Two contrasting schools of thought on this one. The first is that the stars are once again conspiring to gift Rafa Benitez a second title in three years by handing his side a draw against such unglamorous opposition. The second, however, is that such unglamorous opposition are exactly what Liverpool wanted to avoid.

Whereas the likes of Jamie Carragher have thrived frustrating Europe's leading lights, they have wilted with expectation thrust upon them.

Witness last season's capitulation to Benfica. And who was in charge of that Benfica side? That's right, present PSV manager Ronald Koeman. He's already followed that up this year with that superbly executed gameplan against Arsenal.

For all that though, Liverpool hardly encountered too many problems with PSV in the group stage, and there's a sense the Dutch champions have shot their bolt this season. Less than a fortnight after the game at the Emirates, they were thrashed 5-1 at home to Ajax.

Similarly, it's unlikely Koeman has the nous to out-think a man as meticulous as Benitez once again.

Expect a tactical (ie deathly) stalemate here, before Liverpool sneak it at home.

Verdict score draw.

AC MILAN v BAYERN MUNICH
Tuesday, San Siro, 7.45 Live, Setanta, 7.00

For a team whose fingerprints are all over the modern Champions League, it's hard to believe Bayern Munich haven't even reached the last four since they won the thing back in 2001. That they stand on the cusp of doing so again lies in the return of the man responsible for last bringing them there. Though Steffen Effenberg would have you believe otherwise, that is of course Ottmar Hitzfeld, who has completely reinvigorated a side badly flagging under Felix Magath.

He's also fortunate to be up against a Milan team rapidly going in the other direction. Desperately reliant on Kaka for goals, had they not encountered such blunt opposition in the Champions League so far, that ageing defence would surely have been exposed by now. With the suspension of Oliver Kahn and their midfield . . . at least . . . at the height of its powers however, Milan should have enough to maximise on home advantage here. But not enough to prevent an anxious night in Munich.

Verdict home win

ROMA vMANCHESTER UNITED
Wednesday, Stadio Olimpico, 7.45 Live, RTE Two, Sky Sports 1, 7.00

Amid all the talk of trebles, it's worth pointing out United haven't exactly had to go through the long nights of the soul of 1999 to get to this stage.

Indeed, there's a sense they've assumed their imperious position so far this season . . . in both the league and Europe . . . by doing the bare minimum. As such, Roma present their first real challenge in the Champions League so far this season and could give United the fright they gave Lyon. Gerard Houllier isn't in charge at Old Trafford however and, by this stage, United should have built up sufficient momentum to contain Roma's erratic forward line and tip the tie in their favour with an away goal.

Verdict score draw

CHELSEA v VALENCIA
Wednesday, Stamford Bridge, 7.45 Live, Sky Sports 2, 7.30; Setanta 7.00

The final that should have been? This tie certainly pits the two most fully charged sides in the competition so far against each other. Not only that, it promises to be the most engaging "xture of the round with the clash of two vastly contrasting styles . . .Chelsea's robust shows of force against Valencia's sleek wing play.

Such a pity then that one of them will be sitting out the semis while a dying force like Milan may ostensibly lay claim to a place among the best four in Europe. As to who that will be, well we'll need to wait past Wednesday as this promises to be tight. Valencia's injury and suspension problems allied to Chelsea's resilient home form should give Jose Mourinho the advantage however.

Verdict home win