Liverpool progress in the Champions League to hand fantasy managers another bout of rotation headaches, while Grant grinds his Chelsea side through to the semis to meet them. Meanwhile, in the good old Premiership, Portsmouth shake off the FA Cup celebrations to edge past West Ham. Here’s some thoughts on last night’s action and what it all means.

Rafa did surprise a few with his lineup. The decision to start with Crouch no doubt inspired by Arsenal’s discomfort with the striker at the Emirates on Saturday. It meant that Liverpool adopted an unfamiliar 4-4-2 with Gerrard in a more conventional midfield role. It looked as though it was an error, with Arsenal dominating the midfield exchanges but tweaks in the second-half, following Hyypia’s goal that clearly devastated Wenger’s men, saw Liverpool wrestle control to take the lead in the tie.

Wenger’s lineup, in comparison, had few surprises. Diaby, suspended in the Premiership but eligible in the Champions League, made up the fifth midfielder with Adebayor pushed up as the sole strike with Hleb in support. Perhaps the most significant decision, that cost Arsenal on the night, was the persistence with Senderos at centre-back with Toure employed at right-back in Sagna’s absence.

Liverpool’s progress to the semi’s will see them play the first leg on April 22-23 – that follows a trip to Fulham with the second-leg coming after another away game at Birmingham. The odds on Torres and Gerrard being rested for those two games seem pretty high given Rafa’s decision to leave them out at the Emirates at the weekend. A major consideration for owners of those players or those mulling over an investment for the remaining games. Kuyt could also be under threat, as could Babel, with Benayoun and Pennant likely to feature in those two games.

Arsenal meanwhile, must lick their wounds before a daunting trip to Old Trafford on Sunday. Wenger has problems for this one with Flamini looking doubtful after suffering and ankle injury last night. With Diaby suspended, Gilberto seems set to start. Wenger will also have to make a decision on Van Persie – who is clearly still struggling for any semblance of sharpness.

Over at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea successfully navigated their way around Fenerbache with a 2-0 scoreline. Ballack and Lampard demonstrating their value once again with the goals. In terms of Grant’s team selection, he again employed Essien at right-back with Belletti benched. Carvalho returned alongside Terry as expected and Makelele came back into the midfield. Joe Cole also made an expected return, as did Drogba. Kalou kept his place after impressing at City at the weekend.

The hamstring injury suffered by Cudicini mid-way through the first-half will see Hilario start against Wigan and Everton next week. Cech is unlikely to be risked in those games and Cudicini’s absence is said to be around 2-3 weeks.

As for Chelsea’s fixtures – they’ll take on Liverpool in the semis after the Everton game, which ironically gives them a long rest period before the first-leg. The second-leg is a problem to them though, as this follows the crucial home game with United. Grant is certainly hindered then if he looks to rest players for the tie – in comparison to Liverpool’s key men, the likes of Terry, Drogba, Lampard and Joe Cole look pretty safe leading up to the semi.

Last night’s Premiership game, saw Portsmouth grind out a 1-0 away win at Upton Park. James once again played his part in keeping the opposition at bay and steering Redknapp’s side to their 15th clean sheet of the season.

Harry tweaked his team selection as expected with Nugent, Mendes and Mvuemba replacing Kanu and Baros, while Diarra missed out again. It was the 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation for Portsmouth then. It’s likely to be all change again the weekend with Defoe and Diarra likely to return against Keegan’s Newcastle – a game which is likely to test the resolve of James and his defence.

Curbishley meanwhile had McCartney fit to take his place at left-back and also started with Zamora up front with Ashton, dropping Cole to the bench. The Hammers will hope to have Ljungberg back at the weekend as they look to introduce some consistency to their results. Their fixtures could help them out and Ashton will remain a likely target, despite drawing a blank last night.