Liverpool face European Cup blow

The Premier League are to fiercely oppose any move to grant Liverpool a place in the Champions League at the expense of Merseyside rivals Everton, who are favourites to finish fourth in the Premiership.

They are determined to protect their most lucrative prizes and could be on a collision course with the Football Association if Rafael Benitez's side win Europe's elite cup next month.

Chelsea take on Liverpool in the semi-final, first leg of the European Cup at Stamford Bridge tonight. If Liverpool knock Chelsea out and go on to win the competition, the champions do not automatically claim the right to defend their title but Soho Square officials believe that is unfair.

They have written to UEFA asking for an emergency fifth qualification entry should Liverpool win the final but fail to take one of the Premiership's four spots at the end of the season. It is an attempt by the FA, who have the ultimate right to choose how to allocate places, to avoid a potentially damaging dispute between the Anfield club and Everton.

The matter is due to be discussed at a meeting of the FA board tomorrow although no vote will be taken until it is clear that they will be forced to make a choice.

However, a convincing win for Chelsea tonight will almost settle the issue and remove a headache for Brian Barwick, the Liverpool-supporting FA chief executive.

Benitez put pressure on the FA and UEFA when he said: "If you win a trophy, next year you need to defend it."

UEFA have indicated the FA will be unsuccessful in their bid for five Champions League places next season and the FA's board are likely to have to make the final decision.