Arsene Wenger fears of facing English opposition in the Champions League quarter-final were confirmed today when the club were drawn against 2005 champions Liverpool.

Wenger now faces the prospect of playing Liverpool three times within a week and, even though he was keen to avoid another Premier League team, the Arsenal boss remained confident his team can progress.

He said: "We knocked AC Milan out. That was a big hurdle. We were strong enough to knock out the holders so we can do it against Liverpool.

"Their stadium is a big factor and their fans get behind the team but I think it is challenging and interesting as well. I said I would rather not have drawn an English team but this is the quarter- finals and all the teams are of a high level."

Whoever wins will face Chelsea in the semi-finals.