Gerrard expected Chelsea draw

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said he was not surprised to be facing Chelsea.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said he was not surprised when the UEFA Champions League holders were pitted against Premiership champions Chelsea in Thursday's draw.

The inspirational England international was a top target for Jose Mourinho's Blues in the summer but eventually opted to commit his future to his boyhood idols.

After being named as last season's Champions League MVP at an awards ceremony before the draw, Gerrard was quizzed on the fact that there will be a repeat of last season's semi-final between the two English clubs.

"It was a special atmosphere and it was a special match," he told Sky Sports News, in reference to the second leg at Anfield last term. "I'm sure the two this season will be very similar.

"They will be very close.

"They're a fantastic team with a special manager so we look forward to those two games.

"It wasn't a surprise to be honest.

"I think, when we never got the country protection, there was always the chance and, when the first couple of teams came out, I knew it was going to happen.

"It's a very exciting group and there's some amazing games to look forward to.

"I think it goes without saying our fans are very special at Anfield and I'm sure they will make sure the roof comes off again. I'm sure the Stamford Bridge game will be similar but they're going to be very tough.

"It would be nice to see all the English teams progress for the country so we hope we don't cancel each other out and get sucked in, but it's a very tough draw.

"Everyone's going to be talking about Liverpool and Chelsea but Real Betis and Anderlecht are two very good teams. Us and Chelsea have got to be on our toes to qualify."