Brendan Rodgers Wants Anfield Return

Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was asked this week about the possibility of ending up in a group with his former club next season should they make it back into the Champions League, and the current Celtic boss would like that very much, please and thank you.

"It'd be amazing," Rodgers said with a grin when posed with the possibility by reporters following Celtic's 2-0 victory over Rangers on Sunday in the Scottish Cup semi-final. With 91 points so far and no losses in domestic play, Celtic have already wrapped up the Scottish league.

That means Rodgers' side will enter into the second qualifying round of the Champions League next season and would need to win that tie and then make it out of the third qualifying round in order to make it to group play. If Liverpool finish fourth, a qualification round match-up is also possible.

Of course, following a loss on Sunday, Liverpool no longer have their European hopes within their control. Even if they win out, Manchester United could beat them to fourth place. Still, Rodgers believes his former club have to be considered favourites to make it.

"With the games Liverpool have left they would expect to qualify," Rodgers added. "They haven't got European football, so they're just preparing for the one game a week. Manchester United have a couple of games in hand but towards the end of the season that can be tough.

"They've got other games and maybe they'll see other priorities. Liverpool have points in the bag, they've won more games, and if they win their next four games hopefully that'll be enough for them."