Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal have every confidence they can overcome English rivals Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The pair were already scheduled to face off at the Emirates in the Premier League on April 5, and will now go head to head three times in a week, with the two legs of the European tie on April 2 (Emirates) and April 8 (Anfield).

However, the manner of Arsenal's victory over holders AC Milan in the last round has left Wenger confident of making further progress towards May's final in Moscow.

Wenger said: "Let's give our best. We showed against Milan that when we are at our best we can beat anyone. We just knocked Milan out, who were the holders. That was a big hurdle.

"Now we have the finalists on our route - so why can't we do it again?"

Liverpool took on Arsenal four times last season, losing both their FA Cup and Carling Cup ties.

Earlier in the current campaign, the Gunners earned a 1-1 draw at Anfield with a late goal from Cesc Fabregas.

Wenger, though, has no qualms about facing such familiar opposition once again.

"It's amazing, but not surprising. I've seen it many times," reflected the Arsenal manager. "We will know each other well after the three games. It's challenging and interesting as well.

"It's a good opportunity to be consistent against them. It doesn't matter what competition you play in, we want to win the game.

"I said ideally you would like to play a foreign team because it's the European Cup - but I prepared myself to play anyone.

"We are highly determined to go through."

Wenger added: "Liverpool have a fantastic stadium, very loud on cup occasions that can raise the atmosphere and certainly raise the level of their game."

His Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez said: "Games with Arsenal are difficult in the Premier League, and they will be in Europe too. It will be the same for both.

"They are a very good team, but I do not feel that either of us have an advantage, maybe we will be the underdogs but it will be difficult for us both.

"But we are playing well, winning games in succession and we are not conceding. We are at a good point of our season, but any game is difficult at this stage of major competitions.

"We must accept that if we progress in the Champions League then we may have to play two more English clubs.

"We, though, have players who have confidence and believe in themselves. It may be easier for the players now.

"I have said before that this is the time that players will be at the best because they have had rest.

"We are at a situation when we have Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt all playing very well.

"We are fourth and a good position in the Champions League. We have a lot to play for."

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry admitted Arsenal were not the team he had hoped to face.

With half the last eight being English teams there was a strong possibility of two meeting each other, and Arsenal and Liverpool were the first two names out of the hat.

Parry told Sky Sports News: "We'd hoped to avoid the English teams at this stage but statistically there were bound to be two coming together and unfortunately it's us.

"We play Arsenal in a league game in between so we'll be playing them three times in a week."

Parry does not expect the two games next month to differ from their league meetings.

"It'll be very similar," he added. "We know them extremely well and they know us.

"The three games are going to very, very tight. I don't think the Champions League is going to be any different, it's tough.

"We've successfully avoided a trip to Turkey (to face Fenerbahce) so that's a bonus."

Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman told Sky Sports News. "They've obviously had fantastic performances in this competition and we'll play them three times in a week, so we'll get to know them pretty well.

"I think it should make compelling viewing for the fans and I think they'll be very exciting matches."

Arsenal reached the Champions League final in 2006, losing to Barcelona, and Edelman believes their last-16 victory over defending champions AC Milan should give them a lot of encouragement.

"The AC Milan match was very important," added Edelman.

"We played some sublime football and to go and beat them in the San Siro must give us a lot of hope and belief we can go all the way this time."

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