Champions League Semi-Final Previews

The Champions League has once again turned into a tour de force for the English clubs, with three of the semi-finalists coming from these shores. TalkFootball.co.uk looks forward to the games

Liverpool v Chelsea (Tuesday ITV1)

Liverpool and Chelsea meet for the third time at this stage in four seasons. In the first game Liverpool took the spoils with a goal that never was. In the second the game went to the dreaded spot kicks. It should've been Jose Mourinho v Rafael Benitez III but sadly the stone-face Avram Grant will be sitting in the Chelsea dugout.

The main change this time around (apart from the managerial one) is that the second leg will be at Stamford Bridge and not Anfield. This is a huge advantage considering Liverpool's exemplary record in European games in front of their home fans.

Chelsea have not impressed in recent weeks with a series of lacklustre displays. The charge that is often being levelled at Avram Grant is his inability to win the big one, well over the next nine days he'll play both legs of the Champions League semi-final and on Saturday lunchtime entertain Manchester United at home in the league. I think that by the time everyone wakes up next Thursday morning, we'll know what the future holds for the man.

Liverpool though don't have it all plain sailing in the background either. With the boardroom at war and the manager not sure whether he is coming or going, all the focus has to be on the pitch to see if they can reach the final for the third time in four years.

Frank Lampard is available for the blues but Didier Drogba is still rated as doubtful with a knee complaint. Liverpool will welcome back talisman Steven Gerrard following a neck problem that kept him out of Saturday's trip to Fulham.

TalkFootball.co.uk predicts that it'll be three out of three for Rafa's boys - and this time there will be nothing controversial.

Barcelona v Manchester United (Wednesday Sky Sports 1)

United are coming off a disappointing draw at Blackburn in the league but go into this tie as heavy favourites. Barcelona have flattered to deceive all season long and this is set to be their last hurrah before a mass squad exodus, which'll include the manager, in the summer.

Manchester United have no new injury worries ahead of the game. Edwin Van Der Sar who missed the Blackburn trip is expected to play in goal. Barcelona welcome back Leonardo Messi to the squad - the Argentine playmaker returns after a thigh injury to bolster coach Frank Rijkaard's options ahead of the tie.

Sir Alex Ferguson has only the one Champions League final appearance under his belt, a surprisingly low amount considering the teams he has put together. His current crop are arguably better than the 1999 version that lifted the trophy in that dramatic finalé at the Nou Camp.

Thierry Henry is well known over here in the UK as a class player, but his season at Barcelona has not gone exactly to plan. The Frenchman has been unable to settle in the Catalan capital and hasn't set La Liga alight like most envisioned him doing. This is his chance to once again show off his talents to the watching world and possibly help his chances of a move back to the Premiership in the summer.

TalkFootball.co.uk predicts an All-English final - with Manchester United joining Liverpool in Moscow on May 21.