their revenge last season.

The Reds could also meet Italian heavyweights Inter Milan; Barcelona, who Liverpool beat in the first knockout round last year; or fellow Spaniards Sevilla — who have won the UEFA Cup for the past two seasons.

Celtic and Manchester United who were the first and second British teams to win the European Cup respectively, could be paired in a mouth-watering clash. Gordon Strachan’s men could also face Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Sevilla, Barcelona or Porto — who, under Jose Mourinho, beat the Bhoys in the 2004 UEFA Cup final.

Manchester United and Chelsea topped their groups and should, theoretically at least, have an easier path to the last eight — they will also play the second leg at home.

The first knockout round ties will take place on February 19 and 20, with the return legs on March 4 and 5.

ARSENAL (Group H runners-up) can play: AC Milan, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Porto or Real Madrid.

CELTIC (Group D runners-up) can play: Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter, Man United, Porto, Real Madrid or Sevilla.

CHELSEA (Group B winners) can play: Celtic, Fenerbahce, Lyon, Olympiacos or Roma

LIVERPOOL (Group A runners-up) can play: AC Milan, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid or Sevilla.

MAN UTD (Group F winners) can play: Celtic, Fenerbahce, Lyon, Olympiacos or Schalke.