Mourinho and Benitez gear up for 10th meeting

For many, yesterday's FA Cup semi-final draw ruined the prospect of a "dream" final between Chelsea and Liverpool when it paired the Premiership champions and the European champions. However, given the tedium of most recent meetings between the teams it may prove a blessing.

This will be a staggering 10th meeting since Rafael Benitez and Jose Mourinho arrived in England in 2004. The previous nine have produced 15 goals, three goalless draws, five wins for Chelsea and one for Liverpool - in last year's Champions' League semi-final, second leg.

The victor will be favourites in the final but that will not be a foregone conclusion. This season Charlton have knocked Chelsea out of the Carling Cup and taken four points from six against Liverpool, and Middlesbrough beat Chelsea 3-0.

FA Cup semi-finals: Chelsea v Liverpool; Charlton or Boro v West Ham. Ties to be played 22 & 23 April. Venues to be decided.