Nyon saw another thrilling draw this morning for the next phases of the Europa League. Forget that CL stuff; we all know the Europa’s where it’s at because you actually get some goals!
Some decent action abounds after yesterday’s goalfest. Rafa and co will surely be shredded to pieces by the fast-attacking, aggressive play of Benfica (the thought of Glen Johnson trying to defend against Angel Di Maria gives me nightmares), while Hodgson’s side is rewarded for their epic comeback against Juventus with a match-up against German champs fallen on hard times, VfL Wolfsburg.
Elsewhere, Spain plays Spain, and something about Hamburg.
EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Fulham v. VfL Wolfsburg
Liverpool v. Benfica
Valencia v. Atletico Madrid
Hamburg SV v. Standard Liege
Seeing Fulham up there is phenomenal.
It’s safe to say Hodgson is arguably the best British manager in the game right now, yeah?
As much as it pains me to say, I think we still have to rate Sir Alex as the best Brit.
@James T: though the Hamburger tie looks lackluster, keep an eye on Standard’s Milan Jovanovic who recently (in the last two months) signed a deal with Liverpool to join them in the summer on a free transfer. He’s not bad either, and neither is Steven Defour who was linked with us last summer.
@epiblast: I see L’pool joins Wenger in his “consult FM first” transfer strategy.
epi: I was only kidding. Liege are really good — just thinking about last year’s 3rd qualifying round gives me nightmares.
Liege has a very good and talented side. Alex Witsel is very good too. like I read somewhere recently, “much more than just that horror tackle” Hamburg – Liege has the potential to be the match-up of the round.
although Benfica Liverpool and the spanish tie are going to be great too.
But what a horror tackle it was.