Vidic lauds English dominance

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Once again the English quartet has made it through to the quarter-finals, with the odds on at least one of them making it to the final in Rome on May 27.

It would be the fifth time on the trot there has been top-flight representation in Europe's biggest club competition. And Vidic is in no doubt the Premier League has earned the right to call itself number one. "The English league is the best," said the Manchester United defender.

He added: "The Premier League is stronger than anyone else in Europe now.

"Once again there are four teams in the quarter-finals. That has to be good for English football.

"It is good for the players to be involved in the English game."

Given the widely publicised unhappiness UEFA president Michel Platini has at the dominance of English teams, conspiracy theorists wonder whether Friday's last-eight draw might consign all four teams to the same section, ensuring there is no repeat of the all-English showdown in Moscow last season, when United beat Chelsea on penalties.

The Londoners would certainly relish the opportunity of revenge over Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who are also aware Arsenal have a victory at the Emirates this season to fall back on, while Liverpool blitzed them at Old Trafford last weekend.

Ferguson has already revealed his gut feeling that United will draw English opposition in the knock-out stages for the first time.

And Vidic realises he may not be adding to his air miles this time around. "There is a chance we could play another English team," he said. "It is three from seven, so the odds are quite good."