English teams still in Europe

There are four English teams still remaining in Europe fighting for semi-final places in their competitions. Here is where they sit after the first leg of the quarter-final series.

Champions League

Manchester United lost 1-2 away to Bayern. Wayne Rooney notched a valuable away goal, however he limped off with that ankle injury in stoppage time.

Arsenal fought back to draw Barcelona 2-2 at home after trailing 0-2, losing Cesc Fabregas for the season in the process. They travel to Spain needing a win or a two goal draw.

Europa League

Liverpool fell 1-2 in Portugal to Benfica. Ryan Babel took what amounts to a silly red card but he isn't an automatic name on the team sheet for the Reds so it may not be the end of the world for them. They need a 1-0 or better win at home next week to progress.

Fulham won 2-1 at Craven Cottage against Wolfsburg. They were comfortably ahead before giving up the late away goal to the Germans. They hit the road next week needing a goal or a goalless draw.

Prospects

So, who will make it to the semi-final? The outlook for Arsenal seems grim after giving up two away goals and losing their midfield lynchpin. Manchester United and Liverpool both scored away goals and will fancy their chances to score and advance on their home turf. United's task will be a bit tougher though without Rooney, barring an amazing recovery, as they face a tough Bayern side. Fulham will also like their position and need a goal at Wolfsburg. However, the Germans have the away goal and are a huge threat.

The Cottagers do have the advantage in that they are not fighting tooth and nail in the Premiership. The other three are fighting for the title or the Champions League, Fulham sit comfortably in 10th. They are not going down and they are not going to qualify for Europe next year. They can put all their resources into the Europa League at this point, as illustrated by Hodgson fielding a number of second stringers over the weekend in the domestic league, saving his full strength line-up for the game earlier tonight.

Predictions

1. Arsenal to go out at Barcelona.

2. Manchester United to scrape through at home with Michael Owen the hero.

3. A lovely Anfield evening as Liverpool ease past Benfica with ease.

4. Fulham to surprise again at Wolfsburg as Bobby Zamora continues to make his case for a trip to South Africa with England.