In making the 2005 and 2007 finals, Liverpool knocked out Chelsea in the semi-finals, but Arbeloa would prefer not to be drawn against one of the Reds’ fellow Premier League outfits tomorrow.

“Schalke and Fenerbahce are my favourites for us to draw in the following round. I would also be happy to draw Roma. What is true is that we want to avoid any English team,” said the Spaniard, who would also ideally like to stay away from Barcelona.

With those two final appearances in the last three seasons and five European Cup wins in their history, Liverpool are proven competitors on the continental stage.

However, Arbeloa is under no illusions just how tough it will be to get through to May’s final in Moscow.

“We are playing quite well in the Champions League, but to get to the final is going to be really difficult,” he added.

“The Champions League is very competitive and there are difficult teams.”

Domestically things have not been going so well for Liverpool this season, with the team currently fourth in the Barclays Premier League standings, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, and have recently been knocked out of the FA Cup by Coca-Cola Championship Barnsley.

Liverpool’s domestic form has seen the spotlight fall on manager Rafael Benitez, whose long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain.

In January, Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett revealed they had even spoken to Jurgen Klinsmann about becoming the club’s next boss.

However, Arbeloa believes the storm has been weathered for now.

“It has been difficult. A critical moment has passed. Fortunately the atmosphere has calmed down and were going through a good spell,” he told Spanish newspaper Marca.

“The owners of the club have already said that they want Benitez to continue at Liverpool for many years and the manager has also stressed that his intention is to continue leading the team.”

Regarding his own future, the 25-year-old Arbeloa insists he is enjoying life at Liverpool and is hoping to remain at the club for many seasons to come.

“At the start, it took me a while to adapt to English life,” said the full-back, who joined from Deportivo La Coruna just over a year ago.

“With respect to the Premier League, I also had to work quite hard because the style and rhythm is different to the Spanish league. Moreover, to arrive in the winter transfer market also makes things a little more complicated.

“Now I am very well settled in the team and enjoying it at Liverpool.

“You never know where you will end up as a player, but right now I am very happy in my team and I want to continue here for a long time.”