European Cup will have Big Four winner, says Redknapp

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With Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in the quarter-finals and Liverpool 2-0 up in their tie against Inter Milan, the Portsmouth manager, whose side face United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, expects one of them to lift the trophy.

'I can't see an English team not winning it,' said Redknapp. 'The only danger is Barcelona. 'Roma? Manchester United were on a different planet to them when they beat them 7-1 last season.'

Having placed United among the teams capable of conquering Europe, Redknapp must now plot their downfall at Old Trafford.

Portsmouth's away form has been built on a solid and skilful defence and speed on the break, but Redknapp joked about his strike-force of Kanu, John Utaka and Niko Kranjcar, saying: 'We'll go up there to play our usual system: two wide men who can't defend to save their lives and a front man who can't run about much.'

Redknapp, who has knocked United out of the FA Cup with Bournemouth and West Ham, wants to see a team outside the big four win at Wembley.

He said: 'For 12 years running it has been the same four teams and it would be lovely to see another team win it. For Portsmouth to do it would be fantastic.'

It is 20 years since Wimbledon beat Liverpool in the final and Redknapp said: 'It was a new game they invented and so difficult to deal with. It was all set plays and long throws. They played to the system and worked their socks off. They never tried to out-play anyone.

'They'd bang on the dressing room door and Vinnie Jones would shout: "Come out, you bunch of cowards". Then they'd wait in the tunnel to look your players up and down, saying: "We're gonna do you".'

But he ruled out adopting the Crazy Gang's tactics at Old Trafford. 'We could bash up Rio Ferdinand, he can't fight,' laughed Redknapp. 'But I wouldn't like to be the one who threatens Rooney, would you?'