Andy Townsend on CL group G: It's Chelsea and Liverpool for me

By ANDY TOWNSEND, Daily Mail

Last updated at 15:40 26 August 2005

Liverpool are always very dangerous underdogs, but seem to struggle with expectation.

It's okay defeating Chelsea, Juventus and AC Milan on that glorious journey towards their unlikely triumph in Istanbul, but this group thrusts them into the role of favourites to qualify, along with Jose Mourinho's men.

Chelsea, with all their new-found power, will sail through this section. But can Liverpool go with them?

It was fate that these sides would be drawn together again.

Two tight games in the competition last season, the electric Anfield atmosphere for the second leg when Chelsea were eliminated through a controversial goal - now the English champions drawn against the European champions and a chance for revenge for Mourinho.

It's the highlight of the draw and the English clubs will not have been too concerned with their opponents.

Real Betis boast Brazilian striker Oliveira, who scored twice as they overcame Monaco this week.

Anderlecht, no strangers to the competition, have the threatening Mbo Mpenza, another player who is a handful.

But there isn't any great menace about either side, although Liverpool can expect some tricky moments in what I expect to be a double success for the Premiership sides.