Liverpool face tough test

13 April 2012

Liverpool have been handed a tricky tie against Southampton's conquerors Steaua Bucharest in the second round of the UEFA Cup.

Gerard Houllier's side will hope to succeed where the Saints failed in midweek when they come up against the Romanian team over two legs next month.

The Reds, who beat Steaua's city rivals Rapid during their winning run in the competition three years ago, will play the first leg in the Romanian capital.

Newcastle also face a tough test as they come up against the team which effectively eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League last season.

Former Tottenham boss Christian Gross will have another chance to put one over an English team as his Basle side take on the Magpies.

Sir Bobby Robson's men will, however, have the advantage of playing the second leg at home after first travelling to Switzerland.

The third English side in the draw, Manchester City, were handed a more manageable tie against Polish outfit Groclin.

City, who will play the first leg at home, have already come through two ties to reach this stage having seen off Welsh club TNS in their qualifier and then Belgian side Lokeren.

The first legs are due to be played on November 6 with return matches on November 27.

Elsewhere in the draw, the sole remaining Scottish side Hearts will play Bordeaux and much-fancied Barcelona face Greeks Panionios.

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