We're top Brits: Liverpool boss out to sink home rivals as he eyes final

Liverpool may have to beat the three teams above them in the Premier League to emerge as European champions for a second time in Benitez's four-year reign following yesterday's lunchtime draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals in Nyon, Switzerland.

But their manager said: 'Arsenal may be top of the table but they will know what we are about in the Champions League. We have beaten one of Europe's finest in Inter Milan and we have confidence for the challenge ahead.'

Whoever prevails in the tie of the round will face Chelsea or Fenerbahce in the semi-finals, with Manchester United possibly squaring up to Barcelona if they can repeat last season's success over Roma.

Twice in the past three seasons, Liverpool have been roared into the Champions League Final at Chelsea's expense at Anfield and Benitez welcomed the chance to put Arsenal to the test before the Kop in the return leg on April 8.

'The atmosphere at Anfield on a big European night can make the difference,' he said. 'If we can get a good result at The Emirates it will be easier for our supporters to be right on top of Arsenal's players.

'Maybe we will have to beat Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United to win it again. I prefer to concentrate on Arsenal for now but we are strong enough physically to get through the season.

'This is not the worst moment for us. We are scoring goals without conceding and confidence is higher than for a long time.

'If we do beat them it would show we are a real force in Europe and we will go into it with real belief.'

Arsene Wenger is equally convinced Arsenal's win over AC Milan in the last round has given them the confidence to take on anyone.

He said: 'We showed against Milan that we can beat anyone. We just knocked out the holders. That was a big hurdle. Now we have the finalists on our route — so why can't we do it again?'

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his concern for the club's fans who travel to the Roma game after five were stabbed in clashes when the sides played a group game in Italy in December.

Violence also marred the clubs' games last season when Italian police were accused by United officials of 'indiscriminate beatings'.

Ferguson said: 'My biggest concern is the fans. During the game in Rome this season the security was much improved. But there will be even more fans travelling with us for this match. That said, I have a feeling it will be another great European tie.'

Goalkeeper Ben Foster, 24, makes his United debut at Derby today after playing only one reserve game since major knee surgery.

Foster plays because Edwin van der Sar is injured and Tomasz Kuszczak suspended.

Arsenal have targeted France Under 21 keeper Hugo Lloris, 21, as part their rebuilding plans. Nice want £14million but Wenger will not pay anything like that.