Captain Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are the team feared by others in the Champions League.
The five-time European champions face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow
in a quarter-final first leg.
Although the Gunners have dominated their domestic clashes in recent seasons -
with Liverpool winning just three times in the last seven years - Gerrard
believes European matches are a different prospect.
And he pointed to the Reds' Champions League victory over AC Milan in 2005 and
appearance in the final again last season as proof of their credentials.
'We are a good side in Europe and we are always confident whoever we come up
against we can qualify,' he said. 'I think other teams are more concerned about us because we have proved over
the last two or three years we are one of the best sides in the competition.
'We have nothing to fear - just go there full of confidence and give it our
best shot.'
Confidence is high after Sunday's victory in the 207th Merseyside derby, which
Gerrard believes was the ideal preparation for facing English opponents in the
Champions League.
'A big derby win and the fans are happy and the players are happy,' said the
England midfielder. 'It is going to be a really tough game (against Arsenal) but we are looking
forward to it now and go into it full of confidence.'
Gerrard would have preferred to be facing less familiar opposition - the teams
faced each other four times in the league, FA and Carling Cups last season and
will, by a quirk of the fixture list, also play in the Barclays Premier League
this weekend.
However, he accepts it is just another hurdle to overcome.
'Before the draw was made you are looking for a team in (continental) Europe
but you get what you are given and to win this cup you have to beat the best,'
added the 27-year-old.
'When we won it in 2005 we had to beat all the best teams so I'm sure we will
have to do it again.
'If you look at our games against Chelsea (they played the Blues three
successive seasons in the Champions League) they were slightly different from
the league games.
'It is a cup competition and it is different from playing for three points. I'm sure it will be different but we know we are in for two very tough
games.'
Gerrard is also hopeful Arsenal's faint Premier League title hopes will mean
they are not fully focused on European glory.
The Gunners stayed in the race for the title on Saturday after coming from 2-0
down to beat Bolton 3-2 with 10 men.
'They have one more thing to play for. Had they not won maybe it would have
made it more difficult for us. Now they have still got half a chance in the league maybe that will distract
them a bit.'
