UEFA Champions League draw was exactly what Liverpool wanted

Liverpool will be thrilled with the way the UEFA Champions League draw went. It should work to the Reds' advantage.

Yes, we're aware that Liverpool were not involved in the UEFA Champions League draw - but that's kind of the point. The Reds found out their UEFA Europa League quarter-final opponents, Atalanta, but they'll have been paying close attention to the top-tier competition.

After all, it was a draw that affected Liverpool's season, even if they're not competing for that particular trophy. Their two title rivals, Arsenal and Manchester City, very much are, however.

Arsenal received Bayern Munich in their quarter-final tie, while City were once again paired with Real Madrid. Two massive ties - and two incredibly difficult ones.

And that's why Liverpool will have been happy coming out of it.

Liverpool and the Champions League draw

The way the draw went means both Arsenal and City will be fully focused across two legs. Neither can afford to let up, let alone rotate their team as they each face a genuine contender for the trophy.

And that brings problems for them in the Premier League. Arsenal, for instance, face fourth-placed Aston Villa in between the two legs against Bayern Munich. Managing their squad for all three will be a nightmare.

City have Luton Town in between their Real Madrid games - a clash they'll expect to win even with a second-string side. But three days after the second leg, they travel to play Tottenham Hotspur in one of their most difficult remaining fixtures.

Neither team is in an 'ideal' situation in regards to the Premier League, then. It's something that could have felt very different if either had received essentially any other opponent. The only way it could have gone better for Liverpool is if they'd been drawn together.

The Reds do have the difficult task of getting past Atalanta but the difference here is that Jurgen Klopp will undoubtedly prioritise the Premier League over the Europa League.

Liverpool's title rivals won't - they'll try to balance things out. And that could just lead to the slip-ups everyone was hoping for.