The two English sides taking part in the third qualifying stage of the Champions League have both been handed relatively cushy draws against Dutch and Belgian opposition.

Arsenal will have to overcome FC Twente to progress to the group stages of Europe's elite competition. But the fact that the Dutch side are managed by erstwhile England manager, Steve McClaren, should allay any fears held by Gunners fans over the difficulty of the task at hand.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have been drawn against Belgian side Standard Liege while Irish champions Drogheda will meet Spartak Moscow provided they can turn around turn around their 2-1 first-leg loss against Dynamo-Kiev.

The tie of the round sees Spanish side Atlético Madrid take on FC Schalke 04 from the Bundesliga. The first round of matches take place on August 13/14 with the return leg two weeks later. It's as if the Champions League never went away.